Method of and apparatus for mediating common channel signaling message between networks using control message templates
US7184538B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 24, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 27, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 17, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q3/0025
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A communication network includes a Security Gatekeeper that authenticates and validates network control messages within, transiting, entering and leaving an overlying control fabric such as an SS7 network. The Security Gatekeeper incorporates several levels of checks to ensure that messages are properly authenticated, valid, and consistent with call progress and system status. In addition to message format, message content is checked to ensure that the originating node has the proper authority to send the message and to invoke the related functions and that the message, itself, is appropriately coded. Predefined sets of templates may be used to check the messages, each set of templates being associated with respective originating point codes and/or calling party addresses. The templates may also be associated with various system states such that messages corresponding to a particular template cause a state transition along a particular edge to a next state node for which another set of templates is defined. Thus, system, call and/or transaction state are maintained. The monitor also includes signaling point authentication using digital signatures and timestamps. Timestamps are also…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.