Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing and routing termination telephone calls is disclosed. A termination telephone call is one that terminates at a specific pre-defined shared or specific pre-defined dedicated termination trunk group. The pre-defined trunk group is connected to a pre-defined termination switching device. A termination telephone number is translated into a termination routing address. The termination telephone call is routed via a telecommunications network to a termination switch as specified by the termination routing address. The call is then terminated to a dedicated or shared trunk group which is also specified by the termination routing address. The dedicated or shared termination trunk group is directly connected to the termination switch.

Abstract: A security system and method are provided for securing user access to server tables having data arranged in rows and columns. The server table is contained in a server computer which is accessible by a plurality of user terminals joined thereto. The server computer includes relational database software for creating and maintaining tables, including the server table, and views defining subsets of the tables. A security table is stored in the computer for identifying authorized user access to preselected rows of the server table for pre-identified users. An access view is stored in the computer for automatically joining the security and server tables to limit user access to the server table to the preselected rows thereof based on the security table. A single security table may therefore be used and is readily updated by merely deleting, adding, or updating entries.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating video fidelity by calculating information frame rate. A time mechanism is sampled to obtain a time video signal. A visual excitation device is also sampled to obtain an information video signal. The time video signal is superimposed over the information video signal to produce a combined video signal. The combined video signal is transmitted over a system under test (SUT). The signal that exits the SUT is called a processed video signal. The processed video signal is analyzed to determined the information frame rate of the SUT.

Abstract: An autonotification system that automatically performs pre-determined notification procedures based on specific messages detected from programs called traps. The present invention detects triggering events, such as job failures, abnormal ends (ABENDs), erroneous output, return codes, and successful completions. When a triggering event is detected, the system will reference data that specifies the notification service to perform. Such notification services may include the issuance of numeric pages, alpha-numeric pages, electronic mail, Problem Management Records (PMRs), and voice mail messages. The notification procedures include confirmations of receipt of notifications. The notification procedures also include automatic escalations, based on such confirmations, to notify additional personnel (default recipients) when no response or a negative response is received from the prior recipient of the notification.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for emulating a digital cross-connect (DXC) network fully tests a telecommunication network monitoring and control system (MCS). The communication and behavior of a digital cross-connect switching network are emulated in the presence and absence of selected network configurations, failures, and/or normalizations. A communication module communicates with the MCS through emulator control links using a communications protocol substantially identical to a communications protocol used in the emulated digital cross-connect network. A configuration database stores configuration data representing the current behavior of the DXC nodes. A topology database stores topology data representative of the topology of the emulated DXC network. An emulator message generator generates messages emulating communications from DXC nodes to the MCS. An emulator link selector further selects an enabled emulator control link depending upon whether respective emulated network control links are enabled.

Abstract: A system and method for restoration of a disrupted telecommunications path between a source node and a destination node via at least one tandem node. The operation of the present invention proceeds in five phases: notification, broadcast, path trace-out, confirmation and cleanup. In the notification phase, the path's source and destination nodes are notified of the disruption. In the broadcast phase, the network is flooded with PACK messages to locate restoration paths; selective rebroadcasting of the PACK messages limits the volume of restoration message traffic. In the path trace-out phase, bandwidth is conservatively reserved along the restoration paths indicated by the PACK messages. In the confirmation phase, restoration paths are built up step-wise along the traced-out paths, thereby restoring the disrupted path between the source and destination nodes.

Abstract: A system for analyzing communication network events on a historical basis based on records received from the network. A data processing system is connected via a first communications co-processor to a node of the network, permitting access to the node processor event log. In response to an inquiry sent from the data processing system, the events are collected as they are reported to the node processor. A record of the events is made in a table corresponding to the particular type of event received. The records in all tables may be sorted based on dates supplied by a system operator. The sorted records comprise a report identifying particular network elements which constituted an event during the reporting period.

Abstract: A mobile telephone remote programming system and method includes a mobile telephone that has a subscriber ID module (SIM) which can store control data for voice message actuation and vocoder parameters. The telephone is adapted to receive digital programming information over a radio communication link. The programming information is adapted to modify the contents of the SIM to include updated voice message actuation data and/or vocoder data. The telephone uses the stored data to control voice message actuation and/or vocoder operation.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically determining the physical connection topology between diverse network elements (DNEs) within a communication network. Each DNE is audited on a periodic basis to determine the arrangement, configuration, cross-connection, and alarm status of each communication port within each DNE in the communications network. A topology database is maintained with such baseline information. Each DNE is configured with at least one mismatched port. Mismatched ports are cross-connected with communication ports within DNEs so that signal mismatch alarms are generated by communication ports coupled with the mismatched ports in other DNEs. Signal mismatch alarms are collected and processed so that connectivity status may be derived based on the baseline data, expected alarms, and the receipt of such alarms or lack thereof. A topology database is continuously updated to reflect such derived information.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to diversely respond to changes in network topology and segment availability that occur between the time a restoration pre-plan is developed and the time it is executed. Changes that have occurred during this time are detected when the pre-plan is implemented. Dynamic responses to these network changes are manifest as real-time adjustments to the pre-plan during its execution in the form of a segment substitution or a segment swap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described which automatically allocate available physical resources of a telecommunications network to efficiently resolve network problems and improve the serviceability, availability and reliability of such networks. Large volumes of sensor data representing faults in the operational condition of elements of the telecommunications network are collected in a buffer. A network performance index is calculated for the entire network or for any portion of the network, thereby assembling the data into easily understood, accurate measurement of transmission performance. The network performance index is then compared with predetermined target values to determine what resources to allocate.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a telecommunications network. The system and method employs a network management architecture that provides an overlay in which network management functions are performed. The network management architecture includes a workstation function that provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for a user to interact with an object model of the physical telecommunications network, a telecommunications network management subsystem that provides an object model of the network including object models of network equipment and connectivity between the equipment, a database subsystem that stores "current" and "future" views of the network, and an object request broker that translates objects from a first object-oriented paradigm to a second object-oriented paradigm for use by the GUI. The network management architecture facilitates network design by determining network performance metrics.

Abstract: An optical interface device dynamically reconfigures a telecommunications network. The device includes an optically switched backplane connected between two stages of an optical tapped amplifier. Various modules may be plugged into the backplane for performing selective processing of the optical signal without any signal conversion to electrical domain. The modules are electrically controlled by a controller, which is also a module, overseeing the operations upon the optical signal by other modules.

Abstract: The hierarchical data distribution system (HDDS) includes a top level master database system, bottom level client servers, each with its own database copy, and at least one intermediate database level. HDDS is an event driven pusher type system. The entry of update data into the system invokes the distribution process. First, the master database system is updated. Then, the master database system updates several database systems at the first intermediate database level. Each database system at the first intermediate database level then updates several database systems at the next lower database level. This may be a lower level intermediate level or it may be client servers. This process continues until the lowest level database systems, the client servers, have been updated. The distribution process performs any necessary reformatting, data assembly and data view processing before transmitting the update data.

Abstract: Access control is provided for a fixed cellular terminal using a secondary power source. Upon detecting an interruption of power from a primary power source, a signal is provided to reset a non-volatile memory in the fixed cellular terminal to erase a password previously stored in the memory. A secondary power source supplies power for these functions. Upon the memory reset, a subscriber must again enter a password to use the fixed cellular terminal for gaining access to a radio network. Another embodiment of the invention includes a timer for triggering a timing interval after interruption of the primary power is detected. The memory is reset only if the timing interval expires while the primary power is still below the threshold operating level. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a microprocessor determines whether a call is in progress. The memory is reset only if the call is not in progress when the timing interval expires while the primary power is still below the threshold operating level.

Abstract: Data incorporated in call detail records (CDR), obtained from network switches, are subjected to processing by a statistics engine which maintains separate counts for CDR events relating to certain calls, such as 800 number and 900 number calls. Such events, such as attempted calls, completed calls, and duration, form statistics for network users. Compilation of statistics may be done for different services, such as total summary counts and counts by originating area code. In case of 800 numbers, the statistical counts for the various services are compiled in accordance with the 800 number or 900 number called. When a network user decides to change the statistical services required, this is easily accomplished by changing the rules for interrogating the CDR data, as opposed to the prior art approach of changing programming coding.

Abstract: To estimate an optimal amount of spare capacity for a network so that efficient distributed restoration of the network can take place in the event of a network failure, parameter assumptions and network design guidelines are provided to a network modeling tool to generate a desirable amount of spare links for the network. The spare links are allocated to the different nodes of the network. After a failure in the network, the result of the restoration of the network due to the failure is reported to the controller of the system. If necessary, the parameter assumptions and network design guidelines are updated and fed back to the network modeling tool for further refining the spare capacity of the network. An optimal amount of spare capacity is thus achieved by a continuous redeployment of the spare capacity output provided by the network modeling tool. Simulated failures and subsequent restorations of the network are provided to an exerciser periodically.

Abstract: A system and method provide prepaid telecommunication services using credit or debit cards in a telecommunication network including a central data base. The system monitors card balances while blocking multiple use of card balances and sends warning messages to subscribers on card balances which approach a threshold amount. Upon initiation of a telephone call, a subscriber card balance corresponding to the subscriber's credit or debit account is retrieved from the central data base. Status flags are set in the central database indicating that a telephone call is in progress for that account. A switching station monitors the telephone call and initiates an alarm when the call time approaches a threshold amount specified for the card balance. The system announce to the subscriber and/or blocks the termination of the call when the threshold amount has been exceeded and a further limit specified for the card balance has been reached.

Abstract: A device for connecting a data device having an analog output to a digital telephone having a base unit and a handset with first analog signals being coupled bi-directionally between the base unit and the handset. The device includes a first input receiving the first analog signals from the base unit, a second input receiving the first analog signals from the handset, a third input receiving a second analog signal from the analog output of the data device, and a switch coupled to the first, second and third inputs for selectively bi-directionally coupling the second analog signal to the base unit and the first analog signals bi-directionally between the base unit and the handset.

Abstract: A locking system comprising a locking fastener having tamper-resistant features, and a special key having a bit at one end for engaging a socket in the head of the locking fastener to rotate the latter. The internal configuration of the socket corresponds to an external configuration of the bit, and the corresponding contour of the socket prevents the fastener from being turned by tools other than the special key. The fastener may have left-handed threads on its shaft and its head may be recessed in a counterbore in a closure part to prevent gripping tools from gripping an external surface of the head. The configurations of both the socket and the key may readily be made by economical metal working techniques.