A signaling transfer point (STP) (or Signaling Server Global (SSG)) is
described herein which includes a processor and a mapping database that
can depending on the direction of a message change the Origination Point
Code (OPC) or the Destination Point Code (DPC) and the Circuit
Identification Code (CIC) contained in the message. As such, the STP can
receive a message from a foreign switch located in another
telecommunications network and redirect the message that was originally
destined for an old switch, which is in the process being removed or has
been removed, to a new switch which now hosts the trunks previously
connected to the old switch. The return traffic from the new switch is
also processed by the STP so that when the foreign switch receives the
message, it will appear like it originated from the old switch. As a
result, the user of the STP can transparently consolidate switches
without affecting the SS7 database contained in other carrier networks.