Common channeling signaling network maintenance and testing

• US 5,475,732 A
• Filed: 02/16/1993
• Issued: 12/12/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 02/16/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Incorporated (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Original Assignee: C & P of Virginia
• Inventors: Pester, III, Eugene M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Chin, Stephen
• Assistant Examiner(s): LOOMIS, PAUL A
• Application Number:
  US08/018,457
• Time in Patent Office: 1,029 Days
• Field of Search: 379/1, 379/22, 379/23, 379/27, 379/29, 379/10, 379/32, 379/34, 379/229, 379/230, 370/13, 370/14, 370/47, 370/58.1, 370/68.1, 370/110.1, 371/23.1, 340/840.25
• US Class Current: 379/32.01
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/2273 Test methods
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/2736 using a dedicated service processor for test
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/327 Alarm or error message display
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/12 Network monitoring probes
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/16 Threshold monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/2254 in networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/06 using auxiliary connections for control or supervision , e.g. where the auxiliary connection is a signalling system number 7 link
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1316 Service observation, testing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13166 Fault prevention
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13176 Common channel signaling, CCS7
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13349 Network management
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/0025 Provisions for signalling

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. Stage 4 analyzes data from Stage 3 to determine if similar trouble could happen in another network where upon Stage 4 informs affected Stage 3 Processes regarding the same. Corrective action/trouble verification information is generated and passed on. An Interface to the network'"'"'s surveillant system is provided.

Claims

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.