Patent ID: 7512779
Filing Date: 2009-03-31
Classification: H04Q

Abstract:
1. In a signaling network in which signaling messages are communicated between signaling points of the signaling network, an improvement of apparatus for selectably encoding at least portions of a signaling message communicated by way of a first selected signal point to at least a second selected signal point, said apparatus comprising: an encryption selector operable responsive to delivery of the signaling message at the first selected signal point, said encryption selector for selecting which, if any, portion of the signaling message to encrypt; an encryptor adapted to receive indications of the signaling message and to receive indications of selection made by said encryption selector, said encryptor selectably for encrypting the portion of the signaling message selected by said encryption selector to be encrypted, the signaling message thereafter to be forwarded on to the second selected signaling point; and an encryption selection database accessible by said encryption selector, said encryption selection database maintaining an index that comprises indicia associated with an originating node that originates the signaling message, and with an identifier that identifies the second selected signal point to which the signaling message is to be forwarded, wherein at least one of the originating node and the identifier are indexed together with values representative of which, if any, portion of the signaling message is to be encrypted; wherein the signaling message comprises a payload part that said encryptor selectably encrypts, said payload comprises at least a selected one of an MTP3 part and an AP part, and wherein said encryption selector selects, if any, at least one of the MTP3 part and the AP part.