Abstract: In a telephone network having a number of telephone switching offices which have CCS7 signalling capabilities and wherein each switching office is linked to STPs (Signalling Transfer Points), or other switching offices with CCS7 signalling links, a method of detecting mass calling events using CCS7 signalling data is disclosed. Each signalling link connecting a switch is monitored. For each call, an Initial Address Message sent from an originating switch to a terminating switch is identified. The IAM is then temporarily stored in storage means. When the occurrence of a release message indicative of an unsuccessful call attempt is detected, an identification of which of the stored IAMs corresponds to the release message is made. A count is computed for each directory (DN) having an IAM with a corresponding release message indicative of an unsuccessful call attempt such that mass calling events directed to a directory number can be detected.

Abstract: An alternate routing scheme for a telephone system wherein a plurality of switching offices are grouped into a cluster, with each switching office in the cluster having direct trunk lines to all the other switching offices in its cluster. This allows each switching office in the cluster to serve the dual function both of an originating (or terminating) office and of a tandeming office for its own cluster. Suitable equipment monitors the busy status of all the switching offices in the cluster, and determines a most likely alternate routing scheme for each switching office. The alternate routing scheme for each particular switching office is stored at that particular office and is periodically updated, by suitable equipment, so as to account for changes in the busy status of the other switching offices and trunk lines in the cluster.