Abstract: A method and system for detecting service disruptions in a packet network is described. In one example, a plurality of data reports is received. A determination is then made as to whether a number of the plurality of data reports that pertain to a particular class has exceeded a predetermined threshold. In the event the threshold is exceeded, at least one notification is transmitted.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting service disruptions in a packet network is described. In one example, a plurality of data reports is received. A determination is then made as to whether a number of the plurality of data reports that pertain to a particular class has exceeded a predetermined threshold. In the event the threshold is exceeded, at least one notification is transmitted.

Abstract: A method and system for assessing the installation of a component in a packet-switched network is described. In one example, provisioning scripts for a particular network component are generated. A determination of whether the provisioning scripts match a set of configuration parameters associated with the provisioning scripts is then made. Lastly, an alarm is generated in the event the provisioning scripts do not match the set of configuration parameters.

Abstract: The present invention enables an overlay capability to be invoked on network systems and elements that are designed to support multiple customer bases. Depending on the registered identification of the user, screens and other user interfaces that provide access to functions can be overlaid on the network component and segmented along customer classifications.

Abstract: The present invention enables an overlay capability to be invoked on network systems and elements that are designed to support multiple customer bases. Depending on the registered identification of the user, screens and other user interfaces that provide access to functions can be overlaid on the network component and segmented along customer classifications.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling call volume in a packet-switched network is described. In one example, a number of concurrent calls per codec of a plurality of codecs is monitored. A concurrent call limit for each of the plurality of codecs is obtained. For each codec of the plurality of codecs, an indication is generated for each call causing the number of concurrent calls for the codec to exceed the concurrent call limit for the codec. In response to the indication, the call may be blocked or an alternative codec may be selected for the call.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling call volume in a packet-switched network is described. In one example, a number of concurrent calls per codec of a plurality of codecs is monitored. A concurrent call limit for each of the plurality of codecs is obtained. For each codec of the plurality of codecs, an indication is generated for each call causing the number of concurrent calls for the codec to exceed the concurrent call limit for the codec. In response to the indication, the call may be blocked or an alternative codec may be selected for the call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a message set in a communications network are described. In one embodiment, a change in the communications network is initially detected. Communication between a customer premise equipment (CPE) and at least one border element in the communication network is subsequently established. Afterwards, a test suite is executed to simultaneously certify that a message set employing a plurality of protocols supported by the communication network is supported by the at least one border element.

Abstract: The present invention allows monitoring and the prevention of call storms in a communications network, e.g., a VoIP network. More specifically, the present invention enables a VoIP network to monitor the calling pattern, e.g., the number of calls within a period of time that occurs between the same endpoints. If the number of calls exceed a certain threshold, then these calls with the same endpoints will be terminated and an alarm notification will be sent, e.g., to a network operator.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing deficiencies in a packet-switched network is described. In one example, network measurement data pertaining to components within a packet-switched network are obtained. Reliability estimates of access networks and associated access links coupled to the packet-switch network are conducted. Lastly, an end-to-end direct measure of quality (DMOQ) is calculated from the network measurement data and network estimation data derived from the reliability estimates.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing deficiencies in a packet-switched network is described. In one example, network measurement data pertaining to components within a packet-switched network are obtained. Reliability estimates of access networks and associated access links coupled to the packet-switch network are conducted. Lastly, an end-to-end direct measure of quality (DMOQ) is calculated from the network measurement data and network estimation data derived from the reliability estimates.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a quality of service level for at least one call in a communications network is described. In one example, a call request for a particular quality of service level for a call is received. Afterwards, the call is processed as a function of at least one of time of day and day of week, in accordance with the requested quality of service level. In a second example, a request to change a predefined quality of service level for a call on a per call basis is received and subsequently processed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling call volume in a packet-switched network is described. In one example, a number of concurrent calls per codec of a plurality of codecs is monitored. A concurrent call limit for each of the plurality of codecs is obtained. For each codec of the plurality of codecs, an indication is generated for each call causing the number of concurrent calls for the codec to exceed the concurrent call limit for the codec. In response to the indication, the call may be blocked or an alternative codec may be selected for the call.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring voice quality in a packet network is described. In one example, statistics for calls in the packet network per customer segment of a plurality of customer segments are obtained over a period of time. The statistics are processed to identify call patterns for the plurality of customer segments. Sample measurements of voice quality are obtained for each of the plurality of customer segments in response to the call patterns.

Abstract: The present invention enables users of a network service to register with the network as valued shoppers, thereby allowing them to receive specialized treatment when calling registered retailers. The present invention enables retailers to register with the network, thereby allowing them to set preferred service logic for handling valued customer calls by the network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating test procedures to determine if non-emergency signaling message processing errors impact emergency calls, e.g., E911 calls, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present method alerts network engineers so that crankback procedures to alternative routes can be instituted when these E911 call impacting error conditions are detected in a network.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for enabling DTMF signal processing in the core VoIP network. More specifically, the present invention enables a VoIP network to recognize and respond to special DTMF signals entered by a user and initiate the appropriate service logic response to satisfy the user's service request.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a network to determine the call volume rate versus the call blocking rate on a predefined time interval basis over multiple predefined time intervals are disclosed. For example, if call blocking rates do not show a progressive trend of decline as call volume rates decline over multiple predefined time intervals, an alarm can be generated and corrective actions to flush out congested signaling message queues can be initiated to return the network to normal operating conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating test procedures to determine if non-emergency signaling message processing errors impact emergency calls, e.g., E911 calls, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present method alerts network engineers so that crankback procedures to alternative routes can be instituted when these E911 call impacting error conditions are detected in a network.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for analyzing a proposed service feature in a communication network is described. In one example, a call flow for supporting the service feature in the communication network is created, where at least one network component supports the call flow. First cost data for internally developing the at least one network component is determined. Second cost data for procuring the at least one network component from third party entity is determined. The first cost data and the second cost data are processed to generate a recommendation for either internally developing or externally procuring the at least one network element.