Common channeling signaling network maintenance and testing

Claims

I claim:

1. In a communication system comprising a switched network connected by program controlled switches (PCSs) controlled by a data switched common channel signaling network (CCSN) including signal transfer points (STPs) connected to said PCSs at signaling points (SPs) via links between said SPs and STPs, a monitoring system comprising:

a) monitor means including first processor means coupled with said links to provide real time monitoring of the link signals and provide first output signals indicative of predetermined conditions therein;

b) second processor means receiving and analyzing said first output signals and providing second output signals responsive to said analysis;

c) third processor means receiving said second output signals from the second processor means and analyzing said signals, said third processor means being coupled with a mated pair of said STPs so as to provide control signals to control the monitor means coupled to the links of said pair of STPs, said third processor means generating third output signals including alarm and corrective action signals responsive to conditions determined from the signals from said second processor means;

d) fourth processor means receiving and analyzing said third output signals and providing fourth output signals responsive to the results of said analysis of said third output signals; and

e) input terminal means connected to at least one of said processing means for manually controlling said monitor means.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein said monitor means is connected to said links to decode signals thereon on both transmit and receive sides of the links.

3. A system according to claim 1 wherein said monitor means decodes the message transfer part (MTP) of signaling units (SU) on both transmit and receive sides of said links.

4. A system according to claim 1 wherein said monitor means counts fill in signaling units (FISUs) received on the transmit and receive sides of said links.

5. A system according to claim 1 wherein said monitor means checks the sequence of parameters for FSN (Forward Sequence Number) and BSN (Backward Sequence Number) of FISUs and in the presence of change discards FISUs.

6. A system according to claim 1 wherein said monitor means determines the octet count of non-FISU SUs (message signaling unit (MSU) or link service unit (LSSU)) to determine link load and determine if the accumulated link load exceeds a predetermined threshold.

7. A system according to claim 1 wherein said monitor means keeps count of messaging signaling units (MSUs) and link service signaling units (LSSUs) by type and determines if the accumulated count exceeds a predetermined threshold.

8. A system according to claim 1 wherein said monitor means keeps a count of MSUs by category (ISUP, SCCP, TCAP, etc.) and determines if the accumulated count exceeds a predetermined threshold.

9. A system according to claim 8 wherein said monitor means sends threshold exceeded information to said second processor means if said accumulated count exceeds a predetermined threshold.

10. A system according to claim 1 wherein said monitor means determines if MSUs are reactive MSUs or response MSUs based on a predetermined MSU table.

11. A system according to claim 10 wherein if an MSU is identified as a reactive or response MSU, MSU information is generated and sent to said second processor means.

12. A system according to claim 1 wherein said monitor means provides the ability to trap any field in an MSU.

13. A system according to claim 12 wherein said monitor means provides said trapping ability on predetermined fields.

14. A system according to claim 12 wherein said monitor means provides said trapping ability on CCSN fields determined by the system.

15. A system according to claim 1 wherein said monitor means sends trapped triggered information to said second processor means.

16. A system according to claim 1 wherein said monitor means initiates system tests by sending predetermined test data to said second processor means.

17. A system according to claim 1 wherein said monitor means responds to manually inputted control commands.

18. A system according to claim 1 wherein said second processor means passes to said third processor means MSU, trap triggered, and threshold exceeded information.

19. A system according to claim 1 wherein said second processor means determines from the information received from said monitor means and first processor means whether a predetermined major event is in progress.

20. A system according to claim 19 wherein said second processor means sends to said third processor means information regarding the developing major event.

21. A system according to claim 19 wherein said second processor means on detecting a predetermined major event performs predetermined second processor means and monitor means control procedures.

22. A system according to claim 21 wherein said procedures are preprogrammed to comprise a corrective major event script.

23. A system according to claim 1 including means to insert test data into said system wherein said second processor means treats such test data as monitor means data from system operation and reacts accordingly.

24. A system according to claim 1 wherein said second processor means buffers a predetermined amount of link data from said monitor means on a first in first out basis.

25. A system according to claim 1 wherein said second processor means provides link data from said monitor means to an auxiliary data port means.

26. A system according to claim 1 wherein said second processor means includes a communications port for providing interface and/or link data transport to a third processor means.

27. A system according to claim 1 wherein said third processor means analyzes and responds to monitor means information sent by said second processor means.

28. A system according to claim 1 wherein said third processor means analyzes and responds to predetermined major event information sent by said second processor means.

29. A system according to claim 1 wherein said monitor means monitors response and reactive MsUs, and said third processor means includes databases and script storage or databases including a reactive trap script storage, said third processor means on receiving reactive MSU information initiating a predetermined reactive trap script.

30. A system according to claim 29 wherein said monitor heans has the ability to perform trapping pursuant to trap procedures loaded therein, and said third processor means accesses said reactive trap script and provides system functions to generate traps, decode MSUs, decode second processor means information, and load traps into said monitor means.

31. A system according to claim 29 wherein event failure information is generated by said third processor means and sent to said fourth processor means if said reactive trap script identifies an event.

32. A system according to claim 31 wherein said third processor means generates predetermined corrective action information based on said event failure information.

33. A system according to claim 32 wherein said corrective action information is sent to said fourth processor means.

34. A system according to claim 1 wherein said system includes means for establishing load thresholds and for reporting threshold exceeded information between processor means, wherein said third processor means on receiving threshold exceeded information initiates a predetermined threshold exceeded script and determines whether said information indicates a minor, major or unknown failure.

35. A system according to claim 34 wherein said third processor means on determining that an unknown failure is indicated sends to said fourth processor means alarm information regarding said failure.

36. A system according to claim 1 wherein said third processor means retrieves monitor information from designated monitor means responsive to a predetermined script.

37. A system according to claim 36 wherein said third processor means passes monitor information to said fourth processor means.

38. A system according to claim 1 wherein said third processor means includes databases including script data and also includes manual terminals to permit manual input to said third processor means, whereby said third processor means initiates monitor means controls responsive to a predetermined script or manual input to said third processor means.

39. A system according to claim 1 wherein said third processor means initiates third processor means controls responsive to a predetermined script or manual input to said fourth processor means.

40. A system according to claim 1 wherein said third processor means passes predetermined trap information from said fourth processor means to said second processor means and said monitor means.

41. A system according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said processor means provides manual access to the system.

42. A system according to claim 41 wherein said processor means includes multiple manual input terminals.

43. A system according to claim 41 wherein said one processor means initiates a manually inputted script to initiate corrective action responsive to a developing failure.

44. A system according to claim 1 wherein the switched network includes a Network Surveillance System (NSS), and wherein said fourth processor means upon the occurrence of a predetermined major event transmits alarm and status messages relative thereto to the NSS.

45. A system according to claim 1 wherein said fourth processor means presents at a maintenance terminal a display indicating the status of the switched network.

46. A system according to claim 1 wherein said fourth processor means includes means to initiate protocol analysis of link data stored by said second processor means.

47. A system according to claim 1 wherein said fourth processor means includes means to perform real time manual protocol analysis on multiple links.

48. A system according to claim 1 wherein said switched network includes a Network Surveillance System (NSS), and wherein said fourth processor means communicates interactively with the NSS.

49. A system according to claim 1 wherein said monitor means provides (i) real time monitoring of the link signals, (ii) monitoring of the link signal load, (iii) load thresholding, (iv) trapping of predetermined link signals, and (v) output signals indicative of (i)-(iv).

50. A system according to claim 1 wherein said switched network is a telephone network and said CCSN is a signaling system 7 (SS7) packet switched network.

51. In a communication system comprising a switched network connected by program controlled switches (PCSs) controlled by a data switched common channel signaling network (CCSN) including signal transfer points (STPs) connected to said PCSs at signaling points (SPs) via links between said SPs and STPs, a monitoring system comprising:

a) monitor means including first processor means coupled with said links to provide real time monitoring of the link signals and provide first output signals indicative of predetermined conditions therein;

b) additional processor means receiving and analyzing said first output signals, said additional processor means being coupled with a mated pair of said STPs so as to provide control signals to control the monitor means coupled to the links of said pair of STPs, said additional processor means generating second output signals including alarm and corrective action signals; and

c) input terminal means connected to said additional processor means for manually controlling said monitor means.

52. A system according to claim 51 wherein said monitor means is connected to said links to decode signals thereon on both transmit and receive sides of the links.

53. A system according to claim 51 wherein said monitor means decodes the message transfer part (MTP) of signaling units (SU) on both transmit and receive sides of said links.

54. A system according to claim 51 wherein said monitor means counts fill in signaling units (FISUs) received on the transmit and receive sides of said links.

55. A system according to claim 51 wherein said monitor means checks the sequence parameters FSN (Forward Sequence Number) and BSN (Backward Sequence Number) of FISUs and in the absence of change discards FISUs.

56. A system according to claim 51 wherein said monitor means determines the octet count of non-FISU SUs (message signaling unit (MSU) or link service unit (LSSU)) to determine link load and determine if the accumulated link load exceeds a predetermined threshold.

57. A system according to claim 51 wherein said monitor means keeps count of messaging signaling units (MSUs) and link service signaling units (LSSUs) by type and determines if the accumulated count exceeds a predetermined threshold.

58. A system according to claim 51 wherein said monitor means keeps a count of MSUs by category (ISUP, SCCP, TCAP, etc.) and determines if the accumulated count exceeds a predetermined threshold.

59. A system according to claim 58 wherein said monitor means sends threshold exceeded information to said additional processor means if said accumulated count exceeds a predetermined threshold.

60. A system according to claim 51 wherein said monitor means determines if MSUs are reactive MSUs or response MSUs based on a predetermined MSU table.

61. A system according to claim 60 wherein if an MSU is identified as a reactive or response MSU, MSU information is generated and sent to said additional processor means.

62. A system according to claim 51 wherein said monitor means provides the ability to trap any field in an MSU.

63. A system according to claim 62 wherein said monitor means provides said trapping ability on predetermined fields.

64. A system according to claim 62 wherein said monitor means provides said trapping ability on fields determined by the system.

65. A system according to claim 51 wherein said monitor means sends trapped triggered information to said additional processor means.

66. A system according to claim 51 wherein said monitor means initiates system tests by sending predetermined test data to said additional processor means.

67. A system according to claim 51 wherein said monitor means responds to manually inputted control commands.

68. A system according to claim 51 wherein said additional processor means determines from the information received from said monitor means and information generated therein whether a predetermined major event is in progress.

69. A system according to claim 68 wherein said additional processor means on detecting a predetermined major event performs predetermined additional processor means and monitor means control procedures.

70. A system according to claim 69 wherein said procedures are preprogrammed to comprise a corrective major event script.

71. A system according to claim 51 including means to insert test data into said system wherein said additional processor means treats such test data as monitor means data from system operation and reacts accordingly.

72. A system according to claim 51 wherein said additional processor means buffers a predetermined amount of link data from said monitor means on a first in first out basis.

73. A system according to claim 51 wherein said additional processor means provides link data from said monitor means to an auxiliary data port means.

74. A system according to claim 51 wherein said monitor means monitors response and active MSUs, and said additional processor means includes databases and script storage or databases including a reactive trap script storage, said additional processing means on receiving reactive MSU information initiating a predetermined reactive trap script.

75. A system according to claim 74 wherein said monitor means has the ability to perform trapping pursuant to trap procedures loaded therein, and said additional processor means provides system functions accessible by the reactive trap script needed to generate traps, decode MSUs, and load traps into said monitor means.

76. A system according to claim 74 wherein event failure information is generated by said additional processor means if said reactive trap script identifies an event.

77. A system according to claim 76 wherein said additional processor means generates predetermined corrective action information based on said event failure information.

78. A system according to claim 51 wherein wherein said system includes means for establishing signal thresholds and for reporting threshold exceeded information between processor means, said additional processor means on receiving threshold exceeded information initiates a predetermined threshold exceeded script and determines whether said information indicates a minor, major or unknown failure.

79. A system according to claim 78 wherein said additional processor means on determining that an unknown failure is indicated generates major alarm information regarding said failure.

80. A system according to claim 51 wherein said additional processor means retrieves monitor information from designated monitor means responsive to a predetermined script.

81. A system according to claim 51 wherein said additional processor means initiates monitor means controls responsive to a predetermined script or manual input to said additional processor means.

82. A system according to claim 51 wherein said additional processor means includes databases including script data and also includes manual terminals to permit manual input to said additional processor means,.whereby said additional processor means initiates processor means controls responsive to a predetermined script or manual input to said additional processor means.

83. A system according to claim 51 wherein said additional processor means passes predetermined trap information to said monitor means.

84. A system according to claim 51 wherein said additional processor means provides manual access to the system.

85. A system according to claim 84 wherein said additional processor means includes multiple manual input terminals.

86. A system according to claim 51 wherein said additional processor means initiates a manually inputted script to initiate corrective action responsive to a developing failure.

87. A system according to claim 51 wherein the switched network includes a Network Surveillance System (NSS), and wherein said additional processor means upon the occurrence of a predetermined major event transmits alarm and status messages relative thereto to the NSS.

88. A system according to claim 51 wherein said additional processor means presents at a maintenance terminal a display indicating the status of the switched network.

89. A system according to claim 51 wherein said additional processor means includes means to initiate protocol analysis of link data stored by said processor means.

90. A system according to claim 51 wherein said additional processor means includes means to perform real time manual protocol analysis on multiple links.

91. A system according to claim 51 wherein said switched network includes a Network Surveillance System (NSS), and wherein said additional processor means communicates interactively with the NSS system.

92. A system according to claim 51 wherein said monitor means provides (i) real time monitoring of the link signals, (ii) monitoring of the link signal load, (iii) load thresholding, (iv) trapping of predetermined link signals, and (v) output signals indicative of (i)-(iv).

93. In a communication system comprising a switched network connected by program controlled switches (PCSs) controlled by a data switched common channel signaling network (CCSN) including signal transfer points (STPs) connected to said PCSs at signaling points (SPs) via links between said SPs and STPs, the method comprising:

a) monitoring link signals for predetermined conditions therein and providing output signals indicative thereof;

b) analyzing and processing said output signals relating to a mated pair of said STPs;

c) providing control signals to control step (a);

d) generating alarm and corrective action signals responsive to conditions determined from the analysis and processing of step (b); and

e) providing manual input to said system to control the predetermined conditions for which the link signals are monitored and/or the corrective action signals to be taken in response thereto.

94. A method according to claim 93 including the steps of decoding link signals on both transmit and receive sides of the links.

95. A method according to claim 93 including the steps of decoding the message transfer part (MTP) of signaling units (SUs) on both transmit and receive sides of the links.

96. A method according to claim 93 including the step of counting fill-in signaling units (FISUs) received on the transmit and receive sides of said links.

97. A method according to claim 96 including the steps of checking the sequence parameters FSN (Forward Sequence Number) and BSN (Backward Sequence Number) of FISUs, and in the absence of change, discarding FISUs.

98. A method according to claim 93 including the step of determining the octet count of non-FISU SUs (message signaling unit (MSU) or link service unit (LSSU)) to determine link load and determine if the accumulated link load exceeds a predetermined threshold.

99. A method according to claim 93 including the step of keeping count of message signaling units (MSUs) and link service signaling units (LSSUs) by type and determining if the accumulated count exceeds a predetermined threshold.

100. A method according to claim 93 including the step of keeping a count of MSUs by category (ISUP, SCCP, TCAP, etc.) and determining if the accumulated count exceeds a predetermined threshold.

101. A method according to claim 93 wherein said output signals include threshold exceeded information.

102. A method according to claim 93 including the step of determining if MSUs are reactive MSUs or response MSUs based on a predetermined MSU table.

103. A method according to claim 93 including the step of providing the ability to trap any MSU (Message Signaling Unit) field in said signals in said links.

104. A method according to claim 103 including the step of trapping predetermined fields.

105. A method according to claim 103 including the step of trapping fields determined by the system.

106. A method according to claim 93 wherein said output signals include trapped triggered information.

107. A method according to claim 93 wherein said output signals include predetermined test data to initiate system tests.

108. A method according to claim 93 including the step of providing manual input to said system to control the monitoring step.

109. A method according to claim 93 including the step of determining from said output signals and said analysis and processing whether a predetermined major event is in progress.

110. A method according to claim 109 including the step of initiating corrective procedures on detecting a major event.

111. A method according to claim 110 wherein said procedures include the steps of accessing a major event script storage, and initiating corrective procedures pursuant to a selected script.

112. A method according to claim 93 including the step of buffering a predetermined amount of link data on a first in first out basis.

113. A method according to claim 93 including the steps of monitoring response and reactive MSUs (Message Signaling Units), accessing a reactive trap script storage, and on receiving reactive MSU information initiating a selected reactive trap script.

114. A method according to claim 113 including the step of providing system functions accessible by the reactive trap script needed to generate traps, decode MSUs and load traps for conducting said monitoring step (a).

115. A method according to claim 113 including the step of generating event failure information if said reactive trap script identifies an event.

116. A method according to claim 115 including the step of generating predetermined corrective action information based on said event failure information.

117. A method according to claim 93 including the steps of establishing signal thresholds, and initiating a predetermined threshold exceeded script on receiving threshold exceeded information, and determining whether said information indicates a minor, major or unknown failure.

118. A method according to claim 117 including the step of generating a major alarm signal on determining that an unknown failure is indicated.

119. A method according to claim 93 including the step of manually accessing the system.

120. A method according to claim 93 including the step of manually inputting a major event script.

121. A method according to claim 93 wherein the switched network includes a Network Surveillance System (NSS), including the step of responding to the occurrence of a predetermined major event by transmitting signals indicative thereof to the NSS.

122. A method according to claim 93 including the step of presenting at a maintenance terminal a display indicating the status of the switched network.

123. A method according to claim 93 including the steps of storing link data, and initiating protocol analysis of stored link data.

124. A method according to claim 93 including the step of performing real time manual protocol analysis on multiple links.

125. A monitor for a communication system including a switched network connected by program controlled switches (PCSs) controlled by a data switched common channel signaling network (CCSN) including signal transfer points (STPs) connected to said PCSs at signaling points (SPs) via links between said SPs and STPs, wherein said monitor comprises:

a) link interface means for connection to said links and first processor means to provide (i) real time monitoring of the link signals, (ii) monitoring of the link signal load, (iii) load thresholding, (iv) trapping of predetermined link signals, and (v) output signals indicative of (i)-(iv);

b) second processor means receiving and analyzing said output signals and providing second output signals.

126. A monitor according to claim 125 wherein said monitor is connected to said links to decode signals on both transmit and receive sides of links to which said interface means is connected.

127. A monitor according to claim 125 wherein said monitor decodes the message transfer part (MTP) of signaling units (SU) of said signals on both transmit and receive sides of said links.

128. A monitor according to claim 126 wherein said monitor counts fill in signaling units (FISUs) received on the transmit and receive sides of said links.

129. A monitor according to claim 126 wherein said monitor means checks the sequence parameters FSN (Forward Sequence Number) and BSN (Backward Sequence Number) of FISUs, and in the absence of change discards FISUs.

130. A monitor according to claim 125 wherein said monitor determines the octet count of non-FISU SUs (message signaling unit (MSU) or link service unit (LSSU)) to determine link load and determine if the accumulated link load exceeds a predetermined threshold.

131. A monitor according to claim 125 wherein said monitor keeps count of messaging signaling units (MSUs) and link service signaling units (LSSUs) by type and determines if the accumulated count exceeds a predetermined threshold.

132. A monitor according to claim 125 wherein said monitor keeps a count of MSUs by category (ISUP, SCCP, TCAP, etc.) and determines if the accumulated count exceeds a predetermined threshold.

133. A monitor according to claim 132 wherein said first processor means sends threshold exceeded information to said second processor means.

134. A monitor according to claim 125 wherein said monitor means determines if MSUs (Message Signaling Units) in said signals are reactive MSUs or response MSUs based on a predetermined MSU table.

135. A monitor according to claim 134 wherein if an MSU is identified as a reactive or response MSU, MSU information is generated and sent to said second processor means.

136. A monitor according to claim 125 wherein said monitor provides the ability to trap any field in an MSU.

137. A monitor according to claim 136 wherein said monitor provides said ability on predetermined fields.

138. A monitor according to claim 137 wherein said monitor provides said trapping ability on CCSN fields determined by the system.

139. A monitor according to claim 125 wherein said monitor sends trapped triggered information to said second processor means.

140. A monitor according to claim 125 wherein said monitor initiates system tests by sending predetermined test data to said second processor means.

141. A monitor according to claim 125 wherein said monitor responds to manually inputted control commands.

142. A monitor according to claim 125 wherein said second processor means determines from the information received from said interface means and first processor means whether a predetermined major event is in progress.

143. A monitor according to claim 142 wherein said second processor means on detecting a predetermined major event performs predetermined second processor means and interface and first processor means control procedures.

144. A monitor according to claim 143 wherein said procedures are preprogrammed to comprise a corrective major event script.

145. A system according to claim 1 wherein said system includes corrective script storage means and wherein at least one of said second, third, and fourth processor means accesses said storage means upon the occurrence of a trouble signal and initiates a corrective procedure script to restore the network to a substantially trouble free condition.

146. A system according to claim 145 wherein at least one of said second, third, and fourth processor means in response to network actions responsive to said script analyzes the results thereof and confirms that corrective action has occurred.

147. A system according to claim 145 including means to display script instructions.

148. A system according to claim 147 wherein at least one of said second, third, and fourth processor means, following manual implementation of said displayed script instructions generates output signals confirming that corrective action has occurred.

149. A system according to claim 146 wherein following said corrective action said monitor means and processor means are returned to the state they were in before detection of a condition causing initiation of said corrective action script.

150. A system according to claim 149 wherein at least one of said processor means generates signals constituting notification of the system status.

151. A system according to claim 149 including storage means and means for storing therein accumulated data from the processor means responsible for said trouble signal for a predetermined time preceding initiation of said script to a predetermined time after completion of said script.

152. A system according to claim 151 wherein said storage means is at said fourth processor means.

153. A system according to claim 152 wherein the completion of said storage causes said fourth processor means to provide a notification message.

154. A system according to claim 1 wherein said input terminal means provides access to links coupled to said monitors.

155. A system according to claim 154 wherein said input terminal means is effective to provide link statistic data responsive to an input to said terminal means.

156. A system according to claim 1 wherein said monitor means provides the ability to trap signals indicative of call progress.

157. A system according to claim 156 including means to display information responsive to said trapped signals.

158. A system according to claim 156 wherein said call progress signal trapping is controllable by input to said input terminal means.

159. A system according to claim 158 wherein the effect of call trapping initiated by said input to said input terminal means is displayed at said input terminal means.

160. A system according to claim 51 wherein said system includes corrective script storage means and wherein said additional processor means accesses said storage means upon the occurrence of a trouble signal and initiates a corrective procedure script to restore the network to a substantially trouble free condition.

161. A system according to claim 160 wherein said additional processor means in response to network actions responsive to said script analyzes the results thereof and confirms that corrective action has occurred.

162. A system according to claim 160 including means to display script instructions.

163. A system according to claim 162 wherein said additional processor means, following manual implementation of said displayed script instructions generates output signals confirming that corrective has occurred.

164. A system according to claim 161 wherein following said corrective action said monitor means and processor means are returned to the state they were in before detection of a condition causing initiation of said script.

165. A system according to claim 164 wherein said additional processor means generates signals constituting notification of the system status.

166. A system according to claim 164 including storage means and means for storing therein accumulated data from the processor means responsible for the trouble signal for a predetermined time preceding initiation of said script to a predetermined time after completion of said script.

167. A system according to claim 166 wherein said storage means is at said additional processor means.

168. A system according to claim 167 wherein the completion of said storage causes said additional processor means to provide a notification message.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to switched communications networks using Common Channel Signaling (CCS) and more particularly relates to a system, method and apparatus for monitoring and testing the operation of the CCS network.

BACKGROUND

One system for providing a Common Channel Signaling Network (CCSN) utilizes Signaling System 7 (SS7) protocol in a Packet Switched Data Network (PSDN) connecting Network Elements (NE) via packet switched 56 KB digital data circuits. In addition to providing call set signaling functions, the SS7 network also provides access to switching control points (SCP) used to permit line identification database (LIDB) queries for credit card verification and 800 database look-up for 800 services. Class services also use the SS7 network to provide custom call features. The latest services using the SS7 network comprise Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) services. AIN services use the SS7 network to access an Integrated Switching Control Point (ISCP) where AIN service functions are performed.

This network currently employs various Network Traffic Management (NTM) and NE test and provisioning systems to maintain the NEs in the Public Switched Network. However, these systems can only report troubles and provide manual NE trouble resolution tools. The Bellcore SS7 Engineering and Administration System (SEAS) was developed to provide Network Management functions for the SS7 network, but lacks the ability to anticipate troubles and provide corrective action instructions to NE operations personnel. Also, both NTMs and SEAS use information supplied from the NEs or the SS7 switching transfer point (STP) hardware which, when in trouble, can often cannot provide timely status information to maintenance personnel because of excessive NE and STP processor demands. SS7 STPs are especially susceptible to processor delays due to the extremely high volume of SS7 Message Signaling Units (MSUs) generated and processed during a major trouble condition. For these reasons an SS7 Real Time Monitoring System (RTMS) which is outside of the STP environment is needed to maintain the SS7 network and to ensure SS7 network reliability.

Current telecommunications and data networks using CCS generally utilize the protocol of Specification of Signaling System 7 (SS7) which is described in Section 6.5, LSSGR, Issue 2, July 1987, TR-TSY-000506, a module of TR-TSY-000064. Various methods and techniques for testing and analyzing the operation of such networks have been proposed including, by way of example, in copending application Ser. No. 07/953,173, filed Sep. 29, 1992, and commonly assigned with the present invention. Generally speaking, such prior arrangements for testing of SS7 networks have been responsive to malfunctions or else conducted on a routine basis at periodic intervals. Such techniques, while effective for their intended purposes, offer little, if any, assistance in detecting incipient developing problems so rapidly as to permit and provide prevention of network failure before the development of the problem is complete.

Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide a communications network preventative maintenance tool that detects potential CCS and switched network troubles, automatically analyzes such troubles and provides corrective action or instructions in time to avoid major breakdown.

It is another object of the invention to provide an SS7 Real Time Monitoring System (RTMS) which is outside of the STP environment and has the ability to anticipate troubles and provide corrective action instructions on a sufficiently rapid basis to detect incipient problems and provide corrective action before a serious network problem develops.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The SS7 Real Time Monitor System of the invention is a multi stage SS7 network preventative maintenance tool that detects potential SS7 and switched network troubles, automatically analyzes these troubles, and provides alarm and corrective action instructions to maintenance personnel in time to avoid a major network event. This is accomplished by placing real time SS7 monitors on links at the Signal Transfer Points (STPs). Information on exceeded Link Load, exceeded Message Signaling Unit (MSU) frequency and Network Management status/error conditions is passed to a Stage 1 controller or process. The Stage 1 process controls link monitors capable of monitoring upwards of 32 link monitors at a single STP. The monitors perform preliminary link analysis on error conditions. If the monitors identify trouble on any of the links, alarm information is sent to a Stage 2 controller or process via the Stage 1 process. The Stage 2 process controls all Stage 1 and associated monitors from an STP pair. If Stage 2 determines that there is an STP pair network trouble, it generates alarm and corrective action information and passes it to the Stage 3 controller or process. The Stage 3 process controls all Stage 2 controllers or processes in the operating company. If Stage 3 determines that there is potential or real company network trouble, it generates alarm and corrective action information and display signals on maintenance terminals in the company's SS7 control center (SEAC, SCC, etc.). Stage 3 also alerts the Stage 4 controller process.

The Stage 4 process is connected to all Stage 3 processes in the Region. It receives alarm/alert and corrective action information from the Stage 3 processes. It analyzes this data and determines if a similar trouble could happen in another company's network. The Stage 4 process informs the affected company's Stage 3 processes that a potential trouble condition may exist in their network. It will also pass along or generate corrective action/trouble verification information relevant to their network configuration.

These four controllers and processes provide a means to achieve a real time SS7 network maintenance/management system capable of preventing major company and Regional SS7 failures. The Stage 5 process is an interface to the Company's Network Surveillance System (NSS). This interface allows the Stage 3 and Stage 4 processes to get STP status information needed to assist trouble analysis. Also, since the SS7 Real Time Monitor System is capable of identifying troubles in seconds, it can pass alarm and status messages to the NSS system. The NSS system can use this information to anticipate Central Office (CO) alarms and ignore those alarms that it already knows will be generated. This allows the NSS system to concentrate its efforts on fixing the troubles at the CO and working interactively with the SS7 Real Time Monitor System to correct any remaining troubles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a Public Switched Telephone Network and its SS7 signal control network.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate in graphic and tabular form respectively the protocol of an SS7 data signal.

FIGS. 4 and 5 provide an illustrative breakdown of an IAM.

FIG. 6 shows a diagrammatic illustration of an application of the system of the invention to a telecommunications network on a regional public telephone operational scale.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show further detail of the system of the invention on a regional network basis.

FIG. 9 shows the SS7 network of the prior art illustrated in FIG. 1 with the addition of monitors according to the invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates in flow form a script for the reactive action provided in the case of congestion according to the invention.

FIGS. 11 and 12A and 12B show a more detailed illustration of the four network stages previously described in connection with FIG. 6.

FIGS. 13 and 14 provide additional diagrammatic illustration of the four stage controller and real time network analyzer of the invention.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate details of alternate monitor connections to the SS7 links.

FIGS. 17 and 18 respectively show the receive side of SS7 monitor circuit data flow and the transmit side of SSS7 monitor circuit data flow.

FIG. 19 illustrates the flow in SS7 trap detection and link data storage.

FIG. 20 illustrates the flow in monitor threshold and trap data control.

FIG. 21 shows the monitor module flow.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show the Stage 1 Controller flow.

FIGS. 24-31 show the Stage 2 Controller flow.

FIGS. 32-42 show the Stage 3 Controller flow.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a block diagram of a public switched telephone network and the SS7 network that is used to control the signaling for the switched network. Thus an analog switched telephone network is generally indicated at 10 having a common channel signaling network in the form of an SS7 network illustrated generally at 12. The switched telephone network consists of a series of central offices which are conventionally referred to as signaling points (SPs) in reference to the SS7 network. Certain of these SPs comprise end offices (EOs) illustrated at 14, 16, 18 and 20 as EOs 1-4 in FIG. 1. Each signaling point has a point code comprising a 9-digit code assigned to every node in the network. In FIG. 1 EO1 has a point code of 246-103-001, EO2 has a point code of 246-103-002, EO3 has a point code of 255-201-103, and EO4 has a point code of 255-201-104.

The end offices EO1 and EO2 represent end offices in the region of one regional operating company while end offices EO3 and EO4 represent end offices of the region of a different operating company. Each operating company has its own network ID, shown here as 246 for the left region and 255 for the right region in FIG. 1. The number 103 in the designation 246-103-001, is the number of the cluster. A cluster can hold 32 SPs or members, the member being designated by the final 3 numbers. Thus 246 may represent C & P of Virginia Regional Operating Company, cluster 103, member EO2 for EO2 when viewed from an SS7 standpoint.

The broken lines connecting the SPs together may be analog trunks or voice or similar circuits. The SPs in a given region are connected together by local trunks 22, 24 and 26 in the left region and 28, 30 and 32 in the right region. The SPs in one region are connected to the SPs in other regions via inter-exchange carrier network trunks or ICN trunks 34 and 36 in FIG. 1 connected to Access Tandems (ATs) 38 and 40 (AT1 and AT2). These SPs or ATs are shown as having point codes 246-103-003 and 255-201-101 respectively.

Referring to FIG. 1, the SS7 network 12 comprises a series of Signal Transfer Points (STPs) shown here at 40, 42, 44 and 46 designated STP1, STP2, STP3 and STP4. Each STP in a network is connected to the SPs in the network by A links indicated at 48, 50, 52 and 54. STP1 and STP2 constitute a mated pair of STPs connected by C links 56 while STP3 and STP4 constitute a mated pair connected by C links 58, each mated pair serving its respective transport area. It will be understood that there may be multiple mated pairs per region, one for each designated transport area. STP1 is connected to STP3 by B link 60 and to STP4 by D link 62. STP2 is connected to STP4 by B link 64 and to STP3 by D link 66.

As will be understood, the A, B, C and D links are physically identical with the designation relating to cost in terms of ease of access. The A links represent the lowest cost. B and D links have the same route cost with respect to SS7 so that the D designation is used only because it extends diagonally in the drawing. The C links are used to communicate between the two paired STPs for network management information and also constitute another route. The STPs in mated pairs have the same translations. Thus the translations in STP1 are the same as the translations in STP2, and the translations in STP3 are the same as the translations in STP4. The C links communicate between the paired STPs for network management information and SS7 message routing. The STP pair cannot function without the C links. Therefore, unnecessary utilization of the C links causes congestion and prevents the paired STPs from performing their intended function.

The STPs are connected to Signal Control Points (SCPs) indicated in FIG. 1 as an SCP 68 and an ISCP 70. The ISCP is an Integrated Signaling Control Point, which is basically the same as an SCP but comprises a larger and more powerful computer. AIN may also be regarded as another ISCP. SCPs are usually used for 800 and credit card services with ISCPs being used for AIN. However, this is optional. The ISCP may hold application information as well as routing information whereas an SCP contains routing information, i.e., routing tables.

The SS7 network constitutes a highly redundant data network, generally a 56K switched data circuit. By way of example, an SS7 message from EO2 to EO4 might travel any one of 8 possible routes. It could go from EO2 to STP1, from STP1 to STP3, STP3 to EO4. One variation on that route would be from STP1 down the D link 62 to STP4 to EO4, and so forth. In the event that a link between STP3 and EO4 was lost, an SS7 route could be established from EO2 to EO4 via STP1 to STP3 and then via C link 58 to STP4 to EO4. However, that would be an undesirable route in unnecessarily using the C link. A links provide direct connectivity while C links provide circuitous routes using extra switches, a situation to be avoided. An alternate route would be from STP1 via D link 62 to STP4 to EO4. An