Abstract: A method and apparatus for call-limiting one or more candidate calls received by a router is disclosed. The method and apparatus may be configured to determine whether ringing one or more candidate calls will exceed a predetermined power limit. If ringing the calls will not exceed said power limit, the calls may be forwarded. If ringing the calls will exceed the power limit, the calls may be placed in a queue.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting inter-carrier call looping using a modified Hop Counter parameter.

Abstract: A method for alleviating congestion problems in prior art networks delays provision of dial tone signals to terminals that are, likely, carrying out a re-dial attempt in excess of a preselected number of re-dial attempts. A determination that the terminal seeking to establish a connection is likely carrying out a re-dial attempt may be based on numerous factors, such as the time since the last time the terminal desired to establish a call, the duration of the last call, etc. The delay that is imposed is, advantageously, sensitive to the number of times the terminal has attempted a re-dial, and on other conditions, such as the cause of the failure to establish a connection, network congestion conditions, etc. In imposing the dial tone delay, identities of the terminals that are to receive a delayed dial tone are placed in a FIFO queue.

Abstract: Each communication is classified into any one of a plurality of communication types in advance. A plurality of threshold values used for determining whether or not the resources are to be allocated are set up in advance. The plurality of threshold values differ from each other according to the communication types and a predetermined number of divided traffic amount ranges such that a difference in ease of resource allocation between the communication types increases as a traffic value increases. When a communication connection request is made, the traffic of communication being executed is measured. A threshold value is selected according to the communication type of a communication associated with the connection request and the measured traffic. Whether or not resources maybe allocated to the communication associated with the connection request is determined based on the selected threshold value and the measured traffic.

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: Overload conditions affecting a processor of a network switch or the like are substantially eliminated, and the processing of traffic is gradually allowed to increase, by inserting, and then monitoring one or more probes which are placed into a queue of the processor. During a given measurement interval, if the number of probes exceeds a threshold then an overload condition exists. This condition is subsequently reduced using “multiplicative decrease” techniques. Conversely, if the threshold is not exceeded and there is little or no chance an overload condition can quickly reappear, traffic is allowed to once again be processed gradually using “additive increase” techniques.

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: Overload conditions affecting a processor of a network switch or the like are substantially eliminated, and the processing of traffic is gradually allowed to increase, by inserting, and then monitoring one or more probes which are placed into a queue of the processor. During a given measurement interval, if the number of probes exceeds a threshold then an overload condition exists. This condition is subsequently reduced using “multiplicative decrease” techniques. Conversely, if the threshold is not exceeded and there is little or no chance an overload condition can quickly reappear, traffic is allowed to once again be processed gradually using “additive increase” techniques.

Abstract: Congestion problems in networks are alleviated with a method that works toward insuring the 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 a request to establish a connection over a path in the network, pursuant to a predetermined algorithm method either services the request, declines to service the request, or services the request after dropping an established connection. In one embodiment, when unused cavity on the path is above a preselected level, all requests are services. What unused capacity falls below a preselected threshold, a probabilistic approach is taken as to service the request or not, and as whether to drop an existing call in order to service the request.

Abstract: A method of suppressing overload in a telecommunications network involves the second node (1) receiving a signal that calls it has sent to a target node are being rejected and (2) reducing the rate of calls it sends to the target node in response. The network could be a UMTS or other third generation (36) network.

Abstract: A method for generating and distributing telephonic traffic. The method includes receiving a call profile from a user interface, generating a traffic distribution from the call profile. The method then creates a traffic profile from the traffic distributions and receives at least one call hold time from a user interface, and then transmits the traffic profile and the at least one call hold time to a call generator. Also included is a traffic distribution generator. The traffic distribution generator includes a traffic graphical user interface, user input controls on the traffic graphical user interface and a processor to generate traffic distributions and the distribution and create a traffic profile from the distributions, and a port operable to transmit the traffic profile to a bulk call generator.

Abstract: Method for registering an overload situation in a telephone exchange system comprising a local exchange, an access node, a concentrating interface connecting the access node to the local exchange, a resource manager, which is part of the local exchange and a statistical unit, which is part of the local exchange. The method comprises the steps of scanning the concentrating interface to find a free time slot and detecting by means of the resource manager that the concentrating interface is overloaded. The method further comprises the steps of sending to the statistical unit a message reporting congestion, based on information existing in the resource manager, and recording the congestion situation into a traffic measurement report by means of the statistical unit.

Abstract: A method and system that processes voice and non-voice data is configured to insure that the processing of the voice data is given priority over the processing of the non-voice data, to ensure that callers experience smooth, uninterrupted conversations. An estimate of processing load dedicated to processing only non-voice data is calculated. A plurality of quota data objects are established to monitor and control the allocation of the processing load dedicated to processing only the non-voice data during a current quota period.

Abstract: A call distribution system, suitable for use in a network supporting a telemarketing call center, maintains call counts at a global data server and at a number of transaction servers which are connected in common to the global data server. A choice is made of either the global count or the local count to be used in addressing a distribution map which determines the destination for a particular call. The distribution map may be a minimum error map which minimizes the deviation from a planned distribution ratio wherever a call sequence is terminated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for managing at least one capability characteristic (F1, F2, F3), which is subject to license or for managing at least one group (G1, G2, G3) of capability characteristics (F1, F2, F3) which are subject to license, of a switching system of a telecommunications network. According to the invention, at least one use counter (C, E1, E2) at a time is assigned to the at least one capability (characteristic (F1, F2, F3) and/or to the at least one group (G1, G2, G3) of capability characteristics (F1, F2, F3). Said use counter indicates the current number of uses of the capability characteristic (F1, F2, F3) or of the at least one group (G1, G2, G3) of capability characteristics (F1, F2, F3).

Abstract: A service switching point counts the number of pending queries sent to a service control point and awaiting a response. When the counted number reaches a threshold, further call attempts are rejected. This prevents the load on the service control point from becoming excessive.

Abstract: In an intelligent network system, a service subscriber can remotely execute a procedure, such as a registration or a change of the contents of service, which is performed by an operator in the conventional system, through an external terminal by him or her. The intelligent network system includes a service control point that controls services and provides a database storing data relating to a service subscriber; a service management system, which monitors load on the service control point, stores and manages data relating to the service subscriber; external terminals owned by the service subscriber; and a remote access management system, which is interfaced with the external terminal. The service management system updates and records the data of the updated subscriber's service, which is transmitted through the remote access management system, in the database of the service control point, when the service control point does not over-load.

Abstract: In an intelligent network system, a service subscriber can remotely execute a procedure, such as a registration or a change of the contents of service, which is performed by an operator in the conventional system, through an external terminal by him or her. The intelligent network system includes a service control point that controls services and provides a database storing data relating to a service subscriber; a service management system, which monitors load on the service control point, stores and manages data relating to the service subscriber; external terminals owned by the service subscriber; and a remote access management system, which is interfaced with the external terminal. The service management system updates and records the data of the updated subscriber's service, which is transmitted through the remote access management system, in the database of the service control point, when the service control point does not over-load.

Abstract: On a transaction network that supports short-duration electronic transactions within multiple service classes between input terminals and host processors, such as for credit card purchases, a network anomaly detector monitors the network to determine a potential fault either on or off the network before an actual network failure occurs. The network anomaly detector is provided with current transaction data for ongoing transactions, which data for each transaction includes the service class of the transaction, the start time of the transaction and the duration of the transaction. The current transaction data is converted to a traffic intensity, which provides a temporal measure of the traffic on the network within each predetermined binning interval for each service class.

Abstract: A service control point (24) includes an overload control system (50) that determines an overload rating (70) for an intelligent processing unit (82). The overload control system (50) includes a latency estimator (52) that requests and receives a latency (66) for a service logic interpreter (62). A queue depth store (54) receives a queue depth (68) from the service logic interpreter (62). A common memory (56) stores the latency (66) and the queue depth (68) in memory mapped files. A load estimator (58) determines the overload rating (70) in response to the latency (66) and the queue depth (68). The load estimator (58) compares the overload rating (70) to a previous overload rating and issues an internal problem report if a difference is detected. A TCAP interface (60) and a service logic program (64) assess the overload rating (70) to determine if incoming service requests should be passed on to the service logic interpreter (62), rerouted, or discarded.

Abstract: A method and system for priority access channel allocation within a telecommunication subsystem in which channel access requests are categorized within a prioritization system that includes a first priority level, and a second priority level which is lower than in priority with respect to the first priority level. A targeted blocking rate is first assigned to the first priority level. During active operation of the telecommunication subsystem, a statistical estimation of an actual traffic intensity for the first priority level is performed. Thereafter, the targeted blocking rate and estimated traffic intensity are utilized in computing a blocking threshold for the first priority level. This blocking threshold defines a number of channels, n, to which access by the second priority level will be blocked, such that the first priority level may achieve its assigned targeted blocking rate.

Abstract: A switch includes a repetitive call detection unit which detects a repetitive call which occupies channels in an identical channel group. A release unit releases the channels occupied by the repetitive call when the repetitive call is detected. A restriction unit stores information concerning the repetitive call and imposes a restriction on a connection of a call having information identical to the information concerning the repetitive call. A test unit determines whether a cause of the repetitive call has been removed. A restriction release unit releases the above restriction in accordance with a result of determination by the test unit.

Abstract: A dynamic traffic management method and apparatus is provided for intelligent network (IN) systems. This invention provides for dynamic, real-time Traffic Management of the SSP by the SCP in an IN without manual intervention by telecommunications system technicians. The traffic management issues are moved from the switch to an intelligent network node, thereby furthering the spirit of intelligent networks.

Abstract: The subscriber's busy hour detection system includes the steps of setting a first observation period with respect to each of a plurality of subscribers to be observed and comparing the number of calls of each subscriber stored in a first counter within a specific first time zone in the first observation period with a first threshold value set in advance to select a subscriber whose said number of calls exceeds said first threshold value as a target whose traffic in a second time zone shorter than said first time zone is to be observed, setting a second observation period after said first observation period with respect to each of said plurality of selected subscribers to be observed and comparing the number of calls of each subscriber stored in a second counter within specific said second time zone in the second observation period with a second threshold value set in advance to select a subscriber whose said number of calls exceeds said second threshold value as a target whose traffic in a third time zon

Abstract: In the routing method and apparatus a second routing attempt via an alternate path from an originating node is implemented for a call given an unsuccessful routing attempt via a preferred route, i.e. the call is offered a further alternate path to the destination node. The evaluation of the effectiveness of the rerouting is updated at each call per traffic relationship (originating/destination node pair), using an evaluation storing device. A decision is made based on the evaluation as to whether the rerouting for this traffic relationship is to be maintained or throttled for following calls.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data supplied on the report data stream of an electronic switching system or other generator of a report or log data stream or file. Local data storage facilities are provided to receive and store report data stream information for one or more switches. A centralized data storage and analysis facility receives the data collected by the local facilities. A parser parses the collected report data to select and reformat report items of interest according to predefined selection triggers. A post processing facility includes pattern identification and pattern classification components. The pattern identification component reads the parsed, selected report items and extracts a pattern comprising the selection triggers and function call addresses associated with each event. The pattern classification component determines whether the identified pattern for each event is old or newly encountered.

Abstract: To provide secure communications to a PBX (20,22) the PBX is connected to two different local exchanges of the PSTN. On recognising a telephone number designating calls to the PBX service switching points (2) apply to service control points (8) for route translations. The SCP (8) directs calls though the network alternately to network connections on one DLE (say 1c) and then to the other DLE (1b). In the event of a predetermined number of call failure on one of the route all subsequent calls are directed to the other route until a predetermined number of call failures occur on the other route where upon consecutive calls are again offered alternately.

Abstract: Constrained operation performance of exchanges (50) and switches (16, 216) of wireline communication systems (10) is mitigated and single entry point management of the system maintained through the provision of a distributed multi-service hub (MSH) sub-net (350) architecture in which individual MSHs (302-308) have hidden point codes (1001-1003). A signalling server (352) is able to translate an address of the MSH sub-net into a point code associated with an MSH entry point into the MSH sub-net, while dialled digit information pertaining to a service or party identifies a related MSH exit point from the MSH sub-net (350). A path can therefore be established, with the signalling server (352) further required to ensure that the hidden point code associated with the MSH exit point is translated back to the address of the MSH sub-net in onward routing of signalling messages to the dialled service or party.

Abstract: A method that specifies a congestion management strategy for a SVC (Switched Virtual Circuit) controller in a connection-oriented network. The rate of setup messages arriving at a given interface handled by the controller and the aggregate number of calls being established are compared against a set of thresholds to determine whether or not to allow new call setup messages from being processed. The congestion strategy regulates the consumption of controller resources such as processor load and memory utilization.

Abstract: An apparatus which provides for the management of high telecommunications traffic volume within a switching exchange, or between exchanges, includes a timer, which measures switching exchange resource use time, and a timer reduction unit, which is used to intelligently adjust the value of the timer responsive to predetermined conditions, which can be switching exchange loading conditions, such as a number of calls simultaneously active or a number of occupied resources; a timing condition, such as the time of day; or an event, such as connection pathway repairs, a remote exchange loading condition, remote timing condition, or other activity. The invention includes a method of operating a switching exchange which includes sensing an existing condition within the exchange and comparing it to a predetermined condition, and reducing the time-out value of a timer within the exchange if the existing condition and predetermined condition are equivalent.

Abstract: In a communications network, a count is maintained of the number of calls made to a selected number. The number may be that of an answering center or of any other destination which has the capacity to handle a multiplicity of calls simultaneously. The count is automatically updated when calls are admitted to the number and when they are terminated. If a new call would take the number of calls in progress above a stored value for the maximum capacity of the number, then the call is rejected. In one implementation, resources are allocated dynamically on an Overload Control Server to a particular destination number only when congestion occurs. The stored value for the capacity may be amended automatically depending on the response of the network to admitted calls. The value for the capacity may initially be estimated as a function of the holding times for calls to the destination number.

Abstract: A general dimensioning method and system for allocating limited transmission resources to various virtual paths defined on top of a physical network. A two-level hierarchical structure is defined with a layer of one or more virtual paths on top of a layer of physical network elements. Traffic demand is specified for each virtual path and the Entropy Rate Function is used as a blocking measure. The loads on the various links are balanced by equalizing blocking probabilities and the optimal allocation of network physical resources is determined.