Abstract: A telecommunications network comprises a virtual transport server (VTS) for making network routing decisions and establishing call connections. Each VTS is interconnected to each signal transfer point in a common channel signaling (CCS) system associated with the network. Each VTS is also interconnected to at least one switch in a transmission network, such as an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switch. The VTS maintains routing tables identifying trunk groups associated with each central office switch in the network. During operation, an initial address message received from a signal transfer point in the VTS is processed and subsequently extended to an ATM switch so that a call connection can be established. Upon completion of the established call, the VTS releases resources associated with the ATM switch.

Abstract: A method for identifying damaged cable pairs in a pulp cable comprises arbitrarily attaching proximal ends of damaged cable pairs to ports on a first connector block of a service restoration system (SRS), and arbitrarily attaching distal ends of damaged cable pairs to ports on a second connector block of the SRS. Directory number information associated with each damaged cable pair is retrieved by the SRS from affected subscribers, and the serving switch. If a match of directory number information is found, the proximal damaged cable pair end is interconnected to the distal damaged cable pair end of a single cable pair via SRS switch fabric. The SRS periodically generates a status report including port locations of corresponding ends of a damaged cable pair so that the ends may be permanently spliced together.