Abstract: In a telecommunications network provisioned with a path based distributed restoration algorithm, upon the detection of a failure in a link, each of the custodial nodes of the failed link sends a special message to the respective end nodes. These end nodes communicate with each other over a communications network independent of the telecommunications network and, in turn, inform the custodial nodes of the identity of the other custodial nodes. By providing each custodial node with the knowledge that its adjacent node is its opposing custodial node, any functional link that cross-connects the custodial nodes is deemed to be of poor quality and, therefore, should not be used as a part of an alternate path for rerouting the disrupted traffic, unless no other alternate path could be found.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a switching element for maintaining data used in operation of a communications system. Examples of such operations include serving sessions and routing calls. A local data structure is maintained within the switching element wherein the local data structure contains data used by the switching element in its operation in the communications system. Responsive to a requirement for needed data that is unavailable or out-of-date from the local data structure, a request is generated for the needed data from a server through a communications link from the switching element to the server.

Abstract: A resource management system for an intelligent communications network having one or more distributed service nodes, each service node for providing services relating to an event received at a network resource associated with a service node. The system provides a look-ahead routing function enabling instantiation of service object instances at any service node in said intelligent network based on service types available at the service node in said network, an associated capability status indicating whether a requested service is available for instantiation at a service node and is currently active; and, a status of an execution environment capable of executing service object instances at each service node. Mechanisms are employed for instantiating service instances according to an implemented business strategy, e.g., load balancing.

Abstract: In a telecommunication network, there is provided a system for monitoring a plurality of telephone calls to a common private branch exchange, PBX) in order to detect fraudulent activity. In particular, fraudulent activity is detected in calls made to and originating from a PBX that uses a common billing number. If fraudulent activity is found, an alert message is provided to a fraud analyst for further review. Call detail records corresponding to each of the calls, are retrieved and stored in a queue. The billing number and a call time associated with each call detail record are analyzed. Each call detail record, billing number and call time is compared with at least one predetermined threshold relating to billing numbers and call times.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a switching element for maintaining data used in operation of a communications system. Examples of such operations include serving sessions and routing calls. A local data structure is maintained within the switching element wherein the local data structure contains data used by the switching element in its operation in the communications system. Responsive to a requirement for needed data that is unavailable or out-of-date from the local data structure, a request is generated for the needed data from a server through a communications link from the switching element to the server.

Abstract: Optical communication systems, terminal facilities of an optical communication system, optical communication methods, and methods of communicating within an optical network are provided. According to one aspect of the invention, an optical communication system includes: a plurality of optical communication conduits individually configured to communicate data communication signals; an optical switch adapted to optically couple a communication path of an associated data terminal with at least one of the optical communication conduits; and a controller configured to monitor the data communication signals and to control the optical switch responsive to the monitoring of the data communication signals.

Abstract: A method, and a switched network adapted to carry out the method, and computer-readable media carrying instructions for controlling the network, to increase the utilization of the North American Numbering Plan. Numbers that otherwise would be stranded in a low growth rate area are ported to a network switch serving another rate area. When a switch receives a called number it determines if the number is portable and, if so, accesses a database to determine if the number has been ported. If the number has been ported the switch processes the call in accordance with information linked to the number in the database so that stranded numbers can be assigned to stations without regard to the rate area in which the stations are located.

Abstract: A platform provides access to multiple telecommunications services via a single telephone number. These services may include, for example, voicemail services, facsimile messaging services, paging services, and outbound calling services. A guest caller may call the single phone number to speak to a subscriber, leave a voicemail message for a subscriber, leave a facsimile message for a subscriber, or place a page to a subscriber. A subscriber may call the phone number to place outbound calls. In addition, a subscriber may call the single phone number to retrieve or send facsimile messages and/or voicemail messages. A subscriber may also call the phone number to configure service options. For instance, a subscriber may select routing options and choose what services are available to guest callers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for in situ inspection of optical ports for occlusions that might impede an optical signal. The present invention utilizes a mini-borescope of the type having a borescope insertion tube of less that two millimeters in diameter. The mini-borescope may utilize a video camera for capturing images of the target and adjustably magnifies the target image for display. In addition, one of a plurality of component type borescope-to-optical port adapters is coupled to the mini-borescope insertion tube. Each particular type borescope-to-optical port adapter allows the insertion tube to be inserted and aligned to a corresponding type of optical component, for instance if the BOPA is an SC-type male connector, then the insertion tube will be readily accepted by an SC-type female adapter. Also included in the BOPA is a protective sleeve that surrounds a portion of the mini-borescope insertion tube.

Abstract: A platform provides access to multiple telecommunications services via a single telephone number. These services may include, for example, paging services. A guest caller may call the single telephone number and select an option to page the subscriber. Other services, such as voicemail services, facsimile services, electronic mail messaging services and outbound calling services may also be available.

Abstract: An intelligent network implementing processes and apparatus for supporting ATM/Vnet services. The intelligent network comprises the ability to receive an ATM VNET call at an ATM switch associated with a service node of the intelligent network, translate the dialed VNET number and then extend the call to a correct termination. Prior to the outdial, source address and subscription validation, destination address screening, source address screening and VNET number translation are performed. In one embodiment, assuming that the VNET call is an ATM to ATM call, no number translation is required. In placing Vnet/ATM calls, the network does all resource allocation, e.g., bandwidth reservation and allocation. The resource specification in the ATM setup message (e.g., bandwidth) is validated against the customer's subscription versus the current network utilization.

Abstract: A device and method of intercepting in-progress calls whose billing numbers have been marked fraudulent subsequent to the initial authorization and validation of the same in-progress calls. The device and method uses criteria to define certain calls as “suspect” and parks all suspect calls after the initial call processing. Because the suspect calls are parked and not released to the general switching elements of the telephone network, the suspect calls can be torn down if the associated billing number is marked fraudulent after call processing. The criteria can maintain a fine granularity by using various Call Park Flags in various databases. In addition, the suspect calls can remain parked for varying amounts of time based on the category and type of call.

Abstract: A network architecture includes a communication network that supports one or more network-based Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). The communication network includes a plurality of boundary routers that are connected by access links to CPE edge routers belonging to the one or more VPNs. To prevent traffic from outside a customer's VPN (e.g., traffic from other VPNs or the Internet at large) from degrading the QoS provided to traffic from within the customer's VPN, the present invention gives precedence to intra-VPN traffic over extra-VPN traffic on each customer's access link through access link prioritization or access link capacity allocation, such that extra-VPN traffic cannot interfere with inter-VPN traffic.

Abstract: A virtual private branch exchange (PBX) system that routes calls within a packet-switching network. Login information is received from a data device. The login information includes an alias identifying a user at the data device and a network address identifying the location of the data device on the packet-switching network. The virtual private branch exchange system associates the user's private branch exchange extension with the network address and routes calls to the user's (PBX) extension to the data device on the basis of the network address of the data device.

Abstract: An approach for providing notification services using rules-based technology is disclosed. A business rule manager module maps the business rules to business triggers, in which any pre-defined action can be performed based on the rule execution. Business rule triggers map a set of object life cycle states or business processes to set(s) of business rules; these business rules are mapped to trigger conditions. Notifications are then mapped to the business triggers such that the appropriate information can be sent to the recipients according to the business conditions or business rule actions.

Abstract: A fiber-cement/plywood surface providing a preformed surface material for flooring, decking, walkways and roadways, more particularly for use with marine dock structures. The structure is formed by applying a coating of a polyester or epoxy resin over one surface of a sheet of plywood substructure so as to seal the substructure as the resin hardens, and also coating one surface of a fiber-cement sheet with a polyester or epoxy resin and allowing it to harden. A bonding agent, which comprises a catalyzed polyester or epoxy resin mixed with a thickening agent such as mill fibers or finely chopped fiberglass strands, is applied between the two facing resin surfaces of the respective plywood sheet and the fiber-cement sheet, whereby the two sheets are bonded together so as to form a single, somewhat-resilient, weatherproof and wear-resistant structure or panel. An alternative arrangement is also provided wherein the substructure is a thick plastic foam core encased in a fiberglass and polyester resin.

Abstract: The present invention defines two methods of forming a non-skid-surfaced wood panel, preferably plywood, which is treated with various coats or layers of epoxy resin, together with a finished surface coat of polyurethane combined with a hard-grit abrasive material evenly spread within the surface coat, so as to provide the non-skid substance that establishes a unique and wear-resistant structure for areas subjected to heavy foot traffic, the invention being particularly suitable for use on decking in marine environments.

Abstract: A fiber-cement/plywood surface and method of providing a preformed surface material for flooring, decking, walkways and roadways, more particularly for use with marine dock structures. The method includes applying a coating of a polyester resin over one surface of a sheet of plywood substructure so as to seal the substructure as the resin hardens, and also coating one surface of a fiber-cement sheet with a polyester resin and allowing it to harden. A bonding agent, which comprises a catalyzed polyester resin mixed with a thickening agent such as mill fibers or finely chopped fiberglass strands, is applied between the two facing resin surfaces of the respective plywood sheet and the fiber-cement sheet, whereby the two sheets are bonded together so as to form a single somewhat-resilient weatherproof and wear-resistant structure or panel. An alternative arrangement is also provided wherein the substructure is a thick plastic foam core encased in a fiberglass and polyester resin.