METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR NUMBERING AND ROUTING CALLS THROUGH A COMMUNICATION NETWORK

A communication network uses a network switch number (NSN) and a class-of-service classification (COS) code to route calls through the network. When a call is received at an originating switch of the network, the dialed number is used to select the NSN which identifies a network terminating switch which connects to the called party. The network uses received call signaling information and stored trunk information and possibly network database information to determine the COScode. The COS code is also used at the terminating switch to identify the type of service trunk to connect to the called party. In another feature, only the network switch number is used to route the call over the network. In accordance with yetanother feature, the COS code may be used to select specific network trunks without requiring the specification of the NSN.