Abstract: There is provided a method of operating a virtual network function manager for management of a virtual network function. A first request to manage a virtual network function is received (404). The request comprises an indication of whether to select an alternative virtual resource for allocation if a requested virtual resource is unavailable for allocation. A second request for a virtual resource associated with the first request to manage the virtual network function is transmitted (406). The requested virtual resource has one or more predefined characteristics. If a response is received that indicates the virtual resource having the one or more predefined characteristics is unavailable for allocation (408), an alternative virtual resource is selected for allocation (412). The alternative virtual resource has one or more alternative characteristics comprising at least one alternative characteristic that is different to a corresponding one of the predefined characteristics.

Abstract: There is provided a method of operating a virtual network function manager for management of a virtual network function. A first request to manage a virtual network function is received (404). The request comprises an indication of whether to select an alternative virtual resource for allocation if a requested virtual resource is unavailable for allocation. A second request for a virtual resource associated with the first request to manage the virtual network function is transmitted (406). The requested virtual resource has one or more predefined characteristics. If a response is received that indicates the virtual resource having the one or more predefined characteristics is unavailable for allocation (408), an alternative virtual resource is selected for allocation (412). The alternative virtual resource has one or more alternative characteristics comprising at least one alternative characteristic that is different to a corresponding one of the predefined characteristics.

Abstract: A method for detecting interconnect bypass by a subscription identity in a telecommunication network, said telecommunication network comprising at least a mobile switching center, MSC, serving a plurality of subscription identities, said method comprising the steps of setting a bypass threshold value which indicates a number of originating calls from a subscription identity per pre-defined period of time, monitoring the number of originating calls from at least one of said plurality of subscription identities per said pre-defined period of time, and detecting when said monitored number of originating calls for one of said plurality of subscription identities exceeds said bypass threshold value, and issuing an alert message thereby indicating an interconnect bypass by said one of said plurality of subscription identities.

Abstract: A method for detecting interconnect bypass by a subscription identity in a telecommunication network, said telecommunication network comprising at least a mobile switching centre, MSC, serving a plurality of subscription identities, said method comprising the steps of setting a bypass threshold value which indicates a number of originating calls from a subscription identity per pre-defined period of time, monitoring the number of originating calls from at least one of said plurality of subscription identities per said pre-defined period of time, and detecting when said monitored number of originating calls for one of said plurality of subscription identities exceeds said bypass threshold value, and issuing an alert message thereby indicating an interconnect bypass by said one of said plurality of subscription identities.