Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing enhanced telecommunications services troubleshooting in multi-carrier telecommunications networks are described. Troubleshooting information gathering is initiated by launching a “Test Service Call with a Travelling Log”. The Travelling Log acquires data from enabled intelligent network elements in each carrier network through which a Test Service Call is routed. The Travelling Log entries permit information posted to the Travelling Log to be relayed back to network management personnel. Network management personnel equipped with network management system terminals or customers, as appropriate, can initiate the Test Service Call with Travelling Log. The enabled intelligent network elements may include any element in NB/BB PSTN/ISDN with TDM, ATM, Internet, or SONET transport capabilities. The advantage is a cost-effective enhanced troubleshooting information retrieval system operable across service delivery carriers in multi-carrier telecommunications networks.

Abstract: In the Intelligent Networks environment, where multiple Service Providers and multi-Vendor equipment are involved in new service offering, the risk of overloading the network elements are real and managing the traffic is a challenge. Network traffic overloads could result from equipment failures, major equipment outages, or widespread loads above engineered levels. To solve the problem of network traffic overload, a direct link interconnect feature between the two SCPs that are deployed in load sharing mode in the network is provided. The communications link interconnects the two SCPs within the load sharing group, whereby the SCPs may exchange information on their congestion levels and controls as well as route queries to the SCP that is not overloaded.

Abstract: In an Intelligent Network (IN) a method for acquiring data is provided. The method comprises a test call initiated from the SSP to a desired destination within the network. The test call with the log portion appended to TCAP (and ISUP) messages travel through the network and collects data in the log portion from each node on the test call path. The test call with the traveling log (TLog) helps the maintenance personnel isolate troubles and faults in the network without having to monitor each node (or office) on the route of a troubled message path.

Abstract: In the Intelligent Networks environment, where multiple Service Providers and multi-Vendor equipment are involved in new service offering, the risk of overloading the network elements are real and managing the traffic is a challenge. Network traffic overloads could result from equipment failures, major equipment outages, or widespread loads above engineered levels. To solve the problem of network traffic overload, a Mediation Point (MP) is connected to a group of service control points (SCP). The MP includes control feature to balance the load and manage the overload controls for the multiple SCPs that are deployed in load sharing mode in the network.