Direct signaling: a new access signaling architecture

In telecommunication networks, subscribers request connections and services from providers using signaling protocols. Today, the transport of signaling messages is tightly coupled with the transport of user information. As a result, subscribers receive their signaling dependent services, such as call waiting and call forwarding, from their transport providers. We propose a new access signaling architecture, called direct signaling, which allows subscribers to signal directly to service providers of their choice. Therefore, a subscriber may choose to receive transport service and signaling dependent services from different providers. The direct contact with a service provider of its choice will give subscribers access to more services in a more timely fashion. We describe how direct signaling may be accomplished in a broadband ISDN environment, and how it may be applied to cellular networks. Issues and proposed solutions for providing direct signaling service are discussed