Qwest's Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) platform is a network architecture that provides the framework for facility-based providers to create and deploy new AIN-based network services. With AIN you can offer network-wide call management services from Qwest's centralized database, rather than deploying the new capabilities within your individual local switches. AIN relies on AIN capable local switches querying centralized network processors for call processing instructions through the Common Channel Signaling Access Capability (CCSAC) / Signaling System Seven (SS7) Network. Based on these instructions, calls are completed using the available network infrastructure.
Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) technology is based on CCSAC/SS7 protocol and encompasses three basic elements to serve calls requiring intelligent network processing:
The SSP initiates a query to find out how a call should be handled and passes the query, via out-of-band signaling, through the STPs to the SCP. The SCP interprets the query based on the criteria in its database and the information sent by the SSP. Once the SCP determines how the call is to be handled, it returns a message back through the STPs instructing the SSP how to handle the call in the network. Processing countless simultaneous actions, calls can be:
International programming standards (rules) instruct the switching network, similar to Memory and Custom Local Area Signaling System (CLASSTM) features, and traditional line-side translations are not required. A "trigger" is placed on your end-user's telephone number, or your AIN capable switch, allowing your switch to suspend call setup and query the AIN databases for call handling instructions.
Qwest offers you access to AIN technology as an enhancement to your SS7 capable network and your operation of AIN Version 0.1 capable switches using complex computer programs to provide features and functions in an Intelligent Network. These centralized intelligence programs are located within Qwest's SS7 network. Qwest offers three AIN Platform Services:
AIN service development process allows you to have your own
uniquely designed AIN services or features developed by you
and Qwest to meet your requirements. Evaluated on an Individual
Case Basis (ICB), your AIN service/feature can be developed
through ACS process, by a 3rd party or yourself. Once developed
your AIN service can either be implemented in Qwest's network
or handed off to you for installation in your own network. Regardless
of who develops the service, uniquely developed AIN services
implemented in Qwest's network will go through Qwest's network
test prior to implementation. Under no circumstances will AIN
services/features deployed on your SCP be used to control Qwest
switching.
Provide AIN-based features to your end-users by storing data at
Qwest's AIN SCPs. APA enables you to offer your end-users the
services deployed for you through the administration of your end-user's
records, with Qwest's Internet Services Gateway (ISG) interface
tool. Our secure ISG tool allows you to provision, modify and
deactivate your end-user's Call Processing Records (CPRs) for
your AIN services deployed in the Qwest AIN SCP. Refer to the
Prerequisite and Training
Sections of this web page to learn more on our Internet Service
Gateway tool. Other methods of updating your end user records
(e.g., facsimile, e-mail electronic files) are also available
and can be discussed with your Qwest Service Manager.
Product Diagram
Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) is available where facilities exist throughout Qwest's Qwest's 14-state local service territory.
Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) related terms and conditions defined in your Interconnection Agreement prevail over differing terms set forth in this web page. Refer to your Interconnection Agreement or contact your Qwest Service Manager for information.
Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) platform is based on CCSAC/SS7 advanced technology as an enhancement to your SS7 capable network structure and operation of AIN Version 0.1 capable switches. We provide non-discriminatory access to signaling networks, including signaling links, Signal Transfer Points (STP), and call-related databases on an unbundled basis. Refer to our AIN Network Disclosures Announcements for details. Technical characteristics, including Network Channel /Network Channel Interface (NC/NCI™) codes, are described in Technical Publication, Qwest Common Channel Signaling (CCS) Network Interface Specification, 77342.
Rates and/or applicable discounts are available in Exhibit A or the specific rate sheet in your Interconnection.
The AIN specific policies below represent the overall policies for all of Qwest's 14-state local service territory unless a particular state has taken individual action that supersedes or mandates requirements different from those contained in this section.
Tariffs, regulations and policies are located in the state specific Tariffs/Catalogs/Price Lists.
This section is not applicable for these AIN Customized Services, Platform Access, or Query Processing products.
| Features | Benefits |
| Qwest's AIN Service Development Expertise | Significantly reduces investment and time to market |
| Access to your deployed AIN services and features | Develop and deploy AIN services with your unique brand |
| Administration of your own end-user's data | Control of services delivered to your end-users |
| Ability to offer popular call management features | Potential to increase revenue per customer |
This section is not applicable for these AIN Customized Services, Platform Access, or Query Processing products.
If you are a new CLEC and are ready to do business with Qwest, view Getting Started as a Facility-Based CLEC. If you are an existing CLEC wishing to amend your Interconnection Agreement or New Customer Questionnaire, additional information is located in the Interconnection Agreement.
Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) network capabilities are delivered through the AIN Service Control Point (SCP) via a Qwest Signal Transfer Point (STP) using SS7. Connectivity to Qwest's signaling network is required. CCSAC/SS7 provides multiple pieces of signaling information via the SS7 network. Refer to Qwest's CCSAC / SS7 product web pages to determine specific requirements and how to order CCSAC/SS7 connectivity.
Submit an inquiry to your Qwest Service Manager indicating your desire to utilize Qwest's AIN platform network architecture.
AIN Customized Services and related elements are ordered on an ICB by contacting your Qwest Service Manager who will coordinate your request with our AIN Product Manager and the Qwest Worldwide Network Engineering Team. Refer to BFR processes for details. Designing, testing and delivering your ACS are negotiated so that mutually agreeable due dates based on service complexity are established. Intervals specific to the proposal phase are summarized as:
For APA and AQP contact your Qwest Service Manager. Once a contract is signed, and connectivity to Qwest's Signaling Network is established, Qwest will load your AIN Service Logic Call Process Records to provision your AIN service on our SCP platform and you can load your AIN trigger in your switch enabling you to launch queries (AQP) from your AIN capable switches over Qwest's SS7 network. When finished, you are ready to activate your AIN Customized Service for your end-user's telephone numbers (APA) administering their Call Processing Records (CPRs) via Qwest's AIN ISG tool.
After your AIN service/feature is tested and implemented in our AIN network architecture, Qwest's ISG tool allows you to administer your end-user's Call Processing Records (CPRs) delivering your AIN features and services stored in Qwest's SCP AIN databases. Using ISG, you process and manage your end-user's requests for adding, changing and deactivating your AIN service.
Billing
Once your AIN service/feature is activated, Qwest records each query to the database to collect and initiate your bill. Billing and Receivable Tracking (BART) billing is described in Billing Information - Billing and Receivable Tracking (BART). Once your AIN service/feature is activated, Qwest records each query to the database to collect and initiate your bill. Billing and Receivable Tracking (BART) billing is described in Billing Information - Billing and Receivable Tracking (BART).General maintenance and repair activities are described in the Maintenance and Repair Overview.
Local Qwest 101 "Doing Business With Qwest"
Call Related Databases Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) Internet Services Gateway (ISG)/AIN System
View additional Qwest courses in the Course Catalog.
Qwest contact information is located in Wholesale Customer Contacts.
1. What capabilities does AIN technology provide?
You can offer your customers specialized call management or handling
features using AIN based technology.
2. How are services enabled?
You will provision the end-user's telephone number in the Qwest
AIN SCP for your AIN based service through the ISG tool and then
establish your trigger on your end-user's line in your AIN capable
switch.
Last Update: April 7, 2006
Custom Local Area Signaling System (CLASS™) and Network Channel /Network Channel Interface (NC/NCI™) are trademarks of Telcordia Technologies, Inc.
