Abstract: Planning alternative SS7 networks is a complex task requiring assistance from an intelligent planning tool. The tool includes at least one planning database containing information on network traffic, component locations, and component connectivity. A load module determines peak load for each STP in the core network. A forecast module determines equipment capacity exhaustion for each STP, network database, and core link during each study period and determines network costs based on peak loads and an alternative network design provided by a user. A graphical user interface guides the user through a sequence of design steps, each step having to be correctly completed before the next step in the sequence is started. The sequence of steps may include permitting changes to the core network, permitting changes to the number of POPs and DBs, rehoming elements left disconnected from STPs, assigning SSPs to POPs, assigning SSPs to DBs, and permitting voluntary rehomes.

Abstract: Planning alternative SS7 networks is a complex task requiring assistance from an intelligent planning tool. The tool includes at least one planning database containing information on network traffic, component locations, and component connectivity. A load module determines peak load for each STP in the core network. A forecast module determines equipment capacity exhaustion for each STP, network database, and core link during each study period and determines network costs based on peak loads and an alternative network design provided by a user. A graphical user interface guides the user through a sequence of design steps, each step having to be correctly completed before the next step in the sequence is started. The sequence of steps may include permitting changes to the core network, permitting changes to the number of POPs and DBs, rehoming elements left disconnected from STPs, assigning SSPs to POPs, assigning SSPs to DBs, and permitting voluntary rehomes.

Abstract: Planning alternative SS7 networks is a complex task requiring assistance from an intelligent planning tool. The tool includes at least one planning database containing information on network traffic, component locations, and component connectivity. A load module determines peak load for each STP in the core network. A forecast module determines equipment capacity exhaustion for each STP, network database, and core link during each study period and determines network costs based on peak loads and an alternative network design provided by a user. A graphical user interface guides the user through a sequence of design steps, each step having to be correctly completed before the next step in the sequence is started. The sequence of steps may include permitting changes to the core network, permitting changes to the number of POPs and DBs, rehoming elements left disconnected from STPs, assigning SSPs to POPs, assigning SSPs to DBs, and permitting voluntary rehomes.

Abstract: Local signal transfer points (LSTPs) are optimally selected for removal from a Signaling System Number 7 (SS7) network. At least one network element is connected to each LSTP and each LSTP is connected to a parent node. Each LSTP is determined as a flexible LSTP or a fixed LSTP. A potential network configuration is formed with at least one flexible LSTP excluded. Each network element is reconnected to one LSTP in the potential network configuration and each LSTP in the potential network configuration is reconnected to one parent node. A total cost based on the potential network configuration is determined. The potential network configuration becomes the new best network configuration if the total cost is less than any previous total cost. The process is repeated for each potential network configuration resulting from removing a different combination of flexible LSTPs.

Abstract: Planning alternative SS7 networks is a complex task requiring assistance from an intelligent planning tool. The tool provides a method for forecasting service loads including automatically obtaining network traffic information from the network. Service loads are estimated based on a first set of network traffic information and service descriptions. Correction factors are calculated for service loads based on a second set of network traffic information. The correction factors are applied to estimated service loads to determine peak loads for each STP in the core network based on network traffic, component locations, and component connectivity.

Abstract: A method and system for optimizing system capacity and allocation in a CDMA cellular communication system obtains a current call volume and associated call characteristics for each of a plurality of cell sites in the system, and estimates effective boundaries for each of the plurality of cell sites to minimize the weighted sum of powers received at selected base stations. Selection of base stations can include highly loaded sites and adjoining cell sites. System parameters are then controlled to effect the estimated cell site boundaries. Thus, the present invention allows for dynamic shrinking and enlarging of cell boundaries to enhance the system capacity advantages of CDMA while maintaining contiguous coverage and avoiding coverage holes.