Patent Publication Number: US-2004053611-A1

Title: Device and data processing system for establishing services using service profiles, pertaining program and pertaining service profile

Description:
[0001] The invention relates to a method by which at least one telephone profile is stored in a data processing system, the profile containing features which can be used by subscribers in a switched data transmission network. In addition, at least one packet-switched network profile is stored containing features which can be used by subscribers in a packet-switched data transmission network.  
       [0002] Examples of such features in a switched data transmission network are:  
       [0003] ISDN features (Integrated Services Digital Network) such as for example directory number display, directory number suppression, three-way conference, hold toggle.  
       [0004] The use of multiple subscriber numbers.  
       [0005] Examples of such features in a packet-switched data transmission network are:  
       [0006] The use of particular bit rates.  
       [0007] The use of transmission services with a particular transmission quality.  
       [0008] A strong trend is currently evident in the telecommunications market towards convergence of the voice and data networks. This means that classical suppliers of telephone services are offering access to data transmission networks which, for example, transmit data in accordance with the Internet protocol. On the other hand, so-called Internet service providers are also increasingly penetrating into the telephone market, i.e. the Internet service providers are offering to their customers the possibility of holding telephone conversations. As a result, combined accesses will be offered by both groups of suppliers.  
       [0009] Telecommunication systems, for example, incorporate subscriber modules which permit high bit rate access for voice and data services (Internet) over a two-wire copper line. These techniques are known by the name of XDSL (x Digital Subscriber Line), where the lowercase x stands for an uppercase letter which more closely designates the transmission technology used. When a combined access is being established, a database must be updated for a switched transmission network. On the other hand, when a combined access is being established, it is necessary to update data in a so-called hub which forwards incoming data from the subscriber to a router. The accesses to the actual data network and to the data services are administered in the database of a so-called AAA (Authentication, Authorization, Accounting) service provision computer.  
       [0010] Until now, the setting up and changing of voice and data services have required the relevant subscriber data to be input on various operating devices. The rights to use the agreed features must be stored in several places. After its input into one system, data such as the unique identification of the subscriber, e.g. by means of a directory number, must be copied into one or more other systems. Coordination of these method steps is effected either manually, e.g. with the help of paper forms, or via external database systems. This has a series of disadvantages:  
       [0011] Technical staff must operate various terminal devices, which may have been made by various vendors. A consequence of this is high training costs.  
       [0012] Data input must be duplicated in various places. This implies additional cost, and can lead to discrepancies between the databases which can only be eliminated by costly synchronization measures.  
       [0013] There is no control over the sequence of the method steps. This can also lead to errors.  
       [0014] So-called service profiles, which contain a number of features, have previously already been used when setting up the access to a particular data transmission network. Any one profile combines numerous features. However, these features are all related to one data transmission network, which is distinguished from other transmission networks by its transmission technology.  
       [0015] It is the object of the invention to specify a simple and rapid method for setting up services with the help of service profiles, which in particular largely eliminates the load on operating staff and which is less error-prone than the methods used until now. In addition, it is to specify an associated data processing system, an associated program and an associated service profile.  
       [0016] The object of this method is achieved by the method steps specified in claim 1. Developments are specified in the subclaims.  
       [0017] The invention starts from the point of view that individual profiles have a proven value. However, individual profiles relate only to features relevant for one transmission technology. The mixing of features from different transmission technologies in one individual profile should be avoided, because otherwise it is not possible to assign the profile to a subscriber who wishes to use only one transmission technology. In order, in spite of this, to combine profiles which are relevant for different transmission technologies, a higher-level framework is required. In connection with the invention, this framework is designated as a global profile.  
       [0018] With the method in accordance with the invention, in addition to the method steps mentioned above, at least one global profile is stored in the data processing system, specifying at least one telephone profile and at least one packet network profile. In order to set up for a subscriber an access to the switched data transmission network and to the packet-switched data transmission network, the global profile is assigned to the subscriber. As determined by this assignment, the global profile and the profiles specified in it are read. The features specified in the profiles are set up or enabled for the subscriber.  
       [0019] The global profile thus contains at least two entries, which do not directly relate to features. These entries are therefore very manageable, and particularly well suited for controlling the execution of a program when setting up a combined access. This does not, however, exclude the possibility that, in addition to the profiles, one or other features may also be specified in the global profile.  
       [0020] No detailed technological knowledge of the various transmission technologies is required in order to assign a global profile to a subscriber. Consequently, even comparatively untrained operating staff can make an assignment rapidly and without error.  
       [0021] Even small improvements to the input interface have a substantial effect on the error-free and rapid performance of the method. So it is impossible to overestimate the value of improvements to the user interface.  
       [0022] In a development of the method according to the invention, details are stored in the global profile, either for some of the profiles specified in the global profile or for all of the profiles specified in the global profile, specifying a processing sequence in which the profiles must be processed in order to set up the combined access. This measure can be used to control a central set-up program and/or the manual input sequence. The central control program determines by reference to a profile identifier which set-up program must be used for processing the profile. By reference to the sequence specification the central set-up program determines when the program for processing a profile must be called up relative to the times when the programs for processing the other profiles must be called up. This is the prerequisite for automating the setting up of a combined access, either completely or at least partially, so as to largely relieve the workload on the operating staff. Sources of errors which can be attributed to an incorrect operating sequence are excluded by automatic execution. In addition, the method can be performed more quickly than has been possible until now.  
       [0023] In a further development of the method according to the invention, a telephone profile contains the specifications for an ISDN connection and/or specifications of ISDN features. Another telephone profile contains specifications for an XDSL connection. A packet network profile contains specifications for an Internet service provider. A further packet network profile stores the access rights and/or features for the use of a packet network.  
       [0024] In another development of the method according to the invention, at least one method for configuring a switching center in the switched network and one method for configuring a unit for forwarding data packages is automatically specified, these being dependent on the profiles contained in the global profile and preferably dependent on the sequence specification details. These measures suffice essentially to automate or semi-automate the most important steps for setting up a combined access.  
       [0025] With one development of the method according to the invention, in addition to executing the configuration programs identified, a method is performed to access a data processing system used to administer the access rights and/or features for a packet network, this procedure depending on a profile stored in the global profile. This measure essentially automates or semi-automates the method for setting up a combined network access. There remain only a few manual inputs and/or manual acknowledgements.  
       [0026] In a development, at least one parameter determined during the execution of a configuration method is used in the execution of a subsequent configuration method. Thus a parameter specifying a port number is determined when configuring the switching center and then used when setting up the Internet access. The automatic transfer of parameters excludes further sources of error. In particular, errors attributable to operating staff can no longer arise in the communication or transfer of parameters.  
       [0027] In another development, at least one feature contained in a telephone profile or a packet-switched network profile is confirmed by an operator or is refined by the specification of additional details. This measure enables experienced operating staff to activate features for a subscriber according to the agreed features, which differ from those for another subscriber with the same profile even though the same profile has been assigned. If a feature is not confirmed or specified more precisely by the operator, then this feature will not be set up or enabled.  
       [0028] In another development of the method according to the invention, the global profile contains at least one feature. This measure makes it possible to take into account in a simple way features which only arise in the case of combined accesses. If such a feature were included in an individual profile, the consequence would be that this individual profile would no longer be usable for subscribers who only wish to use one transmission technology. The creation of an additional profile containing just a single feature is then avoided.  
       [0029] The invention also relates to a data processing system and a program, which are used when the method in accordance with the invention or one of its developments is carried out. The technical effects detailed above also apply to this data processing system and the program.  
       [0030] Furthermore, the invention relates to a global service profile which contains data specifying at least one telephone profile and at least one packet network profile. This global service profile is used with the method in accordance with the invention or with one of its developments. The technical effects detailed above also transfer across to this global service profile. 
     
    
    
     [0031] In what follows, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained by reference to the attached drawings. These show:  
     [0032]FIG. 1 a schematic representation of the data passed across to a central set-up program,  
     [0033]FIG. 2 a global service profile,  
     [0034]FIG. 3 the method steps in processing the global service profile, and  
     [0035]FIG. 4 the setting up of a combined network access with the help of the set-up program and the involvement of SURPASS components. 
    
    
     [0036]FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of the data passed across to a central set-up program  10 . This central set-up program  10  is executed on a data processing system  12 . An operator, not shown, inputs customer data and the identifier of a global profile via a keyboard connected to the data processing system  12 , see arrow  14 . A storage unit of the data processing system  12  holds the profile  16  which is associated with the identifier together with other global profiles (not shown) which differ from the global profile  16 . Also stored in the data processing system  12  are numerous individual profiles  18 . The structure of the global service profile  16  is explained below in more detail by reference to FIG. 2. Each of the individual profiles  18  contains several features which all relate to the same transmission technology. However, there are individual profiles  18  for at least two different transmission technologies.  
     [0037] When processing the customer data and the global service profile  16 , the central set-up program  10  passes to a subscriber set-up program  20  the customer data and the identifier, as noted in the global service profile  16 , of an individual profile P 1 , see arrow  22 . The subscriber set-up program  20  configures a conventional switching center, e.g. a switching center of the EWSD type (digital electronic switching system) from SIEMENS AG. In doing this, the subscriber set-up program  20  determines an unallocated directory number LAC/DN 1  which consists of a local area code LAC, and a directory number DN 1  which is assigned to the subscriber. In addition, the subscriber set-up program  20  determines a port number EQN 1  (Equipment Number) which identifies a port on a connection module in the switching center. A subscriber line, to the subscriber who is to be set up, is connected or has been connected to the designated port. The directory number LAC/DN 1  and the port number EQN 1  are automatically passed across from the subscriber set-up program  20  to the central set-up program  10 , see arrow  24 .  
     [0038] The central set-up program  10  then processes the second profile, P 2 , noted in the global profile  16 . In the case of the global profile  16 , explained in more detail below by reference to FIG. 2, this is also a profile which must be processed by the subscriber set-up program  20 . The central set-up program  10  therefore starts the subscriber set-up program  20  once again, and this time in doing so it passes across the customer data and an identifier for the next profile to be processed, P 2 , see arrow  26 . The profile P 2  relates to a high bit rate XDSL connection. This connection is also set up by configuring the switching center. When this is done, a still unallocated directory number LAC/DN 2  and a further port number EQN 2  are determined. The details determined are passed across from the subscriber set-up program  20  to the central set-up program  10 , see arrow  28 .  
     [0039] Then, either automatically or by the activation of a button, a connection set-up program  30  is called up with the help of the central set-up program  10 , because the next entry in the global profile  16  specifies a profile P 3  which must be processed by the connection set-up program  30 . If the operator activates the button, then the central set-up program  10  passes across to the connection set-up program  30  the port number EQN 2 , the identifier for profile P 3 , and the identifier of an Internet service provider, via which access to the Internet is to be set up, see arrow  32 . The connection set-up program  30  then activates a so-called hub, which undertakes the function of a concentrator for incoming data packets, and forwards the data packets to a router. If the transmission medium used between the concentrator and the router is an ATM network, then the connection set-up program  30  will, for example, define a path and channel number to be used for forwarding the data. The hub will be, for example, a component called hiA from the SURPASS system manufactured by SIEMENS AG, see the Web site with the address www.siemens.com/data&amp;voice. The router to be incorporated is determined by reference to the identifier for the Internet service provider ISP.  
     [0040] The connection set-up program  30  automatically sends back a confirmation message to the central set-up program  10 , in which the setting up of the Internet connection is confirmed, see arrow  34 .  
     [0041] After the profile P 3  has been processed, the profile P 4  can then be processed. An operator starts the processing by activating a button which is now enabled, in the input mask. Alternatively, the processing is continued automatically. The central set-up program  10  calls up an AAA program  36  (Authentication, Authorization, Accounting), and passes across to the AAA program  36  the identifier of the profile P 4  together with a character string designating the user name, see arrow  38 . If applicable, the directory number of the subscriber is also passed across. The program  36  processes the data which has been passed across, and enters it into a database system which is used when a data transmission network is being accessed. For example, a so-called gatekeeper may be involved if the subscriber is using a terminal device which works in accordance with the Standard H.323 from the ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union—Telecommunication Standardization Sector). If the subscriber is using an Internet access, then the program  36  will involve a server which works in accordance with the RADIUS protocol (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service). The program  36  then passes a confirmation parameter over to the central set-up program  10 , see arrow  40 . When the confirmation parameter has been received, the setting-up of the combined access is complete. A person operating the set-up program  10  will now start with the set-up of the next combined access.  
     [0042]FIG. 2 shows a global profile  16  which relates to an XDSL high speed connection. The service profile  16  contains four entries, which are numbered in a column  50  on the left-hand side with the digits  1  to  4 . In a column  52  to the right of this, each entry specifies the name of the service affected by the entry. In a column  54  are specified the names of the profiles P 1  to P 4 . The right-hand column  56  contains details of the sequence for the setting-up of profiles P 1  to P 4 . One line  60  in the service profile  16  relates to the profile P 1  with the name “XDSL low bit rate”. The profile P 1  relates to the components for transmitting voice data on an XDSL connection. The service is specified as “Telephone”, because only voice services are being offered to the subscriber. These voice services are supplied using a two-wire copper line, i.e. a conventional telephone line, for the transmission of data between the subscriber and a switching center. The profile P 1  is linked to none of the other profiles P 2  to P 4 . This means that the profile P 1  can be set up without the need for another profile P 2  to P 4  to be set up first.  
     [0043] The next line  62  in the service profile  16  contains details of the profile P 2  with the name “XDSL high bit rate”. The profile P 2  is thus the part for data communication in the case of an XDSL connection. However, as the access again uses the two-wire copper line, i.e. a conventional telephone line, the service is specified as “Telephone”. As will be seen from column  56 , the profile P 2  is not linked to any other profile P 1 , P 3  or P 4 . Consequently there are no conditions for the time point at which the profile P 2  is set up.  
     [0044] In the following line  64  of the profile  16 , a name “xDSL connection” is specified for the profile P 3 . When the profile P 3  is processed, an Internet access will be set up. The name given for the service is “xDSL”. As can be seen from column  56 , the profile P 3  is linked to the profile P 2 . This means that the profile P 3  cannot be set up until after the profile P 2  has been set up.  
     [0045] Line  66  of the global service profile  16  contains details of the profile P 4 . The profile P 4  bears the name “Internet only” and is assigned to the service “Internet”. As can be seen from column  56 , the profile P 4  is linked to Profile P 3 . This means that the profile P 4  can only be set up if the profile P 3  has been set up.  
     [0046]FIG. 3 shows the method steps in processing the global service profile  16 , see FIG. 2. The method begins with a method step  100  which sets up the access at the low bit rate. In doing this the subscriber set-up program  20  is involved, as explained above by reference to FIG. 1. The result is that the subscriber is assigned a directory number DN 1  and a port number EQN 1 .  
     [0047] After method step  100  comes a method step  102 , in which the profile P 2  is processed. This sets up an access with a high bit rate. As already explained above by reference to FIG. 1, the subscriber set-up program  20  is called up once again. The result is that a directory number DN 2  and a port number EQN 2  are determined.  
     [0048] There then follows a method step  104 . Before method step  104  is executed a check is made, because of the link to the profile P 2 , as to whether step  102  has already been executed. If so, then the connection set-up program  30  is started, as already explained above by reference to FIG. 1, to set up an Internet access. If method step  102  has not yet been successfully executed, then the execution of method step  104  is delayed, for example by disabling a button used to call method step  104 .  
     [0049] In the processing of the global service profile  16  by the central set-up program  10 , the method step  106  to enter the Internet access rights using the program  36 , as explained above by reference to FIG. 1, will not be performed until the profile P 3  has been successfully processed. An example of how this could be achieved is that a button, used by an operator to request the calling up of method step  106 , is only enabled after the successful performance of method step  104 .  
     [0050]FIG. 4 shows the setting up of a combined network access with the help of the set-up program  10  and the involvement of SURPASS components, as explained below. In the processing of the profile P 1 , the subscriber set-up program  20  configures a subscriber switching center  100 , e.g. of type EWSD from SIEMENS AG or of type S12 from ALCATEL. To activate the switching center  100 , use is made of a proprietary protocol, MML (Man Machine Language), see arrow  102 . The subscriber switching center  100  also uses the MML protocol, to send messages to the subscriber set-up program  20 .  
     [0051] In processing the profile P 2 , the subscriber set-up program  20  involves a component  104 , which is a component of the subscriber switching center  100  or another subscriber switching center, to which is connected the subscriber whose details are to be set up. The component  104  could be, for example, a component of a further development of an EWSD-type switching center. To activate the component  104 , the MML protocol is again used, see arrow  106 . A transmission path  108  can be established from the component  104  to a router  110  which belongs to an Internet service provider, and using which data can be forwarded between different local networks in accordance with prescribed routing methods. For example, on the transmission path  108  data packets are transmitted in accordance with the ATM protocol.  
     [0052] In processing the profile P 1  or the profile P 2 , as applicable, the subscriber set-up program  20  also activates a service provision computer  112 , which controls the linkage of a telephone network and a data network. The service provision computer  112  corresponds, for example, to the hiQ or hiQ 9000 component of the SURPASS system. The service provision computer  112  activates elements required to provide the features, such as network gateways using the MGCP protocol (Media Gateway Control Protocol), other switching centers using the ISUP protocol (ISDN User Part), or units which work in accordance with the Standard H.323 from the ITU-T. The subscriber set-up program  20  and the service provision computer  112  exchange control messages in accordance with the MML protocol, see arrow  114 .  
     [0053] In the processing of the profile P 3 , the connection set-up program  30  activates a so-called hub  116  using the SNMP protocol (Simple Network Management Protocol), see arrow  117 . The hub  116  might correspond, for example, to the hiA component of the SURPASS system. Data packets incoming from a subscriber to the hub  116  are forwarded over a transmission path  118  to the router  110 .  
     [0054] In processing the profile P 4 , the AAA program  36  uses the LDAP protocol (Light Directory Access Protocol) to access a database server  119 , in order to enter the access data and the agreed features for the subscriber, see arrow  120 . The database server  119  is used by a gatekeeper unit  122 . This gatekeeper unit  122  works in accordance with the ITU-T&#39;s H.323 and H.225 protocols and in accordance with H.245. The gatekeeper unit  122  could be, for example, the hiQ20 component of the SURPASS system. In providing the features, the service provision computer  112  establishes an H.323 signaling path  124  to the gatekeeper unit  122 . For its part, the gatekeeper unit  122  accesses the database server  119  using the LDAP protocol, see arrow  126 .  
     [0055] Also involved in providing the features relating to the Internet is a server  128 , which controls the router  110  in accordance with the RADIUS protocol, see arrow  130 . In doing this, the server  128  also accesses the database server  119  using the LDAP protocol, see arrow  132 .  
     [0056] The function of the components of the SURPASS system shown in FIG. 4 is explained in more detail in the product descriptions for these components, see for example the web page www.siemens.com/data&amp;voice. However, other components and transmission protocols between the components are also used in order to set up and use combined network accesses.  
     [0057] In another exemplary embodiment of the global profile  16 , see FIG. 2, there are no data fields in the global profile  16  for specifying the number of the entry, and no data fields for entering the service. This means that the service profile  16  only contains the details shown in columns  54  and  56 .