Abstract: A method for monitoring the signaling network in a telecommunication system comprises extending a copy of each signaling message processed by a particular signal transfer point to an interface unit. The interface unit relays "of interest" messages to a signal monitoring system (SMS) in accordance with a pre-determined filtering protocol. In the SMS, messages are correlated in accordance with a pre-defined correlating protocol. The correlated signaling messages are subsequently retrieved by an OSS technician for analysis and updates.

Abstract: A method for detecting translation data error in a central office switch comprises: receiving a call directed to a ported directory number in a switch; retrieving translation data from the switch memory to connect the call to a customer line; and determining that the call cannot be completed to a customer line served by the switch. Upon determining that the call cannot be connected to a customer line served by the switch, a translation data error (TDE) indicator is set in the switch memory so that the instant call, and all subsequent calls directed to the same ported directory number, are connected to an announcement circuit. An translation data error message is also sent to a central switch maintenance and control center by the switch.

Abstract: A method for automatically transferring customer data among a plurality of central office switches comprises receiving a work order message from a central provisioning system at a message directing switch. The message directing switch is in communication with at least one message receiving switch in a local telecommunication network. Upon determining that a particular work order message received from a central provisioning system requires a coordinated data transfer, a data query is formulated in the message directing switch to retrieve specific data, such as data relating to a customer directory number, from a message receiving switch. Once the data is received in the message directing switch, the data is processed and retained in the message directing switch or delivered to another switch in the telecommunications network. The method and system alleviates the need for manual retrieval and installation of specific customer line data when a directory number is moved from one central office switch to another.