Abstract: A method of detecting an unsatisfactory quality of service being experienced by users of a communications network comprises a network monitoring system for generating data record feeds concerning traffic generated by the users. A pattern matching engine is provided to recognise repeated failed attempts to establish a call between users of the communications network or repeated calls of impractically short duration. The pattern matching engine generates an alert or alarm in response detection of such usage behaviour from the data record fees.

Abstract: In a signalling network employing the SS7 signalling protocol, it is known to use masks to mine CDR stores in order to obtain data for analysis in respect of a particular customer of a communications network associated with the signalling network. However, the use of masks to mine the CDRs can result in the retrieval of unwanted CDRs or the omission of relevant CDRs. The present invention therefore provides a call monitoring apparatus that receives a CDR and accesses a reference database, comprising a list of customers and respective telephone numbers, in order to identify an association between the CDR and a given customer. Consequently, speed and efficiency of analysis of CDRs is increased.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus is coupled to receive call data records from a telephone network (4), for example an SS7 network. The apparatus (1) receives data records of different types having different formats. For each different type of data record, the apparatus (1) has a library (9, 10, 11 ) of type-specific functions associated with the particular type of data record. The apparatus (1) also has a set (8) of common functions available which contains functions that can be utilized for all types of data records, and for managing the system. Instructions are received by the apparatus (1), which indicate which type or types of data records are to be received and which functions are to be carried out on the data records. The apparatus (1) then creates a function list of the particular functions that are to be carried out before executing the particular functions on the received data records and then storing the processed records in a database (12, 13, 14).

Abstract: A data processing apparatus is coupled to receive call data records from a telephone network (4), for example an SS7 network. The apparatus (1) receives data records of different types having different formats. For each different type of data record, the apparatus (1) has a library (9, 10, 11 ) of type-specific functions associated with the particular type of data record. The apparatus (1) also has a set (8) of common functions available which contains functions that can be utilized for all types of data records, and for managing the system. Instructions are received by the apparatus (1), which indicate which type or types of data records are to be received and which functions are to be carried out on the data records. The apparatus (1) then creates a function list of the particular functions that are to be carried out before executing the particular functions on the received data records and then storing the processed records in a database (12, 13, 14).

Abstract: In a signalling network employing the SS7 signalling protocol, it is known to use masks to mine CDR stores in order to obtain data for analysis in respect of a particular customer of a communications network associated with the signalling network. However, the use of masks to mine the CDRs can result in the retrieval of unwanted CDRs or the omission of relevant CDRs. The present invention therefore provides a call monitoring apparatus that receives a CDR and accesses a reference database, comprising a list of customers and respective telephone numbers, in order to identify an association between the CDR and a given customer. Consequently, speed and efficiency of analysis of CDRs is increased.

Abstract: Telephone traffic is displayed on a screen so a message source and a message destination are represented by lines, such as vertical lines, for example, each with a label denoting its location. An arrow joining the location lines points in the same direction as the message and has an associated label indicating message identity. Further message source and destination locations are denoted by further lines, such as vertical lines, for example, only if the location is additional to a location already displayed. Otherwise an already displayed line denotes the relevant location. Further labelled arrows denote further messages. Each successive monitored message is denoted by a further arrow at a lower place on the display than the arrows denoting previous messages so successive items are added in a non-overlapping bottom-down manner.