Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for providing priority processing to critical data as the data is transmitted across a network. A plurality of Internet protocol (IP) packets, each of which contains data and priority information, are received at a first router. The data contained in the IP packets is then encapsulated into frame relay frames containing the priority information. The frame relay frames are transmitted from the first router to a frame relay network in a manner determined by the priority information included in the frame relay frames. The frame relay flames are then transmitted across a frame relay network to a second router in a manner determined by the priority information included in the frame relay frames.

Abstract: A next generation performance network management system (30?) includes a first component (34a) that monitors one or more attributes of network elements (111-11n, 121-12m, 20 and 26) as well as peripheral devices (16 and 22) and interconnecting links (18, 24) to establish an historic trend for each monitored element. A second performance management system component (34b) monitors, on a near real-time basis, critical attributes of elements identified from historic trends as undergoing performance degradation: If such performance degradation persist, as detected by such near real-time monitoring, then the network operator can repair or replace the element in question to maintain network performance.

Abstract: A next generation performance network management system (30?) includes a first component (34a) that monitors one or more attributes of network elements (111–11n, 121–12m, 20 and 26) as well as peripheral devices (16 and 22) and interconnecting links (18, 24) to establish an historic trend for each monitored element. A second performance management system component (34b) monitors, on a near real-time basis, critical attributes of elements identified from historic trends as undergoing performance degradation. If such performance degradations persist, as detected by such near real-time monitoring, then the network operator can repair or replace the element in question to maintain network performance.

Abstract: A next generation performance network management system (30?) includes a first component (34a) that monitors one or more attributes of network elements (111–11n, 121–12m, 20 and 26) as well as peripheral devices (16 and 22) and interconnecting links (18, 24) to establish an historic trend for each monitored element. A second performance management system component (34b) monitors, on a near real-time basis, critical attributes of elements identified from historic trends as undergoing performance degradation. If such performance degradations persist, as detected by such near real-time monitoring, then the network operator can repair or replace the element in question to maintain network performance.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for providing priority processing to critical data as the data is transmitted across a network. A plurality of Internet protocol (IP) packets, each of which contains data and priority information, are received at a first router. The data contained in the IP packets is then encapsulated into frame relay frames containing the priority information. The frame relay frames are transmitted from the first router to a frame relay network in a manner determined by the priority information included in the frame relay frames. The frame relay frames are then transmitted across a frame relay network to a second router in a manner determined by the priority information included in the frame relay frames.

Abstract: A call-back service is disclosed having reduced post-dial delay. When a caller (12) initiates dialing of an international number of a called party (14), a dialer (28) monitors the dialed digits. Upon detecting a code corresponding to an international number, the dialer immediately launches a call to a node (16) in the caller's local exchange (18) while retaining the digits dialed by the calling party. The node then signals a call-back service platform (24) in a call back-country via a frame relay link (22) to launch a call through an ISDN network (26) back to the dialer. Thereafter, the dialer sends the digits to the call-back service platform which then launches a second call to the called party. The first and second calls are then bridged. By launching the call from the dialer upon detecting an international code in the number dialed by the calling party, the post dial delay is reduced.