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 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. The software includes a method for creating and managing a master database for maintaining a copy of information contained in each PBX and adjunct system database, and collecting SMDR data from the PBX switch and converting the data to CDR data based on the information in the master database. Also provided is a storage device embodying a program of instructions to perform method steps for converting a record of a phone call collected from a PBX switch to 10 digits.

Abstract: A system and method for generating call detail records in a Signaling System 7 (SS7) network is disclosed. Network monitors that are capable of non-intrusively capturing all signaling units in an SS7 network are used to generate a complete record for all TCAP transactions. Users configure CDR profiles that are used to filter the TCAP transaction records. A CDR application filters the TCAP records by parsing out signaling unit components that have been selected by the user in the CDR profile. The selected TCAP message components are then formatted into a CDR record which is sent to an external system, such as the user's billing system.

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 lawfully authorized electronic surveillance operation requires reporting of detailed call data for a variety of calls associated with the subject of the surveillance. For at least some specified calls to or from the subject, the invention provides profile data in a switching office serving the subject that causes the office to generate accounting messages for each call, essentially in the same manner as for billing, regardless of whether the calls are billable. Accounting records formed from the messages are uploaded to a server system, for processing and formatting as necessary for delivery to the law enforcement agency. The surveillance could entirely rely on these accounting records for the data reporting. In the preferred embodiments, however, the surveillance also involves monitoring of common channel signaling messages to accumulate call detail records for surveillance purposes, with respect to many calls associated with the subject.

Abstract: Traffic in an intelligent communications network having a distributed processing environment is controlled using software objects corresponding to respective components of the network. Each object is associated with a respective service element parameter (SEP) and writes its SEP to a SEP field of each generated request. In the event that the request is generated in response to receipt at the object of a request sent from another object, the contents of the SEP field of the received request may also be included in the SEP field of the generated request. While an object is in overload state it rejects newly received requests if the contents of their SEP fields is less than a threshold. If the object is already handling a request, a newly received request will take priority if it has a higher SEP value. The request which gives way may be rejected, or may have its processing suspended.

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 method of managing overload of messages in communication systems comprising: classifying application processes according to use/non-use of messages and scales and types of overload and constructing a database based upon a result of classification; periodically checking message queues of said application processes to identify states of the message queues; and when the state of one of said message queues is an advanced overload state, analyzing a scale and type of relevant overload using said database and processing the overload analyzed.

Abstract: A remote call redirection system located within a local access network which directs data traffic destined for the Internet to a channel connected directly to the Internet thereby reducing congestion within the local access network due to data traffic destined for the Internet.

Abstract: A telephone answering machine including a caller ID extracting part, a transmission period and reading part, a response message reading part and a central control part enables lower cost for the user by limiting the allowable time for a response message by operating the telephone answering machine in a more efficient manner. The caller ID extracting part analyzes a call incoming signal and extracts an area code as the caller ID information. The transmission period reading part reads the transmission period per unit cost that corresponds to the matching area code. The response message reading part reads a response message associated with the transmission period per unit cost. The central control part controls the processing and outputting of the response message of a voice recording from the caller or other operations such as remote operation use by the caller based on the caller ID.

Abstract: A communication network includes a number of network nodes linked together by transmission paths. A network manager controls acceptance of calls onto transmission paths by classifying an incoming call and selecting from the database an appropriate mean to peak bit rate distribution. This selected distribution is then used with the monitored transmission path load to determine a posterior distribution which reflects the load. The decision to accept or reject the call is made on the basis of the posterior distribution by a call acceptance algorithm considering the effective bandwidth for example.

Abstract: A system and method for characterizing phone calls in a public switched telephone network (PSTN), in order to identify Data Service Providers (as distinct from conventional telephone users). The system includes monitoring mechanism disposed at a first location (such as a central office or STP) for monitoring call routing messages directed to the first switch. A generating mechanism, responsive to the monitoring mechanism, is configured to generate a call record, which includes a plurality of call defining elements. An updating mechanism is configured to update a plurality of call records stored at a storage location with the call defining elements of the generated call record. Finally, an analyzing mechanism is provided and configured to analyze at least one of the call defining elements of the plurality of call records to identify Data Service Providers.

Abstract: A method and a system for providing information services to subscribers of a telecommunication network, such as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM). Access to the information services is based on the traffic condition of the telecommunication network. An access signal indicating the availability of the information services is generated for receipt by subscribers. The access signal and the information may be transferred in a broadcast mode. The information services may be accessed on demand or automatically. With the invention low traffic hours in the telecommunication network can be made more productive.

Abstract: In a communications network, call records are generated by a plurality of originators (CLI#1, CLI#2, CLI#3) making calls to a service provider (180). The call records are stored in a database (145) which forms part of the billing function (140) of the network. The call records for the service provider (180) are collated and sent to the service provider for processing. The service provider is provided with a system for analyzing the call records to establish the number of lost callers, rather than the number of lost calls. This is possible since the call records include the CLI information of the originators. This information, gathered over a predetermined period of time, allows the service provider (180) to estimate the number of answering stations (170) necessary to optimize call answering and minimize the number of lost callers.

Abstract: Access by a subscriber (12) to a fee-based service is managed so that the subscriber, when qualified, receives the service. If the subscriber is found unqualified, then the subscriber is prompted to enter qualifying information, either in the form of the identity of a purchased product, or a bank credit card number. Once the subscriber is qualified, then the subscriber receives the service in the same manner as if he or she were initially found qualified.

Abstract: A method and system permit monitoring of a call center agent or similar service representative in servicing calls in a call center using a variety of scheduling criteria. Monitoring schedules for the service representatives may be based on monitoring periods having scheduling criteria, such as a time interval, a scheduling rule, a number of calls, a monitoring length, a random indicator, call type information, agent performance level information, call traffic information, and others. The method and system record a customer call if the scheduling criteria of the associated monitoring period is met.

Abstract: A method for formatting CDRs to reduce storage and processing requirements within a switch or telecommunications network which formats CDRs in accordance with the disclosed techniques. A switch includes a call condense agent for collecting raw call information for calls handled thereby and a formatting agent for selecting, based upon an examination of said raw call information, an optimal data structure for formatting the raw call information and for producing a CDR by formatting said raw call information in accordance with said optimal data structure. The optimal data structure is that which best fits the raw call information.

Abstract: A data collection method and system is provided, by which blank time due to a time lag is not generated and a call probability to be broadcast can be calculated based on the number of potentially calling terminals which was counted as recently as possible. In the method, the center broadcasts to terminals a call probability and a control ID number which is increased by one for each broadcast. Each terminal calls up the center based on the received probability value, and if calling up, the terminal informs the center of terminal data and the received ID number. The center manages the probability value and the number of received calls for each ID.

Abstract: A telecommunications network (1) with a switching unit (2, 2', 2") to which at least one telecommunications terminal (3, 3', 3") is connected and which can be operated and maintained from a distance by a host computer (4) via a data link is characterized in that the switching unit (2, 2', 2") has a connection data computer (5) connected thereto which continuously receives from the switching unit (2, 2', 2"), in real time, communication data of the network connections of the telecommunications terminals (3, 3', 3") connected to the switching unit (2, 2', 2") and routes said communication data to the central computer (4) upon request, and that via the switching unit (2, 2', 2") and an on-line data network (6), a bidirectional data link can be established between a telecommunications terminal (3, 3', 3") and the connection data computer (5) for retrieving communication data for the same or another telecommunications terminal (3, 3', 3") connected to the switching unit (2, 2', 2") and/or for requesting services f

Abstract: A local switch includes circuitry for determining whether a called party is a subscriber of a call type delivery service when a call is being placed to the called party. The local switch also includes circuitry to generate a message to prompt the calling party to identify whether the call is urgent, normal, or telemarketing. If the calling party does not respond in a timely manner the local switch includes circuitry to analyze the response by the calling party and to generate corresponding signals to inform the called party of the unknown call type. More specifically, either a different ring pattern is generated or a specified symbol is displayed on a display or both to inform the called party of the call type. The present invention may be used in conjunction with modern communication networks such as intelligent networks and public land mobile networks.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring the operation of switching nodes in a telephone network. A first monitor is provided which is operable to capture data on all of the connection links of a first switching node in the network. A second monitor is provided which is operable to capture data on all of the connection links of a second switching node. The first and second monitors capture selected telephone switching messages on the links of the nodes. Each monitor compiles either a primary or secondary record of switching messages pertaining to a particular call or transaction being routed by switching nodes. The primary record is maintained by the monitor which detects the first message which initiates a particular call or transaction. Subsequent messages pertaining to that call or transaction that are captured by the other monitor are compiled in a secondary record.

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: A system and method for tracing calls, such as those terminating in a wireless telephone system, is disclosed. The system is part of a communication network that uses a switch connected to a caller. The switch extracts information about the caller such as a calling party number and other information useful for tracing the call. Once the information has been extracted, the switch sends the information to a storage device associated with the called party, such as a home location register. The storage device creates a log of the call, storing all the extracted information. When the call is to be traced, a device capable of accessing the storage device can easily retrieve the stored information and thereby identify and locate the caller.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for exchanging telephone call information between two computers, one of which is coupled to a computerized branch exchange (CBX) which services a plurality of telephone agents, the other of which contains telephone call statistics relating to the CBX. Business value records, each including information which relates a telephone agent to a business value datum such as a sales value from a telephone call, are generated in the first computer and transmitted to the second computer for storage into a database. Similarly, account code records, each including information which relates a telephone agent to an account code indicating the nature of a particular telephone call, are generated in the first computer and transmitted to the second computer. Call segment records, each including information relating to a particular telephone call segment, are also generated in the first computer and transmitted to the second computer.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a telecommunications network through near real time analysis of Call Detail Records (CDRs) is provided. The system and method of the invention reports how a particular call service is performing and how its performance deteriorates as a result of any type of network event, including both hardware and software related events. A feature of the invention is that it provides several levels of service impact reporting, thus providing users with more versatile and detailed network management capabilities.

Abstract: A methodology for determining optimal calling periods of an automated telephone system allows a user of the automated telephone system to access billing plan and detailed rate information prior to completing a toll telephone call. The user may request billing rate information for the applicable billing rate plan by entering an entire valid DTMF sequence. The optimal call periods billing information is extracted in accordance with callee and caller parameters and when the toll telephone call is to be placed. A user accessing billing rate information can use the billing rate information to determine prior to completing the toll telephone call when the optimal billing period will occur. The user can then make an informed decision as to when to complete the toll telephone call. Upon request, the user is automatically connected to the called party and the toll telephone call is completed.

Abstract: It is proposed that in a telecommunications network (KN) for control of mass callings to subscribers of the telecommunications network (KN) with exchanges (VST1, . . . , VST7), each of which has a control means (SM1), to perform measurements to detect a mass calling to a subscriber exclusively in those exchanges (VST1, . . . , VST5) of the telecommunications network (KN) to which a subscriber, who is the possible target of such a mass calling, is connected. The exchange (VST1) which detects the mass calling signals its occurrence to respective predetermined further exchanges (VST2, . . . , VST5, VST7) in the telecommunications network (KN). Each of the predetermined further exchanges (VST2, . . . , VST5, VST7) and the exchange (VST1) which detects the mass calling, chokes the traffic to this subscriber at a rate that is fixed for the respective predetermined further exchange.

Abstract: A channel resource utilization level associated with a particular cell area is continuously evaluated against a predefined threshold value. The imposed threshold value indicates the minimum level of channel resource utilization desired by the serving mobile telecommunications network. In response to a determination from the evaluation that a particular cell area is being under-utilized, a message indicating that a reduced air-time rate is being offered is broadcast to all mobile stations currently traveling within the affected cell area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to establishing a communication channel between two communication systems having computer telephony integration (CTI). Many CTI systems are configured into incoming and outgoing lines according to the anticipated demands. Consequently, if sufficient outgoing or incoming capacity is unavailable at a given time to support a communication channel of required characteristics, the users of such a system must conventionally wait until sufficient capacity becomes available. However, the present invention determines who the intended addressee is and can instruct the CTI system associated with that addressee to instigate the establishment of a communication channel to the user who originally desired the connection. The instructions can be sent to the intended addressee using for example, another communication network, such as the Internet or other data communications network.

Abstract: A telephone call-routing system comprises a routing intelligence adapted to receive real-time activity reports on busy status of remote telephone stations, and to route incoming calls based on the busy status. In a preferred embodiment the routing intelligence sets a busy semaphore for each station to which a call is routed at the time the call is routed, before a real-time signal is returned that the station is in fact busy. The semaphore is initially set to busy for a first period of time substantially equal to the known latency for returning the real-time busy signal. After the first period of time, and with return of a real-time busy signal, the semaphore is reset to busy for a second period of time substantially equal to the historical average elapsed time for calls in the call-routing system, after which the semaphore is released. After the first period of time, and in the absence of the real-time busy signal, the semaphore is immediately released so further calls may be routed to the station.

Abstract: A method and system permit monitoring of a call center agent or similar service representative in servicing calls in a call center by logging sessions. The logged sessions may be selectively played back based on a number of scheduling criteria, including time interval, a scheduling rule, a number of calls, a monitoring length, a random indicator, call type information, agent performance level information, call traffic information, and others. The method and system plays back those portions of the logged sessions that meet the scheduling criteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of extracting a call set-up failure probability and a premature disconnect probability, which are factors for accessing the quality control of a data network. In accordance with the present invention the method comprises the steps of configuring a database for causes of premature disconnect and a configuration database which stores quality values which includes originating and destination numbers. Reading the corresponding billing record and verifying whether the record is normal, and if so, determining whether the origination/destination number of the billing record is the same as that stored in the configuration database. Updating a statistics database for each configuration database, each origination/destination call, each time and date when the numbers match, and then calculating the call set-up failure probability and premature disconnect probability for each configuration database, call and each time and date of the statistics database.

Abstract: Telephone call fee notifying system and apparatus for informing a calling subscriber of a fee for telephoning a destination before talking starts. When the calling subscriber dials a special number, this special number is recognized by a charging information request recognizing unit, a telephone call fee for a connection destination is calculated in response to subsequently transmitted dialing by means of a charging calculation unit and a calculated telephone call fee is informed to the calling subscriber in the form of a speech by means of a charging information speech outputting unit. Listening to the speech, the calling subscriber decides whether a circuit connection is to be done or not and when the circuit connection is determined, an operation therefor is carried out to establish a connection to the desired connection destination.

Abstract: A method for use in an electronic switching system having more than one operator position system connected thereto, is used for wiretapping in order to determine a time length of a telephone call between a caller and a receiver. The method comprises the steps of: (a) measuring an elapsed time from the instant the caller is connected to the receiver; (b) checking if the elapsed time reaches a preset time; (c) wiretapping when the elapsed time reaches the preset time; (d) resetting the elapsed time and going back to step (a) if the caller is determined to be still on the line by the wiretapping; and (e) releasing the connection between the caller and the receiver if the caller is determined not to be on the line any longer by the wiretapping.

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 system and method for detecting mass addressing events comprising a first register, a second register, a first counter, and a second counter is disclosed. Potential mass addressing events are detected by comparing a most recently selected address to the contents of the first register and incrementing the first counter if they are equal, or loading the most recently selected address into the first register and initializing the first counter if they are unequal. If the first counter's count reaches a first count threshold, the contents of the first register are compared to the contents of the second register and the second counter is incremented if they are equal, or, if they are unequal, the contents of the first register are loaded into the second register and the second counter is initialized. If the second counter's count reaches a second count threshold, an alarm is issued.

Abstract: System and method for distributing calls to customer service operators, particularly home operators. The present invention provides a telecommunications service provider's network with intelligence to monitor the current status and availability of home operators, and to determine the appropriate routing of a customer service call. By enabling the network to monitor operator availability status, only a single telephone line to a home operator is required, and notification of availability to answer calls is not required to be performed by the home operator.

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: An international telecommunications network includes a set of international exchanges located in a particular country which connect a national telecommunications network situated in that country with networks situated in other countries. The international network includes a traffic management system in the form of an expert system having a set of knowledge sources. An identifier identifies alarms relating to traffic and a priority arranges the alarms in order of priority. A diagnose diagnoses the cause or causes of the alarms by proposing suspected causes and investigating them in relation to traffic and network data. A resolver proposes remedies for the causes of the alarms by reasoning over each cause in relation to data on traffic associated with the cause, reasoning over each remedy in relation to data on traffic in the neighborhood of the remedy to determine a figure of merit for the remedy and then arranging the remedies in order of merit.

Abstract: Methods and systems to determine whether a directory number is classified as associated with other directory numbers or associated by local calling area. In a first method, a table of patterns is provided. Each pattern includes a terminating NPA-NXX designation that represents a directory number associated with a terminating device that may be dialed as a local call from an originating device having a local calling area pattern corresponding to the pattern to which this terminating NPA-NXX designation belongs. In response to receipt of an NPA-NXX portion, the pattern table is checked for a corresponding pattern and information is provided about the corresponding pattern. This information includes a terminating NPA-NXX designation. A determination may be made from the information as to what directory number may be dialed as a local call from the originating device having the NPA-NXX portion. In a second method, local calling area (LCA) pattern file including a plurality of LCA patterns is provided.

Abstract: Telecommunication switches (e.g., PBX's or local exchange carrier's Centrex-enabled switches) route calls in accordance with economic incentives (e.g., least cost routing) resulting from a bidding process between participating telecommunication Carriers (Carriers) by operation of a central processor, a computer referred to as a bidding moderator (Moderator). Each of the Carriers bidding for traffic over a route informs the Moderator of the rate it is willing to charge for (or other economic incentive it is willing to offer) service between two specific points in a telecommunication network, for example, from one NPA-NXX to another NPA-NXX, at some particular time. This "bid" rate may be lower than that Carrier's established rate for any of several reasons (e.g., the Carrier has excess capacity on that route at that time). The Carrier may change its bids as often as it likes during the day as traffic patterns change.

Abstract: A system and method for permitting a customer to perform intelligent call routing (ICR) in a carrier's network. A Remote Data Gateway (RDG) permits customers to control the routing of their call traffic on the carrier's network. The RDG provides the routing and delivery of call processing queries, generated on the carrier's network, to a Customer Access Point (CAP). The customer can use the CAP to perform ICR and other call processing functions. The results are sent as a response back to the RDG, which delivers the response to the carrier's network for implementation. Features provided by the RDG include improved security, improved service reliability, message and protocol translation, and maximum efficiency of network and system resources through a dynamic registration process.

Abstract: The automated system and method (10) uses a plurality of tables (64, 66, 74, 76, 76') to define the structure and formats of the call data blocks (60) and the destination call or event records (100). These tables (64, 66, 74, 76, 76') are accessed at run time to determine the structure, data definition, data format and size and the call/event records (100) are generated according to the tables.

Abstract: An advertising effectiveness rating system provides advertising effectiveness rating data by assigning one telephone number to each of a plurality of advertising outlets and counting the number of times that each of the assigned telephone numbers are used. The advertising effectiveness rating system includes an advertising effectiveness rating device that receives a called number from a local switch. When a prospective purchaser calls one of the assigned telephone numbers, the local switch forwards the called number to the advertising effectiveness rating device. When a called number is received, the advertising effectiveness rating device retrieves a count that corresponds to the called number from a database, increments the count and returns the incremented count to the database.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling a message overload in a program of an electronic switching system having a large capacity controlled by a plurality of processors, and more particularly, to a method of controlling a message overload before a resource is requested to an operating program by the program receiving a plurality of messages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a telephone call routed over a network to include called party identification information personally identifying the called individual such that the called individual is distinguished from any other individual associated with a common telephone number of an end-user device. The telephone call is connected or rerouted based upon the called party identification information. Based on the called party identification information, a call may be automatically routed by the network to an end-user device, and the end-user device may further be provided with the called party identification information. A premises-based end-user device may automatically or by user control route the call based on the called party identification information.

Abstract: A communication network having intelligent network functions which collects traffic data for call services without requiring alteration of or addition to programs in all of the service switching nodes in the communication network even if a new call service is introduced as an intelligent network service. For this reason, a service control node (SCN) has a unit assigning a call service identification information (ID) to a new call service and the service switching node provides a registration table receiving the identification information (ID) and registering the same in it. If a call service requested by the calling party is in the registration table, the traffic data is collected for the call service.

Abstract: A system and method for processing performance data in a telecommunication system. The system includes a site controller which is part of an element management layer of a network management hierarchy. Briefly stated, the site controller receives performance data from a network element. The performance data is associated with a plurality of ports of the network element. The network element is part of a network element layer of the network management hierarchy. The site controller selects a first port of the network element to process. The site controller determines whether the first port is cross-connected to a second port of the network element. If the first port is cross-connected to the second port, then the site controller combines performance data associated with the first port and performance data associated with the second port into a performance report. The site controller forwards the performance report to a monitoring module.

Abstract: A data collection scheme with an improved data collection efficiency. In order to collect data from many terminals to a center having a plurality of center service ports through a public network, terminal data are transmitted from the terminals to the center through the public network by carrying out a calling operation to call up the center at each terminal, and the terminal data received at the center service ports are collected together. At the same time, a congestion state of the center service ports is measured, and a control data for controlling the calling operation at each terminal in order to improve the measured congestion state is generated and broadcast from the center to the terminals. Then, the calling operation at each terminal is controlled according to the control data broadcast from the center. The control data indicates at least a call probability by which the calling operation at each terminal is carried out probabilistically.

Abstract: A line feed concentrator serves as a network information concentrator having its inputs connected to the outputs of plural adjunct processors. Switches and other network elements are connected to the inputs of a respective adjunct processor. The concentrator compresses data and filters it, thus providing only the type of data required by a specific downstream application. The concentrator incorporates a match/merge subsystem which provides the ability to match/merge network call record files originating at different network elements, but relating to the same call. In essence, the concentrator provides a single point for the call record data from the various network elements thereby facilitating the match/merge function.