Abstract: Interconnect traffic between local exchange carrier (LECS) networks and other carrier networks, particularly competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) networks, dictates a need for efficient monitoring and analysis of the interconnect traffic. In accord with the invention, monitor equipment on the LEC network captures call related messages produced by the LEC network and compiles data from those messages to form call detail records for the interconnect traffic. These records are loaded into a relational database. A data preparation routine enhances the data, for example, by translating certain codes from the records into more useful text and by spreading or binning usage over predefined time intervals. An on-line analytical processing program runs one or more applications to allow the LEC to analyze the interconnect traffic between the LEC network and the other carrier's network. The analysis provides useful traffic data for accounting purposes, e.g.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for observing and controlling a multi-layered communication network, comprising steps of: storing control contents for each layer; observing traffic information of each link which belongs to an upper layer; storing the traffic information observed and related information for each link; altering a route in a lower layer and capacity for each link based on the observed traffic information for each link, related information for each link and the control contents for each layer.

Abstract: A method and a system for building an Integrated Call Detail Records data base in a telecommunications network in real time, by collecting call related events concerning a particular call from two or more data sources by at least one suitable probe, merging the call related events and recording the merged events with respect to each particular call in real time using computerized means associated with the probe(s). The data sources may be mixed, i.e. comprising at least one bearer data source and at least one signaling data source; however, they may be sources of signaling data only. The sources of information may be situated at different interface points of the communication network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for universal call identification. One embodiment includes a method in a telephone call processing system for maintaining information about a call. The method includes creating a universal call identification for the call the call is received in the system. A call includes each of a multiple call segments that occur between a first connection of a caller resource to a call processing system resource and a disconnection of the caller resource from the call processing system. The method also includes creating a record of each of the call segments.

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: A telecommunications system and method are disclosed for providing information relating to a telephone call associated with an access point within a telecommunications system, such as a telephone line or telephone number, to a software application in substantial real time. The system and method include assigning a destination address to the telecommunications system access point about which telephone call information is desired, and sending an electronic message to the destination address in response to a telephone call being established utilizing the access point. The electronic message includes, among other things, information relating to the telephone call and the access point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a traffic measurement in a telecommunication network is disclosed, wherein a real-time traffic intensity measurement is based on a total reservation time calculation of an object, each time the traffic state of the object is changed. The object can be any circuit of a circuit group and the state change can be a circuit reservation or release. Since the total reservation time is calculated at any state change of the object, state changes are considered regardless of the actual reporting time. Thus, exact and real-time traffic intensity values can be obtained.

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: A cable network repair control system including a server communicating with multiple call-handling clients in a trouble call center. The databases are used to automatically determine an associated network device for the customer who makes a trouble call. When a second call is received for a particular network device, an inferencing engine automatically operates to identify potential repairs crews and to control communication with them to ensure that optimum use of the repair crew time and quick repair. Various tables are generated dynamically and are used to update management status tables for reviewing of network repair status.

Abstract: A system and method downloads data and reconfigures the data into a database. A telephone user purchases a specific number of lines and specific services (i.e., call waiting) from a telephone company. The telephony company then programs a switch associated with that user so that the user receives the services purchased. The telephone company also inserts the user's purchases into a database used for generating the user's bills. Discrepancies can occur between the data in the switch and the data in the billing database. Billing correction is performed by downloading all of the data within a switch, reconfiguring the data into a database and then comparing the switch database against the billing database to detect billing errors. To facilitate ease of this billing correction process, the switch database is transmitted to the billing correction center via a network instead of the traditional method of using direct tape copies of the switch being physically transported to the billing correction center.

Abstract: A system and method for partitioning call detail records (CDRs) is disclosed. CDRs are grouped and routed based on one or more digits of the billable telephone number or the billable mobile identification number (MIN). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the last two digits of the billable telephone number or MIN are used. Once partitioned, the CDRs may be distributed across multiple processes for additional processing. In addition, subscriber, rate, and other information that may be necessary for usage processing is routed to processes based on the corresponding billable telephone number or MIN.

Abstract: A management switch includes a central processing unit (CPU), network ports, a modem, an RS-232 serial port for establishing communications with a server over a serial cable or with the modem, and a memory for storing programs and data. The memory holds a network management program for analyzing network traffic on the network ports, identifying an emergency condition according to the network traffic, and generating an associated emergency condition identifier; a contact telephone number; emergency messages, and an emergency call-out program. The emergency call-out program utilizes the modem to dial the contact telephone number and send an emergency message determined by the emergency condition identifier. A switch causes the RS-232C port to communicate either with the server or with the modem.

Abstract: A CAN microcontroller that supports a plurality of uniquely-numbered message objects, that includes a processor core that runs CAN applications, a plurality of message buffers associated with respective ones of the message objects, and a CAN/CAL module. The CAN microcontroller further includes a plurality of individual message object registers associated with each message object, including at least one control register that contains an interrupt-enable control bit, a receive enable bit, and a transmit enable bit. The CAN microcontroller also includes a plurality of global message object control registers, including at least one message complete status register that contains a plurality of status flag bits for respective ones of the message objects, at least one interrupt flag register that contains a receive complete interrupt flag bit and a transmit complete interrupt flag bit, and a message complete info register that contains a plurality of message object identification bits and a status bit.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling the call monitoring functions performed by an automated call placement system (ACP) and an ACP incorporating the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a controller, coupled to the call monitoring unit and having a single wire pair interface, that transmits traffic carried on the selected one of the lines via the interface, transmits function menus via the interface, receives in-band control commands via the interface and controls functions of the call monitoring unit in response thereto and (2) an in-band data-capable device having a display, coupled to the interface via a single wire pair, that receives and audibly reproduces the traffic, displays the function menus on the display and transmits the in-band control commands to the controller thereby to control the call monitoring unit.

Abstract: A method for using at least one Bad Billed Number Record (BBN) to detect fraud in a telecommunication system includes the steps of generating the at least one BBN for each call attempt made using a billing product, when the call attempt satisfies any one of a plurality of fraud criteria; storing the at least one BBN in a storage queue for later retrieval; and retrieving and analyzing the at least one BBN to increment a plurality of fraud control counters according to the analysis. A system for using a plurality of BBNs to detect fraud in a telecommunications system includes a network operator service platform (OSP) for generating BBNs based on received call attempts; a network information concentrator (NIC) for temporarily storing the generated BBNs; and a fraud monitoring system for retrieving the stored BBNs, filtering out unidentifiable BBNs, analyzing identifiable BBNs, and generating alarms based on the analysis.

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 method and apparatus for providing customers with telecommunications intelligence in the form of call management reports. When a call is made to a subscriber of the service provided herein, a call detail record is created using the Telephone Company's Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). Each call that is made to the customer is processed using AIN service logic programs (SLPs). The SLP is invoked by an AIN trigger that is applied to the track telephone number(s) of the customers that subscribe to this service. For each inbound call, the SLP records several pieces of identifying information in a call detail record. Periodically, the AIN application accumulates the call detail records for all customers subscribing to the service. The information is processed to retrieve the desired data from the call detail records, and the data retrieved is used to develop call management reports for each subscriber of the service.

Abstract: It is a problem with telecommunication equipment, such as a telephone exchange, that the counters produce so much information that the processes, such as statistic, traffic management and charging, do not have the time to process them. The system according to the invention includes two main blocks: the first main block is formed by one or more report request service blocks (21) and the second main block (22) is formed by one or more counter service blocks, each of which monitors one or more counters (c1, . . . , cn). The report request service block relays a start-up message (23) to those counter service blocks (e.g. 24) from which it needs counter information. The conditions on which the counter information is desired are stated in the message. The condition may be exceeding/falling short of a given threshold value or the condition may be a timetable, e.g. a time slot, in accordance with which the counter value is to be stated.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a digital line signal using a key phone in a private exchange system.

Abstract: A telecommunications call routing and billing computer system includes a telecommunications network including a junction point including a call routing switching device, and including two call routing links meeting at the junction point and in communication with each other through the call routing switching device; and a call routing simulation network including a junction point simulation computer located at the junction point and in communication with the call routing switching device and the two call routing links.

Abstract: A variety of methods and systems can be used to achieve electronic surveillance when a call is directed to a destination as a result of service processing. For example, in a system involving a redirecting switch and a service platform switch, correlation between calling party identities for outgoing and incoming call legs can be done to identify a hairpin loop scenario. Upon detection of such a scenario, an appropriate electronic surveillance message can be sent to a monitoring device indicating the call's destination. Correlation information can be collected from available call setup signaling parameters. The methods and systems can be applied, for example, to systems involving directory assistance call completion, voice-activated dialing, voicemail callback, and prepaid services.

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 predictive model system is used to detect telecommunications fraud. Call records (CDRs) provided by telephone companies are evaluated against specified rules. If one or more rules are matched, the system generates an alert. Pending alerts for a customer form a case, describing the caller's calling patterns. A predictive model determines a score that is predictive of the likelihood that the call involved fraud. Cases are queued for examination by analysts.

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: Described is a method for controlling nodes in a network including the steps of sending a proposed maximum working rate to a plurality of nodes, computing the number of responses received from the nodes by a central controller in a set period and adjusting the maximum working rate sent to the nodes based on the number of responses received.

Abstract: A method for managing phone activity records in an automated voice processing system. In a preferred embodiment, phone activity data from the automated voice processing system is periodically written into a first file. The phone activity data corresponds to a period of time. Prior data in the first file is overwritten each time new phone activity data is written into the first file. Prior to data being overwritten in the first file, the phone activity data from the first file is placed into a master file with prior phone activity records. The master file provides a history of phone activity within the automated voice processing system.

Abstract: In a signalling network employing the SS7 signalling protocol, it is known to use masks to mine CDR stores in order to obtain data for analysis in respect of a particular customer of a communications network associated with the signalling network. However, the use of masks to mine the CDRs can result in the retrieval of unwanted CDRs or the omission of relevant CDRs. The present invention therefore provides a call monitoring apparatus that receives a CDR and accesses a reference database, comprising a list of customers and respective telephone numbers, in order to identify an association between the CDR and a given customer. Consequently, speed and efficiency of analysis of CDRs is increased.

Abstract: In known telephone systems it is very difficult to change call detailed records CDR formatted from a raw data flow. In the proposed method, the exchange supplier formats a special mother form, which is a file and which shows in plain language (in ASCII form) all names and parameters of fields in the raw data flow. The operator has a program using a graphic interface and showing the mother form in the display. Beside it a user form blank is seen and the user selects the fields he desires simply by dragging with the mouse the field of his choice from the mother form into the user form and by dropping the field here (drag and drop). In this manner the user formats his own form, which contains such data only which he wishes to have in the CDR. When the user form has arrived at the telephone exchange and at the billing center, it can be activated at any time.

Abstract: Call detail records are generated for usage of a telecommunications service established in a telecommunications network, by monitoring messages in a signalling system for co-ordinating operation of the network and carried over signalling links in the signalling system between a service switching function entity and a service control function entity. Messages are selected that relate to instances of usage of the telecommunications service initiated by the service switching function entity to at least one signal switching point in the network. These selected messages are correlated in accordance with the usage instance to which they relate, and information in the correlated selected messages is used to derive a call detail record for an instance of usage of the telecommunications service.

Abstract: A system and method downloads data and reconfigures the data into a database. A telephone user purchases a specific number of lines and specific services (i.e., call waiting) from a telephone company. The telephone company then programs a switch associated with that user so that the user receives the services purchased. The telephone company also inserts the user's purchases into a database used for generating the user's bills. Discrepancies can occur between the data in the switch and the data in the billing database. Billing correction is performed by downloading all of the data within a switch, reconfiguring the data into a database and then comparing the switch database against the billing database to detect billing errors. To facilitate ease of this billing correction process, the switch database is transmitted to the billing correction center via a network instead of the traditional method of using direct tape copies of the switch being physically transported to the billing correction center.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting cut-off of calls in a switching system records data corresponding to connection of a call in a first memory, records the call connection data in a second memory, and then at a later time and, for example, in response to a call release request compares the data in the two memories corresponding to the call. If the data does match, it is determined that the call has been cut-off. The first memory may be located in a switching unit and the second memory may be located in a processor which controls the switching unit. The switching unit may be a time switch or a space switch. Once a call cut-off is detected, the processor transmits information notifying an operator of the cut-off. The system and method represents an improvement over existing systems in terms of increased reliability and ease of repair and maintenance of system components.

Abstract: A method for providing telecommunications service pricing to a corporate client over a computer network has steps of: querying the client to choose a client profile, selecting a questionnaire profile for a questionnaire database, presenting the questionnaire to the client over the computer network, obtaining a response to the questionnaire from the client over the data network, obtaining a phone bill from the client for a period of time, and using the phone bill to determine a call traffic pattern. The call traffic pattern and the response to the questionnaire are then used to determine telecommunications service pricing over the computer network to the client.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing signaling units at international gateways in a communications network is disclosed. The signaling units are processed to determine the source and destination networks for the associated calls. The country code, nature of address field, destination point code and origination point code is used to process each message. Data about the messages that pass through the international gateway is stored to a memory device. The data can be recalled for each originating or destination network in the form of performance or quality of service statistics.

Abstract: A network management system allowing traffic data collection not to overload switching equipment is disclosed. A schedule table has a plurality of entries, in which traffic data collection events for respective ones of traffic counters arc distributed at intervals. A traffic data collection processor sequentially accesses the entries of the schedule table and, when a traffic data collection event is registered in an accessed entry, a traffic data collection request is transmitted to a corresponding traffic counter.

Abstract: A method of allocating resources for implementing certain call-related features, such as call forwarding, includes enabling a centrally accessed unit (e.g., a gatekeeper) to support the features and enabling telephony devices (e.g., personal computers running ToL client software) to independently implement the features. Thus, there is redundant capability with respect to the features. A task-allocation scheme is established for adaptively assigning execution of the tasks needed to perform the features. The scheme is at least partially based upon determining processing resource availability within either or both of the centrally accessed unit and the telephony devices. When a request for a feature is detected, the execution of the requested feature is assigned to either the centrally accessed unit or the particular telephony device with which the request is associated, depending upon the current processing resource availabilities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to simultaneous computer screen and voice monitoring from a remote location, and particularly relates to synchronized telephone and screen monitoring of a computer workstation from a remote location. Such monitoring is useful for providing training and assistance to those using such workstations, especially in connection with telephone use, can also be useful for providing an audit trial of significant on-screen events, or can be used as a trigger to initiate other separate events. In one embodiment, graphics primitives are used to determine localized screen changes which are periodically copied from the monitored workstation desktop and sent over a network to a remote, monitoring, workstation. In another embodiment, localized screen changes are determined by full screen comparison, and sent over a network to a remote, monitoring, workstation.

Abstract: An article of manufacture including a computer usable medium having software embodied therein for managing at least one telephone system having a PBX switch and database and at least one adjunct system and database.

Abstract: A telecommunications environment includes a switch for connecting calls placed by a caller in response to an advertising campaign. The advertising campaign is identified by a particular directory number (the “campaign number”). The switch monitors calling information related to the call and forwards that calling information to a data recorder. The calling information includes the directory number of the party placing the call, the directory number called, whether the call was connected, the duration of the call, and other information. The data recorder passes the calling information for each advertising campaign to a web server where the calling information is accessible over the Internet. In this manner, a subscriber may connect to the web server over the Internet and request a report on the effectiveness of the advertising campaign.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method are disclosed for providing information relating to a telephone call associated with an access point within a telecommunications system, such as a telephone line or telephone number, to a software application in substantial real time. The system and method include assigning a destination address to the telecommunications system access point about which telephone call information is desired, and sending an electronic message to the destination address in response to a telephone call being established utilizing the access point. The electronic message includes, among other things, information relating to the telephone call and the access point.

Abstract: A passive system for monitoring a voice, data, image, text or other telecommunication media by a customer has means to connect the line to be monitored, a processing unit which measure the signals passing through the line means to compare these measured signals with predetermined values, or monitors the progress of a call; and means of indicating the status of the line as determined by the comparison or cell progress monitor, by visual or audible alarm or display.

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 transmission line rerouting method includes the steps of selecting a predetermined trunk transmission line to be rerouted, from trunk transmission lines, coupling a first subscriber line accommodating apparatus which is coupled to the predetermined trunk transmission line and a second subscriber line accommodating apparatus which is coupled to a trunk transmission line other than the predetermined trunk transmission line, via a rerouting transmission line, and transmitting and receiving a data which is to be exchanged between the first subscriber line accommodating apparatus and the trunk transmission line accommodating apparatus, via the second subscriber line accommodating apparatus and the trunk transmission line other than the predetermined trunk transmission line.

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: A method and system include screening and routing telephone calls, generating calling data reports and discounting billing for a customer's wide area centrex/PBX network, which includes an abbreviated dialing plan. A service control point (SCP) determines whether to block an outgoing call based on stored blocking tables and a privilege class of the calling station. The SCP determines whether to route the call through a private trunk group from a host switch to a private facility, and through an alternative trunk group when the private trunk group is unavailable. The SCP determines whether the call is eligible for discounted billing and generates a billing record, which is modified by a service switching point to indicate the discount. The SCP also samples calling data from service switching points and transmits the sampled data to a front end processor for formatting into station message detail recording (SMDR) data.

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: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of generating call pattern data for scheduling calls between a number of sites connected to a communication network. The call pattern data defines instructions for a number of sites to make a number of connections across the network to other sites over a predetermined period. This is achieved by creating a list of calls to be scheduled and then assigning in turn each of the calls to a source and a destination site. The source site and destination site are selected to satisfy one or a number of call constraint criteria associated with each call. The call pattern data representing the call is then generated and stored on a computer storage medium for subsequent download to the sites.

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: The present invention discloses a centralized routing engine that is able to assist gateways in making routing decisions for calls being placed in an IP network environment. Types of calls include voice, fax, video, etc. The routing engine provides significant flexibility to the gateways by allowing the gateways to designate preferences that define operational limits or requirements. A source gateway operator may set preferences such as the maximum price that is willing to be paid for a call, the maximum delay that will be tolerated and the maximum autonomous system hop count that will be tolerated. A destination gateway operator is likely only to be concerned with setting price schedules as preferences. Gateway operators may also set ‘preference criteria,’ which define the circumstances in which a certain set of preferences is to be applied.

Abstract: An information monitoring system, and a method of monitoring information, are disclosed. The information monitoring system includes a network, at least one central server, at least two site servers, and at least two telephone exchanges, wherein at least one telephone exchange is connected to each site server. The system also includes at least two site server compilers, wherein each site server compiler compiles a first plurality in a universal database format, and at least one central server compiler, wherein the at least one central server compiler compiles the universal database formats into a primary universal database.