Abstract: A telecommunication node controls overload conditions in a distributed processing environment using processing nodes that include: (i) a load monitor configured to monitor a loading factor for the processing node and produce real-time loading factor information; and (ii) a call processor operable to process signaling messages. In addition, the telecommunication node uses signaling nodes that include: (i) a load information list including the real-time loading factor information received from each of the processing nodes; (ii) an overload policy list including programmable overload reaction policies for each of the processing nodes, in which the overload reaction policies control overload conditions of the processing nodes based on the real-time loading factor information; and (iii) a load distributor configured to select one of the processing nodes to process one of the signaling messages based on the real-time loading factor information and the overload reaction policies.

Abstract: A switch for use in a telecommunication network is provided that includes a plurality of call control agent functions and a call control function. At least two of the call control agent functions are associated with different signaling protocols. The signaling protocols define a plurality of signaling control primitives. The call control function is operable to control routing of telephone calls through the switch. The call control function is accessed using an application programming interface (API). The API includes a plurality of classes defining objects representing the signaling control primitives.