Abstract: A routing system according to an embodiment of the invention dynamically routes a conference call to a selected conference system. The routing system includes a communication interface, a conference interface, and a processing system. The processing system accesses utilization statistics for the plurality of conference systems and includes a routing algorithm. The processing system is configured to receive a conference identifier of the conference call, process the conference identifier and the utilization statistics of the plurality of conference systems to select the selected conference system, and route the conference call to the selected conference system.

Abstract: A network node is configured to negotiate for connections for high priority calls (e.g., voice calls) received at the node in the face of otherwise congested outbound communication links. The negotiation is conducted in a fashion that will preserve connections for existing calls associated with the node. For example, the negotiation may be conducted so as to cause one or more of the existing calls to consume less bandwidth over the outbound communication links than was consumed at a time prior to reception of the high priority calls. Such negotiations may be initiated depending on the availability of codec resources and/or compression schemes at the node and may be conducted using OAM cells.

Abstract: A communication system includes a tenant with multiple physical locations that include a number of packet enabled telecommunications devices managed by one or more call managers. To generate a route plan for use by a call manager in managing calls from these devices, a route plan wizard determines routing options, location information for the tenant, and gateway information for gateways available to the tenant and then automatically generates a route plan for use in routing telephone calls originating from the managed packet enabled telecommunications devices based on this information.

Abstract: A network configuration control method and a configuration control unit enable configuration reservations of a network. Simultaneous reservation of opening and closing of a network section is performed if the same network section is not in operation at the time of opening and if there is no previous reservation for the same network section between time of the opening and time of the closing. Further, simultaneous reservation of closing and opening of the network section is performed if the same network section is in operation at the time of the closing and if there is no previous reservation of the same network section between time of the closing and time of the opening.

Abstract: A management system for telecommunication switch is described. The management system is useful for providing operations, administration and maintenance (OAM) functions in a terabit switch. The management system is a scalable management system, whereby processing of large amounts of network management traffic from carrier operators and virtual private network (VPN) customers in a terabit switch is enabled. The management system is efficiently implemented by utilizing surplus processing resources in the network interface cards of the switch. The management system includes a protocol unit residing on a first processor card of the switch for receiving a management request, a first request unit residing on the first processor card for creating a request object in response to the received management request, and a first action unit residing on a first network interface card of the switch for executing the received management request in response to an instruction from the request object.

Abstract: A determination is made whether a service provider (28, 40) is capable of supporting at least one service for one of a plurality of subscriber units (30–36, 42–46). The determination is based on whether the service provider has sufficient processing capabilities and memory to receive the service processing software from the subscriber unit and/or whether the service provider is authorized, based on communication system policies to process the particular service request for this subscriber. If the service provider is capable, the subscriber unit provides service processing logic (e.g., the service processing application and/or user customization software) to the service provider. Upon receiving the service processing logic, the service provider stores it and eventually executes it to process the requested service for the subscriber units.

Abstract: Software defined radios necessitate the routing of analog wireless signals between data links via a software circuit switching router implemented in a processor. Processor utilization by the software router is decreased by disabling the interrupts of all but one analog channel per communication link, this channel being termed the Anchor channel for its link. Data from all channels in the link is transferred during the Anchor link's interrupt. The increase in the Anchor channel's interrupt latency due to transferring data from other channels is more than offset by the overall reduction in the number of processor interrupts generated. As a result, utilization of the processor by the software router is reduced, allowing the processor to manage other time-critical tasks and/or a greater number of tasks in a given time period.

Abstract: In accordance with another aspect of the invention defined by the claims, a monitoring system for a communication network having a plurality of network elements is provided. The monitoring system comprises a communication subsystem for receiving a first message from a first network element, a database for storing a plurality of data records relating to facilities provided by the communication network or equipment provisioned in the communication network, a message matching module, and a translation module. The message matching module is operative to cause the monitoring system to associate the received first message to one of the data records. The message matching module is also operative to cause the monitoring system to extract identification information from the first message and to use the identification information to select said one of the data records wherein the selected data record corresponds to the facility or the equipment in the communication network that relates to the received first message.

Abstract: To facilitate routing changes, a telecommunications network (10, 10?, 10??) includes a centralized network routing database (28) queried by each ingress switch upon receipt of a call by a calling subscriber (12). In response to the query, the network routing database returns to the querying switch the identity on the next (downstream) switch in the routing path. The querying switch then translates the switch identity to establish the link to that next switch. Because each querying switch makes the necessary translation of the next switch identity to make the link to the next switch, the centralized network database need not concern itself with the particular characteristics of the switch. To make global routing changes, only the network routing database need be updated, not each individual switch.

Abstract: A method of selecting a trail using a Constraint based routing technique in which at least one user-determined routing policy is used to bias input to a Dijkstra/Yen-K shortest path routing engine, so as to limit output by the routine engine to routes conforming with the user-determined routing policy.

Abstract: A service execution environment for an advanced interactive voice response (IVR) service node. The service execution environment functions within a next generation service node (NGSN) IVR platform in a telecommunications network. The environment uses individual service-independent building blocks (SIBBs) that allow the creation of customer applications with simple references to the individual primitive SIBBs or composite SIBBs, with branching available. Functional calls to a sequence of SIBBs along with customer specific data stored in a database comprise a complete customer application. When a call is received by an IVR service node, the application is executed by calling the SIBBs to apply certain treatments to the call. The use of the SIBBs allows increased efficiency in the network because calls can be routed to any NGSN node. Each NGSN needs no customization to perform a particular customer application.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for controlling the setting-up of a communication connection by a communication network (TELENET), as well as a service unit for implementing the method. During the call set-up a service request message (SR) for requesting an IN service is transmitted to a network server (SCP1 to SCP3) if the communication connection that is to be set up fulfils predetermined trigger conditions. The service request message (SR) transmitted to the network server (SCP1 to SCP3) is classified by a service unit (SSP; LLIN) as essential or non-essential. The operability of the network server is monitored by the service unit (SSP; LLIN).

Abstract: According to the invention, a conventional exchange centre is completed by an additional platform based on commercial hardware and software, whereon special modules whose functions can be controlled externally via open application programming interfaces (API) are implemented. Said platform also enables the development of added valued telephone services by the operators in a commercial software environment based on APIs for exchange centre functions.

Abstract: A programmable telephone system including system software and system hardware. The system software includes instructions for operating the telephone system, and requires license information to operate. The system hardware includes a system specific memory and a system board. The system board executes the instructions of the system software. The system specific memory store is the license information and is separately replaceable from the system board in the system hardware.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for supporting intelligent call routing (ICR) systems multiple vendors, in a vendor neutral fashion using a computer is described. One embodiment has a voice program send a call routing request using an HTTP format to a call routing program. The call routing program decodes the HTTP request and identifies the appropriate vendor-specific communication format and communications method for talking to the ICR system specified in the HTTP request. The call routing program sends the request and receives the answers from the ICR system in the vendor specific formats. The call routing program provides the ICR system response back to the voice program in a vendor neutral fashion. This approach allows voice programs to easily be written that work with multiple ICR systems and allow component reuse of call routing code amongst programs that end up working with multiple systems.

Abstract: A service management system is provided which allows call distribution using a call plan to be executed using several service execution platforms from different manufacturers, which may be associated with different network types. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: A communication system includes a tenant with multiple physical locations that include a number of packet enabled telecommunications devices managed by one or more call managers. To generate a route plan for use by a call manager in managing calls from these devices, a route plan wizard determines routing options, location information for the tenant, and gateway information for gateways available to the tenant and then automatically generates a route plan for use in routing telephone calls originating from the managed packet enabled telecommunications devices based on this information.

Abstract: A node (2) and a local exchange (1) communicate with each other over a V5.2 interface created in response to instructions prepared by a computer (22). The method of preparing the instructions involves the steps of allocating identification data to the signal means linking the node and the local exchange so as to enable the latter to determine the identity of the node communicating over the signal link, specifying which C channels are to be transmitted along the signal link means, and, for each specified channel, specifying the C paths, i.e. the type of telecommunications traffic, to be carried thereby.

Abstract: Method and network for routing a communication through an alternate carrier. The network routes a communication based on a dedicated identifier through a plurality of interexchange carriers upon input of the dedicated identifier and a request code, and has a node configured to request carrier data in response to entry of the dedicated identifier, and a controller operably connected to the node, the controller configured to set as a primary carrier, in response to a first condition of the request code, a carrier of a sequence of carriers assigned to the node, and in response to a second condition of the request code, setting an alternate carrier to a highest remaining ranked carrier of the sequence of carriers.

Abstract: A system for allowing a plurality of administrators to control switching system resources in a telephone system. A switching system is communicatively connected to a server computer. The server computer maintains databases that store the resources that a plurality administrators are allowed to access and the functions that each administrator is allowed to perform. When the server computer receives a request from an administrator for an administrative function to be performed by the switching system, the software executed by the server computer accesses the database and determines if the administrator is allowed to perform the requested function and if the resources are available to administrator. If the administrator has made a valid request the server computer generates a command and transmits the command to the switching system that performs the function requested in the command. The server computer may also maintain a database that maintains a pool of unused resources.

Abstract: An optimal digit translation and call processing system and method is provided. A prefix translation and digit characterization process are performed utilizing a digit prefix table and a second table interfaced therewith. The digit prefix table contains numerous records corresponding to prefixes of dialed digit streams. Each record includes an index to a record of a second table operable to output a termination type of the digit stream. The second table includes numerous records associated with various call termination types. Each index included within respective records of the digit prefix table may reference more than one record of the second table. The digit stream length is analyzed to resolve ambiguities in the digit stream when an index in a record of the digit prefix table references more than one record of the second table.

Abstract: A service execution environment for an advanced interactive voice response (IVR) service node. The service execution environment functions within a next generation service node (NGSN) IVR platform in a telecommunications network. The environment uses individual service-independent building blocks (SIBBs) that allow the creation of customer applications with simple references to the individual primitive SIBBs or composite SIBBs, with branching available. Functional calls to a sequence of SIBBs along with customer specific data stored in a database comprise a complete customer application. When a call is received by an IVR service node, the application is executed by calling the SIBBs to apply certain treatments to the call. The use of the SIBBs allows increased efficiency in the network because calls can be routed to any NGSN node. Each NGSN needs no customization to perform a particular customer application.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a system for redefinition of the configuration of an interface in a telecommunication system comprising a local exchange, and access node, subscriber ports comprised in said network elements and an interface connecting the subscriber ports of the first network element to the subscriber ports of the second network element. In the method, free subscriber ports are blocked and the configuration of the interface is redefined after all the subscriber ports have been blocked. According to the invention, a connection established or being established via the subscriber port is disconnected before the port is blocked. The system of the invention comprises means for disconnecting a connection established or being established via the subscriber port.

Abstract: A system for providing services in a communications network includes a service processing function, a universal directory function, and a nodal resource manager. The service processing function receives service requests, formulates requests for interworking functions based upon service requests, and formulates resource requests based upon service requests and interworking functions. The universal directory function receives addresses from the service processing function and returns interworking functions based upon addresses. The nodal resource manager receives resource requests and allocates resources to the service processing function in response to resource requests. The nodal resource manager maintains a resource database that includes an entry corresponding to each network resource managed by the nodal resource manager.

Abstract: Dynamic adaptation of connection-oriented networks is introduced wherein, once congestion is encountered, dynamic adaptation steps may be performed. Four adaptation steps are proposed for reacting to various network congestion scenarios. It is further recommended that the steps are performed in a particular order such that the higher severity and longer sustentation of the network congestion the more strict step is performed to alleviate the network congestion. At a switch in the connection-oriented network, utilization of a trunk carried on a link connected to the switch is monitored and, if said utilization of said trunk exceeds a first threshold, a first degree of adaptation is initialized wherein use of the trunk by further connections is prevented. Subsequent degrees of adaptation are triggered when high utilization continues and surpasses higher thresholds. The subsequent degrees of adaptation involve rerouting connections that make use of the trunk.

Abstract: A system and method provide for the modeling of a virtual call center for PSTNs in specified geographic locations. The system includes a user interface through which basic configuration and forecast information may be input for one or more PSTNs. Based on the information provided through the interface, various financial and engineering rules are employed to identify an optimal system configuration and to provide cost and revenue information with regards for that system. In configuring the optimal system, a number of fault and failure modes may be taken to account.

Abstract: In a method of routing a call in a network with a plurality of nodes connected by trunks, each call is assigned a priority level as a function of which it can pre-empt calls in the network. The cost of different routes for routing the call is calculated and one route is chosen as a function of the cost. The cost of a route is a function of the maximum value on the trunks constituting the route, the priority level of the calls pre-empted on each of the trunks, the number of calls pre-empted on the trunks and the resources available on the trunks. The priority level of existing calls can therefore be taken into account when routing a call. The single figure of the accompanying drawing shows the typical trend of the cost function of a trunk as a function of the available resources.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for supporting intelligent call routing (ICR) systems multiple vendors, in a vendor neutral fashion using a computer is described. One embodiment has a voice program send a call routing request using an HTTP format to a call routing program. The call routing program decodes the HTTP request and identifies the appropriate vendor-specific communication format and communications method for talking to the ICR system specified in the HTTP request. The call routing program sends the request and receives the answers from the ICR system in the vendor specific formats. The call routing program provides the ICR system response back to the voice program in a vendor neutral fashion. This approach allows voice programs to easily be written that work with multiple ICR systems and allow component reuse of call routing code amongst programs that end up working with multiple systems.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a software application running on a digital computer (20) to enable a load balancing technician to assign customers services by assigning a specific port on a specific card in a telecommunications switch (10) to a service, while at the same time ensuring that load balancing criteria are met. The software performs a method in which a list is compiled of switches, cards and ports available for providing a service, and a port for providing a desired service is selected (steps S1-S9) based on loading factors, weighting factors for which can be set by the load balancing technician.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for permitting a telecommunications switch to interact with a plurality of feature servers. All feature request messages from the switch are directed to a service integration node. A Policy Manager software and database system in the service integration node analyzes received request messages from the telecommunications switch, and generates one or more request messages to one or more of the feature servers. The Policy Manager controls the sequencing of feature request messages in cases where a plurality of feature servers, or a plurality of different application programs on one feature server, are required in order to supply the telecommunications switch with the response information necessary for executing the feature. Advantageously, using this type of arrangement, a telecommunications switch can communicate with a plurality of feature servers while controlling interaction among different features triggered by a common event, such as an incoming call.

Abstract: A generic interface is provided for interfacing multiple client application programs with multiple network devices. The client application programs may differ from each other and may include application programs for performing a network restoration, network maintenance, and network administration. The network devices may be of different device types. The interface converts communications between the client application programs and the network devices so that the communications are compatible with the requirements of the destination. The interface may include added functionality, such as an automatic auditing mechanism and a data link manager mechanism.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for graphically outputting the status of a trunk in a switching system, if a trunk status graphics mode is selected, trunk installation information is received and displayed on a main window. If a specific trunk is selected among the displayed trunk installation information, status information and busy information of the selected trunk are received and displayed on a corresponding subwindow. If there are trunk status information and busy information generated on line from the selected trunk, the on-line generated trunk status information and trunk busy information are automatically received, updated and displayed on the corresponding subwindow. If there is a statistical data request signal, trunk status statistical data is received and displayed on a corresponding window.

Abstract: A call control apparatus shortens a call releasing process to effect the releasing process efficiently. The call control apparatus has a delay time determining factor managing function to manage a delay time determining factor which determines a delay time of the call releasing process for each path, a path order establishing function to establish an order of paths having successively smaller delay times based on the delay time determining factor, and a release request message transmitting function to transmit release request messages to effect the call releasing process to nodes or terminals according to the order of paths.