Map message processing system and method for interworking between heterogeneous networks

TL;DR: In this paper, a protocol identifying unit analyzes a TCAP message to identify a protocol type of a message originating network which transmitted a MAP message associated with the TCAP messages, and a protocol distributing unit which distributes the MAP message to a corresponding MAP layer based on the protocol type identified by the protocol identification unit.

Abstract: A MAP message processing system for interworking between heterogeneous networks includes a protocol identifying unit which analyzes a TCAP message to identify a protocol type of a message originating network which transmitted a MAP message associated with the TCAP message; and a protocol distributing unit which distributes the MAP message to a corresponding MAP layer based on the protocol type identified by the protocol identifying unit. Identification of the protocol type of the message originating network may be accomplished by determining whether the TCAP message contains specific type of information. This information includes any one or more of a specific type of dialogue portion in the TCAP message, a specific type of operation code, and a certain MAP start tag value. The absence of this information may also provide an indication of the protocol type of the originating network. The system is especially well suited to providing interworking between ANSI-based and GSM-based mobile networks, although other types of networks are contemplated. The system and an associated method is particularly useful in providing global roaming services.