Abstract: A method is provided to facilitate configuration of one of a plurality of different products from a set of components (TABLE 2) which can be selectively combined in different ways to form a plurality of different component combinations that each serve as a respective one of the products. An inventory list is prepared (191, TABLE 2), and then a component information package is prepared (192, TABLE 3). A determination is then made (193, TABLE 4) as to whether each component in the inventory list corresponds to one or more of first, second and third component classes (TABLE 1) that are different. One or more criteria sets (196) are then developed to define a plurality of criteria states which each correspond to a valid combination of components from the second and/or third classes that represents a respective product. Then, a flowchart is prepared (197, FIG. 8) to diagrammatically represent the criteria set and the combinations of components which correspond to the respective states of the criteria set.

Abstract: A method of and a system for performing computer simulations to determine a number of blocked calls resulting from cutting selected spans in a telecommunications network with selected levels of overtrunking to determine a level of overtrunking necessary to make the number of block calls resulting from a cut span less than a blocked call threshold. The method forms a capacity demand matrix based on a selected level of overtrunking. The capacity demand matrix reflects a circuit capacity between each pair of origination nodes and destination nodes of the network prior to a cut span. The method forms updated capacity demand matrices that reflect the circuit capacity between each pair of origination nodes and destination nodes of the network after a cut span with various levels restoration. The method runs a call simulation program with data from the updated capacity demand matrices to determine the number of blocked calls resulting from said cut span.