Abstract: A method and apparatus provides a communications system in which a network is present that provides a plurality of communications paths. A plurality of elements is connected to the network including a monitor server, wherein the monitor server includes monitoring means for obtaining status information from the plurality of elements. Also connected to the network is a client server, wherein the client server includes communications means for retrieving status information from the monitor server. Display means is present on the client server for displaying status information on a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A system software solution for testing various network elements/entities and processes in a telecommunications network is provided. A network under test contains network entities which save data to a common database that is associated with processing particular test cases. A configurable emulator correlates database data from the network under test and compares the received message with anticipated test case results. A disposition of the test case is determined and a response is made by the emulator. Emulator configuration allows defining a network switching elements predictable behavior, with appropriate response messages thereof, based on received messages. Controlling a network switching elements behavior allows testing the behavior of other related network elements.