Methods of routing interlata network traffic

Abstract

Methods of routing interLATA network traffic are disclosed. An example method of facilitating a local area communication feature includes providing a control device to store routing information and associating a first communication device in a first area associated with a first hub device with the control device, the first communication device including first routing information. The example method also includes associating a second communication device in a second area associated with a second hub device with the control device, the second communication device including second routing information, receiving a calling code from at least one of the first or second areas at the control device, and routing a call via the control device and the local area communication feature.

1 . A method of facilitating a local area communication feature comprising: 
 providing a control device to store routing information;    associating a first communication device in a first area associated with a first hub device with the control device, the first communication device comprising first routing information;    associating a second communication device in a second area associated with a second hub device with the control device, the second communication device comprising second routing information;    receiving a calling code from at least one of the first or second areas at the control device; and    routing a call via the control device and the local area communication feature.    
   
   
       2 . A method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the local area communication feature comprises at least one of an abbreviated dial code call or an intercom call.  
   
   
       3 . A method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the first hub device is communicatively coupled to the first communication device in the first area and the second hub device in the second area.  
   
   
       4 . A method as defined in  claim 3 , wherein the first and second hub devices are communicatively coupled via a tie line.  
   
   
       5 . A method as defined in  claim 4 , further comprising associating the tie line with the control device.  
   
   
       6 . A method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the areas comprise at least one local access and transport area.  
   
   
       7 . A method as defined in  claim 6 , wherein the at least one local access and transport area is part of an advanced intelligent network.  
   
   
       8 . A method as defined in  claim 7 , wherein the control device is a switching control point.  
   
   
       9 . A method as defined in  claim 7 , wherein the first and second communication devices are service switching points.  
   
   
       10 . A method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first or second areas comprise at least one virtual network.  
   
   
       11 . A method as defined in  claim 10 , further comprising routing the call between a first virtual network and a second virtual network.  
   
   
       12 . A method as defined in  claim 11 , wherein the first virtual network is in the first area and the second virtual network is in the second area.