Abstract: Multiple traffic management nodes may be coupled with separate networks and with a connecting network. The traffic management nodes monitor and classify traffic passing through the connecting network. Current paths through the connecting network are identified and used to build detour paths through the connecting network using traffic management nodes as detour nodes. The detour paths may be shortened, thereby excluding the detour nodes from each detour path. The traffic management nodes and the detour paths may be used to create a traffic engineered system for traffic passing through the connecting network.

Abstract: Congestion problems in networks are alleviated with a method that works toward insuring that unused capacity will always exist in elements of a network that are resources which are shared by a plurality of users and which, consequently, can be overloaded. In response to each request to establish a connection over a path in the network, pursuant to a predetermined algorithm the method services the request, declines to service the request, or services the request after dropping an established connection. In one embodiment, when unused capacity on the path is above a first preselected level, all requests are serviced. When unused capacity falls below a second preselected threshold, no requests are serviced. When unused capacity is between the first and second thresholds, an existing data connection is dropped if a requested connection is a voice connection and the number of existing data connections exceeds a preselected threshold.

Abstract: A method and system for routing a communication through an alternate carrier. The A method includes recognizing an input number upon which a call is based, assigning primary, alternate and secondary interexchange carriers responsive to the recognizing, and sequentially routing an input number from a node among primary, alternate, and secondary carriers until a connection is established.

Abstract: A method for communicating messages in a multiple communication protocol network is disclosed. A first message is received at a first signaling adapter. The first message is based on a first communication protocol. A second message is received at a second signaling adapter. The second message is based on a second communication protocol. The first message is converted from the first communication protocol to a generic protocol, and the second message is converted from the second communication protocol to the generic protocol. The first message and the second message are received at a signaling adapter interface. The first signaling adapter and the second signaling adapter are detachable from the signaling adapter interface. The first message and the second message are sent to a network component.

Abstract: A routing node (100) includes a usage measurements module (134) for polling internal processing modules (106) and communication link modules (102, 104, and 106) for usage measurements collected by these modules and forwarding the usage measurements to a general-purpose computing platform (136) via a high speed communication link (138). The usage measurements module (134) may include load sharing functionality that allows distribution of usage measurements collection among multiple usage measurements modules. The usage measurements module (134) may also include a reports generator for generating user-configurable reports.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the management of multiple-node networks to provide for efficient and rapid determination of an alternative connection path through the network to avoid a fault in the connection path. The present invention seeks to minimize the number of nodes affected by the alternative connection path by systematically seeking alternative, non-retracing connection paths from nodes neighboring the connection fault. Until an alternative connection is found, searches are conducted from nodes further from the connection fault. Optionally, the present invention may use a retracing path to establish a connection.

Abstract: A method for providing softswitch failure protection in a communication network is provided that includes assigning an alias point code to a first softswitch. The alias point code is also assigned to a second softswitch. A message is generated that comprises a destination point code that is operable to identify a destination for the message. The destination point code comprises the alias point code.

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

Abstract: A system for service control and operations for a telecommunications network. In particular, an architecture and method for a service control and operations element system. The system communicates with a plurality of interconnected telecommunications network elements via a switching and signaling subsystem. The system provides and controls the various functions of the telecommunications network, such as call processing and routing, automatic fault detection and correction, providing services to customers in an interactive manner, fraud detection and control, identification of patterns of abuse of the network, collecting data regarding call activity at each network element, and producing a record of each call placed within the network.

Abstract: A network node is configured to negotiate for connections for high priority calls (e.g., voice calls) received at the node in the face of otherwise congested outbound communication links. The negotiation is conducted in a fashion that will preserve connections for existing calls associated with the node. For example, the negotiation may be conducted so as to cause one or more of the existing calls to consume less bandwidth over the outbound communication links than was consumed at a time prior to reception of the high priority calls. Such negotiations may be initiated depending on the availability of codec resources and/or compression schemes at the node and may be conducted using OAM cells.

Abstract: A system and method for routing a communication directed to a directory number. According to one embodiment, wherein a redirection service is operative with respect to the communication directed to the directory number to direct the communication away from the directory number to at least one other directory number whenever the directory number to which the communication was directed is inoperative.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for using Local Number Portability (LNP) and the public switched telephone network (PSTN) trunks as virtual loop-around trunks. Present invention LNP structures and processes redirect calls to avoid the creation of loop-around trunks from calls generated in the local exchange carrier (LEC) requiring services such as prepaid caller and calling party pays. A virtual trunk switch is created using a Switch Control Point (SCP). Telephone numbers requiring special services are ported and stored in a LNP database. Numbers requiring special services are flagged with a LRN that identifies a special service switch which is either an SSP or an SCP. The LRN initiates communication between the local exchange switch and the special service switch. Once engaged, the special service switch protocols create the trunk links. By monitoring these trunk links, the special service switch is able to monitor the in-band communications, and so provide the special services.

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

Abstract: IP-PBXs having different structure, for example, stand-by and active transmission lines are connected between unused pins of the interface block 24A and 24B to supply the relay driving signal from the switching block 20A to the switching block 20B according to a control signal from the control block 18, and change the transmission lines, and maintain a direct route.

Abstract: A system for managing a network component of a communication network is disclosed. A process manager manages processes of a network component. A process communication module communicates data among the processes. A redundancy manager controls the processes of the network component in response to mate processes of a mate network component related as a redundant peer with the network component. An operating system interface provides an interface between the processes and an operating system.

Abstract: Software defined radios necessitate the routing of analog wireless signals between data links via a software circuit switching router implemented in a processor. Processor utilization by the software router is decreased by disabling the interrupts of all but one analog channel per communication link, this channel being termed the Anchor channel for its link. Data from all channels in the link is transferred during the Anchor link's interrupt. The increase in the Anchor channel's interrupt latency due to transferring data from other channels is more than offset by the overall reduction in the number of processor interrupts generated. As a result, utilization of the processor by the software router is reduced, allowing the processor to manage other time-critical tasks and/or a greater number of tasks in a given time period.

Abstract: A network linkage type private branch exchange system including a plurality of private branch exchanges, a plurality of telephone network interfaces for relaying data between a plurality of telephone networks and each private branch exchange, a plurality of terminal devices such as an extension for transmitting the data between the respective private branch exchanges and a plurality of operators, a plurality of computers each connected to each private branch exchange for conducting predetermined processing based on the data, and a data communication line to which each private branch exchange is connected, in which each private branch exchange transmits data to a computer connected to an arbitrary private branch exchange other than the private branch exchange in question through the data communication line.

Abstract: In a telecommunications system a data function and a date control function are replicated in a plurality of databases (50, 51, 52, 53, 54). In order to synchronize updating of the databases (50, 51, 52, 53, 54), one database is identified as a primary database (50), at least one is identified as a primary standby database (51), and the others identified as secondary databases (52, 53, 54). Then, in normal operation, the data control function of the primary database (50) is arranged to generate signals for synchronized updating of the other databases. In the event of a failure of the primary database, the or a standby primary database (51) takes over the up-grading operating. Tee present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, directed to a telecommunications system for mobile telephones.

Abstract: The invention specifies an information center (CC) in a telecommunication network and a method for operating said information center, where the information center (CC) is connected to an exchange (VST) and comprises both a mainframe (CTI), connected to the exchange (VST), and at least one information desk (AP) having at least one telecommunication terminal. The basic functions for operating the information center (CC) can be performed by a plurality of elements of the information center (CC), so that the failure of individual elements cannot result in the failure of the entire information center (CC). These include, firstly, call distribution, which can be performed both by the mainframe (CTI) and by the exchange (VST) itself, and secondly duplication of the telecommunication terminals, including the necessary data transfer paths.

Abstract: A controller that monitors usage status of trunk lines associated with a switch that operates to handle call connections between calling devices and called devices on trunk lines associated therewith. An exemplary controller comprises N call application nodes capable of executing trunk idle list server applications that allocate ones of the trunk lines to the call connections, wherein a first trunk idle list server application is executed on a first call application node and is associated with a second trunk idle list server application executed on a separate second call application node.

Abstract: The present invention relates to queue-theoretic models for integration of automated call routing systems with human operators. Organizations are increasingly turning to spoken dialog systems for automated call routing to reduce call center costs. To maintain quality service even in cases of failure, these systems often resort to ad-hoc rules for dispatching calls to a human operator. The present invention provides queue-theoretic methods that provide a modeling and simulation capability in support of decisions about the staffing of call-handling centers based on the frequency of incoming calls and the competency of automated dialog systems. The methods include a procedure for identifying when callers should be transferred to operators. The procedure integrates models that predict when a call is likely to fail using spoken dialog features with queuing models of call center volume and service time.

Abstract: A method of controlling a local process that forms part of a first processing entity such as a signalling gateway, said first processing entity maintaining a plurality of associations with a plurality of remote processes in a second processing entity such as a application server. The method comprises the steps of: receiving a failure message from a remote process indicating a fault affecting an association linking the local process with that remote process; queueing data messages destined for that remote process; controlling the transmission of an acknowledgement of the failure message so that data messages pending on the association are received at that remote process before the acknowledgment of the failure message; and initiating a traffic diversion to set up an alternate path between said first processing entity and said second processing entity for queued data messages.

Abstract: A method and system enable optimization of trunk group design in a public switched telephone network (PSTN). A community of interest, including two end offices connected by a direct trunk and at least one tandem switch, is identified using out-of band signaling data collected from the PSTN. An application server interfaced to the PSTN determines whether traffic in the community of interest passes through the tandem switch during a predetermined time period. When traffic passes through the tandem switch, the application server further determines whether the direct trunk between the end offices experienced an overflow condition during the same predetermined time period. When the direct trunk did not experience an overflow condition, an exchange code associated with the traffic passing through the tandem switch is designated as a misrouted code. The misrouted code is flagged so that associated traffic is redirected through the direct trunk.

Abstract: Congestion problems in networks are alleviated with a method that works toward insuring the unused capacity will always exist in elements of a network that are resources which are shared by a plurality of users and which, consequently, can be overloaded. In response to each a request to establish a connection over a path in the network, pursuant to a predetermined algorithm method either services the request, declines to service the request, or services the request after dropping an established connection. In one embodiment, when unused cavity on the path is above a preselected level, all requests are services. What unused capacity falls below a preselected threshold, a probabilistic approach is taken as to service the request or not, and as whether to drop an existing call in order to service the request.

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

Abstract: There is provided a method for routing a call through a telecommunications network. The method comprises the steps of receiving a prompt, from one of a plurality of service switching points in a predetermined geographic service area, for a service associated with the call, and determining one of a plurality of tandem switches to which the call will be directed based on a probability distribution. There is also provided a system for routing a call through a telecommunications network.

Abstract: A method for routing of incoming prioritized telecommunication traffic in a telecommunication network by applying an algorithm of finding optimal path to an augmented graph built for said telecommunication network. The telecommunication network is represented as a network graph comprising nodes (A, B, C, D, E) and real links (AB, BC, CD, ED, AE) bridging the nodes, while the augmented graph is a graph built on the basis of the network graph by adding to it virtual links (ABC1, . . . , EDC3). The augmented graph comprises nodes and edges, wherein the edges of the augmented graph are weighed to reflect priority of the telecommunication traffic presently taking place there-through. For placing a new call according to the method, a pathfinder optimization algorithm is applied to the augmented graph to determine an optimal pathfinder solution, having the minimal total weight, for routing the new call in the augmented graph.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit for supplying power to a network termination unit (55) of a message transmission system, which is connected to a central station via a subscriber line (30). A local power supply voltage source (41), which is arranged in the network termination unit (55) and which supplies power during a normal operating state, is provided as well as a remote power supply source, which is arranged in the central station and which supplies power during an emergency operating state in the case of a failure or malfunctioning of the local power supply voltage source (41). The network termination unit (55) comprises a direct current converter with a transformer and a clocked switch (20). The primary winding (1) of the transformer is connected via the clocked switch (20) to the local power supply voltage source (41), and a connection of the primary winding (1) is connected via a first controllable switch (5) to a wire of the subscriber line (30).

Abstract: A method of rerouting telephone calls directed to a private branch exchange (PBX) located at a first site to a second site wherein the PBX has at least one nonfunctional routing number is provided. The method includes providing a corporate long distance telephone system, providing a telephone hunt group, programming a plurality of routing numbers assigned to the first site PBX such that calls directed to the first site PBX are routed through the corporate long distance telephone system to the telephone hunt group, programming the hunt group to forward calls to a dedicated long distance telephone system, and programming the dedicated long distance telephone system to route calls to at least one of an alternate PBX and a dedicated wireless telephone system located at the second site.

Abstract: A method for providing softswitch failure protection in a communication network is provided that includes assigning an alias point code to a first softswitch. The alias point code is also assigned to a second softswitch. A message is generated that comprises a destination point code that is operable to identify a destination for the message. The destination point code comprises the alias point code.

Abstract: A PBX (3-a) detected an incoming call arrived at a line trunk (2-a) via a public line network (1), and at the same time, an ACDP (4-a) queues an incoming call arrived in an incoming sequence queue (8-a). In addition, the ACDP (4-a) scans a distribution sequence queue (9-a), and controls an incoming call to be distributed to an extension line that seems to be the most preferable in the extension line group (6-a). On the other hand, an incoming call arrived at the line trunk (2-b) via the public line network (1) is detected by the PBX (3-b) via a leased communication line (7). At the same time, the ACDP (4-b) queues an incoming call in the incoming sequence queue of the extension line group (6-b). In addition, the ACDP (4-b) scans a distribution queue (9-b), and controls the queued incoming call to be distributed to an optimal extension line belong to the extension line group (6-b).

Abstract: Existing switch markings for telephone numbers are mechanically manipulated via the Recent Change channel to provide an appropriate treatment. In case a call to a vacant pooled-in number cannot be completed, a terminating switch, instead of generating a REL message with a Cause Code 26 and tearing down the call, connects the call to an Operations Support System that provides a predetermined announcement to a calling party. Calls directed toward numbers that are ported-out are placed on a Machine Intercept, which results in sending a cause code 26 to an originating switch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for ensuring a PSTN protocol restart procedure as defined by the V5 standard after a failure of a first data link carrying PSTN protocol signalling messages. In the method, a first time-out (TC3) for starting the restart process is observed and, if the time-out has tripped, the restart procedure is started by sending a start message using a Control protocol signalling message consistent with the V5 standard. According to the invention, after the first data link carrying the PSTN protocol has been restored to working order, a check is carried out to establish whether a second data link intended to carry Control protocol signalling messages is in order, and this check is repeated until the second data link intended to carry Control protocol signalling messages is in order, and when the second data link is in order, a message for starting the PSTN protocol restart procedure is sent in the Control protocol.

Abstract: A method that alleviates congestion problems in prior art networks by insuring that selected classes of calls have a reserved capacity, thus insuring a capability to service at least the selected level of traffic. In an illustrated embodiment, a selected capacity is reserved for voice calls, in contrast to data calls. When a connection request is made and there is unoccupied capacity, a voice call is always serviced, but a data call is serviced only if the number of established data connections is less than capacity of the path required for establishing a connection for the request, minus the capacity reserved for voice call.

Abstract: A telecommunications network (110) has a unit (100) and technique to alleviate congestion on a congested link as can occur, e.g., when a new connection seeks admission to the network. The congestion avoidance technique/unit ascertains, from a set of candidate connections (C0, C1, C2, C3), a best candidate to route in order to avoid the congestion. Further, the congestion avoidance technique/unit determines a best candidate path to which the best candidate connection is to be routed. The best candidate connection and the best candidate path are determined so that, after routing the best candidate connection to the best candidate path, a load of the weakest link in the network is as low as possible.

Abstract: A method and system include restricting destinations of a telephone call from a calling station, which has been assigned a privilege class. A service control point (SCP) stores blocking tables, based on privilege classes, and a privilege class control table, which associates the blocking tables with each privilege class. The SCP ascertains the assigned privilege class of the calling station and determines whether the telephone call corresponds to one of the types of blocking tables. When the telephone call does correspond, the SCP determines whether the assigned privilege class corresponds to the blocking table that corresponds to the attempted call. When there is no privilege class correspondence, the SCP bypasses validation of the called number. When there is privilege class correspondence, the SCP validates the called number and blocks the call when the called number is validated or continues call processing when the called number is not validated.

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

Abstract: Emergency services calls may be alternate-routed in an intelligent network having at least one Service Control Point (SP) with access to a routing table, a plurality of Service Switching Points (SSP) equipped with point-in-call triggers and one or more emergency services stations (PSAP). The routing table lists a routing number for each of the emergency services stations.

Abstract: Restoration of an inoperative network element (12) such as a digital cross-connect system is accomplished by receiving updates from each element as they occur in a local controller network (18). The local controller network forwards the updates to a DCS-Operations support system (22) that generates a restoration map for each element in its native language, and thereafter updates each map upon receipt of each update. In response to a user command, the DCS-operation system directs (transmits) the update map either to directly the inoperative element or to an intermediate element to achieve restoration.

Abstract: Method and network for routing a communication through an alternate carrier. The network routes a communication based on a dedicated identifier through a plurality of interexchange carriers upon input of the dedicated identifier and a request code, and has a node configured to request carrier data in response to entry of the dedicated identifier, and a controller operably connected to the node, the controller configured to set as a primary carrier, in response to a first condition of the request code, a carrier of a sequence of carriers assigned to the node, and in response to a second condition of the request code, setting an alternate carrier to a highest remaining ranked carrier of the sequence of carriers.

Abstract: A signal system 7 (SS7) processing system for use in an SS7 network includes a primary interface configured to process communications according to at least one layer of the SS7 protocol stack, the primary interface being configured to provide checkpoint messages relating to the communications and the at least one layer of the SS7 protocol stack, each layer of the at least one layer of the SS7 protocol stack having a corresponding set of information associated with each communication, and a backup interface configured to process communications according to the at least one layer of the SS7 protocol stack, the backup interface being coupled to the primary interface, and configured, to receive the checkpoint messages from the primary interface, wherein the checkpoint messages contain sufficient information for the backup interface to properly process communications that are transferred from being processed by the primary interface to being processed by the backup interface and contain less than all information i

Abstract: The method and device carry out communication between a settop box and a target network through nay of a number of head ends. When a connectivity between the settop box and the target network through a first head end is lost, a call is initiated over a wireless communication link. A second, alternative, head end is selected based on the settop box, the first head end and the target network. Subsequently, the settop box is coupled through the second head end to the target network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for protecting equipment and switching functionality in a telecommunication system, which system comprises a central processor and regional processors, one or more of which is/are standby processor(s), and in order to avoid that the system configuration set by command is changed if protection switching occurs, and in order to provide a flexible concept that allows different types of protection switching methods, there is according to the present invention suggested a solution by introducing a protection group between the existing client(s) and server layers (i.e. switching network terminals), said protection group administering which server units should be working (active) and which should be standby units.

Abstract: In private telecommunication networks offering a call completion on busy link service, if a call request cannot be completed because of congestion of a link, and if setting up the call entails an overflow to the public network, the rights of the user may not be sufficient for subsequent completion of the call. To prevent this service being offered to a user whose rights are insufficient to enable subsequent call completion, because of the overflow, costs are assigned to the various links of the private network as a function of the overflows and access to the call completion on busy link service is monitored as a function of the rights of the user and the minimum total cost of completing the requested call. This prevents users with insufficient rights being queued indefinitely waiting for the call completion on busy link service.

Abstract: The method comprises receiving call signalling in a node and routing the call in accordance with the call signalling. If congestion is met, it is decided whether an alternative routing is allowed in dependence on parameters associated with the call and the node and the call is routed in accordance with such allowed alternative routing. If congestion is met again or no alternative is allowed, it is decided if the call should be released or subject to crankback, dependent on parameters associated with said call and node. By receiving indicators with the call signalling, indicating the types of alternative routing performed in preceding nodes and using said indicators as parameters for the above decisions, and updating said indicators for each call whenever alternative routing is performed for said call, the alternative routing can be controlled in an improved and simple manner. Several types of alternative routing may be available in the nodes.

Abstract: A service method of connection management for a communication line is established to perform a desired connection of the communication line in accordance with a telephone caller's request when the caller wants to be connected to a called person by way of the communication line. The method includes the steps of: detecting whether or not the communication line is crowded; measuring a passed time of a connected state of the communication line if the communication line is crowded; determining whether or not the passed time of the connected state has reached a predetermined set-up time; and compulsorily interrupting the connected state of the communication line when the passed time of the connected state has reached the predetermined set-up time. Thus, even if a communication line is very crowded because a disaster has happened, it is sure to enable more people to make phone calls, without producing a situation in which the communication line is occupied by only few people.

Abstract: A method and system include routing telephone calls from multiple private networks via public lines and trunks in a public switched telephone network (PSTN) to a host switch, at which the connections would begin to run parallel. The host switch routes the telephone calls via a private trunk group to a private facility, such as an electronic tandem network (ETN) node or an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switch. If the private trunk group is full or unavailable, the host switch routes the telephone calls over alternate private or public trunk groups and selected carriers.

Abstract: There are disclosed systems, apparatus and methods for rerouting telephony signals in the case of a front card failure, through the standby or redundant front cards, as well as standby or redundant rear cards. These redundant cards are coupled with through or bussed connections at connection areas assembled with connectors P2/rP2 (of the Compact PCI® Standard) This allows the standby or redundant front card, to operate in place of the failed front card, using the corresponding rear card.

Abstract: A centralized restoration system and a distributed restoration system for restoring a network are integrated. Trunks within the network that have failed are first processed by the distributed restoration system to attempt restoration of the failed trunks. Trunks that cannot be restored by the distributed restoration system and trunks that are designated for restoration by the centralized restoration system are then restored by the centralized restoration system. The centralized restoration system and distributed restoration system communicate to keep each other aware of their respective actions. Mechanisms are utilized to prevent conflict between the two types of restoration systems. The integration of the two types of restoration systems causes high-priority trunks to be quickly restored by the distributed restoration system and lower-priority trunks to be restored by the centralized restoration system to balance the workload of restoration.

Abstract: A subscriber system transmission apparatus has a line concentrating capability which is performed a relatively simple efficient redundant structure for increased overall system reliability. A remote terminal has a mode selector for switching between modes of operation such that when a remote terminal line concentrating and connecting unit suffers a fault, no line concentrating process is effected on a call from a subscriber's terminal, and the call is connected directly to a trunk transmission line by a bypassing unit. When the remote terminal line concentrating and connecting unit suffers a fault, since the call is not subjected to a line concentrating process in the remote terminal, the call from the remote terminal is subjected to a line concentrating process by a central terminal line concentrating and connecting unit in a central terminal.