2.16.1 INP and AINPQ Functions

INP and AINPQ functions minimize challenges for network operators while they plan to implement number portability for their subscribers.

INP and AINPQ functions are:

• Because the number lengths can vary between countries (sometimes even within a country), INP and AINPQ support numbers of varying lengths in a flexible way, without requiring software modifications. The maximum number length of 15 digits for ported numbers is supported.
  • INP performs number portability translations based on the received Called Party Number (CdPN) in the INAP portion of the message. For call-related messages, the database query is performed by using the digits from the Called Party Number parameter after converting them to an international number, if the number is not already in international format.
  • AINPQ performs number portability translations based on the received dialed digits (DGTSDIAL).
• The INP and AINPQ features can remove automatically the National Escape Code (NEC) that may be up to five hexadecimal digits.
• The INP and AINPQ features can help to avoid problem situations with number normalization.
  • Problems could occur where operators do not use NAI values that match the vSTP standard number conditioning process. For example, a switch might send an NAI of a subscriber and expect the number to be treated as a National number, leading to problems.

    Number normalization allows the user to specify how certain NAI (Nature of Address Indicator) values are to be treated. This value treatment is performed by setting up rules that map incoming NAI values to internal SNAI (Service Nature of Address Indicator) values for the purpose of number conditioning.

  • Number normalization lets INP and AINPQ accept queries either with or without special prefixes on the DN. Upon receipt, INP or AINPQ strips off the prefix if the DLTPFX configuration option is YES, converts the DN to an international number, performs the database query, and returns a response to the switch. The Called Party Chapter 2 Overview 2-3 Number (for the INP feature) or the dialed digits (for the AINPQ feature) in the response can include the special prefix or not, depending on how the operator configures the feature.