Method and apparatus for signal mediation in a common channel signaling network

A method and apparatus for signal mediation in a common channel signaling network are described. The method involves identifying candidate message signal units that require mediation and transmitting the candidate signal unit to an associated mediation function which performs access mediation on the contents of the candidate signal unit. The access mediation function may return one or more data packets to the network. The apparatus includes the signal transfer point, the associated mediation function and enhanced functionality in the signal transfer point for screening candidate signal units. The advantage is a more flexible and easily managed signal mediation point that removes the bulk of signal mediation from the signal transfer point so that the signal transfer point can remain dedicated to its signal transfer function.