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Abstract

An intelligent network, such as might provide telephone services or the like, comprises local communication links, one or more trunk circuits and a number of separately located central office switching systems. The network selectively provides switched call connections between at least two of the local communication links. The switching systems also exchange signaling messages via an interoffice signaling network, as part of the procedures for establishing call connections. The interoffice signaling network includes an Intelligent Signaling Transfer Point (ISTP) which communicates with the switching offices via signaling links that are separate from the local communication links and the trunk circuit(s). In accord with the present invention, the ISTP includes a database storing call processing data associated with a plurality of the local communication links for control of call processing through one or more of the central office switching systems. The ISTP also includes a program controlled processor. The processor recognizes a predetermined condition or trigger regarding the call and retrieves call processing information from the database. The ISTP may route the message to a distant network element to provide the necessary response, or the ISTP may formulate and transmit a response message, based on the call processing information and specific conditions relating to the call and/or the signaling message. The response message goes back through the ISTP and one of the signaling links to the central office switching system, to control subsequent processing of the call.