Abstract: A method of and system for monitoring the conditions of channels in a multichannel telecommunications line, wherein each of the traffic channels uses A/B bit signaling to signal their condition. Whenever the system detects a setup acknowledgment message in a command channel that includes a call reference and a channel identifier, the system displays the detected setup acknowledgment message and monitors the channel identified by said channel identifier for a change in line status, as indicated by a change in its A/B bits. In response to detection of a change in the A/B bits of the channel identified by the channel identifier, the system decodes the A/B bits and displays the changed line status.

Abstract: A method of executing a program in a network environment that includes a source machine and a plurality of target machines, in which the source machine determines target machine eligibility according to configured constraints and selects a target machine from a list of target machines eligible to execute the program. The source machine transmits to the selected target machine an execution command for the program, together with the list of target machines, and a handle. The selected target machine launches the program and routes input and output requests to the source machine. The selected target machine monitors execution of the program. If performance constraints for the program are exceeded, or in response to a user initiated request, the selected target machine preempts execution of the program and roves the program to a selected next available target machine of the network.

Abstract: A telecommunication services test system which can be used to automatically test services that include intelligent network elements such as automated response units, and manual network elements such as manual operator consoles and the like. The test system provides a means to automate test cases for services that previously could not be automated due to the requirement of human interaction. A controller is coupled with a call generator. The call generator includes a voice means. Accordingly, the controller can response to ARUs and the like with vocal responses. The controller is also coupled with operator services, including manual operator consoles and ARUs, with a two way communication means. The communication means is used to receive status messages from the operator service devices. In addition, the communication means is used to send input messages to the operator service devices. Accordingly, the system provides a means to control manual operator consoles in response to messages sent by the controller.

Abstract: A system and method for making a call from a dual mode mobile station functioning in either a PCS (personal communication service) mode or a cellular mode permits PCS communications if the station receives a beacon of a sufficient strength in a PCS frequency band, and alternatively permits cellular communications if the station does not receive a beacon of a sufficient strength in the PCS frequency band. In order for the dual mode station to perform in both a cellular mode and a PCS mode, a single service provider (reseller) will attempt to provide both types of services. The reseller must ensure that a call can be properly billed to a mobile station user for both a call received at the dual mode mobile station and a call transmitted from the dual mode mobile station. Accordingly, methods and systems are provided for controlling cellular service access to and from the mobile station.

Abstract: A system and method for effecting alternate billing arrangements after a call from a calling party to a called party has been completed. Signaling information identifying an alternate billing request from a called party is first captured. The alternate billing request is then validated by determining whether it is permissible to shift all or part of the charges for the call to the called party.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for rehome optimization of a telecommunications network. Optimal network configurations are determined according to automatically derived attributes associated with granulations of elements in the network called rehome circuit groups (RCGs). RCGs are automatically derived from the telecommunications network. RCGs are definable as a rehoming set of one or more circuits in the network. Optimal network configurations satisfy specified constraints and are calculated in accordance with cost objectives. Constraints include rehoming RCGs on criteria of having a relationship with other RCGs in the network and how to treat certain RCGs in the rehome process.

Abstract: A system and method for restoring communications in a network having multiple span failures. After a failure is detected, a sender node in each of the plurality of sender-chooser pairs sends a failed status message to the other nodes in the network. The failed status message identifies a restoration priority of the particular sender-chooser pair. Upon receipt, other nodes in the network suspend processing of lower priority restoration efforts and queue lower priority messages if they are preempted by higher priority messages. Lower priority restoration efforts resume upon receipt of a finished status message from the sender node of the higher priority sender-chooser pair.

Abstract: Optical loop-back is provided within an optical restoration system of an optical communication network. According to one embodiment, an optical restoration system includes first and second spare optical links (also called restoration paths) optically coupled in parallel between first and second optical cross-connect switches. Each restoration path includes a light regenerator and an optical amplifier. First and second optical cross-connect switches are each switched to provide respective optical loop-back paths between the first and second restoration paths or spare links. In one example, the optical loop-back paths can be configured within the optical cross-connect switches. In another example, the optical cross-connect switches are configured to couple optical signals between an external loop-back coupler and the first and second restoration paths or spare links.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically configuring speed dial settings on a telephone system. The system receives distributions, such as phone calls, phone messages, E-mail messages, soft facsimiles and print jobs, and determines an identifier (id) corresponding to a sender of the distribution. Information (e.g., telephone number) about the sender is retrieved from an address book database using the sender's id. A speed dial setting is assigned and stored in a speed dial database using the sender's information. The system permits the recipient of the distribution to automatically dial the sender by invocation of the speed dial setting.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely inputting power plant data into a database and for calculating reserve times for which power plants can supply power to consumer equipment. The system includes a data input module for receiving power data from a remote user and for inputting power plant data into a database. In a preferred embodiment, the system is an integral part of a comprehensive site planning facility and interfaces with a permanent site facility database and a temporary relational database. Both databases store data relating to sites, power plants associated with sites and component data related to power plants. The data input module permits users to add, modify and remove power plant data associated with sites which are stored in the temporary relational database.

Abstract: A system and method for projecting service availability in a telecommunication network. The present invention comprises an empirically-based availability estimate that accounts for the impact of maintenance actions by network personnel, as well as cable cuts and equipment failures. The system comprises a managed network comprising a plurality of interconnected switches to carry and route telecommunications traffic among customer endpoints, a network management system connected to the interconnected switches in the managed network via control links to monitor the switching activity of said managed network, a plurality of databases for storing maintenance actions and reliability factors, and a projected availability processor connected to the network management system to collect information from the network management system and the databases and determine service availability.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the performance, in a multichannel optical transmission system, of an optical signal regenerator, by compensating for input signal power fluctuation and for output signal gain change, and by mildly filtering individual wavelengths between gain block stages. A system and method to provide amplification and refinement of a bidirectional optical signal in a single amplification and refinement stage.

Abstract: A client-server system and method providing real time access to a variety of database systems, for decision making applications, such as dynamic price quoting, product/service configuration and ordering, and billing verification. The system and method uses a graphical user interface to provide a user transparent and seamless access to the database systems.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing undesirable phase transients caused by revertive switchover in a telecommunications network. Selector switch settings are assigned priorities. The priorities indicate an order of preference in which to assign selector switch source inputs or outputs. Selector switch sources connected to equipments that are to be used as backups of one another are assigned the same priority level. Assignment of the same priority level prevents undesirable phase transients by controlling revertive switchovers. In addition, network topology is controllable using the priority table. The controllable characteristic of the network topology provides flexibility to a network designer to provide diversity among network paths such that the network is made more robust.

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 system and method for isolating an outage within a communications network comprising a database containing the configuration of switching elements within a network and a plurality of instructions resident on a memory device for operating a control computer wherein the plurality of instructions include a code segment for receiving alarms from the switching elements, a code segment for determining which of the alarms indicate an outage, and a code segment for identifying the location of the switching elements that isolate the outage based upon the configuration of the switching elements in the database are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a wireless network such that degradation of service availability is reduced or eliminated. The present invention monitors a wireless network. In response to a network degradation, the present invention adjusts setup parameters of network equipment. The adjustment automatically adapts the network equipment in real-time or near real-time to reduce or eliminate the degradation. The present invention is preferably automated, thereby increasing the speed of network adaption.

Abstract: An automated product purchasing system allows purchasers to order products via a remote communications medium without having to speak to a sales representative or other human operator. According to the invention, purchasers access the automated product purchasing system and browse among the selections offered. Menu style prompts guide the customer through the various products offered by the automated product purchasing system. Product descriptions are provided to assist the customer in making his or her selections. Where appropriate, product samples are provided to the customer via the communications medium so the customer can evaluate the product prior to purchasing. Examples of product samples include movie previews, sample cuts from music tracks, software demos, and the like. Ordering and purchasing are automated so that human operators are not required to intervene in the process.

Abstract: A method of and system for passively monitoring facsimile transmissions between an originating fax machine and a terminating fax machine. The system detects a ring signal from the originating fax machine on an inbound telephone line, and, in response to detecting the ring signal, dials the previously stored telephone number of the terminating fax machine on an outbound telephone line. Upon completion of dialing the telephone number of the terminating fax machine, the system establishes a connection between the inbound and outbound telephone lines, thereby to connect the originating and terminating fax machines. The system then passively monitors signals between the originating and terminating fax machines to display protocol information translated into human readable form and indications of signal level and quality.