Abstract: The present invention performs automated testing on service applications using automatically generated logs, so that new testing applications do not need to be created for each new release of a service application. The invention further provides for testing of all aspects of the service application by accounting for all data and processes performed, and does so without interfering with the processing of the service application. An Automated Regression Tester (ART) captures and records data generated by the execution of an initial version of a service application. This data is recorded to a first test log. When a new or ported version of that service application is developed, the first test log is used by the ART to generated output that emulates the operating environment, including caller and user input, of the service application. The processing of the new/ported version of the service application is captured and recorded to a second test log.

Abstract: A network interface device intended to be placed approximate to the customers equipment and remote from a central office of a telephone company (“TELCO”). The purpose of the network interface device is to allow the twisted pair transmission line between the central office and the customer's port to be selectively switched from a normal monitoring mode into a test mode. The test mode has two phases. In the first phase, the NIU transmits a signal back to the central office. This allows the central office to determine whether there are any problems with the transmission line, the potential bandwidth for the transmission line and related parameters concerning the efficacy and suitability of the transmission line for a variety of communication services. In the second phase, which is entered into upon completion of the first phase, the customer-end ADSL low pass filter is bypassed so that the central office can test the customer's POTS equipment.

Abstract: A system for directly comparing on a service quality basis a plurality of wireless network services includes a vehicle containing a plurality of phones for different wireless networks and a fixed location for receiving calls from or transmitting calls to the vehicle. A call is initiated at the vehicle or fixed location, and a series of preselected messages are alternately transmitted between the vehicle and the fixed end through each of the networks with each message being quality graded with voice recognition software or data comparison techniques so that quality grades for each network are provided which can be combined and compared in various ways. The vehicle also includes a global positioning satellite system so that the vehicle location and speed can be tagged to each transmitted message to compare the relative quality of the networks within specific portions of the geographical area covered by the vehicle.

Abstract: A centralized test apparatus is provided for a telecommunications network which includes local switches and a core network. Each local switch is connected through terminating lines to terminating equipment such as telephone handsets. The test apparatus enables a field engineer to obtain the identity of a terminating line from one of the local switches. When a field engineer dials the number of the test apparatus, the test apparatus retrieves the calling line identity on answering the call. It then transmits the calling line identity in speech form back to the calling line. After transmitting the calling line identity, the test apparatus offers a menu of further services which comprise a ring back service and the provision of a test tone on a specified telephone line.

Abstract: The invention is a test system that gives the user a single point of control to generate calls and run tests on a switching system for use in a communications network. The test system is capable of generating calls through a tandem switching system without using a local access switch. The test system is operationally coupled to the switching system by a signaling link and a call connection. The test system receives a first user request to generate a call. The test system transfers signaling to the switching system over the signaling link to cause the switching system to extend the call connection. The test system receives a second user request to run a test, and applies the test to the call connection. In some embodiments, the test system includes a web server that interfaces with a web browser operated by the user. The web server transfers information for screen displays to the web browser. The web server collects user requests from the web browser to generate calls and run tests.

Abstract: A signal transfer point distributes a plurality of messages to a plurality of service control points in accordance with a distribution plan. The distribution plan includes each of the service control points. Each of the plurality of messages from the signal transfer point is distributed to a corresponding one of the plurality of service control points in accordance with the distribution plan.

Abstract: A telecommunications exchange comprises a switching device (1201) of a first type through which telecommunications connections are routed. An access unit (1202) connects the switching device to a telecommunications network. The telecommunications exchange includes an exchange main processor (1200) which generates switch control messages for a switching device of a second type but which translates the switch control messages for use by the switching device of the first type. Preferably, the switching device of the second type is a group switch, and the exchange main processor is an open platform processor. The exchange main processor emulates portions of a telecommunications exchange which control the switching device of the first type the emulated portions including a central processor (1234), regional processors, and a switching subsystem (1230).

Abstract: AIN services include multiple SCP pairs, which can be expanded to meet increased demand. The expansion can occur without cessation in services by migrating records between SCP pairs while maintaining redundancy between the pairs. A centralized GTT maintains the GTTs distributed between multiple subsystems in the AIN system. Synchronization between mate SCPs within a pair occurs at high speed as the subscriber database is split into multiple files, each file having a separate synchronization process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing a telecommunication system, which runs telephony applications such as voice-mail, telephone banking systems, automated directory assistance, and multi-branched telephone customer service systems. The apparatus includes a test computer for scheduling and controlling the execution of test scripts, which include commands for generating network signaling, voice data, and digital data used to simulate transactions that typically take place on the telecommunication system; a database for storing the test scripts, test script input data, and test results; channels for running multiple test scripts in parallel; and, serial and voice ports for transmitting and receiving voice data and digital data to and from the telecommunication system.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the operational status of a network element in an advanced intelligent network is provided. Custom telecommunications services, such as a call forwarding service, are processed by routing a call to a network element, such as a service circuit node, that processes the call and provides the custom telecommunications service. When the network element or application software resident at that network element fails, calls routed to that network element may be mishandled. The method and system of the present invention utilize advanced intelligent network services to monitor a desired network element prior to routing a call to that network element for custom telecommunications service. A heartbeat message is utilized between a monitored network element and a monitoring network element. The method and system reduce network element downtime by alerting maintenance personnel of network element or application software failure.

Abstract: A method for the execution of test procedures to test an electronic exchange by inputting commands of a series of test procedures to a test equipment connected to a server, wherein both the sentences of the series of test procedures and setting values contained in the sentences and test execution commands in the form of macro instructions are stored in a procedure parts dictionary, in advance, while making correspondence between these sentences and macro instructions; any procedure parts are combined among the plurality of procedure parts stored in the procedure parts dictionary by a test procedure document creation editor to create a test procedure document file establishing correspondence between both the sentences of the series of test procedures and setting values contained in the sentences and the macro instructions; the test procedure document file is stored in the server; and the test procedure document is read from the test procedure document file in the server and the test of the electronic exchange

Abstract: A system and method for providing maintenance arbitration at a switching node connected to a public carrier network. The system provides localized maintenance, fault toleration, proactive diagnostics, platform independence, and rule-based code behavior modification to deliver the best service possible based on the service capability and fault condition of switching node components.

Abstract: A device for upgrading a reporting system (12) associated with an automatic call distributor (10) in a telephone system having a first utility program for saving a plurality of custom reports to a temporary directory, an upgrade of the reporting system (12), and a second utility program which imports the custom reports from the temporary directory into the upgrade of the reporting system (12).

Abstract: In a method of administering a telephone local loop plant, a substantial portion--preferably at or above 80%--of the existing narrowband plant is caused to be "dedicated," so that constituent segments of an existing local loop therewithin are not allowed to be used to form other local loops when the existing loop is taken out of service. The remainder of the narrowband plant--the "non-dedicated" plant--is used to fill subscriber current orders for new service. Administration of the narrowband plant that has been dedicated is given over to an administrative system that is deployed to administer broadband facilities within the local loop plant. In preferred embodiment, the local loop plant is upgraded from narrowband to broadband in a way which gives priority to those geographical areas for which the costs of maintaining the narrowband plant are the greatest. The method, overall, provides a mechanism for reducing the costs associated with administering all of the narrowband plant using the legacy systems.

Abstract: A method for directly performing a data analysis, a logical design and a physical design processes on an EDIF file and an initial data, without utilizing Troll relational Database system, to create an optimized schema, a meta data and a processor load (PLD) without any overlapped process. First, the EDIF file and the initial data file are received and an initial system environment is set for creating the meta data and the processor load data. Further, a DBMS.sub.-- MODE.sp file and a DBMS.sub.-- REL.sp file are created such that the database mode specification file represent a recorded definition of a SET mode defined in all the EDIF files, and such that the database relation specification file represent a recorded definition of the relation in all the EDIF files which are being converted into Chill Syntax Structure. Various meta data corresponding to each processor are created based on the catalogue of transaction files.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing call data. A first server in active mode replicates call data to a second server in standby mode. The first server is monitored for a fault condition by the second server, as well as other network devices. If a fault condition is detected, the first server is switched to standby mode and the second server to active mode.

Abstract: A testing method for allowing confirmation of provisioning of a database in a telecommunication network includes providing a plurality of test messages and associated expected responses and transmitting, according to a generic provisioning protocol, the plurality of test messages to a generic provisioning unit. The generic provisioning unit is operable to receive messages according to a generic provisioning protocol that allows receipt of messages without modification of the generic provisioning protocol whenever the database is modified. The method also includes transmitting the content of the test messages from the generic provisioning unit in the database and receiving actual responses to the test messages. The actual responses are received according to the generic provisioning protocol. The method also includes comparing the actual responses to the expected responses and generating a result based on comparing the actual responses to the expected responses.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adaptor for simulating the presence of a PBX device in a telephone network. The adaptor connects to an external line from the central office, and a test set. When the central office seizes the line, the adaptor responds by inducing a wink. The central office, believing that it has received an authentic PBX response, sends data to the PBX site responsive to the wink. The adaptor relays these signals to the external test set for analysis.

Abstract: In an administration system for a public switched telephone network, a method of provisioning and maintaining the working status of customer network facilities is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving a service request from a customer at a living unit requesting service, and determining whether the service request from the living unit is eligible for processing by the adjunct processor. When the service request is eligible, the method automatically provisions customer equipment to execute the service request based upon information including customer identification data and customer facilities. The information is generally maintained without altering the customer facilities when a subsequent disconnect request is received from the customer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining real-time, call by call, feedback from customers as to their perceived quality of network services may be accomplished after a communication, via a network connection between a calling party and at least one called party, is completed. Upon completion, the network retains, for a predetermined period of time, at least a portion of the network connection to one of the parties involved in the communication. During this predetermined period of time, the party provides feedback in the form of a sequence of numbers entered which identify his or her perception of the quality of various aspects of the call. If the feedback is received within the predetermined period of time, the network compiles the data which can then be used to interpret the opinion of many individuals as to network service quality, information as to catastrophic failures as well as mild failures, overall service, the perceived quality of new services and features, and quality of inter-networking.

Abstract: A telecommunication services test system which can be used to automatically test services that include intelligent network elements such as automated response units, and manual network elements such as manual operator consoles and the like. The test system provides a means to automate test cases for services that previously could not be automated due to the requirement of human interaction. A controller is coupled with a call generator. The call generator includes a voice means. Accordingly, the controller can response to ARUs and the like with vocal responses. The controller is also coupled with operator services, including manual operator consoles and ARUs, with a two way communication means. The communication means is used to receive status messages from the operator service devices. In addition, the communication means is used to send input messages to the operator service devices. Accordingly, the system provides a means to control manual operator consoles in response to messages sent by the controller.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for continuing the processing of a telecommunications call in the presence of a failure of a call processor. A backup processor is designated for each call, and a file of signaling messages for that call is maintained in that backup processor. When a failure of the call processor is detected, the file of accumulated messages for the call is processed by the backup processor in order to build up a call state for the call, but without sending call control messages for the call. Subsequent signaling messages are processed by the backup processor, including transmitting call control messages to other processors for establishing the call. In accordance with this invention, the storing of a file of backup messages is eliminated when the processors have inadequate spare processing capacity because of high traffic. Advantageously, this permits the backup procedure to be carried out under normal circumstances without reducing the processing capacity of the system.

Abstract: A system and method for projecting service availability in a telecommunication network. The present invention comprises an empirically-based availability estimate that accounts for the impact of maintenance actions by network personnel, as well as cable cuts and equipment failures. The system comprises a managed network comprising a plurality of interconnected switches to carry and route telecommunications traffic among customer endpoints, a network management system connected to the interconnected switches in the managed network via control links to monitor the switching activity of said managed network, a plurality of databases for storing maintenance actions and reliability factors, and a projected availability processor connected to the network management system to collect information from the network management system and the databases and determine service availability.

Abstract: A measurement device for communication purposes is disclosed that enables a plurality of differing measurement functions, and moreover, the addition of measurement functions. A measurement device for communication that determines the quality of communication in communication devices making up a communication system by way of communication lines includes interface function boards that regulate connections between communication devices by way of communication lines, a plurality of measurement function boards provided for each test item that perform communication tests, and an exchange function unit that connect these boards. The device is constructed so as to allow addition of a measurement function board equipped with new measurement functions, the exchange function unit establishing connections between the added function board and interface function boards.

Abstract: A method for detecting improper delivery of parameters in an initial address message (IAM), such as a calling party number (CPN), for calls set up to a switch over SS7 trunk groups connected to other carriers is described. When a call originates from a switch other than the local switch serving a caller ID customer, the CPN should be passed, as a parameter in a call setup message called an Initial Address Message (IAM), from the originating switch to any intermediate switches, and from those intermediate switches to the customer's terminating switch. The method allows a switch to reliably and proactively identify when an IAM parameter, such as CPN, is not being received (and should be), from an interconnecting switch, for calls over specific TSGs connecting two switches.

Abstract: A subscriber A accommodated in an SSP is connected to a terminal to which a telephone number is assigned by a number conversion service. The communication state of the converted telephone number becomes in a busy state, and a corresponding SSP number is written in a management table arranged in an SCP. If a fault occurs in the SSP, all of the calls to which a subscriber accommodated in the SSP is connected, are released. Once the SSP is restored from the fault, it notifies the SCP of the SSP number identifying the SSP together with a message notifying that the SSP is restored from the fault. The SCP searches for a management table using the SSP number received from the SSP, and changes all of the communication states of converted telephone numbers corresponding to the corresponding SSP number to an idle state.

Abstract: Group communication technology, such as the Horus process, is used to implement a fault-tolerant high performance, reactive, real-time distributed IN coprocessor. The architecture of the distributed IN coprocessor comprises workstation clusters, external adaptors and an update interface interconnected by high speed communication links. Each workstation of the IN architecture represents a query element, so all the databases used by the IN coprocessor in the course of servicing incoming requests are split between query elements, provided that each of the workstations has access to the information stored in a certain database or databases.

Abstract: A test system for testing a plurality of switches. A test platform requests the resources required for performing a test. A central configuration queue manager determines whether the requested resources are available and allocates the resources to the test platform. After performing the test, the test platform relinquishes (or releases) the allocated resources. The resources may be shared by several test platform. An example of such a shared resource is an operator services trunk. The resources may be dedicated for each test platform also. An example of such a dedicated resource is a switch trunk connecting a switch to a digital cross-connect. The digital cross-connect uses the switch trunk to connect a test platform to the switch upon request from the test platform.

Abstract: An alarm notification system 100 and method for automatically reporting an alarm condition related to a telephonic switch 102 to a remote communications device, such as a display unit 104 or a paging unit 106, is provided. The system 100 may communicate with the display unit 104 and/or the paging unit 106 through a modem 115 and a network 114. Alternatively, a paging circuit 128 may provide cellular communications with the paging unit 106 and/or the display unit 104. An alarm sensing circuit 116 senses an alarm condition. Alarm conditions are defined and modified by an alarm setting circuit 118. After an alarm condition is sensed, an alarm notification circuit detects and logs various alarm information relating to the sensed alarm condition. The alarm notification circuit automatically transmits the alarm information to the remote communications device.

Abstract: A cost-efficient process and system for the centralized monitoring and/or control of a telephone network. The centralized computer system maintains simultaneous and continuous communications links with a plurality of reporting computer systems that are each used to monitor and/or control at least a portion of a telephone network. A user can monitor and/or control the entire telephone network or any portion thereof from a single location at the centralized computer system.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for continuing the processing of a telecommunications call in the presence of a failure of a call processor. A backup processor is designated for each call, and a file of signaling messages for that call is maintained in that backup processor. When a failure of the call processor is detected, the file of accumulated messages for the call is processed by the backup processor in order to build up a call state for the call, but without sending call control messages for the call. Subsequent signaling messages are processed by the backup processor, including transmitting call control messages to other processors for establishing the call. Advantageously, the backup processor only processes signaling messages when a failure is detected thus greatly reducing the processing resources required for a typical call (which, of course, does not involve a processor failure).

Abstract: A test system for testing a plurality of switches. A test platform requests the resources required for performing a test. A central configuration queue manager (CQM) determines whether the requested resources are available and allocates the resources to the test platform. However, Some resources may be allocated in blocking mode. That is, subsequent commands requesting such an allocated resource are queued until the resource is released/available. An example of a resource which may be allocated in blocking mode is a connection to a switch from a test platform. Other resources may be allocated in a non-blocking mode. An example of a resource which may be allocated in a non-blocking mode is an operator services trunk.

Abstract: A system for generating an exception report for a particular problem based on call traffic. The system maintains a count of occurrences for that problem, happening within a sliding window of call traffic volume. When the count exceeds a threshold value, the system generates the exception report whereby appropriate action may be initiated to correct the problem.

Abstract: A novel system includes a first interfacing unit connected to a sending subscriber for converting analog subscriber information transmitted from the sending subscriber via a first subscriber line to digital subscriber information to provide it to a first transmission line; a second interfacing unit connected to its corresponding receiving subscriber for reconverting the digital subscriber information on the first transmission line to the original analog subscriber information to transmit the same to the corresponding receiving subscriber via a second subscriber line; a switching module coupled between the first and the second interfacing units for switching the digital subscriber information on the first transmission line to the second interfacing unit; and a testing unit connected to the switching module, if the remaining components within the system excepting the first and the second subscriber interfacing units are all normal, for testing the status of each of a set of subscriber components to provide info

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described which automatically allocate available physical resources of a telecommunications network to efficiently resolve network problems and improve the serviceability, availability and reliability of such networks. Large volumes of sensor data representing faults in the operational condition of elements of the telecommunications network are collected in a buffer. A network performance index is calculated for the entire network or for any portion of the network, thereby assembling the data into easily understood, accurate measurement of transmission performance. The network performance index is then compared with predetermined target values to determine what resources to allocate.

Abstract: A telecommunication exchange is described for switching through telecommunication links, which is controlled by a processor system. The processor system comprises a plurality of parallel-arranged modules which have each a processor. In an operating mode of the processor system the processors operate mutually synchronously. The processor system utilizes a fault-tolerant code. As a result, the entire processor system continues to operate even if faults occur in certain modules. The processor system is further arranged for operating in a software load mode. In this mode the processor system is subdivided into two groups of modules. The processors of the modules of each group operate mutually synchronously. The modules of each group use the code section generated by the modules of that particular group to operate.

Abstract: A method for detecting translation data error in a central office switch comprises: receiving a call directed to a ported directory number in a switch; retrieving translation data from the switch memory to connect the call to a customer line; and determining that the call cannot be completed to a customer line served by the switch. Upon determining that the call cannot be connected to a customer line served by the switch, a translation data error (TDE) indicator is set in the switch memory so that the instant call, and all subsequent calls directed to the same ported directory number, are connected to an announcement circuit. An translation data error message is also sent to a central switch maintenance and control center by the switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring telecommunication signals carried by a telecommunication network (10) including a signal transfer point device (12) for routing data, clock and control signals over a link (14) and a link monitor (16) operable for monitoring the link (14) is disclosed. The method and apparatus provides for the monitoring of the data and clock signals routed over the link (14) without tapping into the control signals routed over the link (14).

Abstract: An SS7 Network Preventative Maintenance System for detecting potential SS7 and switched network troubles, automatically analyzing the troubles, providing alarm and corrective action to avoid major network events. Real time monitors on SS7 links at the STP provide information on exceeded link load, exceeded Message Signaling Unit (MSU) frequency and network management status/error conditions in a Stage 1 Process. The Stage 1 Process provides alarm information to a Stage 2 Process which controls all Stage 1 associated monitors for an STP pair. Stage 2 reacts to Stage 1 signals to generate alarm and corrective action information which is passed on to a Stage 3 Process. The Stage 3 Process controls all Stage 2 Processes in the operating company. Stage 3 reacts to Stage 2 output to detect potential or real accompanying network trouble and generates alarm and corrective action information and displays in response thereto. Stage 3 also alerts a Stage 4 process which is connected to all Stage 3 Processes in a region.

Abstract: A technique is provided for enabling remote testing of a telecommunications service provided by an international gateway switch (12). To accomplish such testing, a test facility (10) associated with the switch includes a DTMF interface (16) for automatically answering an inbound call and for verifying if the caller may access the service for testing purposes. The test facility also includes a signal converter (38) for translating DTMF signals entered during the inbound call to yield an activation sequence of signals for input to the international gateway switch to activate the service offered by the switch for testing purposes.

Abstract: A system and method for concurrent delivery of voice and text data to a service agent including a failure management system using an advanced intelligent network based information distribution system is provided. The system includes a central office switching system, a network controller, at least one service switching point and at least one service transfer point. The system includes an intelligent peripheral/call server combination, responsively connected to, and disposed between, the network controller and the central office switching system, and external databases responsively connected to the intelligent peripheral/call server combination, storing subscriber specific data associated with each of the subscribers. The IP/call server acquires information from a customer regarding a subject telephone number and destination work center, and determines a proper network controller to route the customer initiated call.

Abstract: A DS3 level access, monitor and test system for a telephone network. The system provides selective, and hitless, bit overwrite in any of the embedded DS1, DS0 and subrate channels in a DS3 signal. Multiple DS0 and subrate channels can be tested via the asynchronous time slot interchange in conjunction with the recombiner of the present invention. The present invention further includes a lookahead reframer for framing to the DS3 signal. The present invention also includes a facilities data link (FDL) handler for capturing the FDL channel data in every DS1 channel in a DS3 signal. A high speed bit-for-bit compare is interfaced to a protect path to provide 1:1 fault protection in the system of the present invention. Full time performance monitoring on DS1 and DS3 signals is performed by a shared resource. The system of the present invention provides an integrated approach to synchronization measurement and relative synchronization.

Abstract: A DS3 level access, monitor and test system for a telephone network. The system provides selective, and hitless, bit overwrite in any of the embedded DS1, DS0 and subrate channels in a DS3 signal. Multiple DS0 and subrate channels can be tested via the asynchronous time slot interchange in conjunction with the recombiner of the present invention. The present invention further includes a lookahead reframer for framing to the DS3 signal. The present invention also includes a facilities data link (FDL) handler for capturing the FDL channel data in every DS1 channel in a DS3 signal. A high speed bit-for-bit compare is interfaced to a protect path to provide 1:1 fault protection in the system of the present invention. Full time performance monitoring on DS1 and DS3 signals is performed by a shared resource. The system of the present invention provides an integrated approach to synchronization measurement and relative synchronization.

Abstract: A communication box which operates as a testing and complaint accepting communication unit and which is connected with a workstation which can communicate with a call processor for controlling a digital switch module includes a subscriber line interface connected with a subscriber line from a subscriber line circuit for transmitting/receiving speech signals to/from another telephone connected with one exchange, an inter-office interface connected with an inter-office communication line from an inter-office communication trunk unit for transmitting/receiving speech signals to/from another exchange, and a telephone circuit which connects a head set for talking to allow to select a line of either interface and to call and communicate with either interface under control from the workstation and to communicate or to test a speech condition defined by speech signals monitored at the head set.

Abstract: A switch sentry device (22) having a digital telephony switch (SCX, 16), a device (24) for processing information, a device (24, 34) for simulating a call from the processing device (24) to the switch (SCX, 16), a device (SCX, 16) responsive to the call simulating device (24, 34) for simulating a primary ringing line (36) from the switch (SCX, 16) to the processing device (24), a device (SCX, 16) responsive to the call simulating device (24, 34) for simulation an alternate ringing line (38) from the switch (SCX, 16) to the processing device (24), and a device (24) for determining an inoperative condition of the switch (SCX, 16).

Abstract: Connection is made directly or via a switched telephone network between a tester and a telecommunication system to be tested. User data, such as voice signals, and signalling data, such as DTMF signals are generated by the tester to cause the telecommunication system to respond. The user and signalling data may be generated interactively to test the telecommunication system in real time, or by executing prerecorded scripts. When the tester is used interactively, the representations of the signals transmitted to and from the tester are recorded in at least one script file. Voice recognition is preferably used to determine whether the response received from the telecommunication system is the expected response, particularly when a script is executed. The vocabulary used for voice recognition may be created by repeatedly executing a script file (recorded during interactive operation of the tester or created manually) which causes the telecommunication system to generate the desired prompt(s) and message(s).

Abstract: A method of resource allocation for a service control point (SCP) in an advanced intelligent network. The method dynamically assigns resource time to various entities using the SCP, based upon the resource time needs of each entity as compared to the resource time needs of each other entity and the total processing capacity of the SCP. Initially, a SCP resource time is assigned to each entity to be monitored. The resource time of the monitored entities is monitored over a chosen observation interval. After the completion of the observation interval, any unutilized resource time from any of the monitored entities is assigned to other monitored entities which have used more than their assigned resource time during the previous observation interval. It is also determined whether a SCP is operating at full capacity during a given observation interval.

Abstract: A method for providing switch translations upon a failure in the conventional recent change message handling system. The failure results in triggering a common channel signaling inquiry, to a signaling control point which responds with instructions for setting up a common channel signaling link between the Recent Change Memory Administration Center (RCMAC) to an alternate Remote Memory Administration System (RMAS). The RCMAC then delivers the recent change message to the alternate RMAS and the RMAS delivers the recent change signal to the addressed switch. In an alternate embodiment the Signal Control Point is provided with RMAS capability. This RMAS capability is then used in place of the alternate RMAS and the SCP sets up a path from the SCP associated RMAS to the RCMAC and to the addressed switch. The communication from the RCMAC which initiated the inquiry to the SCP and RMAS associated therewith is in common channel signaling protocol.

Abstract: A switching module capable of sending heartbeat messages and identifying other elements within a telecommunications switching platform as operational over one bus or both buses of a redundant-pair control bus. The module also has a reprogrammable, nonvolatile memory associated with it from which it can run its operating system. The module can also transfer the operating system into another memory, allowing the module to make updates to the operating system stored in the nonvolatile memory without interrupting its execution of its run-time operating code.

Abstract: In a switching platform of a telecommunications system, fault testing is automatically performed during operation of the switching platform to identify components to be tested, perform testing and if a fail condition occures, perform localization to isolate a source of the fail condition. In another mode of testing, an off-line component is identified and the test procedure automatically performs testing and if a fail condition occurs, a localization procedure is automatically initiated to identify a source of the fail condition. A configuration database containing status information on components of the switching platform can be periodically searched by the fault test procedure to identify components to be tested. The configuration database can also be searched to identify replacement components in response to an alarm identifying a faulty component generated by the fault test procedure.