Abstract: Processes and systems are disclosed for creating and for managing trouble tickets and work orders. One embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and receiving a request to create a trouble ticket. The trouble ticket is created to investigate a problem with a communications system. The trouble ticket is assigned a work item number, with the work item number including a telephone number experiencing the problem with the communications system. The trouble ticket is tracked, from initial creation to final closure, using the assigned work item number.

Abstract: A method of managing proactive maintenance tasks for a communication system. The method includes storing proactive maintenance tasks and searching the tasks using at least one search criteria. Deletion of a proactive maintenance tasks is permitted if the proactive maintenance task has not been sent to a technician dispatch module which dispatches proactive maintenance tasks to technicians. Exclusion of proactive maintenance tasks is permitted if the proactive maintenance task has been sent to the technician dispatch module.

Abstract: Breaks in physical plant that occur in maintaining a public switched telephone network (PSTN) are tracked by receiving notices that correspond to incidences in which physical plant is broken in performing maintenance tasks on the PSTN for a defined time interval. Information specifying a total number of maintenance tasks performed on the PSTN during the defined time interval is also received. The information associated with the maintenance tasks in which the physical plant in the PSTN is broken and the information associated with the total number of maintenance tasks performed on the PSTN is stored in a searchable database.

Abstract: A secondary source of dispatch information is provided in the event of a failure of a primary source of dispatch information. The second source of dispatch information can be accessed electronically by service technicians in the field when the primary source of dispatch information fails so that service technicians do not have to contact operators in a central office to obtain the dispatch information. The secondary source of dispatch information can distribute the dispatch information in a number of ways including e-mail, web and other methods.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for assembling a line record for a customer's telephone number. One embodiment communicates with a communications network and acquires, in real time, at least one of i) information associated with the customer's service, ii) facility information associated with the customer's service, and iii) information associated with equipment used by the customer. The acquired information is assembled as the line record. An alternative embodiment communicates a request, over a communications network, for the line record. This alternative embodiment acquires, in real time, at least one of customer information from a Customer Record Information System, facility information from a Loop Facility Assignment Control System, and equipment information from a switch system. The acquired information is assembled as the line record, wherein each request for the line record is comprised of fresh data.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method that facilitates audits of network device (e.g., an optical network concentrator) characteristics and operations and presents results in a convenient and user friendly format. The present invention automated network communication device audit tool system and method gathers network communication device information automatically, parses the gathered information automatically, determines if additional information is required, analyzes the characteristic and operations of said network communications device; and reports network communication device information in convenient format including identification of problems and potential problems.

Abstract: A multi-protocol, multi-interface communications device testing system is disclosed. The system simultaneously control communication channels of a communications platform though multiple Interface Protocols, such as TDM, IP and Telephony Application Program Interfaces. The system also allows the creation of multi Interface Protocol Test Scenarios, and displays the results of executing The test results from all Protocols Interfaces and records and displays results.

Abstract: Methods and systems for proactively maintaining a telephone system local loop. One embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring information associated with pressure or flow sensors along fiber optic cables. Proactive maintenance of the fiber optic cables is predicted using the information associated with pressure or flow sensors. The embodiment may further include generating and dispatching work order information describing the predicted proactive maintenance. The embodiment may also include predicting proactive maintenance of telephone lines using information from a Dynamic Network Analyzer and using information from a Loop Facilities and Control System. Another embodiment includes a system for predicting proactive maintenance of a telephone system local loop. This embodiment includes a Pressure Alarms and Reports System Module, a database stored in memory, and a processor.

Abstract: A method of managing proactive maintenance tasks for a communication system. The method includes storing proactive maintenance tasks and searching the tasks using at least one search criteria. Deletion of a proactive maintenance tasks is permitted if the proactive maintenance task has not been sent to a technician dispatch module which dispatches proactive maintenance tasks to technicians. Exclusion of proactive maintenance tasks is permitted if the proactive maintenance task has been sent to the technician dispatch module.

Abstract: A Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) administration system includes an Internet-based repair (eRepair) subsystem that is configured to accept customer trouble tickets related to the PSTN via the Internet and to provide customer trouble ticket status information to customers via the Internet. The administration system also includes a Work Force and Administration-Control (WFA/C) subsystem that is configured to manage repair services that are performed on the PSTN in response to the customer trouble tickets. A repair status update system, method and/or computer program product is configured to automatically push a status change message from the WFA/C subsystem to the eRepair subsystem upon occurrence of a change in a status of a customer trouble ticket in the WFA/C subsystem as a result of repair services that are performed on the PSTN. The customer trouble ticket status information is updated in response to receipt of the status change message.

Abstract: Systems of operating a telecommunications contracting company are described herein. The systems generally includes introducing a business structure to the telecommunications contracting company, introducing field operations to the telecommunications contracting company, introducing office administration to the telecommunications contracting company, introducing customer service to the telecommunications contracting company, introducing a centralized management structure comprising: research and development, setting standards, and measuring results in relation to the standards set and requiring implementation of the introduced concepts for the company.

Abstract: Methods and systems for proactively maintaining a telephone system local loop. One embodiment includes acquiring at least one type of information selected from information from a Dynamic Network Analyzer or information from a Loop Facilities and Control System. Another embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring at least one type of information selected from the group consisting of customer information associated with copper line pairs and service information associated with copper line pairs. Still another embodiment describes a system including software modules communicating with a communications network. Software modules include a Dynamic Network Analyzer module and a Loop Facilities and Control System module. A database interfaces with the Dynamic Network Analyzer module and with the Loop Facilities and Control System module. A processor is also included, and the processor is capable of processing information stored in the database and of generating proactive maintenance.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus is disclosed for capturing call processing failures in a telecommunication system occurring at a telecommunication switch control processor as the failures occur. The system includes a computing system adapted for communicating with the telecommunication system. The computing system includes one or more computers having one or more processors for executing logic instructions; a memory associated with the computing system for storing the instructions; a storage device adapted for communicating with the computing system for storing data; and a communication device associated with the computing system for establishing a communication link between the computing system and the telecommunication system.

Abstract: A method and system for remote operator interface with a self-service transaction terminal, such as an ATM makes use of a set of web based applications for operator functions to enable the remote operator to access the operator functions over a standard browser from a remote operator interface client PC. Each ATM with which the remote operator interface is used has a set of web based applications that supports the operator functions. The operator accesses the ATM from the client PC by bringing up the browser and entering a URL to point to a specific ATM. The remote operator interface supports a plurality of supervisory type functions and enables the user to administer a plurality of ATMs for which it is configured to allow the particular functions to be performed. Communication via the remote operator interface is secure over a private network or virtual private network (VPN) over the Internet. The remote operator must be authenticated to gain access, and the operator's entitlements may limit access.

Abstract: A method and system for use in a central office (CO) having network elements for communicating information between a central office technician (COT) stationed within the CO and network element monitoring personnel or monitoring center stationed remote from the CO. A local area network (LAN) having a hub stationed remote from the CO and a fiber communication line connected to the hub is provided. The fiber communication line has one end extending to the hub and the other end extending within the central office. The hub is operable for communicating with network element monitoring personnel stationed remote from the CO. A node transceiver is coupled to the other end of the fiber communication line within the central office. A wireless transceiver is operable with the node transceiver for providing a communication link between a COT stationed within the CO and the network element monitoring personnel stationed remote from the CO via the local area network.

Abstract: Methods and systems for proactively maintaining a telephone system local loop. One embodiment includes acquiring at least one type of information selected from the group consisting of information from a Dynamic Network Analyzer and information from a Loop Facilities and Control System. This information is stored in memory, and the stored information is combined. This method may also include predicting proactive maintenance based upon the combined information. Another embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring at least one type of information selected from the group consisting of customer information associated with copper line pairs and service information associated with copper line pairs. The acquired information is stored in memory and combined to predict proactive maintenance of the telephone system local loop. Still another embodiment describes a system including software modules communicating with a communications network.

Abstract: An alarm mechanism is provided. The alarm mechanism includes a hardware component and a software component. The hardware component includes first and second registers. The first register is adapted to store a value that indicates a change in state of at least one alarm and the second register is adapted to store current states of each of the at least one alarm. The software component is responsive to interrupt requests from the hardware component and is adapted to read the first and second registers.

Abstract: Methods and systems of managing proactive maintenance tasks for a telephone system local loop. One embodiment includes predicting local loop proactive maintenance tasks, storing local loop proactive maintenance tasks, and searching the tasks using at least one search criteria. The at least one search criteria could include at least one of Proactive Maintenance Application number, Trouble Ticket Number, area code, status, Wire Center, district, manager, and supervisor. The at least one search criteria could also include at least one of technician, date, address, description, technician narrative, disposition code, priority, intermediate status code, work code, authorization, cable, and line pair. The embodiment also permits sorting and editing the local loop proactive maintenance tasks.

Abstract: A method and structure for discovering problem resolution in a helpdesk data set of problem tickets is based on using an enumerated set of phrases that have been identified as indicating diagnosis, instruction, or corrective action. A count of these phrases is then obtained and used along with any accompanying structured information to score each problem ticket. The tickets are then sorted so that the most useful problem tickets appear first.

Abstract: Methods and systems for proactively maintaining a telephone system local loop. One embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring information associated with defective line pairs. Proactive maintenance is predicted based upon the information. The information associated with defective line pairs may be weighted and combined with information from a Dynamic Network Analyzer or with information from a Loop Facilities and Control System. Work orders describing the predicted proactive maintenance may be generated and dispatched.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus is disclosed for capturing call processing failures in a telecommunication system occurring at a telecommunication digital cellular switch as the failures occur. The system includes a computing system adapted for communicating with the telecommunication system, the computing system including one or more computers having one or more processors for executing logic instructions; a memory associated with the computing system for storing the instructions; a storage device adapted for communicating with the computing system for storing data; and a communication device associated with the computing system for establishing a communication link between the computing system and the telecommunication system.

Abstract: In order to provide in-region, interLATA service, a bell operating company (BOC) must provide telecommunications service to competitive local exchange carriers (CLEC) in a non-discriminatory manner. To demonstrate that the BOC service to the CLEC is non-discriminatory, the BOC provides a series of performance measures to regulatory agencies and to the CLEC. A system and method is described for ensuring the quality of those performance measurements. The system and method provide for identifying sub-processes within a performance measurement process (PMP), identifying critical audit points within each sub-process, and implementing control measures corresponding to each critical audit point. The system and method help to eliminate the need for time-consuming and expensive third-party audits of the PMP.

Abstract: Processes and systems are disclosed for creating a maintenance report for a communications system. One embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring a telephone line record. The telephone line record include at least one of i) customer information from a Customer Record Information System, ii) facility information from a Loop Facility Assignment Control System, and iii) equipment information from a switch system analyzing telephone switches. The maintenance report is generated using the acquired telephone line record. The process creates the maintenance report using fresh data.

Abstract: Methods and systems for proactively maintaining a telephone system local loop. One embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring information associated with pressure or flow sensors along fiber optic cables. Proactive maintenance of the fiber optic cables is predicted using the information associated with pressure or flow sensors. The embodiment may further include generating and dispatching work order information describing the predicted proactive maintenance. The embodiment may also include predicting proactive maintenance of telephone lines using information from a Dynamic Network Analyzer and using information from a Loop Facilities and Control System. Another embodiment includes a system for predicting proactive maintenance of a telephone system local loop. This embodiment includes a Pressure Alarms and Reports System Module, a database stored in memory, and a processor.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for automating the dispatching of maintenance services from a telephone cable air pressure monitoring system. If air pressure maintained in a telephone cable conduit drops below a required level, an alarm may be generated at an air pressure alarm and report system (APARS). If the APARS determines that an unacceptable air pressure exists, data associated with the cable conduit is sent to a proactive maintenance application (PMA). The PMA checks other data associated with the conduit in question to determine if an acceptable condition exists that is responsible for the drop in air pressure or air flow. If the PMA does not determine that the change in air pressure or air flow is acceptable, the PMA generates a work order or work ticket for ordering a repair of the conduit. The work order is transmitted to a dispatch system. At the dispatch system, an operator verifies the status of the conduit in question.

Abstract: A failure response method is provided. The method includes preparing a bridge having an address of a telecommunication system for common access by a predetermined group of resources, sending an alpha communication communicating the telecommunication system address to the predetermined group of resources, coordinating the resources through the bridge to correct the failure, and sending a final message to the predetermined group of resources by the telecommunication system when the failure has been corrected. A failure response system is also provided. The failure response system includes a storage device containing contact data for a predetermined group of resources to be utilized when responding to a failure and an address of a telecommunication system for common access by the predetermined group of resources.

Abstract: An apparatus that integrates a plurality of disparate systems. a common control interface is presented to a user of the apparatus. The user employs an inputting device to enter data required by the plurality of disparate systems. The inputted data is inputted to the common interface. The data is then transferred from the common control interface to at least one of the plurality of disparate systems.

Abstract: A multi-protocol, multi-interface communications device testing system is disclosed. The system simultaneously control communication channels of a communications platform though multiple Interface Protocols, such as TDM, IP and Telephony Application Program Interfaces. The system also allows the creation of multi Interface Protocol Test Scenarios, and displays the results of executing The test results from all Protocols Interfaces and records and displays results.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining market statistics for communication service providers. Determinations of whether or not a sampling of telephone numbers are assigned by a particular service provider are employed to determine market statistics. A message which is used to obtain a response. The response is interpreted to determine whether or not the telephone number associated with the wireless device is assigned. Alternatively, a sampling of telephone numbers are dialed over a digital line. Based upon the result of the dialing, it is determined whether or not the telephone numbers are assigned by the service provider. Telephone numbers which have been ported between service providers in networks which employ local number portability can be accounted for in the determination of market statistics. A telephone number portability database can also be employed for determining whether or not a telephone number is assigned by a service provider.

Abstract: Methods and systems for proactively maintaining a telephone system local loop. One embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring status information associated with telephone lines. Proactive maintenance is predicted using upon the status information. Work orders describing the predicted proactive maintenance may be generated and dispatched. Another embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring at least one customer information associated with copper line pairs, service information associated with copper line pairs, and status information associated with telephone lines. The acquired information is stored in a database. The database is updated with the status information associated with telephone lines. Proactive maintenance is predicted using the stored information.

Abstract: A method of controlling a multi-channel processor board (1a) in a telecommunications system comprises monitoring the fault status of a multiplicity of processor cores (3), each arranged to process one or more speech channels, distributed amongst a plurality of Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) (2a-2d) of the processor board (1a). Monitoring comprises receiving fault alarms from fault containing DSPs at an on-board controller (5), and notifying an off-board controller (8) of a received fault alarm including identifying the faulty core(s) and/or associated speech channels. The off-board controller (8) returns to the on-board controller (5) a reset command, whereupon the on-board controller (5) identifies which of the processor cores (3) are faulty and either issues corresponding individual core reset commands or issues DSP reset commands to reset the DSPs (1a-1d) to which the faulty cores (3) belong.

Abstract: A method and system for use in a central office (CO) having network elements for communicating information between a central office technician (COT) stationed within the CO and network element monitoring personnel or monitoring center stationed remote from the CO. A local area network (LAN) having a hub stationed remote from the CO and a fiber communication line connected to the hub is provided. The fiber communication line has one end extending to the hub and the other end extending within the central office. The hub is operable for communicating with network element monitoring personnel stationed remote from the CO. A node transceiver is coupled to the other end of the fiber communication line within the central office. A wireless transceiver is operable with the node transceiver for providing a communication link between a COT stationed within the CO and the network element monitoring personnel stationed remote from the CO via the local area network.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention test a network element in a telecommunications network using a universal command, such as a telephone number or circuit identification number. By doing so, the network element can be easily identified along with the type of service provided by the network element and the appropriate test system can be identified and used without requiring the user to have detailed system-specific knowledge of the test system. Methods and systems consistent with the invention provide an interface to a user. A universal command is received, typically as a telephone number or a circuit identification number. Using the universal command, the type of service associated with the network element is determined and a test system for testing the service type of the network element is identified. A test request is formatted based upon the universal command, the service type to be tested, and the particular test system to be used to test the network element.

Abstract: A client/server interface enables a user to provide information to a server relating to a change in the status of a network resource. The user also identifies an intended recipient of a notification message regarding the status of the network resource. The server then automatically handles the transmission of a notification message to the designated recipient or group of recipients.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for reporting an estimated time at which a task will be processed. A user interface receives a status query and transfers this information to a controller. The controller is configured to receive the status query and based upon the status query, selects a proper task administration system from a plurality of task administration systems. The controller then collects status data from the proper task administration system and from this status data calculates the estimated time at which a task will be processed. After the calculation has been made, the controller then reports the estimated time at which the task will be processed back to the user interface.

Abstract: In a method for the central processing of malfunction reports in a telecommunications (TK) network with a plurality of sub-networks (1, 2) of different network operators (A, B), at least one IN (Intelligent Network) service (8) is established which can be activated by dialing a malfunction dial number from any network connection (3, 4), which upon receipt of a malfunction report, independent of the connection (4) that dispatches the malfunction report, determines to which connection dial number this malfunction report relates, which from the connection dial number thus established determines the network operator (A) to whose sub-network (1) the corresponding malfunctioning connection (3) belongs, and which delivers the malfunction call to the responsible network operator (A).