Introduction to Interworking

Definition of Interworking

Interworking is often defined as the controlled transfer of signaling information between different signaling systems.

In the Excel environment, interworking is the ability of a call to enter the Excel platform using one network protocol and to leave the Excel platform using a different network protocol with correct end-to-end operation.

Mechanisms

The following are the major mechanisms designed to facilitate interworking:

• Network Protocol Data Intelligence (NPDI) is a call processing feature that analyzes, generates, and converts network signaling information.

• Universal Protocol Data Format (UPDF) is a pre-defined protocol- independent data representation that facilitates the translation of layer protocols.

Responsibilities of Host Application Provider

While the Excel platform provides mechanisms to facilitate interworking, the host application provider or system integrator must do the following:

• identify the interworking requirements

• implement required translations/mapping

• verify the correct end-to-end operation