Method for providing alternative network-associated service address mobile registration

Abstract

A method provides for utilizing a packet-switched network to support services provisioned to mobile station subscribers. Address information is exchanged with a mobile switching center that services the subscriber so as to be able to identify data port addresses to be utilized to support the services via transmissions over a packet-switched network.

1 . A method comprising: 
 responsive to a registration of a mobile station of a subscriber to wireless services, sending an IP network address to a subscriber service node that provides a subscriber service, wherein the IP network address is capable of receiving information to support providing of the subscriber service to the mobile station; and    processing information sent by the subscriber service node and received at the IP network address, to support providing of the subscriber service to the mobile station.    
     
     
         2 . A method comprising: 
 contacting a network node pursuant to the providing of a subscriber service to a mobile station of a subscriber to wireless services;    receiving from the network node an IP network address capable of supporting the subscriber service; and    using the IP network address to support providing the subscriber service to the mobile station.    
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the network node is a home location register.  
     
     
         4 . A method comprising: 
 from a first network node, contacting a second network node pursuant to the providing of a subscriber service to a mobile station of a subscriber to wireless services; and    sending the second network node an IP network address identifying for the second network node a location to find services supported by the first network node.    
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the first network node is a mobile switching center.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the second network node is a home location register.  
     
     
         7 . A network device configured to: 
 responsive to a registration of a mobile station of a subscriber to wireless services, send an IP network address to a subscriber service node that provides a subscriber service, wherein the IP network address is capable of receiving information to support providing of the subscriber service to the mobile station; and    process information sent by the subscriber service node and received at the IP network address, to support providing of the subscriber service to the mobile station.    
     
     
         8 . A network device configured to: 
 contact a network node pursuant to the providing of a subscriber service to a mobile station of a subscriber to wireless services;    receive from the network node an IP network address capable of supporting the subscriber service; and    use the IP network address to support providing the subscriber service to the mobile station.    
     
     
         9 . The network device of  claim 8 , wherein the network node is an HLR.  
     
     
         10 . A network device configured to: 
 contact a network node pursuant to the providing of a subscriber service to a mobile station of a subscriber to wireless services; and    send the network node an IP network address identifying for the network node a location to find services supported by the network device.