Abstract: A plurality of telecommunication traffic providers are connected to supply information about the current utilization of their networks to a dedicated network element to which is also connected a plurality of potential buyers of traffic capacity. The dedicated network element includes local and wide area data networks over which information about the existence of available network capacity among the providers is communicated to an administration center. The administration center makes that information available via the data network to the participating potential buyers and, thereafter, brokers the sale of the available telecommunication capacity from providers to buyers. It also monitors and assures that the buyers receive the benefit of their purchased capacity and the terms under which their sales were made.

Abstract: Planning alternative SS7 networks is a complex task requiring assistance from an intelligent planning tool. The tool provides a method for forecasting service loads including automatically obtaining network traffic information from the network. Service loads are estimated based on a first set of network traffic information and service descriptions. Correction factors are calculated for service loads based on a second set of network traffic information. The correction factors are applied to estimated service loads to determine peak loads for each STP in the core network based on network traffic, component locations, and component connectivity.

Abstract: A call schedule is received that includes a plurality of sample calls to be made by an automated calling station. The plurality of sample calls are automatically placed on the network using the automated calling station. At least one final billing record corresponding to the at least one completed sample call is received. The call data is processed to determine billed cost data. The billed cost data is compared to the previous cost data and a change in the rate plan is detected based on the comparison of the billed cost data to the previous cost data.

Abstract: In order to control the statutory monitoring of telecommunication traffic, provision is made in a network component essential for this monitoring of a data base in which it is stored for subscribers to be monitored which communication-relevant data are to be transmitted to one or more relevant monitoring authorities. Monitoring profiles are also defined for the purpose of simplification.

Abstract: A telecommunication network exchange and method of playing an announcement to a call party in a telephone exchange during connection set-up. The invention is based on the idea of totally separating the detection of the need for an announcement from playing the announcement. The need for the announcement is detected in a conventional manner at a given stage of call set-up. However, the exchange does not play the announcement immediately, but delays playing it up to a later stage of call set-up or up to a later event, if necessary. The announcement may be played, for example, not until collection of additional dialing is definitely terminated, the call is confirmed to be successful, the announcement is confirmed to be necessary/correct, and so on. As a consequence of the delayed playing of the announcement, wrong and unnecessary announcements and the failure of the call are thus avoided.

Abstract: A monitoring system captures and processes messages from SS7 links, to compile call detail records (CDRs) for all interoffice call attempts. The CDRs are uploaded into a relational database. A data preparation operation utilizes external information to enhance the records for further processing, for example, to translate release cause codes in the records to textual indications of reasons for the releases. The enhanced records are loaded into a multi-dimensional database. The multi-dimensional database software facilitates analysis of the records to identify a variety of network traffic patterns and related troubles. In particular, the processing of the enhanced CDR data can provide a variety of analytical tools and reports, using the release cause codes. For example, the analysis can indicate the number of calls to a destination that did not get through and identify by major categories the principle reasons that calls did not go through, e.g. user busy, no trunk available, etc.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides a distributed monitoring, evaluation and routing (“DiMER”) system that provides active management of a data-network based telephony networks. Such a system, and data-network-based telephony networks incorporating the same, advantageously route calls to meet call-quality standards and/or cost goals, among other targets. To meet such quality standards, the system periodically obtains call-related data, analyzes the data, and revises call routing, as appropriate, by shifting or reallocating call traffic between available terminating gateways (based on their performance).

Abstract: A mediation system for a telephone network. The telephone network includes a plurality of signaling service points (SSPs) communicating message signaling unit (MSU) data with a plurality of signal transfer points (STPs). The MSU data is routed on data links connecting the plurality of SSPs and STPs. The mediation system includes a probe and a mediator. The probe is connected to at least one of the data links for intercepting the MSU data routed on the one data link, and the mediator is coupled to the probe for collecting the MSU data generating a call detail record (CDR). The probe intercepts either A-link data and/or E-link data on the data links. The mediator correlates the MSU data against a call list and generates either a full CDR or a partial CDR depending on a mode selected by a user of the system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a monitoring system for monitoring incoming telephone calls routed through a call transference system, the system comprising an electronic processor and an associated database, the system being adapted to detect the originating number of the caller and the called number to which the incoming call was made before being transferred, to automatically generate a return call to any incoming call the originating and called numbers of which have been identified without answering the incoming call, and to store the time and date of an incoming call the number of which has been identified and data representing the number to which the incoming call was made.

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 call intercept process (CIP) for calling card calls originating from an international country and terminating to high fraud domestic USA, and Canada locations. When a call is placed via a calling card and terminates to a high fraud domestic location, the call is optionally screened against a database which keys on international originating country access numbers. Whether this screening implemented, the call is routed to a first level operator in order to verify the billing account information of the caller as an authorized user. This verification is based on customer and business name, address, zip code, and phone number. If the caller passes verification, a CIP process automatically overrides the calling card from any future Intercepts. If caller fails account verification, the a CIP process automatically places the card in a ‘LOCKED STATUS MODE’ which mode indicates that any additional calls based on that card be intercepted regardless of termination.

Abstract: System and method for facilitating intelligent network call processing using a centralized call context database. The system and method include and involve a call context database and an intelligent telecommunications network that is coupled to the call context database. The network includes and involves an access network element capable of receiving a call, generating first call context data and a network call identifier related to the call, storing the call context data and the network call identifier in the call context database, transmitting the network call identifier, and processing the call. The network further includes and involves a plurality of network elements that are coupled to the call context database and to the access network element. Each network element is capable of receiving the call and/or data related to the call (e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of existing a collect information phase at an IN service switching pont in such a way that call set-up control is transferred from the IN service switching point (SSP) to the control point (SCP), even though the maximum of information requested as additional information by the IN service control point has not been received. In the method, a new condition (EE) is determined for the collecting phase (PIC2) and after the condition is fulfilled, the collecting phase is exited in such a way that the service control point (SCP) can make a decision how the call will be continued. The condition (EE) is either the maximum collecting time (collectTimer), which determines for how long the collecting of information is allowed to take at the most, or the minimum number (minNumberOfDigits), which determines how may digits as least have to be collected.

Abstract: Service observing equipment monitors, detects, decodes correlates and generates Call Records and Report Summaries from digital and audio information on an individual call basis on either ANSI or CCITT Signaling System #7 systems controlled by data packets transmitted along high speed data links separated from the telecommunication audio channels. The equipment simultaneously responds to in-band signals such as Automatic Number Identification (ANI) digits and/or Customer Entered digits transmitted over the audio channels. A Call's decoded content is stored as correlated data until the end of a monitored call. Then the stored data is custom formatted into a Call Record and transmitted or printed out to enable study of how trouble free the telecommunication network is performing, detect fraud or credit violations and/or validate billing situations.

Abstract: Switching equipment for setting up a connection between at least two pieces of terminal equipment wherein terminal equipment-related supplementary information such as, for example, the telephone number of calling terminal equipment is transmitted in addition to the actual voice information. In order to prevent an overload of an exchange processor means of the individual exchange units, it is inventively proposed to provide monitoring means that monitor the usage degree of the individual exchange processor means and, given upper transgression of a specific usage degree, delay the enable of second transmission units provided for the transmission of the terminal equipment-related supplementary information dependent on the usage degree of the corresponding exchange processor means.

Abstract: A technique for monitoring the calls placed to the telephone number associated with the party under surveillance. When a call to the telephone number associated with party under surveillance is placed, the call is routed via an assigned meet-me bridge, and a third party is provided with the unique telephone number of the meet-me bridge via a pager. When the third party places a call to the assigned meet-me bridge, the incoming call to the party under surveillance and the call by the third party are bridged. Thereon, the third party is placed on mute and the third party may silently listen to the conversation between the caller and the called party. When a call (i.e., a page) to a telephone number associated with a pager of the party under surveillance is received, a third party is alerted.

Abstract: Method and systems for providing triggerless screening services include a triggerless screening service routing node and a message processing platform. The triggerless screening service routing node identifies call setup messages that require one or more call screening services and diverts the messages to a message processing platform. The message processing platform performs at least one screening action on the call setup messages and modifies the messages to include the type and result of the screening action.

Abstract: A monitoring system captures and processes messages from SS7 links, to compile call detail records (CDRs) for all interoffice call attempts. The CDRs are uploaded into a relational database. Automatic Message Accounting (AMA) records also are accumulated and uploaded to another relational database. A data preparation operation enhances the records for further processing. This data preparation operation involves translating information in the records into more useful forms, using external reference data regarding the monitored network. For example, the data preparation translates SS7 point codes or NPA-NXX codes in the records to textual names of originating and terminating offices. The data preparation also spreads the usage information from the records to properly allocate usage time to predefined intervals. Another function of the data preparation stage is to form one or more predefined tables from the processed records, for example a table of modified records and one or more specialized summary tables.

Abstract: A system and method for generating service quality statistics for a communications network is disclosed. Network monitors capture messages in a communications network, such as an SS7 network, and correlate related messages into records. The records are filtered using a call detail record profile to create call detail records which are provided to an statistics server. The statistics server generates certain statistics for the message records and stores the statistics to a database. A report application recalls the statistics from the database and presents statistics in a reporting format configured by the user. The reports indicate the statistical performance of network providers for selected called or calling telephone numbers or for selected services.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically monitoring and recording incoming and outgoing telephone call parameters and forming a call record in response thereto. The apparatus has a signal conditioning device connected to the telephone line; incoming and outgoing call decoders; line status detector device; clock; and a computation device. The incoming call record comprises the incoming call data such as caller's identity and number, the call start and end times, and the call duration, the outgoing call record comprises the outgoing call data, the call start and end times, and the call duration. The records may be printed immediately as the call is concluded or stored an printed later by account number.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system includes a message transmitter/receiver capable of holding a dialog with a central database under the control of a processor to request and obtain information signals. Messages are received in the form of a cession of reference numbers, and the processor searches its local database for intelligible data corresponding to each reference number. Since the local database contains a limited capacity, for certain reference numbers the corresponding intelligible data will not be in the memory. The processor then begins a dialog by means of the transmitter/receiver, between itself and a central database, so as to obtain the lacking data that corresponds to a received reference number.

Abstract: A configuration tracking system for a call detail record (CDR) filtering system keeps track of the contexts under which CDRs are collected and filtered. The configuration tracking system is useful in a multiple concurrent filtering paradigm, in which several CDR filters may be active at any given time and the filter criteria are dynamically altered. Filter criteria for multiple filters are recorded in a dynamically changing table. The configuration tracking system maintains a historical record of the filter criteria in the dynamically changing table. The configuration tracking system updates its historical record by detecting changes in the dynamically changing filter table, comparing earlier and later versions of the table, and opening and/or closing timestamped filter records in response.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a desired listing by ranking coverage areas based on the intersection of a search region and one or more coverage areas. The desired listing is created by determining the location of a reference point and defining the search region in respect to the reference point. The search region is compared against the coverage areas of the listings. The coverage area of each listing may be defined by default based upon a categorization of the listing or upon selection criteria, such as payment of a fee. The coverage areas that intersect with the search region are typically ranked in descending order based upon the area of the intersection region, which is the area including both the coverage area and the search region. Alternatively, if no intersecting regions exist, the coverage areas may be ranked in descending order based on the proximity of the perimeter of the coverage areas to the reference point.

Abstract: A communication traffic control system of this invention is directed to reduce traffic on a LAN. In LAN (1) of a CSMA/CD type having a server computer (2), a first client computer (3), a second client computer (4) and other third, fourth . . . client computers connected thereto, when the first client (3) generates a transmission request A of an object to the server (2) and receives an object A corresponding to the transmission request A from the server (2), the second client (4) stores the transmission request A and the object A corresponding to the former in a storage unit (41) inside the second client (4). When the second client (4) thereafter generates a transmission request A for acquiring the same object A stored in the storage unit (41) to the server (2), it directly acquires the object A from the storage unit (41) without it passing through LAN (1).

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: A system and method for monitoring service quality using Call Detail Records (CDR) in a communications network, such as a Signaling System No. 7 (SS7) network, is disclosed. Network monitors capture substantially all signaling units in the SS7 network generate a complete record for all calls, transactions and other communications over the network. Users configure CDR profiles that are used to filter the records. A CDR application filters the records by parsing out signaling unit components that have been selected by the user in the CDR profile. The selected message components are then formatted into a CDR record, which is sent to an external system that generates certain statistics for the message records and stores the statistics to a database. A report application recalls the statistics from the database and presents statistics in a reporting format configured by the user.

Abstract: A method for developing a call traffic pattern for a company having a plurality of remotely located facilities is disclosed. A long distance carrier phone bill is examined to determine which call records correspond to intra-company calls. The intra-company call records are then grouped by originating company facility. Data from the grouped call records are then summed and examined to assemble a call traffic pattern. The call traffic pattern may include total charges for intra-company calls by facility, total calls by facility, total call duration by facility, peak phone usage by facility, and time of peak usage by facility. The call traffic pattern may be particularly useful in designing a voice over data network solution for a company.

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: Specialized telecom network users who burden the network, such as Internet Service Providers (ISPs), are identified by analysis of network traffic data to identify addresses (e.g. telephone numbers) for destinations receiving unique patterns of incoming traffic. For an ISP, in particular, the analysis involves identifying telephone, numbers of destinations receiving a high volume of calls and having connections exhibiting a long average hold time. To further enhance the ISP finder analysis, the call data may be examined to confirm that there is no outgoing call traffic from any station associated with the candidate ISP numbers. When numbers are identified by the call data analysis, a technician can call each number and listen for a modem tone, as a confirmation that each candidate number actually is of a data service, such as an ISP. Similar methodologies can identify destination numbers for other unique service providers, such as credit card verification services.

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 charging system for cellular communications, real-time prices for new connections are offered to the customer. The real-time prices take into account both prevailing and historic traffic patterns, together with the probability that the customer will move from their current cell into a neighboring cell. Cells of the network are monitored in clusters. If a customer is located in one particular cell, the price offered to that customer will take into account the probability of handover to a neighboring cell during the connection, and may also take into account the probability of incoming traffic from neighboring cells during the connection. To enable this predictive pricing, the system stores, and may also update, historic data.

Abstract: In a graphical call trace display showing progress of telephone calls in a public switched telephone network, successive events in the progress of a call are represented by respective segments of a line. Each segment is controlled in appearance (e.g. in color) to indicate the nature of the corresponding event, in accordance with information derived from signalling messages in a signalling network for controlling operation of the telephone network.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for routing traffic in a circuit-switched network, comprising offering a call between between an origin node and a destination node to a preferred route between said nodes, and if said preferred route is not available, offering an alternative route via an intermediate node, and for links between two nodes, setting a first trunk reservation threshold for reserving a certain number of circuits for direct calls along said links between said two nodes, and setting a second trunk reservation threshold for calls between nodes connecting a second link of said alternative route.

Abstract: A transaction record is received including transaction data corresponding to at least one telephone call placed by a subscriber. The transaction data is processed by a plurality of rate plans, each rate plan generating a toll amount corresponding to the telephone calls of the transaction record. The toll amounts from each of the plurality of rate plans are compared to determine a lowest toll amount. An amount x is deducted from the lowest toll amount to form a final toll amount. A billing record is generated for the subscriber based on the final toll amount.

Abstract: A connection-oriented telecommunication system (SYS) comprises a first network (A), at least one transit network (B, C) and a second network (D). The exchanges (EX, N10,N20, N30, N40) of the net works each comprise a plurality of incoming communication resources (InCS) and outgoing communication resources (OutCS) each storing a pair of a verification accounting reference (VerAccRef) and a remuneration accounting reference (RemAccRef).

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 configuration tracking system for a call detail record (CDR) filtering system keeps track of the contexts under which CDRs are collected and filtered. The configuration tracking system is useful in a multiple concurrent filtering paradigm, in which several CDR filters may be active at any given time and the filter criteria are dynamically altered. Filter criteria for multiple filters are recorded in a dynamically changing table. The configuration tracking system maintains a historical record of the filter criteria in the dynamically changing table. The configuration tracking system updates its historical record by detecting changes in the dynamically changing filter table, comparing earlier and later versions of the table, and opening and/or closing timestamped filter records in response.

Abstract: An intelligent configuration system automatically logs a sample of a PBX Call Detail Recording (CDR) message. The sample CDR messages are sent via modem from a local call accounting system connected to the PBX to a central configuration server. The configuration server analyzes the sample CDR messages to determine the PBX type. The appropriate PBX interface file for the identified PBX type is transmitted back to the call accounting system and used by the accounting system to interpret and price CDR messages output from the PBX into call accounting and traffic analysis reports. Identification and location data is transmitted from the accounting system to the configuration server. The configuration server uses the data to automatically transmit and update rate tables used in the accounting system.

Abstract: A method for controlling the admission of a call into a service area. The method includes the steps of selecting a non-negative integer N; selecting a real number p, lying between 0 and 1 inclusive; admitting a call when N−2 or fewer channels are occupied; blocking the call with a probability p when N−1 channels are occupied; and blocking the call when N or more channels are occupied.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically monitoring and recording incoming and outgoing telephone call parameters and forming a call record in response thereto. The apparatus has signal conditioning means connected to the telephone line; incoming and outgoing call decoder means; line status detector means; clock means; and a computation means. The incoming call record comprises the incoming call data such as caller's identity and number, the call start and end times, and the call duration, the outgoing call record comprises the outgoing call data, the call start and end times, and the call duration. The records may be printed immediately as the call is concluded or stored an printed later by account 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.

Abstract: The present trunk line exchange system is capable of coping with the busy hour calls without falling into congestion by executing re-distribution of the number of communication lines to the busy region from the quite region, which results in yielding efficient utilization of the communication lines. The system is also capable of avoiding the congestion of the exchange system, since it is not necessary to conduct a series of operations such as recalls/alternative line processing.

Abstract: A telecommunication network includes a number of mutually coupled private branch exchanges to which are assigned respective storage locations for storing switching data and which include processors for determining the most favorable route in dependence on the stored switching data to a subscriber terminal arranged inside or outside the telecommunication network. In the network, an outgoing route from one of the private branch exchanges is led through one or more of the other private branch exchanges and/or through one or more other telecommunication networks.

Abstract: In a public switched telephone network, real time monitors on SS7 links will collect interoffice signaling messages. A site processor compiles data from the signaling messages relating to individual calls, to form call detail records (CDRs) for all interoffice call attempts. The site servers upload the CDRs to a central server. Automatic Message Accounting (AMA) records also are accumulated for at least selected central office switching systems and uploaded to a server. Programs running on the servers enable network operations personal to analyze a variety of network traffic patterns, for example to study the number of calls to particular numbers during various times periods and the hold time of the calls in order to identify the numbers of Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for limiting the price and/or number of calls in a telecommunication system comprising a telecommunication network maintained by a teleoperator and terminal equipment connected by a subscription to the telecommunication network. In the method of the invention, subscription-specific account information defined in conjunction with the telecommunication network is controlled by means of the terminal equipment,,said information being used to set a maximum limit for the price and number of calls from the subscription. The system of the invention comprises means for controlling, by means of the terminal equipment, subscription-specific account information defined in conjunction with the telecommunication network, in which system the account information is used to set maximum limits for the price and number of calls.

Abstract: The present invention is provided to improve congestion control without changing a quality of a connection service of communications even if congestion occurs and realize a flexible correspondence. The congestion control method, comprising the steps of generating a call pattern as time series data of calls from a subscriber, performing Fast Fourier transformation on the time series data of the calls to detect short periodic component of a frequency, delaying the detected short periodical component with a prescribed threshold, and delaying a timing of sending a congestion tone (CT) or busy tone (BT) when the value of the short periodical component exceeds the prescribed threshold.

Abstract: Specialized telecom network users who burden the network, such as high-volume users of Internet services, are identified by analysis of network traffic data to identify addresses (e.g. telephone numbers) for callers to destinations associated with the particular call-in service. Destination telephone numbers may be identified from a list of known service providers or from a network traffic study, which identifies destination numbers receiving unique patterns of incoming traffic. Analysis of the records of calls to the destination numbers then identifies numbers for callers who made more than some minimum number of calls during the study or who accumulate more than some threshold amount of total connect time on such calls. The preferred embodiments utilize automated systems to compile and analyze call records from standard messages of a telephone network, such as interoffice signaling messages or automated accounting messages. Data from the records can be translated to identify the calling subscribers, e.g.

Abstract: An enhanced Calling Party Pays (CPP) or Paging Party Pays (PPP) system that enables 1) billing of calls originating from traditionally non-billable sources, 2) routing of incoming calls to voicemail if the caller does not wish to incur the additional charges, 3) allowing the caller to complete the call and charge the cellular (or paging) subscriber for additional air-time usage when the caller enters a PIN or security code, also referred to as a billing override code, and 4) allowing the caller to block CPP/PPP charges from being billed to the calling party.

Abstract: A communications system is designed to create a sub-account AMA record for each transaction requested by a caller within a single 900-number call after an initial transaction has been processed. Such sub-account record includes the rate charged for each transaction. Such rate may vary from transaction to transaction and may even negate all charges for an entire call. The sub-account record permits an itemized bill to be created for all transactions processed during such call.

Abstract: A traffic control system (and associated method) according to the present invention includes a feedback control mechanism in which the controlled variable is processor occupancy, the controlling variable is the amount of resources necessary to satisfy the operational requirements of the switching system, and the set point is the average expected load based on a Poisson arrival rate. Current processor occupancy is compared, on an instantaneous basis against the set point to determine if it exceeds the average expected load. If so, the controlling variable is adjusted to allocate additional resources to process the offered traffic load. The process continues until the traffic burst expires. Additional resources may be obtained by eliminating or deferring non-essential work, and by allocating additional call registers, effectively accepting work in larger increments or batches.