Abstract: Methods and systems for flow migration between virtual network appliances in a cloud computing network are described. A network appliances managing architecture for migrating flow between VNAs including a controller to receive performance data for a VNA and analyze the performance data to determine whether the VNA has a weak performance status, where the weak performance status corresponds to any one of an overloaded, an under-loaded, and a failed status. The network appliances managing architecture further includes a classifier to receive a flow migration request from the controller for migrating one or more flows of data packets from the VNA based on the analyzing. The classifier further identifies an active VNA for flow migration based on a mapping policy and migrates the one or more flows from the VNA to the at least one active VNA.

Abstract: A system and method blend particular quality considerations into the process of expanding the route choices in a route table, such that more calls can be successfully routed while maximizing certain objectives. The quality considerations drive how additional routes are chosen for the route table and how call volumes are allocated to the chosen routes so that overall profitability can be maximized within the governing constraints of quality targets, route quality, predicted traffic, and route capacity.

Abstract: A system, method and non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising instructions that when read by a processor perform receiving a telephony connection request, determining addressing information regarding the telephony connection request, the addressing information including at least routing information or a phone number, determining traffic information regarding the telephony connection request based on the addressing information, the traffic information including previous telephony connection requests, sending a reply in response to the telephony connection request, wherein: forwarding the telephony connection request to an intended recipient would result in a system response, and the reply differs from the system response.

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: The present technology is directed to systems and methods for integrating route and rank information into call detail records. The system receives information relating to a communication that is established between a first communication device and a second communication device. The information includes routing information for the established communication that includes at least a route identifier and a rank identifier. The system records the received route identifier and the rank identifier in a call detail record that is generated for the established communication. The route and rank information may be analyzed to for various purposes including troubleshooting and quality improvement.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for managing a Voice over IP (VoIP) network includes collecting a first set of data from a first source of network performance management data, each data item in the first set of data corresponding to a call made using the VoIP network; collecting a second set of data from a second source of network performance management data, each data item in the second set of data corresponding to a call made using the VoIP network and being of a different type than the first set of data; correlating the first set of data and the second set of data such that a data item from the first set of data is matched with a data item from the second set of data that corresponds to a common call made over the VoIP network; and outputting a performance report based on the correlating.

Abstract: A system and method blend particular quality considerations into the process of expanding the route choices in a route table, such that more calls can be successfully routed while maximizing certain objectives. The quality considerations drive how additional routes are chosen for the route table and how call volumes are allocated to the chosen routes so that overall profitability can be maximized within the governing constraints of quality targets, route quality, predicted traffic, and route capacity.

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: Methods, systems, and media for identifying areas of outbound roaming on a wireless network are disclosed. A roaming-network event record listing roaming events of subscribers of a home network is received. A home-network event record listing network events on a home network is also received. The two records are correlated to identify roaming events and network events having matching caller identifiers and time stamps within a predetermined range. Location data of a network event is adopted as location data for a matching roaming event. A home-network wireless-communications antenna, tower, or station having a service area in which a concentration of roaming events have occurred is identified. The distance of the roaming events from the antenna is determined and distance bands corresponding to that distance are plotted on a map to aid in identifying locations at which outbound roaming has occurred.

Abstract: A method and charging system for facilitating interim billing for an IMS session is provided. The method may include receiving time-based interim accounting messages at CDFs from NEs (i.e., CTFs) of an IMS network serving an IMS session, opening or updating interim CDRs for each NE serving the IMS session based on the time-based interim accounting messages, extracting accounting record numbers from the time-based interim accounting messages, the accounting record numbers uniquely identifying the time-based interim accounting message in relation to other interim accounting messages from the corresponding NE for the IMS session, and determining if a partial record closing trigger has been reached for the IMS session, wherein the interim processing trigger is a function of the accounting record number extracted from the time-based interim accounting message for the corresponding NE, an AII value, and a partial record closing threshold.

Abstract: An architecture and accompanying method and apparatus for providing multi vendor administration of telephone numbers being ported from one service provider to another.

Abstract: The invention of present provides for a real-time authentication and billing gateway for WLAN traffic. Notably, the improved method for implementing a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) gateway system enables telecommunications network operators (and like entities) to rate and bill for services accessed by the wireless user. The logic of the invention supports and furthers the art in regards to advanced real-time rating/billing in addition to providing for a variety of replenishment mechanisms for casual users via pre-paid vouchers and credit cards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for detecting and terminating a looping condition occurring in a telecommunications network comprising receiving a call offer comprising receiving call identification data associated with the call offer at a switching component, querying a looping engine using the call identification data to detect a looping condition, identifying a number of occurrences of the call identification data within a predetermined time frame, comparing the number of occurrences against a predetermined count, and returning a message to the switching component based on the comparison, the message indicating whether a looping condition exists in the telecommunications network.

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 system and method of mobile communication roaming where a subscriber's home network and a roaming network used by the subscriber do not have a roaming agreement. The roaming network sends a “Send Authentication/Parameters” request to the home network via an intelligent roaming system on or attached to the backbone. The home network sends an authentication response to the “Send Authentication/Parameters” request from the home network to the roaming network via the backbone and intelligent roaming system. The roaming network sends a “Update Location” request from the roaming network to the intelligent roaming system. The visitor locator register (VLR) address in the “Update Location” request is replaced with the VLR address of the intelligent roaming system to create a modified update request. The modified update request is sent from the intelligent roaming system to the home network.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a cloud computing call center that may provide a multi-tenanted platform for scalable, dynamic allocation of telephony, PBX, and call center capabilities. Embodiments of the invention include implementations of a software telephony switch in a cloud computing environment that may dynamically allocate software based PBXes, virtual interactive voice responses (IVRs), and other system components to particular calls.

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: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate efficient communications handoff for access terminals in a wireless network. In an aspect, a method to handoff communications in a wireless network is provided. The method includes decoding assignment messages from one or more sectors in an active set and performing an access terminal handoff based at least in part on the active set.

Abstract: A storage unit manages a receiving order by storing a received call processing message. A retention unit retains key information, which is included in the call processing message, and element information, which is correlated to the key information and included in the call processing message, by updating the two pieces of information for every key information at every time when receiving the call processing message. A call processing execution unit carries out a call processing for each call processing message stored by the storage unit at a predetermined time interval in a lump based on the key information and element information stored by the retention unit.

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: A network element (20), such as a PDSN or home agent, upon determining (11) a need to effect a call management operation, then determines (12) whether to constrain the facilitation of that call management operation. When determining that the call management operation should be constrained, the network element can facilitate (14) that call management operation while imposing an artificial facilitation constraint. For example, the rate at which the call management operation is executed with respect to a plurality of existing calls can be specified.

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: 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: In a radio communication system that includes multiple service areas, each service area is associated with a predetermined number or amount of radio communication resources. Each radio communication resource can be used for a prescribed period of time corresponding to one or more time units. An operator or other entity identifies a set of service areas to be tested at an increased effective load. A desired test level (e.g., increased traffic load) is determined, and a corresponding number of radio resource time units is determined to achieve the desired test level conditions. Use of radio communication resources in the determined one or more time units is blocked for a test period. Performance by each service area during the test period is determined.

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: 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.

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

Abstract: This patent concerns a system and method for detecting a mass calling event in a telephone system and to regulate telephone calls to a call destination for which a mass calling event has been detected where a packet transport network and Call Server is integrated into the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). A packet transport network and a central Call Server implement switching functionality traditionally provided by numerous Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) switches within the PSTN. A credit bucket mechanism is used for call regulation in a mass calling event. The packet network may be based on (but is not limited to) ATM, Frame Relay, or IP packet protocols.

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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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: A traffic monitor listens passively on the data link used to communicate among switching systems for setting up telephone calls for call setup messages and checks the call setup messages for destination telephone number. If it determines that the destination telephone number is for an Internet service provider (ISP), the system reports the point code of the originating office. By analyzing the output of the traffic monitor according to this invention, local exchange carrier (LEC) may reconfigure its network to remove feature rich switches from the ISP call delivery network and replace them with a small tandem-like switch.

Abstract: A computerized method of preserving stable calls during a split mode operation of telecommunications equipment includes the steps of sending a call block update message from a first side of the telecommunications equipment to a second side of the telecommunications equipment. The call block update message includes dynamic call state data on the stable call handled by the first side and stored in a call block file in the first side of the telecommunications equipment. The method includes sending a call block update acknowledgement message from the second side of the telecommunications equipment to the first side of the telecommunications equipment in response to receiving the call block update message. The above steps are repeated until all dynamic call state data in the call block file is duplicated and sent to the second side.

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 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.

Abstract: A system for selectively blocking or dropping calls in a telecommunications network. The system includes a first mechanism that monitors usage of the telecommunications network and provides a gauging signal in response thereto when the network usage exceeds a predetermined threshold. A second mechanism determines a percentage of calls to block by the network in response to the gauging signal. The percentage of calls to block corresponds to a desired number of blocked calls out of a certain number of calls. A third mechanism automatically blocks the percentage of calls out of the certain number of calls. In a specific embodiment, the third mechanism includes an additional mechanism that accounts for values of the percentage that do not evenly divide into the certain number of calls. The additional mechanism includes another mechanism that accounts for a remainder resulting from a division of the certain number of calls by the desired number of calls to be blocked.

Abstract: Method for registering an overload situation in a telephone exchange system comprising a local exchange (LE), an access node (AN), a concentrating interface (V5) connecting the access node (AN) to the local exchange (LE), a resource manager (RMA), which is part of the local exchange (LE) and a statistical unit (STU), which is part of the local exchange (LE). The method comprises the steps of scanning the concentrating interface (V5) to find a free time slot and detecting by means of the resource manager (RMA) that the concentrating interface (V5) is overloaded. The method further comprises the steps of sending to the statistical unit (STU) a message reporting congestion, based on information existing in the resource manager (RMA), and recording the congestion situation into a traffic measurement report by means of the statistical unit (STU).

Abstract: In a supervisory control system where an upper supervisory control terminal supervises and controls transmitting devices, the upper supervisory control terminal has two supervisory states. The transmitting devices store state change information to be transmitted to the upper supervisory control terminal with an issue of the information being suppressed when the upper supervisory control terminal is in one supervisory state, and merge the state change information into a single message to be transmitted when the upper supervisory control terminal shifts to the other supervisory state.

Abstract: A process and system is disclosed for determining automatically and dynamically the correct time segment during which a switch or components of a switch receive peak traffic from a communications network. The process collects traffic data regarding the usage of a selected switch or selected switch components. The traffic data is collected over a selected journalling period (e.g., 30 days), which is periodically updated with new traffic data to maintain a journal of the most recent 30 days of collected traffic data. Collected traffic data, is filtered to remove aberrant or corrupting data. An average peak usage segment for all of the segments of the journalling period is selected from the remaining filtered traffic data. By regularly adding new data to and removing old data from the journal, the resulting moving window will reflect recent changes in peak usage. Regularly (e.g.