Intelligent services network test system

• US 5,940,472 A
• Filed: 12/16/1996
• Issued: 08/17/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 12/16/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Incorporated (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Original Assignee: MCI Communications Corporation (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Inventors: Badger, Brian S., Newman, Craig E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kuntz, Curtis A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): TIEU, BINH KIEN
• Application Number:
  US08/766,987
• Time in Patent Office: 974 Days
• Field of Search: 379/1, 379/6, 379/9, 379/10, 379/14, 379/15, 379/18, 379/23, 379/28, 379/29, 379/31, 379/32, 379/34
• US Class Current: 379/10.02
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/00 Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/2254 in networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/0087 Network testing or monitoring arrangements

Abstract

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

Claims

1. A system for testing telecommunication services coupled with a communications network comprising a switched network and an intelligent services network (ISN) platform, said system comprising:

an operator network center (ONC) within said intelligent services network platform,

an automatic call distributer (ACD) coupled between the switched network and said operator network center;

an intelligent services network adjunct processor coupled to said ACD via a switch to computer application interface (SCAI) and coupled to said ONC via a wide area network;

a controller;

a test call generator coupled between said controller and the switched network, that generates test calls in the communications network; and

a communicating means, coupled betweem saod controller and the ISN platform, for communicating between said controller and the ISN platform.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said test call generator comprises:

a first in-band test set configured to function as a test call originator;

a second in-band test set configured to function as a test call terminator; and

an out-of-band message generator configured to function as a test call originator and a test call terminator for out-of-band test calls.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said test call generator comprises a sound generator for generating voice signals.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said communication means comprises a messaging system protocol.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein said messaging system protocol includes a TESTMODE message used to cause the ARU to send unsolicated messages to said controller, said unsolicated messages pertaining to the progression of said test calls.

6. The system according to claim 1 further comprising:

a billing verification means, coupled to said controller and the switched network, for verifying billing records within the switched network.

7. The system of claim 1 comprising a means for sending keyboard input commands to the ISN element over the communication means whereby the ISN element may emulate a live operator typing keystrokes into the ISN element to provide appropriate responses to the test calls.

8. The system of claim 1 further comprising means for sending a message over the communication means prior to placement of a test call whereby the ISN element is placed in a testmode condition and whereby the ISN element operates to send unsolicited messages to the controller pertaining to the progression of the test call.

9. The system of claim 1 further comprising billing verification means coupled to the controller and the communications network for verifying billing records generated within the communication network.