Abstract: A signaling transfer point (STP) (or Signaling Server Global (SSG)) is described herein which includes a processor and a mapping database that can depending on the direction of a message change the Origination Point Code (OPC) or the Destination Point Code (DPC) and the Circuit Identification Code (CIC) contained in the message. As such, the STP can receive a message from a foreign switch located in another telecommunications network and redirect the message that was originally destined for an old switch, which is in the process being removed or has been removed, to a new switch which now hosts the trunks previously connected to the old switch. The return traffic from the new switch is also processed by the STP so that when the foreign switch receives the message, it will appear like it originated from the old switch. As a result, the user of the STP can transparently consolidate switches without affecting the SS7 database contained in other carrier networks.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for detecting focused overload in a telecommunications network. The apparatus comprises a plurality of originating switching points each coupled to a plurality of originating devices. The apparatus further comprises a destination switching point coupled to a destination device. The apparatus further comprises a transfer point coupled to the plurality of originating switching points and the destination switching point, each of the plurality of originating devices initiating communication through one of the plurality of originating switching points to the destination device utilizing the transfer point, the transfer point detecting focused overload at the destination switching point by detecting a predetermined threshold of initiated communications traffic communicated from the plurality of originating devices to the destination device.