A multiple-protocol home location register (MP HLR) comprises a processor, that
generates network messages according to two or more network protocols and processes
network requests and other messages to obtain information requested by two or more
networks that support the two or more network protocols. One embodiment of the
MP HLR (101) utilizes protocol gateways (211) that interpret network
requests and generate, utilizing a common control procedures for multiple network
protocols, queries to a database that provides a common source of data for supported
networks. Another embodiment of an MP HLR (101) utilizes a mediation device
(405) that generates and/or translates network messages according to multiple
different network protocols and utilizes multiple HLRs (401, 403) or home
agents, each supporting a different network protocol.