Abstract: A deferred maintenance mode for network elements is described, wherein upon failure of one or more resources in a network element, redundant resources are used to preserve functionality. Upon subsequent failure of the redundant resources, function can revert to the first set of resources if those resources have a higher level of functionality. This deferred mode is valuable in situations where it may not be possible to repair failed elements in a timely manner, or if there is a limit upon the amount of backup power available.

Abstract: A maintenance component of an apparatus in one example employs one or more packets that are communicated over an active packet connection to evaluate the active packet connection.

Abstract: A method of testing trunks grouped in tributaries to evaluate interoffice transmission quality across a TDM network of all trunks in the office. The method includes performing a testing cycle testing only one trunk in each tributary in the central office to verify transmission quality. Testing includes setting up an interoffice connection to the one trunk, performing a transmission test on the one trunk. The method can also include attempting a connection to every trunk in each tributary in the testing cycle. The method can also include performing a plurality of testing cycles until all trunks in the central office have been tested, wherein each testing cycle includes testing one untested trunk in each tributary.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing call admission control in a packet network such as an internet protocol (IP) network are provided. More particularly, a terminating endpoint of a logical connection on a packet network, e.g. an IP network, is provided with the ability to make a decision on whether to accept or reject an incoming call based on quality of service (QoS) indicator based on QoS metrics. These metrics indicate quality of service levels for specific logical connections and are accumulated over specified time periods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for voice path assurance (VPA) testing in a packet network such as an Internet Protocol (IP) network is provided. More specifically, the invention relates to a voice path assurance (VPA) testing technique that is initiated by the terminating side of a logical connection through an IP network. The technique of the present invention is used to verify connectivity and performance—during a call set-up procedure—between the terminating endpoint and the originating endpoint of the logical connection through the IP network.

Abstract: A method of performing a bearer path assurance test across a packet-based IP network is provided. The method includes establishing a bearer path across the IP network and performing a bearer path assurance test during call setup before cutting through the call. The method can also include creating a timestamp at the originating office, sending the timestamp from the originating office to a terminating office, sending the timestamp from the terminating office to the originating office, receiving the timestamp at the originating office, and verifying the continuity of the bearer path. The method can also include evaluating round trip delay and packet loss using one or more timestamps.

Abstract: A method of testing trunks grouped in tributaries to evaluate interoffice transmission quality across a TDM network of all trunks in the office. The method includes performing a testing cycle testing only one trunk in each tributary in the central office to verify transmission quality. Testing includes setting up an interoffice connection to the one trunk, performing a transmission test on the one trunk. The method can also include attempting a connection to every trunk in each tributary in the testing cycle. The method can also include performing a plurality of testing cycles until all trunks in the central office have been tested, wherein each testing cycle includes testing one untested trunk in each tributary.