Abstract: A system and method for managing a carrier's interconnect traffic across a telecommunications network, the method involving receiving cost and routing rules from the carrier, gathering performance data corresponding to the interconnect traffic, applying the cost and routing rules to the performance data to determine a first impact on the interconnect traffic, receiving superseding routing rules from the carrier, automatically calculating proposed changes in network routing based on the superseding routing rules and the first impact, and presenting the proposed changes to the carrier.

Abstract: Recording resources are selectively dedicated for recording data exchanged between entities attached to a network including at least one agent in an enterprise, a user, and a server connected to the agent and the user. At least one interconnection point is selected among interconnection points in the network including one or more points between the user and the server, between the server and a data distributor connected to the user and the agent, and between the agent and the server for recording the exchanged data. Recording resources are dedicated to the selected interconnection point for recording the exchanged data based on an objective for recording the data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discovery of inmate-employee fraternization includes correlating inmate identification records and employee information data from a plurality of correctional facilities in a central database with call detail records from inmate telephone activities.

Abstract: In a public switched telephone network, real time monitors on SS7 links will collect interoffice signaling messages. A site processor compiles data from the signaling messages relating to individual calls, to form call detail records (CDRs) for all interoffice call attempts. The site servers upload the CDRs to a central server. Automatic Message Accounting (AMA) records also are accumulated for at least selected central office switching systems and uploaded to a server. Programs running on the servers enable network operations personal to analyze a variety of network traffic patterns, for example to study the number of calls to particular numbers during various times periods and the hold time of the calls in order to identify the numbers of Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

Abstract: Call queuing is implemented in a telecommunications advanced intelligent network. After a call to a busy subscriber line is queued, information about the queued call is collected. Utilization statistics based on the collected queue utilization information are then generated and made available to the subscriber.

Abstract: Systems for monitoring, storage, and analysis of information in signaling messages, communicated from originating networks to a destination network through one or more intermediate networks are described. Correlation and comparison between signaling messages of interest sent from an origination network to signaling messages received by the destination network allows for the detection of inconsistent information, e.g., information fields in a communicated message that have been altered, either intentionally or unintentionally, by an intermediate carrier. The introduction of an additional communications path over which notification messages are forwarded from signaling monitoring equipment in the origination network to signaling monitoring equipment in the destination network allows for a significant reduction in the memory storage requirements at the destination network and in the amount of processing required to match, compare, and evaluate signaling messages.

Abstract: Each communication is classified into any one of a plurality of communication types in advance. A plurality of threshold values used for determining whether or not the resources are to be allocated are set up in advance. The plurality of threshold values differ from each other according to the communication types and a predetermined number of divided traffic amount ranges such that a difference in ease of resource allocation between the communication types increases as a traffic value increases. When a communication connection request is made, the traffic of communication being executed is measured. A threshold value is selected according to the communication type of a communication associated with the connection request and the measured traffic. Whether or not resources maybe allocated to the communication associated with the connection request is determined based on the selected threshold value and the measured traffic.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for reporting calls. The system first receives call transaction data from a telephone company. The system verifies the validity of the data before proceeding with processing the data. Next the data is geocoded so that the calls can be traced to a given location. The resultant call detail data is then transmitted to parties who have subscribed to the service. A report generator uses the call detail data to generate tables, graphs, and maps which are useful to the subscriber. When generating maps, the report generator uses the geocoded information to geographically locate given calls on a map.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium are provided for defining a service area served by a service location of a telecommunications network customer. The method includes ascertaining a geographic designator of a geographic area. The geographic area includes a plurality of geographic sub-areas that each correspond to a geographic sub-designator. The method also includes determining whether any two of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are not served by the same service location. When any two of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are not served by the same service location, the service area is defined by only the sub-designators corresponding to the geographic sub-areas served by the service location. When each of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are served by the same service location, the service area is defined by the geographic designator.

Abstract: A system for managing computers in a distributed computer network includes a collection agent for each computer being monitored, a local database coupled to each collection agent, one or more condensing agents coupled to the databases, and at least one console module. The condensing agent generates an index table from a source database and sends it upstream to the next level up in the hierarchy of databases. Other condensing agents may in turn act on this index table and send it up to a still further level, until a top-level master node has an index table reflecting the entire network. The console can use the index table to identify what databases contain needed data, and then make only selective connections to databases to answer queries, avoiding connections to all the local databases. The condensing agent also produces summarized data and sends it upstream as well, to be used by the console. Efficiency is improved over conventional systems.

Abstract: A method and system for forecasting telephony traffic trends on a network of a given service provider includes storing local number portability (LNP) record portions in a LNP database. Each LNP record portion contains information regarding a corresponding telephone number having been ported between service providers. First and second images of the LNP database are obtained at first and second times. The first and second images are indicative of all the LNP record portions stored in the LNP database at the first and second times. The images are compared to determine migration of the ported telephone numbers between the service providers over a time period between the first and second times. Movement of telephone traffic on the network of the given service provider after the second time is then forecasted as a function of the determined migration of the ported telephone numbers between the service providers.

Abstract: A computer code generation tool generates computer code to facilitate development of call detail record (CDR) management tools. The computer code generation tool inputs one or more raw CDR structures and creates a generic CDR structure therefrom. Given a generic CDR structure and one or more raw CDR structures that it encapsulates, the computer code generation tool generates computer code to read data from the raw CDR(s) stored on disk and store that data in the generic CDR. The computer code generation tool can also generate computer code to generate raw CDRs from the data stored in the generic CDR.

Abstract: Methods to correlate call data records in a telephone or other communication system. A combination of parameter values in the data records and timestamps associated with some of the parameters can be used for such correlation. The information available within a single call record has limitations due to the fact that critical routing information may be (a) missing or (b) incorrect. Correlation of call detail records obtained from various communication segments provides the ability to mutually enrich the records so as to increase billing accuracy, as well as to enhance the detection of call mis-routing and perform traffic analysis.

Abstract: Telecommunications customers must frequently utilize the facilities of many different telecommunications service providers in order to transmit data from one location to another. When a telecommunications customer encounters a network problem, that customer usually must navigate a complicated web of service providers and equipment owners in order to receive meaningful technical assistance from a human technician. The present invention is designed and intended to facilitate human interactions for technical support and administrative tasks by associating customer, contract, circuit, equipment, key personnel, billing, and telco information in a database for efficient data presentation and information retrieval. Resolution of the logistical problem of tracking circuit information is achieved by organizing the information and displaying important data concurrently.

Abstract: A call detail record (CDR) management tool is used to calculate statistics using data in one or more CDRs, view data in one or more CDRs and extract one or more CDRs. The CDRs are generated by a switch and stored in a raw binary format. The raw CDRs are converted from a raw format to a generic format to facilitate the management tool's operations. Statistics include any statistic that can be calculated from telephone call data stored in the CDRs. The viewer allows viewing and storage of one or more fields of CDR data. The extraction tool can store extracted CDRs in raw format or generic format.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for creating a billing record with a called party's name. Providing the called party's name on the billing record facilitates the calling party's review of the billing record by reducing the amount of time and effort needed to determine the identity of the called parties. In addition to identifying fraudulent and misbilled calls, the called party's name allows a person reviewing the billing record to quickly identify long distance calls, quickly discern business from personal calls, and audit calls made from phone lines with multiple users (e.g., employees or kids). Additionally, the billing record reviewer saves time and money by avoiding the need to call directory assistance or a billing service to identify the calls.

Abstract: A method of determining a communication partner's technical address for a user. A directory is provided that includes at least one technical address and at least one identifier for each one of a plurality of possible communication partners for a user. Based on an input from the user, at least one communication partner is obtained from the directory and is suggested to the user. At least one of the steps of providing the directory or suggesting the communication partner is performed automatically based on the user's previous communication behavior. A telecommunications apparatus is provided for performing the method.

Abstract: A gathering apparatus gathers CDRs from a CDR accumulating apparatus at the start time of a cycle operation, and transmits them to a processing apparatus. If the gathering of CDRs is not finished within a predetermined period of the cycle operation, a job starting function in a next and all following cycle operations is disengaged. Then, after the gathering in the present cycle operation is finished, the gathering in the next and all following cycles of manipulation is performed.

Abstract: A system (102) for monitoring call processing failures in a radiotelephone network (100) includes a server (140) coupled with the radiotelephone network and configured to receive call processing failure data. The system further includes a plurality (142) of clients configured to be coupled to the server on a network (144) for display and analysis of the call processing failure data. The clients may include a portable client (152, 154) for remote or wireless access to call processing failure data at the server, permitting troubleshooting and failure analysis in the field. The client computers are preferably Windows-based and provides both analog (AMPS) and digital call processing failure counts.

Abstract: Congestion problems in networks are alleviated with a method that works toward insuring the unused capacity will always exist in elements of a network that are resources which are shared by a plurality of users and which, consequently, can be overloaded. In response to each a request to establish a connection over a path in the network, pursuant to a predetermined algorithm method either services the request, declines to service the request, or services the request after dropping an established connection. In one embodiment, when unused cavity on the path is above a preselected level, all requests are services. What unused capacity falls below a preselected threshold, a probabilistic approach is taken as to service the request or not, and as whether to drop an existing call in order to service the request.

Abstract: A method of suppressing overload in a telecommunications network involves the second node (1) receiving a signal that calls it has sent to a target node are being rejected and (2) reducing the rate of calls it sends to the target node in response. The network could be a UMTS or other third generation (36) network.

Abstract: A system for analyzing an interactive voice response (IVR) system of a call processing center determines a complete sequence of events occurring within the IVR system. The IVR system being operable to automatically accept calls from callers and respond to input from the callers. The system models a call flow of the IVR system as a non-deterministic finite-state automaton. A recording of a plurality of calls to the call processing center is split, such that each of plural calls to the call center is in one audio file. For a plurality of calls, the system detects a complete sequence of DTMF and/or speech input to the IVR system, detects selected prompts issued by the IVR system, and inputs the detected sequence of DTMF and/or speech input as well as the detected prompts issued by the IVR system into the finite-state automaton to determine a call-event sequence for that call. The call-event sequence includes information regarding how that call left the IVR system.

Abstract: Method for registering an overload situation in a telephone exchange system comprising a local exchange, an access node, a concentrating interface connecting the access node to the local exchange, a resource manager, which is part of the local exchange and a statistical unit, which is part of the local exchange. The method comprises the steps of scanning the concentrating interface to find a free time slot and detecting by means of the resource manager that the concentrating interface is overloaded. The method further comprises the steps of sending to the statistical unit a message reporting congestion, based on information existing in the resource manager, and recording the congestion situation into a traffic measurement report by means of the statistical unit.

Abstract: A method for generating and distributing telephonic traffic. The method includes receiving a call profile from a user interface, generating a traffic distribution from the call profile. The method then creates a traffic profile from the traffic distributions and receives at least one call hold time from a user interface, and then transmits the traffic profile and the at least one call hold time to a call generator. Also included is a traffic distribution generator. The traffic distribution generator includes a traffic graphical user interface, user input controls on the traffic graphical user interface and a processor to generate traffic distributions and the distribution and create a traffic profile from the distributions, and a port operable to transmit the traffic profile to a bulk call generator.

Abstract: A memory device for use with a cellular telephone capable of communicating with a customer activation center (CAC) via a cellular telephone network. The memory device includes a dummy mobile identification number (MIN). An instruction can cause the cellular telephone to use the dummy MIN to gain access to the cellular telephone network and to use a radio frequency (RF) transmitter of the cellular telephone to send the dummy MIN to the CAC. Another instruction can cause the cellular telephone to use an RF receiver of the cellular telephone to receive a valid MIN from the CAC over the cellular telephone network. A further instruction can cause the cellular telephone to store the valid MIN in the cellular telephone. The memory device can be implemented as a personal computer memory card international association (PCMCIA) card.

Abstract: This invention relates to switching and operational support systems in the area of general telecommunications and more particularly, to a new type of solution for forwarding data from a network element and to a new type of solution for utilizing data from a network element. In a method of forwarding data according to the invention the software module that supports the customer billing information data stream is adapted to include the complete usage data information for the whole network element as well as the customer billing information. This usage data stream can then be obtained by different systems for various purposes.

Abstract: A method and system that processes voice and non-voice data is configured to insure that the processing of the voice data is given priority over the processing of the non-voice data, to ensure that callers experience smooth, uninterrupted conversations. An estimate of processing load dedicated to processing only non-voice data is calculated. A plurality of quota data objects are established to monitor and control the allocation of the processing load dedicated to processing only the non-voice data during a current quota period.

Abstract: The invention is directed to assessing the viability of a business entity based on statistics concerning information assistance calls requesting the listing of the same. The invention is premised upon a perceived correlation between the number of calls requesting a business entity's listing and the callers' interest in its products or services, which in turn correlates to sales of the business entity. In accordance with the invention, data is collected and analyzed which concerns information assistance calls requesting listings of different business entities which may belong to the same industry or company to measure their comparative performance. In an illustrative embodiment, the performance measure of the business entity (department) may be compared with those of other business entities (departments) in the same geographic area belonging to the same industry to gain insights into the competitiveness of the business entity in that area.

Abstract: The lawful interception device to monitor media streams of two IP parties includes an SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) proxy server or an MGC (Media Gateway Controller) to detect information in the signalling information being transmitted between the two IP (Internet Protocol) parties and to generate instructions out of the detected signalling information for instructing an RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol) proxy server to create channels to bypass a media stream to be intercepted via an intermediate storage medium. Due to adaptation of connection parameters in the SDP part of the SIP messages sent to the IP parties the interception is transparent to the IP parties.

Abstract: A method for preprocessing transaction records indicative of subscriber activity on a telecommunication network for subsequent downstream processing is provided. The method includes receiving a file including a plurality of transaction records each having a plurality of fields, wherein each field contains at least one character. The characters of selected fields, or all fields, are analyzed to determine whether each of the characters is of a desired format. When any one of the characters is of an improper format, a first flag is set to indicate the existence of an erroneous character within the selected field of the transaction record. Each of the plurality of transaction records are also analyzed to determine whether each transaction record is within a desired category of transaction records. When any one of the plurality of transaction records within a file is not within the desired category of transaction records, a second flag is set to indicate an erroneous transaction record within the file.

Abstract: Methods to identify inter-carrier telephone calls in a telephone system that are being mis-routed in such a way as to violate existing regulatory tariffs and/or established inter-carrier contracts. The common name for this manipulation is “arbitrage”, and the intent of the perpetrators is to take advantage of lower rates associated with the delivery of telephone traffic via other routes. Through the processes of collecting call detail records and their correlation in representative embodiments, various call “legs” associated with the same call can be identified, and a more accurate “compound” call record can be made that incorporates call routing information obtained from the individual call legs. A statistical analysis can then be performed to more clearly illuminate any arbitrage.

Abstract: Described is a method for controlling nodes in a network including the steps of sending a proposed maximum working rate to a plurality of nodes, computing the number of responses received from the nodes by a central controller in a set period and adjusting the maximum working rate sent to the nodes based on the number of responses received.

Abstract: In a supervisory control system where an upper supervisory control terminal supervises and controls transmitting devices, the upper supervisory control terminal has two supervisory states. The transmitting devices store state change information to be transmitted to the upper supervisory control terminal with an issue of the information being suppressed when the upper supervisory control terminal is in one supervisory state, and merge the state change information into a single message to be transmitted when the upper supervisory control terminal shifts to the other supervisory state.

Abstract: Metering of a data transfer operation between two end systems across a communications infrastructure is done by having at least one of the end systems send a metering message to a service system. Both end systems can be set to send respective metering messages to the service system at the conclusion of the transfer operation. Metering messages can also be sent on an on-going basis during the course of the transfer operation by one or both end systems; in this latter case, the end system or systems involved preferably maintain a connection with the service system throughout the transfer operation. Metering can be in terms of pages sent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing pre-pay and post-pay calls. A switching system receives the call where the switching system is class 4 or class 5. The switching system extends the call toward an integrated service platform. The switching system then receives the call destination number and the call validation parameter. The switching system releases the call extension to the integrated service platform and extends the call using the call destination number if the call validation parameter allows the call. The switching system monitors a duration of the call and terminates the call if the duration meets or exceeds an amount indicated by the call validation parameter. One advantage for post-pay calls is the provision of post-pay calls service such as messaging and validation is centralized in the integrated service platform, which reduces the time and cost of maintaining the post-pay service.

Abstract: A call distribution system, suitable for use in a network supporting a telemarketing call center, maintains call counts at a global data server and at a number of transaction servers which are connected in common to the global data server. A choice is made of either the global count or the local count to be used in addressing a distribution map which determines the destination for a particular call. The distribution map may be a minimum error map which minimizes the deviation from a planned distribution ratio wherever a call sequence is terminated.

Abstract: A monitoring system captures and processes messages from SS7 links, to compile call detail records (CDRs) for all interoffice call attempts. The CDRs are uploaded into a relational database. Automatic Message Accounting (AMA) records also are accumulated and uploaded to a another relational database. A data preparation operation utilizes external information to enhance the records for further processing, for example, to translate information codes in the records to textual names of originating and terminating offices. The enhanced records are loaded into a multi-dimensional database. The multi-dimensional database software facilitates analysis of the records to identify a variety of network traffic patterns. The user can automatically set up and customize studies for particular applications, for example to study traffic patterns for calls through a particular office.

Abstract: A preferred method for billing for utilization of a communications network includes receiving routing information corresponding to routing of data via the communications network. Thereafter, the routing information may be correlated with a transaction model and billing information may be generated based upon the correlated information. Systems and computer readable media also are provided.

Abstract: A method that alleviates congestion problems in prior art networks by insuring that selected classes of calls have a reserved capacity, thus insuring a capability to service at least the selected level of traffic. In an illustrated embodiment, a selected capacity is reserved for voice calls, in contrast to data calls. When a connection request is made and there is unoccupied capacity, a voice call is always serviced, but a data call is serviced only if the number of established data connections is less than capacity of the path required for establishing a connection for the request, minus the capacity reserved for voice call.

Abstract: Interconnect traffic between local exchange carrier (LECS) networks and other carrier networks, particularly competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) networks, dictates a need for efficient monitoring and analysis of the interconnect traffic. In accord with the invention, monitor equipment on the LEC network captures call related messages produced by the LEC network and compiles data from those messages to form call detail records for the interconnect traffic. These records are loaded into a relational database. A data preparation routine enhances the data, for example, by translating certain codes from the records into more useful text and by spreading or binning usage over predefined time intervals. An on-line analytical processing program runs one or more applications to allow the LEC to analyze the interconnect traffic between the LEC network and the other carrier's network. The analysis provides useful traffic data for accounting purposes, e.g.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for observing and controlling a multi-layered communication network, comprising steps of: storing control contents for each layer; observing traffic information of each link which belongs to an upper layer; storing the traffic information observed and related information for each link; altering a route in a lower layer and capacity for each link based on the observed traffic information for each link, related information for each link and the control contents for each layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for managing access to transaction services offered over a network. The apparatus comprises query logic, configured to query up-to-date transaction records for a user's account to detect an account event. The transaction records each have an associated transaction cost. The apparatus also comprises an event monitor that is configured to prescribe the account event. Upon detection of the account event, the event monitor manages access to the transaction services as a function of the transaction cost which is associated with the transaction record of the detected account event. The event monitor further prescribes the account event in response to a command initiated by a user from a remote computer.

Abstract: A method of providing pre-authorized communication services and/or transactions via a plurality of networks, including accepting and processing a request from a user to provide at least one of a communication service, a transaction and user account information via a plurality of networks of different types, verifying that the user is authorized to receive the at least one of the communication service, the transaction, and the user account information, and that an account associated with the user has a sufficient amount currently available for payment of the at least one of the communication service and the transaction and charging, in real time, an authorized account associated with the user as the at least one of the communication service and the transaction is provided.

Abstract: Operators of transfer points in the signalling network number 7 wish, on the one hand, to protect themselves against unauthorized use; on the other hand, these operators want to require fees for the use of the STP. The present invention solves this demand in a simple way in that it unites MTP charging with incoming linkset/DPC (desination point code) screening such that the accounts and their respective sub-accounts could be managed according to the evaluations of the covered traffic.

Abstract: A method and system for trading IP bandwidth in an exchange environment. Participating members of the exchange register their IP route destinations with the exchange. The exchange collects buy and sell orders, which include parameters such as the desired destination, price and quality of the routes. The buy and sell orders are matched based on the specified parameters, and lists of matched orders are forwarded to members' routers for execution of the trades. The exchange settles the executed trades by issuing invoices in accordance with the buyer members' usage of the bandwidth offered by the seller members.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying multiple accounts belonging to a customer of a service provider using profiles indicating customer patterns of use of the service. The profiles distinguish the accounts of the service provider customers from each other. Those profiles that substantially match are considered to correspond to the same customer.

Abstract: There is provided a method for calculating the call processing capacity of a mobile communication system using an Internet communication network. The present invention calculates and stores the call processing capacity of a mobile communication system using an Internet web browser and database to attain accurate call processing capacity information, thereby obtaining an optimal mobile communication system design. Furthermore, since multiple designers can share information about the calculated call processing capacity through a database, thereby making the call processing capacity information be actively effectively used.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium are provided for defining a service area served by a service location of a telecommunications network customer. The method includes ascertaining a geographic designator of a geographic area. The geographic area includes a plurality of geographic sub-areas that each correspond to a geographic sub-designator. The method also includes determining whether any two of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are not served by the same service location. When any two of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are not served by the same service location, the service area is defined by only the sub-designators corresponding to the geographic sub-areas served by the service location. When each of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are served by the same service location, the service area is defined by the geographic designator.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method are disclosed for providing information relating to a telephone call associated with an access point within a telecommunications system, such as a telephone line or telephone number, to a software application in substantial real time. The system and method include assigning a destination address to the telecommunications system access point about which telephone call information is desired, and sending an electronic message to the destination address in response to a telephone call being established utilizing the access point. The electronic message includes, among other things, information relating to the telephone call and the access point.

Abstract: Systems and methods consistent with the present invention provide a transaction processing during which a transaction billing event is created. Metadata associated with an application is stored in a transaction manager database. When a wireless device downloads an application, raw transaction information is sent to and stored in the database. The raw transaction data may include a subset of the metadata and additional information included by other devices and/or systems. Billing events are created by correlating the metadata and the raw transaction data. In addition, subscription billing events, such as those having reoccurring charges, are calculated by evaluating those transactions having a subscription transaction type and their associated metadata stored in the database.