Abstract: A network manager for configuring and controlling a simulated telecommunications network having a plurality of nodes which communicate in a plurality of communications protocols. The network manager dynamically connects and disconnects each of the plurality of nodes to the network. The network manager also determines which of the plurality of communications protocols is utilized by each of the plurality of nodes, establishes connections between nodes which communicate in compatible communications protocols, and denies connections requested between nodes which communicate in incompatible communications protocols. The network manager includes a Design function and a Supervisory function. The Design function sets up the network, defines nodes, defines which nodes are to operate on which workstations, and establishes connections. The Supervisory function manages and operates the network. This includes launching the network, monitoring the nodes and links, and reconfiguring the network when requested.

Abstract: A protocol interface gateway connects a telecommunication system emulator to a communications network. The gateway receives signals from the network and sends signals to the network that are formatted in a network protocol. The gateway converts signals received from the network into instructions in emulator code, and sends the instructions in emulator code to the emulator for processing. The emulator executes code in blocks of application software utilized in a target telecommunications node. The gateway then receives the processed instructions in emulator code from the emulator, converts the processed instructions into signals formatted in the network protocol, and sends the signals to the communications network. The protocol interface gateway utilizes a UNIX socket that replaces Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) layers 1 and 2 of the network protocol to send and receive the signals from the network.

Abstract: A development test system and method for testing Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) layers 3 through 7 of a communications protocol utilized between nodes in a telecommunications network. The system comprises a protocol simulator that simulates OSI layers 3 through 7 of the communications protocol, a local area network (LAN) connected to the protocol simulator with a first Internet socket interface which replaces OSI layers 1 and 2 of the simulated communications protocol, and a target telecommunication node connected to the LAN with a second Internet socket interface and performing operations with blocks of application software to validate the use of the communications protocol with the target telecommunication node. A protocol interface gateway (PIG-tool) is connected to the LAN with a third Internet socket interface, and serves as a gateway to a target telecommunication system emulator.