Abstract: A work routing system of an enterprise is disclosed for allocating resources for routing a work request in an enterprise. The work routing system includes a resource monitoring module configured to determine resource-occupancy of a plurality of resources available in the enterprise, wherein the plurality of resources are grouped into one or more groups based on a predefined strategy. The work routing system further includes a group monitoring module configured to determine group-occupancy of the one or more groups based on at least one predefined criteria, wherein the group-occupancy is determined for a predefined time period. The work routing system further includes an assignment module configured to assign the work request to one of the one or more groups based on the group-occupancy.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining the operational status of third-party switch/service providers. The service provider computer receives healthcare transactions and determines if each transaction is to be processed by a third-party switch provider system, either under a contract between the pharmacy and the third-party switch provider or under an exclusivity arrangement between the transaction payer and the third-party switch provider. Healthcare transactions are sent to the third-party switch provider for processing. If the transmission is not successful, the service provider computer will determine if the third-party switch provider system is operating.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for load-balancing in a portable terminal having a plurality of Central Processing Units (CPUs). A utilization is calculated for each of the plurality of CPUs, when a state of a task is changed. An average of the utilizations of the plurality of CPUs is calculated. It is determined whether the average exceeds a predetermined threshold. Load-balancing is performed when the average exceeds the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method of acknowledging receipt of an event block object is provided. First connection information for connecting to an event stream processing (ESP) engine executing at a first computing device is received. A first connection to the ESP engine is established using the received first connection information. Second connection information for connecting to a publishing client executing at a second computing device is received. A second connection to the publishing client is established using the received second connection information, wherein the first connection differs from the second connection. An event block object is received from the ESP engine using the established first connection, wherein the event block object includes a unique identifier for the event block object. Successful processing of the event block object is determined.

Abstract: A network traffic processing device (NTPD) implements a plurality of virtual network traffic processing devices (VNTPDs), a control plane, and an NTPD manager. The plurality of VNTPDs are configured to perform respective versions of a network processing function on network transmissions, where at least two of the respective versions are different. The control plane is configured to select, for a network transmission based on a management policy, one or more of the VNTPDs to perform respective versions of the network processing function. The NTPD manager is configured to monitor results of the selected VNTPDs performing the respective versions of the network processing function and, based on the monitored results, to determine a configuration change for one or more of the VNTPDs or to control output of the network transmission.

Abstract: Load balancing and overload control techniques are disclosed for use in a SIP-based network or other type of network comprising a plurality of servers. In a load balancing technique, a first server receives feedback information from at least first and second downstream servers associated with respective first and second paths between the first server and a target server, the feedback information comprising congestion measures for the respective downstream servers. The first server dynamically adjusts a message routing process based on the received feedback information to compensate for imbalance among the congestion measures of the downstream servers. In an overload control technique, the first server utilizes feedback information received from at least one downstream server to generate a blocking message for delivery to a user agent.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting traffic processors for processing and transmitting broadcast/multicast service flow in a cellular network includes evaluating processor occupancy of a plurality of traffic processors and selecting the traffic processors with the highest available processor occupancy. The cellular network has one or more base stations that are connected to a radio network controller, the radio network controller having a plurality of traffic processors to process the radio signals and data traffic to be transmitted to the base stations. A required processor occupancy for transmitting the broadcast/multicast service flow to the base stations is estimated and the traffic processors are selected such that their combined available processor occupancy is greater than the required processor occupancy for the broadcast/multicast service flow. The method and system optimizes resource utilization and distribution among the plurality of traffic processors.

Abstract: An illustrative telecommunications analysis server analyzes telecommunications-event records and telecommunications-activity records associated with mobile stations operating in one or more wireless networks to infer whether a spike in initiated telecommunications activities occurred in a period of time and from a geographic area that closely correlate with the time and location of an audio incident. The server corroborates that the audio incident likely occurred based on the inferred spike in initiated telecommunications activities from one or more mobile stations. The illustrative server identifies the mobile stations that were likely within earshot of the incident and actively initiating telecommunications immediately thereafter.

Abstract: In one embodiment, systems and methods are disclosed for processing telemarketing calls to determine an abandonment rate (“AR”). An abandoned call exists if a telemarketing call is answered by a live person and an agent is not connected to the called party within two seconds of the called party completing their greeting. In order to comply with various federal regulations, a feedback mechanism allows feedback of the measured AR to be used by the predictive dialer to manage the AR for future calls to maximize efficiency and avoid exceeding an AR limit. In one embodiment, a speech analytics system processes audio recordings of previously made telemarketing calls and provides feedback to the predictive dialer so as to adjust a target AR rate for future calls.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for conducting an outbound call campaign that involves multiple abandonment rates. In various embodiments, one or more filters are applied to a call list for an outbound call campaign to identify a first sub-list of telephone numbers with a first applicable abandonment rate and a second sub-list of telephone numbers with a second applicable abandonment rate. In particular embodiments, the first and second sub-lists are apportioned into sets of telephone numbers and a predictive dialer places telephone calls based on a first set for the first sub-list while targeting the first abandonment rate over a first particular period of time and, after placing the first group of calls, places telephone calls based on a first set for the second sub-list while targeting the second abandonment rate over a second particular period of time.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for conducting an outbound call campaign that involves multiple abandonment rates. In various embodiments, one or more filters are applied to a call list for an outbound call campaign to identify a first sub-list of telephone numbers with a first applicable abandonment rate and a second sub-list of telephone numbers with a second applicable abandonment rate. In particular embodiments, the first and second sub-lists are apportioned into sets of telephone numbers and a predictive dialer places telephone calls based on a first set for the first sub-list while targeting the first abandonment rate over a first particular period of time and, after placing the first group of calls, places telephone calls based on a first set for the second sub-list while targeting the second abandonment rate over a second particular period of time.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of using vendor credits to achieve load balancing in a communications network is described. Network traffic operating under a first carrier of the communications network is monitored. Initial load balancing triggers are set, by which network traffic of the first carrier is offloaded to a second carrier. It is determined whether the initial load balancing triggers have been met. It is also determined whether a vendor credit of the first carrier is available when the initial load balancing triggers have been met. One or more devices of the first carrier are offloaded to the second carrier when a vendor credit of the first carrier is available.

Abstract: A call connection number management unit acquires the number of call connections. A server suspension control unit transfers a calling process allocated to a call control server selected based on the number of call connections for each of call control servers to the call control server, and suspends the call control server when the calling process allocated to the call control server ceases. An assignment control unit assigns a request to the call control server to which the calling process responding to the request has been transferred, when the call control server that has performed the calling process responding to the request is suspended. A prediction activation control unit calculates a change rate of an increase rate of the number of calls, obtains a prediction value of the number of calls based on the change rate, and when the prediction value exceeds a value, activates the suspended call control server.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing call connection notification. In order to provide a call connection notification service, a telephone number of a callee may be received when a caller transmits a call connection request to the callee. Based on the telephone number of the callee, public relations (PR) information may be searched for. A result of the searching may be provided to a user equipment of the caller.

Abstract: A processing apparatus includes: an address converter configured to return an address in response to a search request from a server; and a substitute controller configured to control the address converter to return a first address in response to a first search request from a first server when the address converter has not received a second search request for a second address from a second server, and return the second address in response to the first search request from the first server when the address converter has received a second search request for the second address from the second server.

Abstract: A method of allocating wireless data delivery services to users allows management of mobile data channel peak loading. A per-user metering structure for wireless broadband data services includes a target data throughput allowance provided to the network user for a relatively short time period known as a metering period, where a plurality of metering periods are contained in a billing period. Use of the method disclosed herein constrains the most load-impactive users, such as users streaming high-resolution videos, during periods of data channel congestion compared to typical users, such as users browsing the Internet.

Abstract: In one embodiment, systems and methods are disclosed for processing telemarketing calls to determine an abandonment rate (“AR”). An abandoned call exists if a telemarketing call is answered by a live person and an agent is not connected to the called party within two seconds of the called party completing their greeting. In order to comply with various federal regulations, a feedback mechanism allows feedback of the measured AR to be used by the predictive dialer to manage the AR for future calls to maximize efficiency and avoid exceeding an AR limit. In one embodiment, a speech analytics system processes audio recordings of previously made telemarketing calls and provides feedback to the predictive dialer so as to adjust a target AR rate for future calls.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a communication system comprising a call handler arranged to process channel signalling received from a communication network; a workload controller comprising means to determine the workload of at least one processing resource of the communication system; wherein the call handler comprises means to block establishment of at least one channel in response to the workload of the at least one processing resource.

Abstract: Methods and media for post-paid wireless service balance management are described. In one embodiment, it is determined that a usage threshold has been met based upon a concluded wireless session occurring during a billing period associated with an account. Upon determining that the threshold has been met, enforcement points are provisioned to monitor wireless service usage associated with the account. Further, upon receiving a request for service, and prior to commencing the wireless session, it is determined whether the request exceeds account resources. If the request does not exceed the account resources, the request is allowed. If the request does exceed the account resources, the request is handled based on an account status.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of using vendor credits to achieve load balancing in a communications network is described. Network traffic operating under a first carrier of the communications network is monitored. Initial load balancing triggers are set, by which network traffic of the first carrier is offloaded to a second carrier. It is determined whether the initial load balancing triggers have been met. It is also determined whether a vendor credit of the first carrier is available when the initial load balancing triggers have been met. One or more devices of the first carrier are offloaded to the second carrier when a vendor credit of the first carrier is available.

Abstract: A device includes a traffic load profile containing information for regulating rates of routing calls and a controller. The controller may be configured to access the traffic load profile, obtain network calls from a traffic load producer, and route the network calls to a system under test based on the traffic load profile.

Abstract: A processing apparatus, including: a query statistics unit which inputs a query request for querying a destination for first telephone number, and counts the number of input query requests; and a restriction control unit which transmits to a restriction control apparatus which performs outgoing call restriction, a restriction request to restrict a telephone call by second telephone number, when the counted number of the query requests is equal to or greater than a restriction start threshold, wherein the telephone call by the second telephone number is restricted by transmission of the restriction request, and a telephone call by the first telephone number is performed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system to quantify the impact of granting access privileges for voice channels in mobile cellular telecommunications when dealing with applications where such a policy may improve service quality regardless of the technology used by the service provider. The number of channels that need to be reserved in order to reach the target can be determined. Channel access requests are categorized according to a prioritization scheme providing several blocking probabilities according to the portion of subscribers belonging to each access service class, the total number of service channels in a cell sector, and the target blocking probability and total traffic (or load).

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and a method for controlling an amount of concurrent calls. The apparatus for controlling the amount of concurrent calls comprises a background processing module, a cooperation module and a core module, wherein the background processing module is arranged to provide an information configuration interface, configure a threshold for each of amounts of concurrent calls classified according to call characteristics, and send the threshold to the core module; the cooperation module is arranged to provide a variable for each of amounts of concurrent calls classified according to call characteristics and send the variable to the core module; and the core module is arranged to receive the threshold and the variable and control the cooperation module to release a current call when determining the variable is no less than the threshold.

Abstract: The invention provides a system, method and apparatus for controlling a mass calling event in a VoIP network. The invention provides for monitoring port traffic information on a network edge device and detecting the occurrence of a mass calling event in conjunction with a call control module. Control instructions or information may then be provisioned to network edge devices to alleviate congestion. The invention enables network edge devices to gap or provide other controls to reduce call overloading. Controls for alleviating congestion include blocking the packets, providing an announcement to the call, re-routing the traffic associated with this specific mass calling event, and reducing the quality of the service.

Abstract: A device includes a traffic load profile containing information for regulating rates of routing calls and a controller. The controller may be configured to access the traffic load profile, obtain network calls from a traffic load producer, and route the network calls to a system under test based on the traffic load profile.

Abstract: A management device for automatically provisioning a Broadband Remote Access Server (BRAS) for use in connecting Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) to an Internet Protocol (IP) network via a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexor (DSLAM) and the BRAS, the management device comprising: a first interface for receiving from time to time data readings from the DSLAM indicative of the current or recent line rate of the DSL; a processor unit for calculating from the received data readings a consistent rate indicative of a consistent line rate of the DSL based on a plurality of data readings for the DSL from the DSLAM; and a second interface for transmitting provisioning messages to the BRAS for provisioning the BRAS to restrict data flowing to the DSL to a maximum rate selected by the management device in accordance with the calculated consistent rate.

Abstract: A communication network that includes a signaling system seven (SS7) network is operated by associating call release messages, which are indicative of call failures in the communication network, with an originating point code (OPC) and/or a calling number. The rate at which calls originating from the originating point code and/or the calling number are admitted to the network may be adjusted based on the association between the call release messages and the originating point code and/or the calling number.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling wholesale network service providers to selectively block calls from wholesale customers who are exceeding their traffic projections based on pre-arranged agreements. The present method also enables wholesale network service providers to notify their wholesale customers that the subscribed traffic projections, such as call minute usage, begins to approach their maximum established volume. When the maximum established volume is exceeded by the wholesale customer, the present method provides parameters for adjusting the degree to which calls from the providers will be blocked, either gracefully by blocking calls partially or completely by blocking all incoming calls.

Abstract: A session controller configured to be coupled to a database and configured to receive an indication associated with an ingress call is disclosed. The session controller is further configured to query the database for an ingress-call peer associated with the ingress call, and to query the database for a dynamic-peer-definition template associated with the ingress call when the ingress-call peer is not identified upon query of the database. The session controller is further configured to reject the ingress call when the dynamic-peer-definition template is not identified upon query of the database.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium that comprises, receiving an incoming communication, compiling statistics related to the incoming communication and analyzing the compiled statistics.

Abstract: Enabling handling of incoming phone calls includes receiving an indication from one or more call recipients reflecting a desire to block future calls from a call source. A number of received indications reflecting a desire to block future calls from the call source is determined and compared to a threshold. An identifier of the call source is added to a list of call sources from which future calls are specially handled when the number of indications meets the threshold. Handling an incoming call from an undesired call source includes receiving an indication of a call placed to a call recipient. A source of the call is identified. Whether the identified call source is included in the list of call sources from which future calls are specially handled is determined. Special handling is applied to the call when the identified call source is included in the list.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting variable VPA testing is disclosed. The method includes provisions to detect or measure the utilization of a trunk line and use that information to establish a level of VPA testing for that trunk line. Although a wide variety of relationships between the utilization and the amount of VPA testing conducted can be used, the relationship is preferably a generally inverse relationship, in which the amount of VPA testing conducted on a particular trunk is reduced as traffic or utilization of the trunk increases. Conversely, as traffic or utilization of the trunk deceases, the amount of testing conducted on the trunk increases.

Abstract: In a USB device comprising a plurality of functional modules that includes a control circuit for switching a functional module to be activated from among the functional modules included in the USB device according to a potential level of a power applied from a host connected to the USB device. The control circuit includes: a voltage detector for discriminating a voltage value of power; a switch for controlling powers to be applied to the respective functional modules; and memories for storing descriptors relating to the USB device. The control circuit makes power applied to a functional module to be activated by the switch into ON state according to a discrimination result of the voltage value of the power by the voltage detector, thereby transferring the descriptors stored in the memories to a host.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium for mass call defense in a communications network, comprises detecting a mass call event, detecting a resource exhaust event related to the mass call event, where the resource exhaust event is based upon a release message indicating a call connection attempt in excess of a threshold, and releasing, upon detecting the resource exhaust event, subsequent call connection attempts to a called telephone number.

Abstract: An exemplary method implements load management for large granularity processes on application processors, APs. First data associated with the primary processes running on each AP is periodically collected, where the first data is proportional to processor occupancy, PO, for the primary processes running on each AP. Second data associated with auxiliary processes running on each AP is periodically collected where the auxiliary processes directly support the primary processes running on the respective AP. The second data is proportional to PO for the auxiliary processes running on each AP. A processor scaling factor and an overhead scaling factor are calculated for each AP based on the first and second data, respectively. The total amount of additional PO a second AP would incur to run a first large granularity process is determined by two aspects.

Abstract: The method of controlling the user calling load in Soft Switch system in present invention comprises the steps of: basic calling module receives the congestion direction message; judge whether the system congestion indicated by said congestion direction message is sporadic or sustaining; control the switching of user calling load according to the judgment whether the system congestion indicated by said congestion direction message is sporadic or sustaining. The aggressive effectiveness brought by present invention are: the system has the higher stability and reliability; when the traffic overload state occurs, the setup of maximum calling number can be guaranteed and the system can also restore to the normal load state. Soft module doesn't influence the setup of normal calling, nor does the setup of urgency special service calling; the system possesses good adaptability, the controlling of load is efficient and stable, and has the self-adapting overload controlling capability.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting inter-carrier call looping. In one embodiment, the present invention is a method that can be used to reliably detect inter-network routing loops and kill associated calls using a modified ISUP Hop Counter parameter to be sent across network boundaries. Detection of inter-network loops prevents routing loops, those involving two or more carrier networks, from generating additional signaling traffic that can aggregate to overload signaling networks.

Abstract: Particular embodiments provide intelligent overload control for contact centers. In one embodiment, an overload condition at a contact center is determined. When the overload condition exists, a contact evaluation metric for a connection to a contact is determined. The contact evaluation metric may evaluate the value of a contact, such as whether the contact is a high-value or low-value contact. An action to perform for the contact is then determined based on the contact evaluation metric. For example, if the contact is considered a high-value contact, then the contact may be serviced; however, if the contact is considered a low-value contact, then the contact may be gapped.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to manage collect phone calling limits are disclosed. A disclosed example method comprises: determining if collect calls from one or more predetermined locations to a terminating phone number have exceeded a collect calls limit; and determining a future date when collect calls will be permitted from the one or more predetermined locations to the terminating phone number if the collect calls limit has been exceeded.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting inter-carrier call looping. In one embodiment, the present invention is a method that can be used to reliably detect inter-network routing loops and kill associated calls using a modified ISUP Hop Counter parameter to be sent across network boundaries. Detection of inter-network loops prevents routing loops, those involving two or more carrier networks, from generating additional signaling traffic that can aggregate to overload signaling networks.

Abstract: Congestion problems in networks are alleviated with a method that works toward insuring that unused capacity will always exist in elements of a network that are resources which are shared by a plurality of users and which, consequently, can be overloaded. In response to each request to establish a connection over a path in the network, pursuant to a predetermined algorithm the method services the request, declines to service the request, or services the request after dropping an established connection. In one embodiment, when unused capacity on the path is above a first preselected level, all requests are serviced. When unused capacity falls below a second preselected threshold, no requests are serviced. When unused capacity is between the first and second thresholds, an existing data connection is dropped if a requested connection is a voice connection and the number of existing data connections exceeds a preselected threshold.

Abstract: A network includes a space chattering mechanism for maximizing server throughput under overload conditions. The server provides control messages to various network traffic sources, which can require differing control instructions.

Abstract: A selective blocking request is sent from a requesting network element to an SCF (system control function component), where the request identifies a targeted network element. The SCF may then block communications from the targeted network element to the requesting network element, or it may send an ACG (automatic code gapping) message to the targeted network element requesting it to stop sending communications to the requesting network element. This technique offers the advantage of allowing an overloaded network element to reduce its workload while informing other components of the network that messages from a targeted network component will not be accepted by the overloaded network element.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting variable VPA testing is disclosed. The method includes provisions to detect or measure the utilization of a trunk line and use that information to establish a level of VPA testing for that trunk line. Although a wide variety of relationships between the utilization and the amount of VPA testing conducted can be used, the relationship is preferably a generally inverse relationship, in which the amount of VPA testing conducted on a particular trunk is reduced as traffic or utilization of the trunk increases. Conversely, as traffic or utilization of the trunk deceases, the amount of testing conducted on the trunk increases.

Abstract: Performance parameters of a switch may be ascertained by observing its behavior during a brief interval of high call volume. This may be achieved by accumulating call messages on a queue before allowing them to be processed together as a group. Without increasing the rate of incident calls, an accumulation of messages is accomplished by altering the amount of time that elapses between transferring the accumulation to a processing queue. In one implementation, test calls are accumulated in call input queue. Ordinarily, these calls are transferred to a second queue for processing every few milliseconds (the transfer period). By increasing the transfer period, an increased number of calls are stored in the call input queue before being transferred to the second queue. This allows a larger number of calls to be processed by the telephone switch in a given cycle and, hence, allows the switch's operation under increased call volumes to be observed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to manage collect phone calling limits are disclosed. A disclosed example method comprises: determining if collect calls from one or more predetermined locations to a terminating phone number have exceeded a collect calls limit; and determining a future date when collect calls will be permitted from the one or more predetermined locations to the terminating phone number if the collect calls limit has been exceeded.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for detecting and facilitating amelioration of mass call event in a telephonic network. A detector monitors call attempts to form call connections during operation of the telephonic network. When more than a selected level of call attempts are made to a particular one, or more than one, called station within a selected period, a mass call event is considered to have occurred and detection thereof is made. A notifier initiates notification of other network elements in the telephonic network, and the rate at which call connections are permitted with the called stations is limited during the duration of the mass call event.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling telephone communications through a communication switch during intervals of call traffic volume in excess of a threshold call traffic volume includes: (a) a call traffic volume sensing device coupled with the communication switch and measuring the call traffic volume during selected intervals; and (b) a call traffic control device coupled with at least one of the communication switch and the call traffic volume sensing device. The call traffic control device cooperates with the communication switch to involuntarily terminate selected calls through the communication switch when at least one selected parameter is exceeded. The at least one selected parameter includes the call traffic volume.

Abstract: Congestion problems in networks are alleviated with a method that works toward insuring that unused capacity will always exist in elements of a network that are resources which are shared by a plurality of users and which, consequently, can be overloaded. In response to each request to establish a connection over a path in the network, pursuant to a predetermined algorithm the method services the request, declines to service the request, or services the request after dropping an established connection. In one embodiment, when unused capacity on the path is above a first preselected level, all requests are serviced. When unused capacity falls below a second preselected threshold, no requests are serviced. When unused capacity is between the first and second thresholds, an existing data connection is dropped if a requested connection is a voice connection and the number of existing data connections exceeds a preselected threshold.