Abstract: A service control point (24) includes an overload control system (50) that determines an overload rating (70) for an intelligent processing unit (82). The overload control system (50) includes a latency estimator (52) that requests and receives a latency (66) for a service logic interpreter (62). A queue depth store (54) receives a queue depth (68) from the service logic interpreter (62). A common memory (56) stores the latency (66) and the queue depth (68) in memory mapped files. A load estimator (58) determines the overload rating (70) in response to the latency (66) and the queue depth (68). The load estimator (58) compares the overload rating (70) to a previous overload rating and issues an internal problem report if a difference is detected. A TCAP interface (60) and a service logic program (64) assess the overload rating (70) to determine if incoming service requests should be passed on to the service logic interpreter (62), rerouted, or discarded.

Abstract: A high density frame relay circuit within a digital cross-connect matrix converts TDM based DCS matrix data containing frame relay data to/from a DS3 ATM physical interface and provides adaption processing between the frame relay and ATM domains. The circuit is controlled by a DCS administrative subsystem and a simple network management protocol based network element manager.

Abstract: The time slot interchange capabilities of modern digital loop carriers are utilized to provide direct connectivity from the calling modem's line to an internet access modem bank through the digital loop carrier, thereby bypassing the local central end office. A call which is to a telephone number of an internet access provider's modem is routed to a bypass initiator. If the bypass initiator detects that the call is from a number which is serviced by a digital loop carrier having a local central end office bypass capability, then the bypass initiator issues a bypass command. The digital loop carrier establishes the bypass connection, but does not break the signaling connection on the initial call which was routed from the digital loop carrier through the local central end office to the bypass initiator. Once the bypass connection has been established, the bypass initiator sends a disconnect signal through the signaling connection of the initial call.

Abstract: A web interface (12) to a service creation environment (14) includes a service logic parser (42) adapted to receive a service logic description (32) from the service creation environment (14), parse the service logic description (32), and generate a web browser readable service data file (44). At least one web page (22) is adapted to display information in the service data files (44) and prompt for user input in response thereto. A call scripting process (62) continuously receives the user inputs entered on the at least one web page (22) and communicates the user inputs to the service creation environment (14).

Abstract: A method of trafficking telecommunication signals having various formats, includes providing, at a first network element, a synchronous payload envelope having a first format, the synchronous payload envelope comprising a synchronous path and associated overhead portion and a payload portion, mapping the synchronous payload envelope into a transport signal having a second format without terminating the synchronous path or associated overhead portion of the synchronous payload envelope, and transmitting the transport signal to a second network element over a network supporting the second format.

Abstract: A telecommunications system has identical access terminal shelves and an intershelf bus interconnecting each shelf. Each access terminal shelf has transmission card slots constructed to accept different types of transmission cards that use different types of transmission media to communicate with remote telecommunications equipment and a processor programmed to determine whether transmissions from the remote telecommunications equipment are to be transferred to the intershelf bus for connection completion.

Abstract: A system for switching communications signals between a first communications network and a second communications network is provided. The system includes a J1 interface coupled to the first communications network by a J1 span, a E1 interface coupled to the second communications network by an E1 span, and an interface processor in communication with the J1 interface and the E1 interface. The interface processor is then operable to translate signals formatted for the J1 span into an E1 format for transmission on the El span. The interface processor is further operable to translate communications signals formatted for the E1 span into a J1 format for transmission on the J1 span.

Abstract: A method of providing local number portability capability includes the steps of capturing all initial address message transmitted on at least one predetermined SS7 link set to a signal transfer point, where each initial address message has a called party number parameter containing a dialed telephone number. A determination is made as to whether a predetermined FCI bit is set to one or zero and in response to the predetermined FCI bit being set to zero, the following steps are performed. A local number portability database lookup is done using the dialed telephone number to obtain a corresponding local routing number. The local routing number is then inserted into the called party number parameter of the initial address message, and the dialed telephone number is inserted into a generic address parameter of the initial address message. The predetermined FCI bit is then set to one. The initial address message is then sent to a destination specified by the called party number parameter.

Abstract: A portable power fault testing apparatus for testing telecommunications equipment's line cards to BellCore's AC power fault standards. A switched transformer unit is coupled to a single-phase AC line voltage source for generating a switched voltage output in 0-220 volt range or in 0-1100 volt range. A primary control relay is coupled to the switched transformer unit for applying the switched voltage output for selected time durations under control of an external computer. A test selector switch coupled to the primary control relay connects the switched voltage output to either a resistive test circuit portion or an inductive test circuit portion, each of which is designed to comply with the respective AC power fault testing conditions.

Abstract: A subscriber bus interface (SBI) frame format provides discrimination between asymmetrical digital subscriber line (ADSL) signal traffic and non-ADSL traffic. In the frame format, ASDL identification tag (AIT) bits are assigned to a higher order byte of an SBI time slot of an SBI frame for identifying whether or not a line card transmitting the SBI frame is an ADSL line card. Further, an overhead byte is assigned to a lower order byte of the SBI time slot. The overhead byte includes cell type indicator bits for indicating if the SBI frame contains asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) payload bytes found in ADSL signal traffic. The AIT bits of the higher order byte include an alternating pattern of binary “0”s and “1”s to prevent accidental generation of the AIT bits by a non-ADSL line card.

Abstract: A time slot interchanger (10) includes a D-channel processing device (30). The D-channel processing device (30) includes a main memory (32), a D-channel memory (34), and a D-channel assembler (36). The main memory (32) receives telephony data and signaling traffic from a subscriber in the form of integrated services digital network signals. Two-bit D-channel signaling portions of each integrated services digital network signals are extracted and placed into the D-channel memory (34). The D-channel assembler (36) assembles the two-bit D-channel signaling portions into eight-bit digital signal level zero (DS0) signals. The eight-bit DS0 signals are stored in the D-channel memory (34) for subsequent transfer with selected telephony data traffic from the main memory (32) over a synchronous optical network link.

Abstract: A customizable, modular circuit breaker housing assembly having an optimized compact form factor for use with electrical and telecommunications equipment. The housing assembly is comprised of an interlocked arrangement of individual housing portions coupled at one end to an end housing portion, and to an end panel portion at an opposite end. The end housing portion and individual housing portions include a load bus chamber and a line bus chamber for receiving load and line bus members, and one or more alarm contact member receptacles for receiving at least one alarm contact member. The line bus member and the alarm contact members may be provided as individually segmented members. In other embodiments, the individual housing portions may include pass-through slots for inserting a common line bus bar, pass-through apertures for common contact members, or both. The line and load bus members are formed of extruded metallic members having substantially the same cross-sectional surface.

Abstract: To alleviate the frustration of telephone tag, if the called party is unavailable (32), the calling party is offered the chance to participate in a game (36). The user can accept or reject the offer (38). If the offer is accepted, a game is played (40), if the offer is rejected, the calling party is connected to the called party's voice mail (42). The game could involve purchase of a lottery, participation in a guessing game, or participation in a knowledge-based game. After the game is played, the calling party is connected to the called party's voice mail (42).

Abstract: A system for defining, building, and maintaining database files includes a database builder, a user interface, and a memory. The database builder provides screen displays to the user interface to allow access to databases within the memory. The database builder provides a capability to manage binary files of databases in the memory.

Abstract: A distributed architecture computing system includes one or more processors and object-oriented control program for processing request-type and response-type messages provided by a messaging service. The request-type messages are associated with one or more newly requested operations, and the response-type messages are associated with previously requested operations. The control program for the distributed architecture computing system includes a common server object for receiving and processing the request-type and response-type messages, and a specialized factory object for receiving the request-type messages from the common server object and creating a specialized request object for processing each of the request-type messages. Each of the request objects includes process request and process response methods for performing the requested operation, maintaining state information associated with the requested operation and generating the response-type messages.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the phase difference of a first clock signal (48) and a second clock (50) is disclosed. The apparatus includes a phase indicator (42) which receives a first clock signal (48) and a second clock signal (50) and determines a phase relationship. A microprocessor (44) outputs a digital value related to the phase relationship. An analog to digital converter (46) receives the digital value and outputs an analog value based on the digital signal. After that a voltage controlled constant current source (47) receives the analog value and outputs a constant current source proportional to the analog value. Finally, a phase lock loop circuit (10) receives the constant current source and adjusts the phase relationship.

Abstract: A pre-splitter module for conditioning optical signals in an access network. The pre-splitter is operable to condition the optical signals received from an optical fiber amplifier into a plurality of waveguides. A plurality of splitters are coupled to the waveguides emanating from the pre-splitter. Each splitter is operable to condition the optical signal that it receives into a second plurality of waveguides. In an exemplary embodiment, the optical transmission system includes a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) array coupled to the splitter and another source. At least one access waveguide is associated with the WDM array for multiplexing two optical signals of different wavelengths. The access waveguide is in turn coupled to an optical network unit.

Abstract: A weighted round robin (WRR) engine includes components to arbitrate emission of ATM cells assigned to different flows. In one embodiment termed an inter-QoS WRR, the flows are linked to quality of service (QoS) parameters. A tag value is further assigned to each QoS parameter. Whenever the QoS is selected by the Inter-QoS WRR to have a flow emit an ATM cell, the tag value for the QoS is incremented by a weight assigned to the QoS. The QoS selected by the Inter-QoS WRR is the QoS with the lowest tag. If two or more QoSs are tied with the lowest tag, the highest numbered QoS is selected by the WRR.

Abstract: A QoS monitoring system and method for a DiffServ-capable network element operable in a trusted domain network such as an ISP network. The network element is organized as a plurality of terminating line cards interconnected via a switch fabric capable of supporting virtual ingress/egress pipes (VIEPs). Buffer queues on the ingress and egress sides of the network element, which are established for supporting traffic flows on individual VIEPs, are monitored for determining QoS parametric information such as throughput, loss, delay, jitter and available bandwidth. A policing structure is operably coupled with a buffer acceptance and flow control module for monitoring traffic behavior on the ingress side. Another buffer acceptance/flow control module and aggregate-level monitoring module are disposed on the egress side of the network element that cooperates with a scheduler which shapes outgoing traffic.

Abstract: A power fault testing apparatus for testing telecommunications interfaces to BellCore's 2nd Level AC power fault standards. The apparatus is powered by a three-phase 480 VAC, 600 A power service. A plurality of transformers and load resistor banks are coupled to the power source in a network organized as a plurality of selectable and switchable power paths for interfacing to tip-and-ring interfaces or broadband coaxial cable interfaces of telecom equipment. Power relays are provided for interconnecting the transformers and load resistor banks in the network arrangement. Computer-controlled output relays are included for effectuating precise, repetitive time duration control of output power applied to the telecom interfaces under test.