Local soft switch and method for connecting to and providing access to a TDM network

1. A remote switch for connecting to and providing IP access and services to a TDM network, comprising:

a first switch implemented in a non-TDM network for controlling various components in order to effectuate telecommunications in the non-TDM network;

an access gateway, at a remote location from the first switch, having a connection to the TDM network and handling TDM switching and networking for the first switch;

a processor incorporated in the first switch that provides communication adaptation between Ethernet and LAPD by performing protocol conversions using a stored mapping table;

communication channels connecting the first switch and access gateway, said communication channels obviating a need for TDM links between the TDM network and the first switch;

the first switch accessing the TDM network through the access gateway via the connection channels, to provide IP access and services to the TDM network;

the processor being assigned an MCP multicast address to participate in LAN monitoring; and

the first switch being configured to restrict trunk groups from crossing access gateway boundaries.

2. The remote switch according to claim 1 , wherein the switch offers call services and capabilities of the non-TDM network.

3. The remote switch according to claim 1 , wherein the switch is an IP switch.

4. The remote switch according to claim 1 , wherein the processor manages NSP-LTG message transport.

5. The remote switch according to claim 1 , wherein the access gateway includes at least one LTG.

6. The remote switch according to claim 1 , wherein the access gateway includes an RTI.

7. The remote switch according to claim 1 , wherein the access gateway includes a DLU.

8. The remote switch according to claim 1 , further comprising a user interface for interfacing a user to the switch.

9. The remote switch according to claim 1 , further comprising a lawful intercept processor for intercepting calls and forwarding them to a law enforcement operator.

10. A method for connecting to and providing IP access and services to a TDM network, comprising:

implementing control of various components using a switch in order to effectuate telecommunications in a non-TDM network;

accessing the TDM network through an access gateway remote to the switch connection to the TDM network;

handling TDM switching and networking for the switch by the access gateway;

providing communication adaptation at the switch between Ethernet and LAPD by performing protocol conversions using a stored mapping table, the communication adaptation being performed using a processor that is assigned an MCP multicast address to participate in LAN monitoring;

connecting the switch and access gateway through communication channels wherein the communication channels obviate a need for TDM links between the TDM network and the switch;

the switch accessing the TDM network through the access gateway via the connection to provide IP access and services to the TDM network;

the switch additionally restricting trunk groups from crossing access gateway boundaries.

11. The method according to claim 10 , further offering call services and capabilities of the non-TDM network.

12. The method according to claim 10 , wherein the switch is an IP switch.

13. The method according to claim 10 , further managing NSP-LTG message transport.

14. The method according to claim 10 , further interfacing a user to the switch.

15. The method according to claim 10 , further comprising intercepting calls and forwarding them to a law enforcement operator.