Abstract: A communication hub for providing call tones in a communication network proximate the calling device. The communication hub comprises an interface coupled to a processor and a tone generator. The tone generator is configured to generate call tones. The processor is configured to process an in-band call tone request message to direct the tone generator to provide the call tones to a call device. The interface is configured to receive the call tone request message and provide the call tones to the call device.

Abstract: A communication hub for providing continuity testing and call tones in communication networks. The communication hub comprises a processor coupled to an interface and a tone generator. The processor is configured to process an in-band call tone request message to generate a continuity acknowledgment message and to direct the tone generator to provide call tones to a call device. The tone generator is configured to generate the call tones for the processor. The interface is configured to receive the call tone request message and transmit the continuity acknowledgment message and the call tones for the processor.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and a method for controlling a Digital Access and Crossconnect System (DACS) from a connected toll switching system. All control messages from operations support systems (OSS) for making crossconnect changes in the DACS are first routed to the toll switch. The toll switch extracts information needed to update its database and sends a control message to the DACS. In addition, the toll switch responds to changes in traffic patterns, perhaps due to the loss of a transmission facility, to generate a crossconnect change message to the DACS to rearrange facilities for more optimum performance. Advantageously, the OSSs for DACS control and switch control is combined and the toll network is made more responsive to traffic pattern changes and to losses of transmission facilities.