Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6421727
-
Patent Number
6,421,727
-
Date Filed
Tuesday, September 22, 199826 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, July 16, 200222 years ago
-
Inventors
-
-
Examiners
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 709 225
- 709 226
- 709 229
- 709 217
- 709 203
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A method and system for providing service activation capability from Service Providers to end-customers in a global Iridium type telecommunications system. The inventive method includes the steps of utilizing a browser to download a program and executing the program to provide for service provisioning. In the illustrative embodiment, the browser is a Web browser, the program is a Java application and the inventive method further includes the steps of providing service activation, suspension, reactivation and deactivation. Telephony services are provisioned along with paging and roaming. Capcode generation, allocation and ordering are also supported along with tracking and maintenance of capcode status.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to telecommunications networks and, in particular, to turnkey systems for operating and managing a telecommunications network.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
With the development of a global economy, business people who regularly travel internationally are a fast growing breed. To meet the needs of business travelers and others, satellite-based global telecommunications networks are being developed. The first such network is to be commercially activated by Iridium, LLC on Nov. 1, 1998. The network is called “Iridium”. Iridium is a satellite-based, wireless personal communications network designed to permit any type of telephone transmission (e.g., voice, paging, facsimile or data) to reach its destination anywhere on earth. The Iridium system includes a constellation of 66-satellites each weighing approximately 689 kilograms (1500 pounds). The satellites will orbit above the Earth at an altitude of 780 kilometers (485 statute miles). Unlike geostationary communication satellites, which are located 41,300 kilometers (25,680 statute miles) above the Earth, the low Earth orbit of the Iridium satellites, as well as recent advances in microelectronics, make it possible to provide worldwide cellular telephone coverage via handheld phones.
The network is designed to simplify communications for business professionals, travelers, residents of rural or undeveloped areas, disaster relief teams, and other users who need the features and convenience of wireless, handheld phones with worldwide reach. The network will require numerous entities in many different countries to work together. Such entities involve governments, service. providers, industry clearinghouses, and others.
Gateways have been set up. to provide Iridium type services within national or regional boundaries. Gateways interconnect the satellite constellation with public switched telephone networks (PSTNs), making communication possible between network cellular phones and any other telephone in the world. Gateway operators provide service activation, customer support, payment and settlement processing, service provider management, usage collection, and retail rating.
Service providers and Roaming Partners provide retail telecommunications services from the Gateway to end users. The Service Providers and Roaming Partners require access to data stored at the Gateway relative to customers of the Service Provider. However, there is a further need for a method and system for allowing each Service Provider to access only those files stored at the Gateway that relate to the customers of the Service Provider, not those of other Service Providers.
Accordingly, a need exists in the art for a baseline set of tools and processes to enable a Service Provider to sell Iridium type service. Specifically, there is a need for an integrated tool set designed to allow Service Providers and Roaming Partners access to a shared data set on a secure basis.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The need in the art is addressed by the system and method of the present invention for providing service activation capability from Service Providers to end-customers in a global Iridium type telecommunications system. The inventive method includes the steps of utilizing a browser to download a program and executing the program to provide for service provisioning.
In the illustrative embodiment, the browser is a Web browser, the program is a Java application and the inventive method further includes the steps of providing service activation, suspension, reactivation and deactivation. Telephony services are provisioned along with paging and roaming. Capcode generation, allocation and ordering are also supported along with tracking and maintenance of capcode status.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1
illustrates a global telecommunications network which may use the present invention.
FIG. 2
illustrates satellite footprints of the global telecommunications network of FIG.
1
.
FIG. 3
illustrates a gateway of the global telecommunications network of FIG.
1
.
FIG. 4
illustrates a business system for managing the telecommunications network of FIG.
1
.
FIG. 5
illustrates in more detail the business system of FIG.
4
.
FIG. 6
is a flow chart which illustrates the pathway processes of the business system of FIG.
4
.
FIG. 7
is a graphical overview of the Gateway Business System.
FIG. 8
illustrates the application architecture of the GBS and an Iridium QuickStart Service Provider.
FIG. 9
is a diagram which illustrates the SPNet system of the present invention.
FIG. 10
is a diagram which illustrates the SPNet process of the present invention.
FIG. 11
is a diagram that illustrates the Contract Administration module.
FIG. 12
is a diagram of the ICRS administration module.
FIG. 13
is a diagram of the System Administration module.
FIG. 14
is a diagram of the paging provisions module.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
The following Glossary may be used throughout this document.
|
GLOSSARY
|
|
|
ADF
Application Design Facility
|
AFP
Advanced Function Presentation
|
AFPDS
Advanced Function Presentation Data Stream
|
ALE
Application Layout Editor
|
BCH
Bill Cycle Handler
|
BER
Billable Event Record
|
BGH
Bill Generation Handler
|
BLOB
Binary Large Object
|
CE
Composition Engine
|
DFE
Data Format Editor
|
EDIFACT
EDIFACT(Electronic Data Interchange for
|
Administration, Commerce, and Transport)
|
EMFE
Extract, Merge & Format Engine
|
FDE
Firm Data Editor
|
FIH
File Input Handler
|
GBS
Gateway Business System
|
GL
General Ledger
|
GW
Gateway
|
Metacode
Xerox printing language
|
lex/yacc
UNIX scripting language
|
OCC
Other Credits and Charges
|
PBCH
Pre-Bill Cycle Handler
|
PCE
Post Composition Engine
|
PCL
Print Control Language
|
PPM
Post Processing Module
|
PSF
Print Services Facility
|
RTX
Rated Transaction
|
SCH
Service Provider Credit Handler
|
SER
Settleable Event Record
|
SIH
Service Provider Invoice Handler
|
SP
Service Provider
|
TIMM
Telecommunication Invoice for Multiple Markets
|
|
FIG. 1
illustrates a telecommunications network which may be used with the present invention. The network
100
includes low earth orbiting satellites
105
, gateways
110
, system control
115
, and Mobile Exchange Units
120
(MXU). System Control
115
serves as the central management component for the network
100
. Gateways
110
interconnect the satellite constellation
105
with public switched telephone networks
125
(PSTN), making communication possible between network cellular phones
130
and any other telephone in the world. The M)(U
120
provide access to the network
100
at remote locations. Telecommunications services may also be provided to pagers
135
, aircraft
140
, and automobiles
145
.
The satellites
105
of the network
100
employ intersatellite links
150
, or “crosslinks”, to communicate directly with each other. These crosslinks
150
provide reliable, high-speed communications between neighboring satellites, allowing call routing and administration to occur efficiently. As illustrated in
FIG. 2
, each satellite
105
in the constellation has a ground coverage area called a “footprint”
210
. The footprint
210
is further divided into smaller areas called “cells”
220
. The footprints
210
of the satellites are overlapped to provide maximum coverage.
For a preferred embodiment of the call processing architecture of the network
100
, the globe is divided into Location Area Codes (LACs). Each LAC is a service location for the network
100
. Each gateway
110
services a certain set of LACs. For example, when a user makes a call from his/her cellular phone
130
to a particular location, the cellular phone
130
first links with a satellite
150
which has a cell servicing his/her current LAC. The cellular phone
130
requests a satellite channel for the call. The request is sent to the gateway
110
which services the caller's LAC. This gateway
110
then initiates the opening of a channel between phone
130
and the satellite
110
. Once the channel is established, the signal for the phone call is routed through the crosslinks
150
of the satellites
105
to the gateway
110
servicing the LAC of the callers destination. This gateway
110
then sends the call to the PSTN
125
which routes the signal to the particular phone called.
FIG. 3
illustrates in more detail a preferred embodiment of the gateway
110
of the network
100
. The heart of the gateway
110
is the Mobile Switching Center
310
(MSC) or the “switch”. An example of a switch
310
which may be used is the Siemens GSM-D900 switch. The switch
310
has two “sides”: a land side which connects to the local telephone network via the PSTN
315
, and a mobile side which connects to Earth Terminal Controllers
320
which communicate with the satellite constellation
105
using K-band radio links. Information for the physical subscriber equipment (cellular phone
130
, pager
135
, etc.) is kept in the Equipment Identification Register
325
(EIR). The gateway's
110
Message Origination Controller
330
(MOC) supports a variety of messaging services such as direct messaging to pagers. The Gateway Management System
335
(GMS) provides operations, administration, and maintenance support for each of the gateway subsystems.
In addition to the EIR
325
, the switch
330
includes a Home Location Register
340
(HLR) and a Visited Location Register
345
(VLR). The HLR
340
stores subscriber service information for the “Home Gateway”. A Home Gateway is assigned to each subscriber to the network
100
and is related to the LAC at which the subscriber is based. The Home Gateway is responsible for granting system access. Whenever a subscriber places or receives a call, the network
100
will determine the subscriber's location with accuracy sufficient for call control. The Home Gateway will receive and evaluate this location information to determine whether it is permissible for the call to proceed. This feature is essential to help ensure compliance with calling restriction laws in nations where such laws exist.
The Home Gateway is also responsible for the assignment of a Visited Gateway as part of the system access process. Subscriber location information is used to index into a map of the world kept at the Home Gateway. This determines a LAC for the visited location which in turn will be used to identify a Visited Gateway which will serve and control the mobile subscriber end of a call.
The Visited Gateway temporarily retains a copy of select subscriber information in its VLR
345
. This information remains within the Visited Gateway until the subscriber “roams” into a new Visited Gateway territory or until it expires. When a subscriber is at, “Home”, the Visited Gateway and the Home Gateway are one and the same.
To manage usage information of the network
100
, a business system
400
is used.
FIG. 4
illustrates a preferred embodiment of a business system
400
which may be used with the present invention. The business system
400
comprises three subsystems: the Service Business System
410
(SBS), the Gateway Business System
420
(GBS), and the Business Support System
430
(BSS).
The SBS
410
includes service providers who sell subscriptions for usage of the telecommunications network
100
directly to the consumer and roaming partners who resells usage of the network
100
and also provide other cellular services in their own systems. SBS
410
functions include pre-sales support, service negotiation, general and billing inquiries, payment remittance, pricing and invoicing, receivables management, and account profile maintenance. The functioning of the SBS
410
will be described in more detail later.
The GBS
420
includes gateways
110
(
FIG. 1
) of the telecommunications network
100
and their operators. The functions of the GBS
420
includes service activation, Tier II customer support, payment and settlement processing, service provider management, usage collection, and retail rating. These functions are performed in the gateways
110
. The functioning of the GBS
420
will be described in more detail later.
The functions of the BSS
430
includes gateway relationship management, financial and treasury management, and usage collection. They also include usage verification, revenue distribution, settlement statement generation, and payable/receivable processing. These functions are managed by a Clearinghouse and occurs in the satellites
105
.
To more particularly describe the processes of the BSS
430
, please refer to
FIGS. 5 and 6
in conjunction with the discussion below.
FIG. 5
illustrates in more detail the processes of the business subsystems of the preferred embodiment of the business system
400
in the usage management of the telecommunications network
100
, including the BSS
430
.
FIG. 6
is a flow chart illustrating the pathway processes
504
of the BSS
430
. The BSS processes begin with the Collection Process, via step
610
. Each time a call is made through the network
100
, a record of the call event, called a Call Detail Record (CDR) is created in the gateway
110
in the Operations Maintenance Controller-Gateway
502
(OMC-G). These records could be in any number of formats, such as Siemens D900 (D900), Cellular Intercarrier Billing Exchange Roamer (CIBER), Transfer Account Protocol (TAP), and Modular Voice Processing (MVP). The D900 files contain voice records; the MVP files contain messaging records; and the CIBER and TAP files contain roaming partner billing exchange records. The OMC-G
502
notifies the BSS
430
when files containing CDRs in the D900 format are ready for collection. These files are then collected from the OMC-G
502
by the BSS
430
. Files containing CDRs in the CIBER and TAP formats are received by the GBS
420
. The Collection Process then collects the CIBER and TAP files from the GBS
420
. The Collection Process also collects Subscriber and Customer Status files from the GBS
420
. These records contain subscriber and cellular customer information, such as activation, deactivation, and service changes. Lastly, the Collection Process collects Product Change files from an internal source
602
. These files contain monthly and one-time charge records. The Collection Process then performs a series of validations on the collected files to ensure that the files are complete and properly formatted with industry-standard information, that subsequent BSS processes receive usable information, and that the BSS system integrity is maintained. Once the files have passed validations, the Collection Process converts the CDRs in the D900, MVP, CIBER, TAP, and product charge files into a standard format required for subsequent BSS processing.
Sometimes, multiple CDRs are generated for a single call, called multiple records calls. From the Collection Process, the CDRs in D900 files that are not part of a multiple record call are sent directly to the Rating Process. Those that are part of a multiple record call is first sent to the Matching Process, via step
620
, where they are matched with other CDRs in the call. These CDRs are then combined into a single call event and then sent to the Rating Process.
The Rating Process, via step
630
, first performs record-level validations. The validation ensures that the files are complete and properly formatted. This pre-processing step ensures that the CDRs, and the information they contain, are valid and comply with industry standards. It then translates this input into an industry standard format called Data Message Handling (DMH). The Rating Process then determines which DMH formatted call events are ratable and which call events are not ratable. A call events is “ratable” if it can be subjected to a rate model or pricing adjustment. For all that are ratable, the Rating Process applies the appropriate pricing model, pricing adjustments, and taxes to determine total charges. The total call revenue is allocated between all entities (service providers, gateway operators, roaming partners, government agencies, etc.) involved in the call event, as each entity receives a portion of the total call revenue. The outputs of the Rating Process are rated call events and rated product charge files which are sent to the Call Conversion Process.
The Call Conversion Process; via step
640
, prepares rated call events sent from the Rating Process for storage and distribution. The Call Conversion Process converts the rated call events into formats readable by subsequent repositories, or storage areas for call events, and processes. The Call Conversion Process creates valid records for any rated call events that do not contain errors. Valid records are then loaded in the Usage Repository
508
. Invalid records are created for any rated call events that contain errors and stored in the Error Repository
508
. The original CDRs are assembled into files for loading into a directory
506
separate from the Usage Repository
508
. The original CDRs are important because they serve as a complete record of the original data as it was received from the gateway
110
. Rated call events that do not contain errors are converted to different types of event records, such as Billing Event Records (BER), Settlement Event Records (SER), Net Settlement Event Records (NSER), and Outcollect Settlement Event Records (OSER).
The purpose of a BER is to bill a subscriber for using the network
100
. BERs are sent to the home gateway of a chargeable subscriber.
The purpose of a SER is to notify gateways
110
of their settlement roles in a call, but not to bill a subscriber. SERs are sent to all gateways
110
involved in the handling of the call, excluding the home gateway.
NSERs contain a summary of all charge information associated with a particular call. NSERs are sent to the Tier
1
Settlements Repository
512
.
OSERs contain call activity and charge information for calls in which the customer of a roaming partner is the chargeable party. OSERs are sent to the gateway
110
associated with the roaming partner whose customer made a call.
The Tier I Settlements Process, step
650
, receives NSERs from the Call Conversion process and translates them into data-suitable for loading into the Tier
1
Settlements Repository
512
. This data takes the form of extract files, which contain important financial and usage information necessary for reporting purposes. These files are held in temporary storage for later release to the Distribution Process. In addition to creating extract files, the Tier I Settlements Process also creates settlement reports and releases them to the GBS
420
and the Clearinghouse.
There are three types of settlement reports: financial reports, usage reports, and operational reports. Financial reports capture daily and month to date financial activity of entities involved in the calls. Usage reports capture the monthly system activity for each gateway
110
. Operational reports capture information pertaining to BSS processing, such as collection and distribution, audit, error, reject management, rate package, and roaming agreement information. These reports are released to the Distribution Process where they will be grouped according to their destination point and distributed.
The Distribution Process, via step
660
, receives BER files, SER files, OSER files, and settlements reports from the Tier I Settlements Process, and sends them to their final destinations: the GBS
420
, roaming partners
604
, and industry clearinghouses
606
. The Distribution Process first groups and. formats the files according to their type and destination. Once grouped, the BER, SER, and roaming partner settlement files, and settlement reports are ready for final distribution. However, OSER files require conversion into TAP and CIBER files before it is ready for distribution. The BER files are distributed to the home gateway of a subscriber. The SER files are distributed to a gateway
110
involved in the handling of a portion of a call, excluding the home gateway. The original OSER files are distributed to a gateway
110
involved in handling a portion of a call in which a roaming, non-system customer is the chargeable party. The TAP and CIBER files converted from the original OSER files are then distributed to roaming partners and industry clearinghouses. Roaming partner settlement files are distributed to gateways or directly to a roaming partner or industry clearinghouse. These files contain charges payable to roaming partners or receivable from roaming partners, and is used by gateways
110
to perform Tier II settlements processing and reporting. Settlement reports are distributed to all gateways
110
and the Clearinghouse.
The BSCS
518
performs Tier II Settlement whereby the appropriate settlement reports are send to the correct entities, e.g., service providers, roaming partners, or some other entity. As shown in
FIG. 5
, the BER, SER, and original OSER files and settlement reports resulting from the Distribution Process of the BSS
430
are collected by the GBS
420
. These files are then processed by the Billing System and Control System
518
(BSCS). The BSCS
518
first converts the BER and SER files into the Data Message Handler (DMH) format, or Interim Standard 124 (IS124). With files in this format, the BSCS
518
performs wholesale and retail billing. Conversion of the files into the DMH format before billing allows the billing to be done more easily. This billing process rates the call events, taking into account the countries involved in the call, the tax laws of these countries, the currencies of these countries, and the languages of these countries. The result of the wholesale and retail billing performed by the BSCS
518
are files in the TAP format. The billings for direct system customers
532
(retail billing) are forwarded to the DOC
1
process
520
, which creates invoices which are then sent to the customers. For the billings for service providers
530
(wholesale billing), some service providers require billings in the TAP formats while others require them in the CIBER format. Those that require billings in the TAP format receive the billings directly from the BSCS
518
. Those that require billings in the CIBER format have their billings first sent to a software package called ‘A Conversion Engine’ (ACE)
522
, which converts these billings into the CIBER format. The billings are then sent to the service providers of the SBS
410
.
The ACE is a commercial software package which performs the following functions:
Modify BSCS output to support unique IRIDIUM requirements.
Change individual fields to show where the calls originate and terminate and whether they are satellite (IRIDIUM type) or cellular (made on a non-IRIDIUM type network).
Change CDRs from NAIG TAP II to alternate output formats so the CDRs are compatible with Service Providers' billing systems.
Enable Gateways to develop their own unique conversion formats.
The main function of ACE is to provide output record conversions for Service Providers (SPs). Converting records for SPs will make it possible for SPs to process IRIDIUM type records without making modifications to their own rating and billing systems.
FIG. 7
is a graphical overview of the Gateway Business System. The responsibilities of the Gateway include:
Deploying a service solution to the Service Providers
Training the Service Providers on the use and operation of the solution
Providing Tier
1
maintenance and support for the Service Providers
Translating training material and documentation from English to the SP's language if necessary.
The Gateway and the SP will establish when and how the data from the GBS will be transferred to the SP. The Gateway provides an invoice ready data feed to the Service Provider on a regular (e.g., monthly) basis.
The GBS performs rating and billing and generates detailed invoices for each subscriber of the SP. The invoices are generated in either the Gateway's currency or in the SP's base currency. The SP will apply any local taxes, perform any additional markups, convert the currency to the customer's currency, and print invoices. This data feed will be created on a per SP basis.
The system and method of the present invention is embodied in a GBS software application called ‘SPNet’. SPNet provides activation functionality to Service Providers. As discussed herein, the Service Provider utilizes a Web browser to download and execute a Java application that acts as a front end for service provisioning and customer care. SPNet supports activation, suspension, reactivation, and deactivation for both telephony and paging contracts in BSCS. Additionally, SPNet provides activation support for IRIDIUM type Cellular Roaming Services. Further, SPNet provides functionality to Gateways and Service Providers to support capcode generation, allocation, and ordering processes. In addition, the application supports tracking and maintenance of capcode status during the provisioning process.
FIG. 8
illustrates the application architecture of the GBS and the Iridium QuickStart Service Provider. In
FIG. 8
, the Iridium QuickStart Service Provider is set up as an LSSP dealer at the Gateway. These Iridium QuickStart Service Provider dealers are assigned to Limited Service Service Provider customer group in the BSCS. The SPNet process of the present invention is effected between an SPNet Client at the QuickStart Service Provider and an SPNet Server at the GBS via a Web type network. In the preferred embodiment, the network is an intranet such as an Iridium network in the case of the Iridium system of the illustrative embodiment. The SPNet system is illustrated in more detail in FIG.
9
.
SPNet-Client—The SPNet Client is a Java GUI for customer care and service delivery functions. The SPNet Client is responsible for capturing and displaying data and consists of several dialog modules. Modifications to these dialogs are described later in the following sections:
Contract Administration Module
ICRS Administration Module
System Administration Module
Paging Provisioning Module
SPNet Server—The SPNet Server is a C++ server process that provides the SPNet client with the CORBA interface necessary for creating, reading, updating, and deleting data in the GBS database. The GBS business objects communicate with the GBS database by executing stored procedures. The GBS business objects include a database connection manager that supports GBS business object to GBS database communication. The database connection manager is a C++ object that manages a pool of persistent database connections. The server also provides service request confirmations through an email notification process.
FIG. 9
is a diagram which illustrates the SPNet system of the present invention. In accordance with the present teachings, a browser at the Service Provider's location is used to download a JAVA application which, when executed, provides for service provisioning including service activation, suspension, reactivation and deactivation for telephone, paging, roaming and other services from a database at the GBS.
The SPNet Server supports the SPNet Client, the QSSI, and the VSP applet. The SPNet Server is modified to support SSL security and additional VSP methods. The VSP applet is a lightweight version of the SPNet Client. It provides SSL security, public validation methods, and provides add customer and add contract methods. The JAVA script provides the mechanism to execute methods on the VSP applet. The HTML page provides the form for the end user to fill in the acts as a holder for the JavaScript and VSP applet. Finally, the Browser provides a mechanism for end users to travel to the GBS Web Site, load the HTML page, and execute JavaScript or Java commands.
In the illustrative embodiment, the SPNet application is run on an Pentium computer having 32 MB RAM or greater and a 133 MHz processor or greater. In the illustrative embodiment, the computer meets the following software specifications:
Windows 95,
software application which enables dial up capability at 14.4 Kpbs or greater, and
Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.01 or comparable browser (properly configured, see below).
To properly configure Microsoft Internet Exploder, the following procedure may be used:
1. Open Microsoft Internet Explorer.
2. Select the “View: Options . . . ” menu items from the main menu bar. This will open the “Options” window.
3. Select the “Connection” tab on the “Options” window.
4. Uncheck the “Connect through a proxy server” checkbox located in the “Proxy server” section of the window.
5. Select the “Security” tab on the “Options”.
6. Check the “Enable lava programs” checkbox.
7. Select the “Advanced” tab on the “Options”.
8. Uncheck the “Enable lava JIT compiler” checkbox.
9. Check the “Enable lava logging” checkbox.
10. Click the “Settings . . . ” button located in the “Temporary Internet files” section of the window. This will display the “Settings” window.
11. Click the “Every visit to the page” radio button located in the “Check for newer versions of stored pages:” section of the window.
12. Click the “OK” button of the “Settings” window. This will close the “Settings” window and save all changes made to the window.
13. Click the “OK” button of the “Options” window. This will close the “Options” window and save all changes made to the window.
FIG. 10
is a diagram which illustrates the SPNet process of the present invention. In order to successfully log into SPNet, a Service Provider must complete the appropriate start up procedures. Once the Service Provider has downloaded the SPNet application, the Service Provider can log into the system and access the appropriate windows.
To connect with the Gateway, the Service Provider should use the following procedure:
1. Use a dial up application to access the gateway.
2. Once connected with the Gateway, open Microsoft Internet Explorer.
3. Use Internet Explorer to access the appropriate Gateway address via a browser bookmark entry or by typing the Gateway address directly into the browser URL.
4. The SPNet application will be automatically downloaded to the SPs computer.
Logging Into SPNet
After the SPNet application is downloaded the Service Provider will access to an the SPNet—User Logon Window. The Service Provider should log into the SPNet system through the following procedure:
1. Enter the logon supplied to by the system administrator in the Logon ID field.
2. Enter a password in the Password field.
3. Click the OK button.
Using SPNet
SPNet is composed of several user friendly windows. The Service Provider can use these windows to view and enter information relevant to IRIDIUM service. The fields and windows displayed in SPNet are specific to the needs of each Gateway. Most procedures are accomplished through functionality in Search and Detail Windows.
Customer Administration involves the entry, updating, and retrieval of customer information. It is provided via browsers window which offers customer data so that the SP can access a customer's account and address information.
FIG. 11
is a diagram that illustrates the Contract Administration module. Contract Administration allows the SP to enter, update, and retrieve contract information. The windows offer detailed views providing access to information relevant to customer contracts.
A tickler is a notation added to a customer account, used to document special issues or circumstances. Tickler Administration (not shown) allows the SP to enter and retrieve ticklers for customers.
FIG. 12
is a diagram of the ICRS administration module. ICRS Management windows allows the SP to provision IRIDIUM Cellular Roaming Service (ICRS). The windows provide views where the SP can monitor the status of roaming service. The windows also give the SP access to make changes to roaming service.
FIG. 13
is a diagram of the System Administration module. System Administration (not shown) provides control for SP application setup. The SP can change passwords through System Administration windows. Gateway Administrators use the System Administration windows to manage system user information.
FIG. 14
is a diagram of the paging provisions module. Paging Provisioning allows MOC attendants to enter requests for paging service into MOC. This module details procedures that focus on the features and functionality of the Paging Work Queue Window and MOC Provisioning Window.
Data Definition
Java Client Object Model
The SPNet Object Model uses the strengths of object-oriented technology by representing each class in a distinct object layer: presentation, business object, and utility object layer.
The object layer descriptions are as follows:
|
Layer
Description
Interfacing Layers
|
|
Presentation
Includes all GUI development
Business Object Layer,
|
Layer
(Windows, Event Handlers).
Utility Objects
|
Business Object
Contains a parent business
Presentation Layer,
|
Layer
object class and one class
Utility Objects
|
for each business object
|
required. For example, one
|
class for Customer, one
|
class for Address, etc.
|
Communicates with the
|
SPNet server via CORBA
|
methods (refer to the
|
SPNet Execution Architecture
|
document for details).
|
Utility Objects
Includes all shared classes
Presentation Layer,
|
that span multiple layers.
Business Object
|
For example, user profile,
Layer
|
error handling, parser classes,
|
etc.
|
|
IRIDIUM-homed subscription data is captured and maintained in the BSCS Oracle database tables. Data is transferred into these tables through SPNet's QA/BSCS Interface to the BSCS Customer Administration client. Most of the subscription data is transferred into BSCS using the system's standard GSM or ERMES fields. Some text fields, combo boxes, and checkboxes in the Customer Administration client may be configured per application.
The following tables are exemplary.
Oracle Database Tables
SPNet ICRS Request Table (SPN_ICRS
13
REQ)
This existing table contains all ICRS provisioning requests.
|
Add,
|
Remove,
Description
|
Data Field
Modify, No
Type and
(Values, Defaults,
|
Name
change
Length
Mandatory/Optional)
Data Source
|
|
ICRS_REQ_ID
No change
Number (12)
Mandatory. Non-unique.
Oracle sequence inserted
|
ICRS provisioning request id
by SPNet
|
relating requests submitted
|
simultaneously by SPNet.
|
ICRS_SUB_REQ_ID
Add
Number (12)
Mandatory. Unique. ICRS
Oracle sequence inserted
|
sub-request id.
by SPNet
|
SP_ORG_ID
No change
Varchar2 (8)
Mandatory. Identifies the
SPNet defaults based on
|
SPNet organization.
user login.
|
ICRS_REQ_BAT_ID
No change
Number (12)
Mandatory. Request batch
SPNet enters ‘0’. ICRS
|
id. SPNet defaults a ‘0’.
Update Handler assigns
|
the batch id.
|
RELEASE_VERSION
Add
Varchar2 (20)
Optional. Release version of
SPNet
|
the GBS: 1.0 or 1.0.1
|
ICRS_REQ_NETWRK
Add
Integer
Mandatory. Subscriber's
SPNet
|
home network type:
|
IRIDIUM- (1), GSM- (2), or
|
IS-41-homed (3)
|
ICRS_REQ_TYPE
No change
Integer
Mandatory. Type of
SPNet
|
provisioning request:
|
Subscription (1), Equipment
|
(2)
|
ICRS_REQ_ACTION
Add
Integer
Mandatory. Request actions
SPNet
|
(subtype):
|
Subscription: Activate (1),
|
Deactivate (2), Modify
|
IMSI (3), Modify MSISDN
|
(4), Modify home MIN (5),
|
Modify home ESN (6)
|
Equipment: Activate
|
IRM/ESN (1), Deactivate
|
IRM/ESN (2)
|
ICRS_REQ_STATE
No change
Integer
Mandatory. Request states:
SPNet, ICRS Update
|
Not ready (0), Ready (1),
Handler (IUH), ICRS
|
Batched/sent (70),
Confirmation Batch (ICB)
|
Provisioned/Complete (100),
|
Erred (200)
|
USR_LOGON_ID
No change
Varchar2 (20)
Mandatory. User entering
SPNet defaults based on
|
request.
user login.
|
ICRS_REQ_DATE
No change
Number (38)
Mandatory. Date requested.
SPNet
|
ICRS_REQ_IMSI
No change
Varchar2 (50)
Optional. Requesting IMSI
User enters the GSM
|
for an ICRS subscriber:
IMSI for non-IMSI-in-the-
|
IRIDIUM GW-homed IMSI
clear roaming partners.
|
(IRIDIUM-homed
For all others, SPNet
|
subscriber), GSM cellular-
enters based on SIM
|
homed IMSI (GSM-homed),
serial number entered by
|
or an IRIDIUM IIU-homed
SPNet user
|
IMSI (IS-41-homed). For
|
modify requests, this is the
|
current IMSI.
|
ICRS_NEW_MIN
Remove
Varchar2 (15)
|
ICRS_NEW_ESN
Remove
Varchar2 (11)
|
ICRS_NEW_MSISDN
Remove
Varchar2 (20)
|
ICRS_NEW_IMSI
Remove
Varchar2 (50)
|
ICRS_HOME_PORT
Add
Varchar2 (50)
Optional, to allow for IMSI
SPNet
|
in the Clear. Home port
|
number:
|
IRIDIUM GW-homed IMSI
|
(IRIDIUM-homed), GSM
|
cellular-homed IMSI (GSM-
|
homed), or an IS-41 cellular-
|
homed ESN (IS-41-homed)
|
ICRS_HOME_DN
Add
Varchar2 (20)
Optional, to allow for IMSI
SPNet
|
in the Clear. Home directory
|
number (dialable):
|
IRIDIUM MSISDN
|
(IRIDIUM-homed), GSM
|
cellular MSISDN (GSM-
|
homed), or IS-41 cellular
|
MIN (IS-41-homed)
|
ICRS_ROAM_PORT
Add
Varchar2 (50)
Optional. Port number for
SPNet
|
roaming onto target network:
|
IRIDIUM ESN (IRIDIUM-;
|
GSM-, and IS-41-homed
|
roaming onto IS-41); or
|
IRIDIUM IIU-homed IMSI
|
(IS-41-homed roaming onto
|
GSM/IRIDIUM)
|
ICRS_ROAM_DN
Add
Varchar2 (20)
Optional. Directory number
SPNet
|
for roaming onto target
|
network:
|
IRM (IRIDIUM-, GSM-, and
|
IS-41-homed roaming onto
|
IS-41); or ICRS MSISDN
|
(IS-41-homed roaming onto
|
GSM/IRIDIUM)
|
ICRS_SPN_ERR_MSG
No change
Varchar2 (2000)
Optional. Error message
ICB
|
received from IIU.
|
ICRS_EFFECTIVE_DATE
No change
Date
Optional. Data provisioning
ICB
|
confirmation received.
|
ICRS_REQ_NOTIFICATION_DATE
No change
Date
Optional. Date email
SPNet
|
notification sent to requesting
|
organization.
|
ICRS_REQ_ERR_ID
No change
Integer
Optional. Internal error
SPNet, IUH, ICB
|
codes.
|
ICRS_REQ_SIM_SERIAL_NBR
No change
Varchar2 (50)
Optional. SIM used for IMSI
SPNet
|
in the clear functionality.
|
|
The following tables exhibit sample data in the SPNet ICRS Request Table (SPN_ICRS_REQ). The implementation of this interface is modified to handle the increased ICRS functionality included in the IBSS. Only the fields most affected by the implementation are displayed. Note that a single ICRS request can be broken into separate atomic transactions for the IIU interface. Each row will be handled as a single transaction by the IIU interface.
|
Req_ID
Req_Network
Req_Type
Req_Action
Req_IMSI
Home_Port
Home_DN
Roam_Port
Roam_DN
|
|
|
Activations
|
101
IRID. (1)
Sub (1)
Activate (1)
IRID. IMSI
IRID. IMSI
IRID. MSISDN
IRID. ESN
IRM
|
101
IRID. (1)
Equip (2)
Activate (1)
IRID. IMSI
IRID. IMSI
IRID. MSISDN
IRID. ESN
IRM
|
102
GSM (2)
Sub (1)
Activate (1)
IMSI
IMSI
MSISDN
IRID. ESN
IRM
|
102
GSM (2)
Equip (2)
Activate (1)
IMSI
IMSI
MSISDN
IRID. ESN
IRM
|
103
IS-41 (3)
Sub (1)
Activate (1)
ICRS IMSI
ESN
MIN
ICRS IMSI
ICRS
|
MSISDN
|
103
IS-41 (3)
Equip (2)
Activate (1)
ICRS IMSI
ESN
MIN
IRID. ESN
IRM
|
103
IS-41 (3)
Equip (2)
Activate (1)
ICRS IMSI
ESN
MIN
IRID. ESN
IRM
|
103
IS-41 (3)
Equip (2)
Activate (1)
ICRS IMSI
ESN
MIN
IRID. ESN
IRM
|
103
IS-41 (3)
Equip (2)
Activate (1)
ICRS IMSI
ESN
MIN
IRID. ESN
IRM
|
Deactivations
|
104
IRID. (1)
Sub (1)
Deactivate (2)
IRID. IMSI
IRID. IMSI
IRID. MSISDN
|
105
GSM (2)
Sub (1)
Deactivate (2)
IMSI
IMSI
MSISDN
|
106
IS-41 (3)
Sub (1)
Deactivate (2)
ICRS IMSI
ESN
MIN
ICRS IMSI
ICRS
|
MSISDN
|
Modifications (Subscription only)
|
107
IRID. (1)
Sub (1)
Modify IMSI
IRID. IMSI
IRID. IMSI
IRID. MSISDN
|
(3)
(current)
(new)
|
108
IRID. (1)
Sub (1)
Modify
IRID. IMSI
IRID. IMSI
IRID. MSISDN
|
MSISDN (4)
(new)
|
109
GSM (2)
Sub (1)
Modify IMSI
IMSI
IMSI (new)
MSISDN
|
(3)
(current)
|
110
GSM (2)
Sub (1)
Modify
IMSI
IMSI
MSISDN
|
MSISDN (4)
(new)
|
111
IS-41 (3)
Sub (1)
Modify IMSI
ICRS IMSI
ESN
MIN
ICRS IMSI
ICRS
|
(3)
(current)
(new)
MSISDN
|
112
IS-41 (3)
Sub (1)
Modify home
ICRS IMSI
ESN
MIN (new)
ICRS IMSI
ICRS
|
MIN (5)
MSISDN
|
113
IS-41 (3)
Sub (1)
Modify home
ICRS IMSI
ESN (new)
MIN
ICRS IMSI
ICRS
|
ESN (6)
MSISDN
|
Equipment Activations/Deactivations
|
114
IRID. (1)
Equip (2)
Activate (1)
IRID. IMSI
IRID. IMSI
IRID. MSISDN
IRID. ESN
IRM
|
115
IRID. (1)
Equip (2)
Deactivate (2)
IRID. IMSI
IRID. IMSI
IRID. MSISDN
IRID. ESN
IRM
|
116
GSM (2)
Equip (2)
Activate (1)
IMSI
IMSI
MSISDN
IRID. ESN
IRM
|
117
GSM (2)
Equip (2)
Deactivate (2)
IMSI
IMSI
MSISDN
IRID. ESN
IRM
|
118
IS-41 (3)
Equip (2)
Activate (1)
ICRS IMSI
ESN
MIN
IRID. ESN
IRM
|
119
IS-41 (3)
Equip (2)
Deactivate (1)
ICRS IMSI
ESN
MIN
IRID. ESN
IRM
|
|
SPNet ICRS Subscriber Table (SPN_ICRS_SUB)
This existing table contains data regarding active and deactive ICRS subscriptions. This table is used by the SPNet application's Contract and ICRS Administration Modules to read and display ICRS-related subscription information and to generate ICRS provisioning requests. The table is maintained by the ICRS Confirmation Batch, which records ICRS provisioning requests that have been activated or deactivated on the IIU.
|
Add,
Description (Values,
|
Data Field
Modify, No
Type and
Defaults,
|
Name
change
Length
Mandatory/Optional)
Data Source
|
|
IA_IMSI
No change
Varchar
Mandatory. Primary key. ICRS
ICRS Confirmation
|
(50)
subscriber IMSI:
Batch (ICB)
|
IRIDIUM GW-homed IMSI
|
(IRIDIUM-homed subscriber),
|
GSM cellular-homed IMSI
|
(GSM-homed), or IRIDIUM
|
IIU-homed IMSI (IS-41-homed).
|
IA_MSISDN
Modify
Varchar2
Mandatory. ICRS subscriber
ICB
|
(20)
MSISDN:
|
IRIDIUM MSISDN (IRIDIUM-
|
homed subscriber), external
|
GSM MSISDN (GSM-homed),
|
or ICRS MSISDN (IS-41-
|
homed).
|
IA_MIN
Modify
Varchar2
Optional. Home MIN for an IS-
ICB
|
(15)
41-homed subscriber.
|
IA_ESN
Modify
Varchar2
Optional. Home ESN for an IS-
ICB
|
(11)
41-homed subscriber.
|
SP_ORG_ID
No change
Varchar2
Mandatory. Identifies the SPNet
ICB
|
(8)
organization.
|
IA_STATUS
No change
Varchar2
Mandatory. Indicates the
ICB
|
(20)
service is activated (2),
|
deactivated (4), or pending
|
deletion (99)
|
IA_STATUS_C
No change
Number
Mandatory. This field contains
ICB
|
HG_DATE
(38)
the date the status of the
|
roaming service was changed.
|
IA_SIM_SERI
No change
Varhar2
Optional. This is the SIM
ICB
|
AL_NUMBER
(50)
associated to the request for an
|
IMSI in the clear subscription.
|
IA_NETWRK
Add
INTEGER
Mandatory. Subscriber's home
ICB
|
network type:
|
IRIDIUM- (1), GSM- (2), or IS-
|
41-homed (3)
|
|
SPNet Subscriber Equipment Table (SPN_ICRS_SUB_EQUIP)
This table contains all IS-41 equipment information (IRM/ESN pairs) for ICRS subscriptions, except an IS-41 subscriber's home MIN/ESN pair. The IA_IMSI field relates equipment to an ICRS subscription's IMSI in the SPNet ICRS Subscriber table (SPN_ICRS_SUB). A status code will indicate whether the equipment is activated or deactivated on the IIU. In addition, each active IRM/ESN pair is unique.
The SPNet application's Contract and ICRS Administration Modules use this table to read and display subscriber equipment information and to generate ICRS provisioning requests. The table is maintained by the ICRS Confirmation Batch, which records ICRS provisioning requests that have been activated or deactivated on the IIU.
|
Add,
Description (Values,
|
Data Field
Modify, No
Type and
Defaults,
|
Name
change
Length
Mandatory/Optional)
Data Source
|
|
IA_IMSI
Add
Varchar
Mandatory. Foreign key to
ICRS Confirmation
|
(50)
SPN_ICRS_SUB. Relates
Batch (ICB)
|
IS-41 equipment to an ICRS
|
subscription.
|
SH_MIN
Add
Varchar2
Mandatory. IRM
ICB
|
(15)
(IRIDIUM-, GSM-, and
|
IS-41-homed subscribers).
|
SH_ESN
Add
Varchar2
Mandatory. IRIDIUM ESN
ICB
|
(11)
(IRIDIUM-, GSM-, and
|
IS-41-homed subscribers).
|
SH_STATUS
Add
Integer
Mandatory. Status of the
ICB
|
equipment. Activated (2),
|
Deactivated (4)
|
SH_STATUS_DATE
Add
Number
Mandatory. Date status set.
ICB
|
(38)
|
|
SPNet Organization Profile Table (SPN_ORG_PROF)
This existing table contains profiles for organizations using the SPNet application.
|
Add,
Description (Values,
|
Data Field
Modify, No
Type and
Defaults,
|
Name
change
Length
Mandatory/Optional)
Data Source
|
|
SP_ORG_ID
No change
Varchar2
Mandatory. SPNet organization
User enters the
|
(8)
id. Format is XXXXNNNN where
alphanumeric characters in
|
‘X’ and ‘N’ represent
SPNet and SPNet assigns
|
alphanumeric and numeric
the numeric characters.
|
characters.
|
SP_ORG_NM
No change
Varchar2
Optional. Name of the
User enters into SPNet
|
(40)
organization associated to the
|
organization id.
|
SP_ORG
—
No change
Varchar2
Optional. Customer code
User enters into SPNet.
|
ROAM_PRTN
(20)
identifying the dealer outlet entity
|
in BSCS for a roaming partner.
|
SP_ORG
—
No change
Varchar2
Optional. Customer code
User enters into SPNet.
|
DLR_CODE
(20)
identifying the dealer outlet entity
|
in BSCS for a service provider,
|
Gateway dealer, or Gateway
|
itself.
|
SP_ORG
—
No change
Varchar2
Optional. Customer code
User enters into SPNet.
|
CUST_CODE
(20)
identifying the customer entity in
|
BSCS for a FSSP.
|
SP_ORG
—
No change
Varchar2
Optional. Email address for
User enters into SPNet.
|
EMAIL
(250)
sending provisioning
|
notifications.
|
SP_ORG
—
No change
Varchar2
Mandatory. Language.
User enters into SPNet.
|
LANG
(20)
|
SP_ORG
—
No change
Integer
Mandatory. Organization types.
User enters into SPNet.
|
TYPE
Gateway (1), FSSP (2), LSSP
|
(3), Dealer (4), GSM Roam.
|
Partner (5), IS-41 Roam. Partner
|
(6).
|
SP_ORG
—
No change
Varchar2
Optional. Identifies the network
User enters into SPNet.
|
NETWRK
(20)
type for a service provider which
|
is also a roaming partner. GSM
|
(1) or IS-41 (1).
|
SP_ORG
—
Removed
Integer
|
TAP_TO
—
|
CIBER
|
SP_ORG
—
No change
Integer
Optional. Maximum number of
User enters into SPNet.
|
CAPCODE_MAX
capcodes allowed to be
|
generated.
|
SP_ORG
—
No change
Integer
Optional. Capcode/MTD
User enters into SPNet.
|
ORDER
—
ordering method used. Gateway
|
METHOD
orders (1) or Service Provider
|
orders (2).
|
SP_ORG
—
Modify
Varchar2
Optional. Prefix populated in the
User entry through SPNet.
|
SIM_8816
—
(20)
SIM serial number field of the
|
PREFIX
Telephony Contract Window for
|
8816 Voice Services.
|
SP_ORG
—
Modify
Varchar2
Optional. Prefix populated in the
User entry through SPNet.
|
MSISDN
—
(20)
MSISDN field of the Telephony
|
8816_PREFIX
Contract Window for 8816 Voice
|
Services.
|
SP_ORG
—
Add
Varchar2
Optional. The organization's
User enters into SPNet.
|
SIM_8817
—
(20)
prefix populated in the SIM
|
PREFIX
serial number field of the
|
Telephony Contract Window for
|
8817 Voice Services.
|
SP_ORG
—
Add
Varchar2
Optional. The organization's
User enters into SPNet.
|
MSISDN
—
(20)
prefix populated in the MSISDN
|
8817_PREFIX
field of the Telephony Contract
|
Window for 8817 Voice Services.
|
SP_ORG
—
No change
Varchar2
Optional. Prefix populated in the
User enters into SPNet.
|
CAPCODE
—
(20)
capcode field of the Paging
|
PREFIX
Contract Window.
|
SP_ORG
—
No change
Varchar2
Optional. Prefix populated in the
User enters into SPNet.
|
ISDNA
—
(20)
ISDNA field of the Paging
|
PREFIX
Contract Window.
|
SP_ORG
—
No change
Varchar2
Optional. Prefix populated in
User enters into SPNet.
|
MIN_PREFIX
(20)
home MIN field of the ICRS
|
Roaming Activation Window.
|
SP_ORG
—
No change
Varchar2
Optional. Customer group
User enters into SPNet.
|
CUST
—
(40)
assigned to customers of this
|
GROUP
organization.
|
SP_ORG
—
No change
Varchar2
Optional. Specifies field rights
User enters into SPNet.
|
COUNTRY
(40)
used.
|
REC
—
No change
Integer
Mandatory. Record version for
SPNet assigns value when
|
VERSION
optimistic locking.
created/updated.
|
SP_ORG
—
No change
Number
Optional. Signifies whether the
User enters into SPNet
|
IMSI_CLEAR
(1)
organization is set up for IMSI in
|
the Clear functionality.
|
SP_ORG
—
No change
Integer
Mandatory. Contains the FSSP
User enters into SPNet
|
IMSI_SWAP
option of the FSSP
|
SP_ORG_NBR
No change
Integer
Mandatory. Value assigned by
SPNet
|
the SPNet application.
|
|
SPNet Request Paging Contract Information Table (SPN_REQ_PAG_CNTR)
This existing table contains paging contract data gathered from the SPNet client. The GNS service indicator column will be modified to hold a larger integer value to support ICRS GNS service codes.
|
Add,
Type
Description (Values,
|
Data Field
Modify,
and
Defaults,
Data
|
Name
No change
Length
Mandatory/Optional)
Source
|
|
PC_GNS
—
Modify
Integer
Optional. This is an indica-
SPNet
|
SVC
tor of the GNS service type
|
of the paging contract if
|
one exists.
|
|
Interfaces
Status Update Handler (SUH)
To support IRIDIUM Satellite Voice and Paging subscription notifications to the IBS, Status Update files are created by the Status Update Handler (SUH) from kernel request tables. The files detail service status updates of activations, deactivations, and updates that were made, for a given GBS, on their Network Elements. Each Status Update File contains contract and service information for changes made to the IRIDIUM network since the prior file was generated. After generating a Status Update File, the SUH places the file in a staging directory and creates a UNIX symbolic link (i.e. a pointer) to the file in a collection directory.
ICRS UPDATE HANDLER (IUH)
To support ICRS subscription notification to the IBS, ICRS update files are created by the ICRS Update Handler (IUH) from SPNet database tables. The files detail service status updates of activations, deactivations, and updates to be made, for a given Gateway, in the IIU. Each ICRS Update File contains contract and service information for changes made to the IRIDIUM network since the prior file was generated.
ICRS Confirmation Batch (ICB)
The ICB is a UNIX K shell script that reads a file manually created by the IIU Attendant and updates the SPNet database tables (SPN_ICRS_REQ and SPN_ICRS_SUB) with the status of activation, modification, and deactivation requests on the IIU (Iridium Interworking Unit). The confirmation files enable IBS system administrators to communicate with the GBS by resubmitting erred records and erred files. GBS system administrators use these files to determine which records or file must be recreated. This is illustrated in FIG.
15
.
FIG. 15
shows the ICRS Confirmation Batch logic flow. The ICB's main task is to update the SPN_ICRS_REQ and SPN_ICRS_SUB database tables with the result from IIU provisioning. It also checks the confirmation file to determine it's integrity. This occurs by insuring the number of records processed in the SPN_ICRS_REQ table is equal to the number of records indicated in the header information. Only error records are written in the ICB confirmation file. All other records are assumed to be processed normally by the IIU.
Vendor Mediation Device (VMD)
Switch Provisioning Interface
To support the limited telephony service included in Iridium's 8817 offering, the VMD will provision a ‘Barring of Roaming’ feature on the D900 for every 8817 subscriber. This feature prevents the subscriber from roaming onto another network (non-IRIDIUM). The provisioning of this feature can be accomplished through a VMD configuration file modification.
Also, in an attempt to prevent fraud, the VMD will check to make sure that the service package the GMD sends to the VMD for provisioning includes the ‘8817 Telephony Differential’ supplementary service for all 8817 MSISDNs. Likewise, the converse will be checked, ensuring that 8816 MSISDNs will not have the ‘8817 Telephony Differential’ service attached. This check will require a VMD code change to the normal processing flow for a GSM request.
Those of ordinary skill in the art can design suitable code and routines for implementing the functions described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Although the present invention has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiments and those variations would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Claims
- 1. A method for providing service activation capability from a global telecommunications system to Service Providers including the steps of:utilizing a browser to download a program; executing the program to provide for service provisioning; and accessing data stored relative to at least one customer of the service provider, wherein the service provider is limited in accessing data relative to the service provider customers and not the data of other service provider customers.
- 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of providing service provisioning includes the step of providing service activation.
- 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the step of providing service provisioning includes the step of providing service suspension.
- 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the step of providing service provisioning includes the step of providing service reactivation.
- 5. The invention of claim 4 wherein the step of providing service provisioning includes the step of providing service deactivation.
- 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the browser is a Web browser.
- 7. The invention of claim 1 wherein the program is a Java application.
- 8. The method of claim 1 including the step of provisioning telephony services.
- 9. The invention of claim 1 including the step of provisioning paging services.
- 10. The method of claim 1 including the step of provisioning roaming services.
- 11. The invention of claim 1 including the step of supporting capcode generation.
- 12. The method of claim 11 including the step of supporting capcode allocation.
- 13. The invention of claim 12 including the step of supporting capcode ordering.
- 14. The method of claim 1 including the step of supporting tracking and maintenance of capcode status during the provisioning process.
- 15. A method for providing activation functionality from network to Service Providers in a global telecommunications system including the steps of:utilizing a Web browser to download a Java application; executing the application to provide for service activation; and accessing data stored relative to at least one customer of the service provider, wherein the service provider is limited in accessing data relative to the service provider customers and not the data of other service provider customers.
- 16. The invention of claim 15 wherein the step of providing service activation includes the step of providing service suspension.
- 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the step of providing service activation includes the step of providing service reactivation.
- 18. The invention of claim 17 wherein the step of providing service activation includes the step of providing service deactivation.
- 19. The method of claim 15 including the step of provisioning telephony contracts.
- 20. The invention of claim 15 including the step of provisioning paging contracts.
- 21. The method of claim 15 including the step of provisioning roaming services.
- 22. The invention of claim 15 including the step of supporting capcode generation.
- 23. The method of claim 22 including the step of supporting capcode allocation.
- 24. The invention of claim 23 including the step of supporting capcode ordering.
- 25. The method of claim 15 including the step of supporting tracking and maintenance of capcode status during the provisioning process.
- 26. A system for providing activation functionality from network to Service Providers in a global telecommunications system including:a computer connected to a server on a network; a browser running on the computer; a program downloadable by the browser for service provisioning, wherein the program grants access to data stored relative to at least one customer of the service provider, wherein the service provider is limited in accessing data relative to the service provider customers and not the data of other service provider customers.
- 27. The system of claim 26 wherein the program includes a routine for providing service activation.
- 28. The system of claim 27 wherein the program includes a routine for providing service suspension.
- 29. The system of claim 28 wherein the program includes a routine for providing service reactivation.
- 30. The system of claim 29 wherein the program includes a routine for providing service deactivation.
- 31. The system of claim 26 wherein the browser is a Web browser.
- 32. The system of claim 26 wherein the program is a Java application.
- 33. The system of claim 26 wherein the program includes a routine for provisioning telephony services.
- 34. The system of claim 26 wherein the program includes a routine for provisioning paging services.
- 35. The system of claim 26 wherein the program includes a routine for provisioning roaming services.
- 36. The system of claim 26 wherein the program includes a routine for supporting capcode generation.
- 37. The system of claim 36 wherein the program includes a routine for supporting capcode allocation.
- 38. The system of claim 37 wherein the program includes a routine for supporting capcode ordering.
- 39. The system of claim 26 wherein the program includes a routine for supporting tracking and maintenance of capcode status during the provisioning process.
US Referenced Citations (9)