Table of Contents:

Definition and Overview

1. Historical Perspective

2. The Role of Access Mediation

3. System Requirements

4. Technological Benefits

5. Application Scenarios

6. Conclusion

Self-Test

Glossary

PDF of this tutorial

The following examples illustrate how access mediation can be used:

• Deny phantom calls: An access mediation system can be used to deny a call with missing information in the messaging that would prevent a carrier from collecting the revenue for that call.

• Deny badly formatted messages: For example, a carrier using new equipment might be generating messages with incorrect length. Access mediation can be used to block these messages, preventing them from having a detrimental effect on the network.

• Stop fraud in progress: Access mediation devices can be used to tear down fraudulent calls in progress and block calls to and from blacklisted phone numbers, stolen calling cards, abandoned international mobile subscriber identities, and stolen subscriber identity modules.

• Restrict AIN traffic: ILECs can use access mediation devices to restrict Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) messages allowed onto their networks. For example, ILECs can establish a policy that restricts AIN traffic originating from a CLEC's interconnected SCP that is used for offering enhanced services to the CLEC's customers who are part of the ILEC switch.

• Control ISUP traffic: For example, if ISUP traffic is being sent at random from a VoIP interconnection using trunk circuit values that do not exist. The recipient carrier can block that traffic, allowing only traffic expressly permitted by the interconnect agreement.

• Block SMS spam: Wireless carriers can install access mediation devices at their network's entry points to block short message service (SMS) spam bogging down the network and causing customer dissatisfaction.

• Secure gateway functionality: Carriers can integrate access mediation capabilities into existing signal transfer point (STP) nodes to enhance their functionality.

• SS7 proxy: Network operators can use access mediation devices to mask network and protocol differences. This helps carriers avoid costly upgrades by quickly and efficiently resolving compatibility and interoperability problems.

• SMS filtering and routing: Wireless carriers can implement access mediation devices to perform filtering and routing for different types of SMS traffic, enabling new back-end applications and premium services.

• CNAM and 8XX application: Carriers can use an access mediation system to enable a CNAM and/or 8XX application to avoid dip charges for operator-owned CNAM and 8XX calls.

• Point code proxy: Carriers can use an access mediation device to allow multiple nodes with separate point codes to appear as one. The point code proxy enables the introduction of softswitches into the network and can even extend the number of point codes supported by a single signaling point.

• Monitor network performance: Carriers can use access mediation devices to gather network performance statistics. Track link utilization, message counts and link status in real-time to optimize network planning and maintenance.