Facts about IN and CAMEL

Source: Book - Camel Intelligent Networks for the GSM, GPRS and UMTS Networks by Rogier Noldus

Intelligent networks (IN) is a technique that augments digital telecommunication networks with a method to lift the control over CS calls to a higher-layer control platform. These digital networks, which are based on signalling principles defined by ISUP, may include networks such as the integrated service digital network (ISDN), the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and the PLMN. Applying IN to any of these networks has in common that call establishment is intercepted at a designated node in the network. Control over the call is handed over to a control platform. The control platform determines how the establishment of this call shall continue.

What is CAMEL: Customized Applications for Mobile networks Enhanced Logic

CAMEL Services:

• Calling Name Presentation: The ability to provide the name of the calling party to the called party, allowing the called party to decide how to handle the call (e.g. the subscriber decides either to answer the call or let it go to voice mail). CAMEL is used to query a database that contains name information, which allows for a network-based service rather than programming the GSM phone to recognize caller names.
• Prepay and Account Spending Limit (ASL): Prepay and ASL utilize CAMEL to allow for metering usage on a prepaid basis and post-paid basis respectively. ASL has applications for those markets that are not debit based or credit-challenged but rather want to just manage usage. Markets include parental controls and corporate resource management.
• Incoming Call Management (ICM): CAMEL is leveraged to manage call termination attempts to customize subscriber’s inbound calling experience. The subscriber can decide how inbound calls will be automatically managed. Features include automatic call handling (example: route all calls except boss to voice mail for the next hour) fixed-to-mobile convergence capabilities such as routing to mobile when a fixed network number is called.
• Virtual Private Network (VPN): CAMEL enables a mobile VPN that replicates PBX-like
  dialling in a mobile environment. For example, this (typically) group-based feature allows one to hit the digits “2706” and then SEND to actually place a call to Gerry Christensen at 650-798-2706.
• Call Redirect Services (CRS): CAMEL is utilized to provide a variety of CRS services including redirecting international roamers to their own customer care when they dial “611”
• Location-based Services (LBS): CAMEL has been used in the United States to support FCC
  mandates for wireless emergency calling (e.g. dialling 9-1-1) from a mobile phone. CAMEL
  thus allows for call control, information to be passed to databases, call assistance for routing
  to a Public Safety Answer Point, and for query of LBS infrastructure such as the Gateway
  Mobile Location Center (GMLC) for more precise positioning data based on A-GPS or TDOA. Commercial (non-regulatory) LBS applications are emerging that will rely on CAMEL based directory services and location-based search and information.
  

CAMEL also enables hybrid applications that allow for both voice and data interaction.
CAMEL enables a simple and standard user interface for the end-user to engage in wireless data including SMS, MMS, and WAP.

CAMEL services may also be office-based, which means that any mobile phone user may use
the service, whether in their home system or while roaming, without pre-subscription. CAMEL
application triggering is based on events recognized by the Mobile Switching Center (MSC) rather
than relying on communication and instruction from the HLR/VLR to arm a trigger detection point.