Abstract: A method of controlling affiliation of a remote line-collection device with a plurality of switches connected via a network includes the steps of providing each switch with a backup-storage area in advance in addition to a normal storage area, and transferring control data of the remote line-collection device from the normal storage area of a first switch to the backup-storage area of a second switch when affiliation of the remote line-collection device is changed from the first switch to the second switch.

Abstract: A channel reservation control system which reserves data channels in an appropriate manner to ensure the subsequent call set-up operations in automatic call distribution services. A channel allocation unit determines how many data channels should be reserved for a specific group of subscribers who may wish to use such reserved bandwidth. Then, a reservation request transmission unit makes a provisional reservation for as many data channels as determined by the channel allocation unit, and transmits a reservation request message to initiate the reservation of those data channels. Upon receipt of this reservation request message, a recipient-side reservation unit establishes channel reservation on the side of call recipients by securing the requested data channels for exclusive use by the specific group of subscribers.

Abstract: There is provided method and apparatus for connecting computer network ip telephones using a speech recognition engine and a ip address database on an INTERNET server, The method comprises opening a voice channel from an ip phones to a speech recognition server; determining the name of the addressee from a speech input sent over the voice channel to the speech recognition server by the caller; determining an ip address from an ip address database corresponding to the determined addressee's name; opening a data channel from the database and transmitting the ip address to one or other of said telephones; and routing logic on said one or other ip phones using the ip address to establish a connection with the other ip phone. This allows the ip phones to access remote resources of speech recognition and a large database thereby taking advantage of more powerful resources that would be available locally.

Abstract: Method and system are provided for efficient telephone number portability within a geographically dispersed telephony and the like switching system, wherein ported telephone numbers, when dialled and found non-existent at their number-inherent destination, a “Release Treatment” with a trigger (automatic flexible routing) searches in a database from the originating switching node or office, whereupon their new network node address is directly connected to following normal routing procedures; thus permitting realistically affordable telephone number portability, particularly local number portability (LNP).

Abstract: A method of switching subscriber calls is disclosed that includes receiving a subscriber call request on an access terminal, determining whether the access terminal is in communication with a telecommunications network and routing the subscriber call request through alternate telecommunications equipment if the access terminal is not in communication with the telecommunications network.

Abstract: In order to increase the channel capacity of a wireless local loop network, advantage is taken of the fixed location of each subscriber radio, and the ability to independently configure each subscriber's antenna, to provide antenna cross polarization isolation into the cellular layout of the WLL network, and thereby provide an additional layer of interference rejection. Such a cross polarization assignment scheme, in combination with frequency reuse allocation, provides a substantial increase in the C/I ratio and thereby allows an expansion of the reuse of frequency channels.

Abstract: In an environment of competitive local and interexchange carriers, offering number portability between local carriers serving a common region and between switches serving that region, each local carrier accesses a regional database to determine the identity of the carrier and switch serving a local customer. In addition, interexchange carriers access a national database to determine the identity of the carrier and switch serving the customer specified by the number dialed by an originating customer. For customers requiring high reliability service, alternate carriers can be used to serve such customers in case the primary carrier is unavailable; the databases identify these alternate carriers. Advantageously, this arrangement allows a high degree of freedom of movement of customers between carriers and geographic relocation without requiring a number change.

Abstract: A call overflow system 10 and method for overflowing telephone calls from an originating telephonic switch 12A and a destination telephonic switch 12B is provided. An information element data packet 34 containing information relating to the telephone calls is transmitted between the originating telephonic switch 12A and the destination telephonic switch 12B. The data packet 34 comprises information provided by a caller in byte (20b) 80, designated switch status data. The information is thereafter utilized by the destination telephonic switch 12B to route the telephone calls to internal telephonic units 20B for service.

Abstract: A system and method for processing electronic data and voice audio calls providing an interLATA (Local Access Transport Area) fast connect routing scheme that bypasses an interexchange carrier. An interLATA communication circuit is established between a first switch in a first LATA and a second switch in a second LATA. The step of routing a call from the first switch to the second switch is performed. The call is routed to an interexchange carrier if the interexchange carrier is not a subscriber to a fast connect service. The step of bypassing the interexchange carrier is performed if the interexchange carrier is a subscriber to the fast connect service. Upon determining that the interexchange carrier is a subscriber to the fast connect service, the call is directly routed from the first switch located in the first LATA to the second switch located in the second LATA without utilizing interexchange carrier trunks or switches.

Abstract: A method and device for (a) generating a constant rate data stream from data, (b) providing, via a termination unit, the constant rate data stream to a router, and (c) assigning an address to the termination unit. The method and device permit the data to bypass a switching network of a central office.

Abstract: A method that rapidly reconfigures a computer network having a plurality of devices executing the spanning tree algorithm. First, one or more devices are configured and arranged so that one port, providing connectivity to the root, is in the forwarding state and the remaining ports, providing connectivity to the root, are in the blocked state. Next, one or more of the blocked ports are designated as back-up ports. Upon detection of a failure at the active forwarding port, one of the back-up ports immediately transitions from blocked to forwarding, thereby becoming the new active port for the device. Following the transition to a new active port, dummy multicast messages are transmitted, each containing the source address of an entity directly coupled to the affected device or downstream thereof. By examining the dummy multicast messages, other devices in the network learn to use to the new forwarding port of the affected device.

Abstract: A digital loop carrier system in a communications network that provides automatic restoration of network access for user lines in the event of a failure. The system includes a plurality of user lines and groups of transmission lines interfaced with the user lines. Each group of transmission lines includes dedicated transmission lines which are connected to the user lines, idle transmission lines and reserved transmission lines. The system also includes a reprovisioning monitor that makes a number of transmission lines among the groups of transmission lines available for user lines which have a dedicated transmission line in a group of transmission lines that fails and that couples each of such user lines to a respective available transmission line. The monitor may delay the coupling of such user lines if a sufficient number of transmission lines are not available.

Abstract: A telephonic switching system 100 including a telephonic switch 102 services telephone calls received from telephonic units 104 through a telephonic network 106. The telephone calls are received at input ports 107 and placed in virtual memory spaces 118 by the telephonic switch 102. There is one virtual memory space 118 for each input port 107, or voice channel, in the telephonic switch 102 such that all telephone calls received by the switch 102 are placed in a different virtual memory space. Virtual agents 119 service the telephone calls in the virtual memory spaces 118. Each virtual agent 119 is associated with one of the virtual memory spaces 118. The virtual agents 119 may connect the telephone calls to any of a number of resources. Exemplary resources include a voice response unit 108, local agent units 110 and/or remote agent units 112.

Abstract: The call processing capacity of the of a telecommunications network by forming the communication switches forming the network into respective groups of communication switches. The communication switches forming a respective group of switches are fully interconnected to one another and then each of the communications switches forming a respective group is connected at least one other group of telecommunication switches as a way of interconnecting the groups with one another.

Abstract: A method of operating a switched communications network redirects certain types of messages away from the switch to free up switch resources for other messages, thereby decreasing the size of switch needed or delaying necessary switch size upgrading. Messages are redirected by intelligent concentrators that can connect certain types of messages to their destinations without routing them through the switch. For example, messages between an origination and a destination connected to the same concentrator need not be sent through the switch. Similarly, messages between originations and certain high-volume, long-duration destinations such as data service gateways can be connected directly without passing through the switch. The intelligent concentrators communicate with the switch on a control channel so that the switch remains aware of the status of each origination or destination (e.g., so that it knows not to attempt to route messages to an origination or destination that is in use).

Abstract: The present invention is a novel architecture design for adjunct based architectures. The architecture is built on two key principles; routing traffic based on geographic origin and routing based on customer group. In order to implement the geographic routing, the communications network is split into regions. A method used to achieve optimal regions is described. Further realization of the geographic routing entails a design of the architecture regions, determining the number of adjuncts/region and equally distributing the loads across the adjunct sites. Also, described is the method for optimally homing traffic between the OAS and TAS A and between TAS A and TAS B. The architecture eliminates deficiencies in prior art architectures such as intertoll focusing, architecture instability and reliability.

Abstract: Redundancy, expanded switching capacity and fault isolation arrangements for use with an expandable telecommunications system. An inter-nodal network connects a plurality of programmable switching nodes or other nodes. One or more additional inter-nodal networks may be provided across some or all of the ones. The bandwidth provided by the additional network(s) may be used to provide redundancy against failure of the primary network or the nodes, increased switching capacity or a combination of both. In addition, faults which occur either within a particular node or within an inter-nodal network may be effectively isolated and prevented from degrading system performance.

Abstract: A call recording system and method records telephone calls routed by a telephonic switch 104 to agents located at computer terminals 108. A call information circuit 110 associated with the telephonic switch 104 detects information, such as DNIS via a DNIS circuit 112 and/or information provided by the caller, relating to the telephone calls. The computer terminal 108 includes a recording device 114 which records the telephone calls based on the call information relating to the calls. The recordings of the calls are stored in a storage device 116. To facilitate later replaying a call, a call sequence indicator 118 attaches a call sequence number to a recording of telephone call. Alternatively, or in addition to, a call time indicator 118 attaches a time and day indicator to the recording based on when the call was received. An automatic recorder 122 automatically records specified telephone calls based on the call information.

Abstract: A media selection device is in functional parallel with an alternate local telephone network and an existing local telephone network. Upon detecting a loss of local power, the device switches to the local exchange network based on the assumption that the local exchange network is operable, despite the loss of local power. While power is supplied to the device, originating calls are transmitted from the telephone to the device and to the alternate network. Incoming calls from the alternate network are transmitted to the device and to the telephone. Alternatively, incoming and outgoing calls are also selectably engageable on the local exchange network without disrupting telephone service on the alternate network. Differences in dial tone indicate which network is currently being used.

Abstract: An enhanced desktop management interface within a computing device interfaces with a management information system. The enhanced desktop management interface includes a service layer which has a management interface and a component interface. A plurality of management applications interact with the management interface of the service layer. Also, a plurality of manageable elements interface with the component interface of the service layer. When a primary communication path interface is available, the enhanced desktop management interface communicates with the management information system through the primary communication path. When the primary communication path interface is not available and an alternate communication path interface is available, the enhanced desktop management interface communicates with the management information system through the alternate communication path.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-stage switch. An input or first stage receives a plurality of information signals. An output or third stage distributes a plurality of information signals. A middle or second stage establishes a plurality of signal paths between the input stage and output stage. The switch includes a routing function which selects the path between the input stage and the output stage. The routing function includes a reallocation function which reallocates existing paths to free paths to avoid signal blocking.

Abstract: A system allocates data links between a switch and a database for data transactions in a telecommunications network. The data links between the switch and the database carry the transaction data for providing routing, card verification, address translation information, etc. by the database. The Flexible Link Selection Algorithm provides for accessing the data links using the round-robin method, wherein each data link is accessed sequentially to transport the data to and from the database. Alternatively, the Flexible Link Selection Algorithm provides for accessing the data links using dynamic allocation based on the least cost routing between the switch and the database. In the latter mode, the switch uses the least "expensive" database, i.e., database having the least cost routing between the switch and the database, until the volume of data transactions in the data links associated with that database exceeds a predetermined threshold level.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the limitations of prior art ALLNODE switches by including dual priority, adaptive, path seeking, and flash-flood functionalities in a single ALLNODE switch. The switch of the present invention further includes a selection device responsive to a selection signal for enabling the selection of the mode of switch operation from any one of the foregoing functionalities. The selection signal is applied to the switch in a number of different ways including: the transmission of a command over the data path interface to the switch; the transmission of a command over special purpose serial or parallel control lines; or via hardwiring. Thus, the selection of functionality for the switch is capable of being made in either a dynamic or static fashion. The present invention further comprises two new high performance networks utilizing the selectable function ALLNODE switch.

Abstract: In a cross connect apparatus, a switch section includes a plurality of switches and having n input terminals and m output terminals. A control section reads a current connection information indicative of a current connection state of the switch section in response to a connection command, and determines based on the read connection information, whether it is allowed to establish a connection state of the switch section designated by the connection command. When it is determined to be allowed, the control section establishes a new connection state of the switch section designated by the connection command.

Abstract: A method and system for providing intelligent protection against access line failures in a telecommunications system including customer premises equipment connected by a plurality of access lines to a data transport network. The system detects a line fault on a first access line at the customer premises equipment. In response to the detection of a line fault, the system sends a query to the network management system of the data transport network to determine the origin of the line fault. The system receives a response to the query from the network management system and uses the response to deal with the line fault in an intelligent manner. Whenever the network management system responds to the query by indicating that the line fault originated in the data transport network, the system maintains the connection and waits for the failure to be resolved.

Abstract: A general dimensioning method and system for allocating limited transmission resources to virtual paths and virtual networks on a physical network given offered traffic on each virtual path or virtual link. A hierarchical structure is defined with a layer of one or more virtual paths on top of a layer of physical network elements, and optionally, an intermediate layer of virtual networks. The virtual path dimensioning problem is solved using the Entropy Rate Function as a blocking measure. The loads on the various links are balanced by equalizing blocking probabilities and the optimal allocation of physical resources is determined.

Abstract: In a method for transferring path information of an internetworking equipment (router), the router is connected to an alternative router or routers by means of a circuit of an ISDN, whereby routing information between networks is communicated. When activated, the first router is connected to a circuit in response to a request for routing information transmission, and transmits all pieces of routing information to the alternative router(s). When it is connected to the circuit in response to a request for some other transmission than the routing information transmission, the first router exchanges the routing information with the alternative router(s). When the routing information is changed, the first router is connected to the circuit in response to a request for routing information transmission, and transmits the routing information to the other router(s) without executing periodical updating.

Abstract: A technique is provided for re-routing telecommunications traffic that is originally destined for passage between an inter-exchange carrier, via a first gateway POP (18) at a first local exchange (12.sub.1), and a second local exchange (12.sub.5) that is dead-ended because of a single local trunk (16) coupling it to the first exchange. Such re-routing is accomplished, in the event of a failure of the local trunk (16), by providing an optical switch (24) at the dead-ended local exchange (12.sub.5) for routing traffic onto and off an express traffic link (20) passing through the exchange between the first gateway POP (18) and a second gateway POP (18) of the inter-exchange carrier. In this way, traffic can be routed by the inter-exchange carrier, via its second gateway POP (18), to and from the dead-ended local exchange (12.sub.5) without the need to physically restore the failed local trunk (16).

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a method for dynamically routing incoming calls through a private branch exchange (PBX) in response to commands issued by a host computer and, in particular, for routing incoming calls after routing information has been obtained from conventional ACD call handling techniques. In particular, an embodiment of the present invention is a method for dynamically routing incoming calls through a private branch exchange (PBX), which method comprises the steps of: (a) receiving an incoming call; (b) requesting a route request from a call processing module of the PBX, the route request being referred to as an internal route request; (c) receiving a route request for the incoming call from an alternate source, the route request being referred to as an external route request; and (d) rejecting the internal or the external route request on the basis of a priority scheme.

Abstract: The error performance of an ATM signaling link operating under the service specific connection oriented protocol (SSCOP) is monitored by determining the maximum retransmission count (i.e., the number of times a message has to be retransmitted from a transmitting to a receiving end) amongst those messages retransmitted within a polling interval. A quality of service (QOS) factor is the average maximum retransmission count at the end of N consecutive polling intervals. If the QOS factor is greater than a predetermined threshold, then the link is taken out of service.

Abstract: A redundant system includes a redundant structure and a selector of the output signals of the redundant structure the selector further including a selection/operation signal converter and a path operation signal processor provided in each circuit package. The signal converter converts selection signals of the selector into a path operation signal indicative of operation or non-operation of each signal path in each of the parallel connected systems. The signal processor transfers the path operation signal from a downstream circuit package to an upstream circuit package and judges path operation condition of the signal paths passing through each circuit package based on the transferred oath operation signal. Using the judgement, each circuit package can perform on/off control of the indication lamp by itself.

Abstract: An end office of the PSTN, which employs independent switching networks which share one or more office codes, is served by a single assigned node on the CCS network. The signaling processor which serves the assigned node, screens all incoming call messages (IAM)'s; directs messages which include an appropriate Channel Identification Code (CIC) to the switching network that serves that CIC; rejects messages that include an improper CIC; and requests that the calling office assign a different CIC to the incoming call. In an alternate configuration, a signaling message intercept unit is interposed between a signal transfer point (STP) and end switches, to determine which of two or more switches should receive a message, based on the directory number, a circuit identifier or a message index of the received message, and forwards the message to the correct switch.

Abstract: Method for alternate circuiting of a data stream. In the prior art, the switch status of a switchover means was controlled by what is referred to as an activation means. This has the disadvantage that a faulty control of the switchover means can occur given outage of the activation means. In order to avoid this, the switchover signal output from the activation means to the switchover means is provided such that the switchover means can automatically implement the alternate circuiting given outage of the activation means.

Abstract: A method and system for finding a path through a communications matrix represents the assignment of a center stage switch through an input switch to input gates by an input stage array, center stage switch connections between an input stage switch and an output stage switch by a center stage array, and output stage switch connections to output gates by an output stage array, as well as representing idle input switch links to the center stage switches by an idle input array and idle output switch links from the center stage switches by an idle output array.

Abstract: The system has two units for transferring a telephone circuit from an old pair to a new pair between two locations. Each unit has a carrier amplitude measuring circuit to determine which location has the larger carrier amplitude and therefore which is the upstream location. Each unit has a charge switch, two transfer switches in the form of an old pair switch and a new pair switch and a controller for controlling the switches. One of the units closes its charge switch to charge the new pair to the dc level of the old pair. Then, the upstream unit operates its two transfer switches at the same time to switch from the old pair, by opening the old pair switch, to the new pair, by closing the new pair switch. The upstream unit transmits a signal to the downstream unit on a third pair. When the downstream unit receives the signal, it operates its two transfer switches at the same time to complete the transfer from the old pair to the new pair.

Abstract: A method and system to immediately connect and reswitch connection configurations through a rearrangeable communications matrix that immediately connects an input gate causing rearrangeably blocked condition through the communications matrix to an output gate through a dedicated or extra switching element of the center. With the rearrangeably blocked condition, the method and system select a set of switching elements pairs from the center stage switches to form a plurality of possible connections from the input gates to the output gates that excludes the dedicated switching element. The method and system then determines from the possible connections a minimum rearrangement connection configuration that excludes the dedicated switch and that requires the minimum number of rearrangements of existing communications matrix connections.

Abstract: The present invention provides an approach to reconnect a communications network such as a DS3 telephone-type network when a span of DS3 channels is rendered inoperative, such as by cutting, within the 1.5 second time frame necessary to prevent disablement of local offices. This is accomplished by preplanning a restoration connection for each possible operating link failure in each span using spare capacity. A dedicated (DS3) communication loop is used to inform all nodes in the network substantially simultaneously to implement their portion of a plan associated with the failed span. After the restoration occurs for a given failed span, the concept can be extended to start planning for further failures or can be designed to restore further failures on a real time basis.

Abstract: Data communication nodes in a network comprising a plurality of nodes linked together to form communication paths negotiate by passing messages to identify to one another the maximum supportable degree of data compression capability. Logical comparisons are made at each node between indications received from upstream and downstream nodes, if any, regarding their own or their received indications of data compression capability with the present node's own degree of compression capability. This enables logical decisions to be made to suport the maximum degree of compression capability over each link or portion of a link between terminal nodes which define the ends of the overall link, thus improving data transmission by providing the highest degree of supportable compression over the longest path length.

Abstract: A distributed switching system where calls are processed in one of two call processing modes: 1) in a first call processing mode, available paths through a time-multiplexed switch (TMS) are selected without reference to whether the paths are presently established through the TMS, and 2) in a second call processing mode, the available path selections are made from only established paths through the TMS. Reliability is improved without an addition of hardware to the system because a transition may be advantageously effected to the second call processing mode in response to any system failure where it becomes impossible to select new TMS paths or to control their establishment, but where the established TMS paths at the time of the failure are still usable for new calls. Once such transition is completed, the system can continue to operate to complete calls between switching modules (SMs) in a reduced performance mode dependent on the number of TMS paths established between the SMs at the time of the failure.

Abstract: A congestion control method and apparatus for use with a communications link comprising a plurality of N channels. A plurality of at most N-1 queues are sequentially polled, and data is output therefrom to the communications link, thereby leaving at least one remaining channel. After the at most N-1 queues are polled, a determination is made as to which of the at most N-1 queues is closest to a data overflow condition. The remaining at least one channel is then utilized to transmit data from the queues which are closest to overflow.

Abstract: Line groups with doubled central switching network and connected via correspondingly two time division multiplex lines and having inter alia one sub-switching network and one group control system each are assigned to each other in pairs. The connection devices, which are individually assigned to the one and the other of two line groups, and which are connected via internal lines in normal operation to the sub-switching network in each instance of their own line group, can be changed over to the sub-switching network of the particular other line group.

Abstract: The switch units of a distributed switching system are connected by a central switch for advancing connections between the switch units and also by inter-switch unit trunks. To save switch unit resources, trunk services such as scanning and signaling are not provided to the inter-switch unit trunks while the central switch is available for advancing connections. When the central switch becomes unavailable for advancing connections, as detected by control units in the switch units, the inter-switch unit trunks are connected to the trunk serving circuitry of the switch units and connections are advanced between switch units over the inter-switch unit trunks. Serving the inter-switch units trunks while the central switch is unavailable requires additional switch unit resources but provides for continuity of service which would to otherwise be lost due to the unavailability of the central switch.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for telecommunication switching systems, including PCM time division multiplex telephone switching systems, with double central switching matrix by which two corresponding line trunk groups comprising a sub-switching matrix each and a group control unit each, are allocated to each other in pairs via two time-division-multiplex lines. The line units and the PCM-lines leading to the central switching matrix, which are individually respectively allocated to the two line trunk groups, and which are connected with the respective sub-switching matrix of their own line trunk group during normal service, are switchable, during emergency service of one of the two line trunk groups, to the sub-switching matrix of the respective other line trunk group.

Abstract: An automatic route selection capability for a communication system is described which enables the system to utilize digits of a called party number to select in a predetermined manner a predefined group of line pools and a line therein over which the call is to be placed. Once the predefined group of line pools is selected, a priority scheme enables the system to sequentially search each line pool for an available line over which the call can be placed. The system dials the called party using route character digits which prefix or optionally replace one or more of the user-dialed digits.

Abstract: A circuit for a centrally controlled time division multiplex telecommunication exchange having PCM line/trunk groups connected to a switching network wherein each line/trunk group comprises a plurality of line units to connect one time division multiplex interexchange trunk each and is connected to a switching network over a time division multiplex line. Two line/trunk groups are assigned to each other in pairs. The connection devices which are assigned to one and to the other of two line/trunk groups and which in normal operation are connected with the time division multiplex switching device of each of their own line/trunk group can be changed over during emergency operation of one of the two line/trunk groups to the time division multiplex switching device of the other line/trunk group.

Abstract: A line protection switch equipment (LPSW) in a communication system, having a plurality of two-input and two-output switches connected between lines including a protection line and working lines, the switches being connected in series by a loop line which forms a loop, whereby by switching the switches connected to a faulty working line and to a protection line, the faulty working line is switched to become a protection line, and the former protection line becomes a working line.

Abstract: A nonblocking switching system for communications systems is characterized by two identical blocking networks, each for being connected in series between sources and destinations to be selectively interconnected. One network actively establishes paths between the sources and destinations while the other, although conditioned to be able to provide such paths, remains inactive in a standby mode for establishing the paths should the active network fail. If a blocking state occurs in the active network before its maximum realizable capacity is reached, a nonblocking condition of the system is established by eliminating all of the paths in the inactive network, and then reestablishing the paths in accordance with a relatively simple algorithm that loads the network without a blocking state being reached before the network is completely full.

Abstract: A method of providing equal access to a number of long distance carriers in local telephone company office containing No. 5 crossbar switching machines. Calls are intercepted between the line link frame and the originating registers. If the call is a long distance call, a serial number which resembles a conventional phone call is inserted in the calls place. The called number is stored and the appropriate carrier is determined by locating the calling party's pre-selected carrier choice in telephone company records. When the call identified by the serial number exits the switch it is automatically routed to the correct long distance carrier.

Abstract: In a telecommunication system with a number of units (Ula-Una, Ulb-Unb) for control purposes and also for subscriber facilities, each such unit is duplicated, as is the system controller (SCa, Scb). There are two local area networks (1,3), each of which interconnects one system controller and one unit of each pair of units. When one network is to be isolated, e.g. for servicing or when a fault occurs, its controller detects that condition, and isolates that network by relay circuitry in the termination (T2, T3) of the bus. Another version of the system uses local area networks of the closed ring type. In certain cases the units, etc., may be triplicated.