Abstract: In an IP network, tabulating the number of data packets received from and/or sent to a particular IP address over time can provide a mechanism by which it is possible to determine or predict overloading of a node or nodes in an IP data network. By selectively deleting data packets received from a suspect source address or inhibiting the transmission of data packets to a suspect destination address, network management and control can be readily accomplished.

Abstract: Telecommunications switching systems that require real-time computer control can be controlled using remotely located computers coupled to the switching systems via data links. By coupling several switching systems to one or more centrally located control computers, maintenance staffing can be reduced while increasing overall system reliability by providing back up control computers in multiple centralized locations. Centrally located control computers can be backed up with redundant computers at the central control site.

Abstract: In an ATM network, data loss caused by pre-programmed network optimizations can be reduced or avoided if a record of such optimizations is made, and if, prior to another optimization, some event occurs. The detection of some external event should indicate that another optimization is warranted.

Abstract: In an IP network, tabulating the number of data packets received from and/or sent to a particular IP address over time can provide a mechanism by which it is possible to determine or predict overloading of a node or nodes in an IP data network. By selectively deleting data packets received from a suspect source address or inhibiting the transmission of data packets to a suspect destination address, network management and control can be readily accomplished.

Abstract: In an IP network, tabulating the number of data packets received from and/or sent to a particular IP address over time can provide a mechanism by which it is possible to determine or predict overloading of a node or nodes in an IP data network. By selectively deleting data packets received from a suspect source address or inhibiting the transmission of data packets to a suspect destination address, network management and control can be readily accomplished.

Abstract: Telecommunications switching systems that require real-time computer control can be controlled using remotely located computers coupled to the switching systems via data links. By coupling several switching systems to one or more centrally located control computers, maintenance staffing can be reduced while increasing overall system reliability by providing back up control computers in multiple centralized locations. Centrally located control computers can be backed up with redundant computers at the central control site.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for providing prepaid card service to customers for placing telephone calls without relying on a post-service billing model. A service management computer having access to a card database is connected to the network only by out-of-band connections. A voice response unit or a tone receiver and announcement player in the network are the voice interface with the customer and are provided at the originating switch in the network to eliminate multiple switches from the call path.

Abstract: In an ATM network, data loss caused by pre-programmed network optimizations can be reduced or avoided if a record of such optimizations is made, and if, prior to another optimization, some event occurs. The detection of some external event should indicate that another optimization is warranted.

Abstract: A method of providing for customer selection of a circuit selection algorithm for use in a public network comprises the steps of storing a plurality of circuit selection algorithms in public network memory, translating a routing number for a call into customer data, matching the customer data with a trunk block circuit selection algorithm and controlling the delivery of calls to a customer in accordance with the trunk block circuit selection algorithm. The customer may also custom design their own circuit selection algorithm and input their custom designed algorithm into public network memory along with others for selection in accordance with their customer criteria, for example, time of day or day of week, low traffic period, high traffic period or other criteria.

Abstract: Telecommunications switching systems that require real-time computer control can be controlled using remotely located computers coupled to the switching systems via data links. By coupling several switching systems to one or more centrally located control computers, maintenance staffing can be reduced while increasing overall system reliability by providing back up control computers in multiple centralized locations. Centrally located control computers can be backed up with redundant computers at the central control site.

Abstract: In a communication network, a method and apparatus is provided to detect the presence of loopback errors over facilities interconnecting switches of the network. According to the test protocol, an originating switch generates a tone on a forward trunk associated with the facility and monitors the return trunk for the presence of that tone. If the return trunk contains the tone, the originating switch fails the facility for a loopback condition. The loopback test protocol complements conventional continuity tests and results in greater reliability of communications networks.

Abstract: A method of providing for customer selection of a circuit selection algorithm comprises the steps of storing a plurality of circuit selection algorithms in memory, translating a routing number for a call into customer data, matching the customer data with a trunk block circuit selection algorithm and controlling the delivery of calls in accordance with the trunk block circuit selection algorithm. The customer may also custom design their own circuit selection algorithm and input their custom designed algorithm into memory along with others for selection in accordance with their customer criteria, for example, time of day or day of week, low traffic period, high traffic period or other criteria.

Abstract: A method of detecting and recovering from an out-of-band signaling failure in a telecommunications network involves the reprogramming of switching centers to utilize existent inband signaling capabilities to temporarily replace the failed out-of-band capability. A processor of an originating switching center recognizes the loss of out-of-band signaling capability, determines impacted trunks and switches to in-band signaling from out-of-band signaling. In an alternative embodiment, the switch may use maintenance data bits of impacted trunks to initiate a call. The terminating switching center is programmed to receive and recognize the change in bit value of the signaling data and initiates well known processes to seize the trunk in memory, check continuity and receive dialed number data, preferably in the form of tones, over the seized trunk. The terminal switching center for the trunk then attempts to complete the call in accordance with the received dialed number data.

Abstract: In a large switching system, a complete record of a call through a network can be collected by having each switch that processes the call, record pertinent data and return the collected data to a particular switch where the collected data is stored. A complete call history simplifies network maintenance and permits precise identification of calling and called parties on a call-by-call basis.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient recovery mechanism when a toll switch within a telephone network is inoperative. A telephone network management operating system and a network manager determines that a toll switch is sufficiently inoperative and invokes a trunk group reconfiguration mechanism. A cross connect system, such as a DCS (Digital Cross-connect System), links the toll-completing trunk groups coming into such an inoperative toll switch to intertoll trunk groups coming into such a toll switch. In this manner, an alternative toll switch within the telephone network replaces the inoperative toll switch for such toll-completing trunk groups thereby restoring operation to customers previously tied to the inoperative toll switch in an efficient and low-cost manner by using already existing components within the telephone network.

Abstract: A switch architecture that permits maintenance of switch signaling interfaces in switches for communication networks. The architecture provides a spare switch signaling interface that is enabled when a regular switch signaling interface is disabled. A switch matrix routes signaling channels from their dedicated position in a trunk to the spare switch signaling interface when the spare is enabled. A control processor updates a memory log associating the signaling channel and the trunks from which they originate with the spare switch signaling interface.