<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

              CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8 No. 333-88869) pertaining to the Illuminet Holdings, Inc. 1997 Equity
Incentive Plan and the Illuminet Holdings, Inc. 1999 Stock Purchase Plan of our
reports dated June 30, 2000, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and schedule of Illuminet Holdings, Inc. included in the Current
Report (Form 8-K) dated October 5, 2000, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.


                                           ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Seattle, Washington
October 5, 2000.



© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission