Integrated proxy interface for web based alarm management tools

• US 6,473,407 B1
• Filed: 09/24/1998
• Issued: 10/29/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 09/05/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Incorporated (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Original Assignee: WorldCom, Inc. (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Inventors: King, Randall W., Pirtle, Patrick W., Zack, Edward Ronald Jr., Wells, Diane J., DeGraf-Johnson, James, Qualls, Kenneth Joseph, Ditmer, Christine M., Franklin, Paul Glenn, Holford, William C.
• Primary Examiner(s): TON, DANG T
• Application Number:
  US09/159,517
• Time in Patent Office: 1,496 Days
• Field of Search: 370/259, 370/360, 370/359, 370/377, 370/378, 370/384, 370/388, 370/389, 370/398, 370/400, 370/241, 370/244, 370/252, 370/253, 379/220, 379/209, 379/389, 379/204, 379/201, 348/14.11
• US Class Current: 370/252
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/0709 in a distributed system consisting of a plurality of standalone computer nodes, e.g. clusters, client-server systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/0757 by exceeding a time limit, i.e. time-out, e.g. watchdogs
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/0769 Readable error formats, e.g. cross-platform generic formats, human understandable formats
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/0781 Error filtering or prioritizing based on a policy defined by the user or on a policy defined by a hardware/software module, e.g. according to a severity level
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/0784 Routing of error reports, e.g. with a specific transmission path or data flow
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/327 Alarm or error message display
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/328 Computer systems status display G06F11/327 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/3495 for systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/972 Access to data in other repository systems, e.g. legacy data or dynamic Web page generation
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/41 where a single sign-on provides access to a plurality of computers
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/552 involving long-term monitoring or reporting
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2201/81 Threshold
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2201/86 Event-based monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2201/875 Monitoring of systems including the internet
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2137 Time limited access, e.g. to a computer or data
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2149 Restricted operating environment
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/107 Computer-aided management of electronic mailing [e-mailing]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 99/00 : Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/14 : Charging , metering or billing arrangements for data wireline or wireless communications
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/1428 : Invoice generation, e.g. customization, lay-out, database processing, algorithms for calculating the bill or formatting invoices as WWW pages invoicing in general G06Q30/04
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0213 : Standardised network management protocols, e.g. simple network management protocol [SNMP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0233 : Object-oriented techniques, for representation of network management data, e.g. common object request broker architecture [CORBA]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/024 : using relational databases for representation of network management data, e.g. managing via structured query language [SQL]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0253 : using browsers or web-pages for accessing management information
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/026 : using e-messaging for transporting management information, e.g. email, instant messaging or chat
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0681 : Configuration of triggering conditions
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/08 : Configuration management of networks or network elements address allocation H04L61/50
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/142 : using statistical or mathematical methods
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/18 : Delegation of network management function, e.g. customer network management [CNM]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/22 : comprising specially adapted graphical user interfaces [GUI]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/28 : Restricting access to network management systems or functions, e.g. using authorisation function to access network configuration
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/5032 : Generating service level reports
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/5064 : Customer relationship management
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/5077 : wherein the managed service relates to simple transport services, i.e. providing only network infrastructure
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/5087 : wherein the managed service relates to voice services management of VoIP services H04M7/0081
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/00 : Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/067 : using time frame reporting
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/0817 : by checking functioning
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/0852 : Delays
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/0876 : Network utilisation, e.g. volume of load or congestion level
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/16 : Threshold monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/00 : User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/04 : Real-time or near real-time messaging, e.g. instant messaging [IM]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0815 : providing single-sign-on or federations
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1101 : Session protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/80 : Responding to QoS
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/1008 : based on parameters of servers, e.g. available memory or workload monitoring of computer activity G06F11/30
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/1029 : using data related to the state of servers by a load balancer
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/142 : Managing session states for stateless protocols; Signalling session states; State transitions; Keeping-state mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/306 : User profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/535 : Tracking the activity of the user network monitoring arrangements H04L43/00; recording of computer activity G06F11/34
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/55 : Push-based network services
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/61 : taking into account QoS or priority requirements
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/62 : Establishing a time schedule for servicing the requests
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/63 : Routing a service request depending on the request content or context
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/08 : Protocols for interworking; Protocol conversion
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/16 : Implementation or adaptation of Internet protocol [IP], of transmission control protocol [TCP] or of user datagram protocol [UDP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/162 : involving adaptations of sockets based mechanisms secure socket layer H04L63/168
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/329 : in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
• 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 15/41 : Billing record details, i.e. parameters, identifiers, structure of call data record [CDR]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/43 : Billing software details
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/44 : Augmented, consolidated or itemized billing statement or bill presentation
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/49 : Connection to several service providers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/51 : for resellers, retailers or service providers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/58 : based on statistics of usage or network monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/745 : Customizing according to wishes of subscriber, e.g. friends or family
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/80 : Rating or billing plans; Tariff determination aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/8044 : Least cost routing
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/83 : Notification aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/8351 : before establishing a communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/84 : Types of notifications
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0104 : Augmented, consolidated or itemised billing statement, e.g. additional billing information, bill presentation, layout, format, e-mail, fax, printout, itemised bill per service or per account, cumulative billing, consolidated billing
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0108 : Customization according to wishes of subscriber, e.g. customer preferences, friends and family, selecting services or billing options, Personal Communication Systems [PCS]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0152 : General billing plans, rate plans, e.g. charge rates, numbering plans, rate centers, customer accounts
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0164 : Billing record, e.g. Call Data Record [CDR], Toll Ticket[TT], Automatic Message Accounting [AMA], Call Line Identifier [CLI], details, i.e. parameters, identifiers, structure
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0168 : On line or real-time flexible customization or negotiation according to wishes of subscriber
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0176 : Billing arrangements using internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/018 : On-line real-time billing, able to see billing information while in communication, e.g. via the internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0188 : Network monitoring; statistics on usage on called/calling number
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/42 : Least cost routing, i.e. provision for selecting the lowest cost tariff
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/46 : Connection to several service providers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/54 : Resellers-retail or service providers billing, e.g. agreements with telephone service operator, activation, charging/recharging of accounts
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/745 : Least cost routing, e.g. Automatic or manual, call by call or by preselection
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/81 : Notifying aspects, e.g. notifications or displays to the user
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/8108 : before establishing a communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/8129 : Type of notification
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/82 : Advice-of-Charge [AOC], i.e. notify subscriber of charges/cumulative charge; meter at the substation
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/0075 : Fault management techniques

Abstract

A Web-based fault and alarm management tool that enables customers to monitor and analyze the performance of their voice and data network via a graphical user interface is provided. The tool provides customers an Internet/Intranet access to near real-time alarms, events, and performance statistics and configuration reports corresponding to their switched network, including voice network, broadband, dedicated point-to-point circuits, and signaling services, for enabling customers to make informed network management decisions. A Web-based fault and alarm management infrastructure which enables the secure initiation, acquisition, and presentation of customer reports relating to network management via a Web browser on any computer is also provided.

Claims

1. A Web-based event monitoring system for communicating information relating to voice and data network from an enterprise to a customer at a client workstation, the system comprising:

a client browser application located at the client workstation for enabling interactive Web-based communications with the event monitoring system and providing an integrated interface to the enterprise;

a device for deriving performance alarms based on performance statistics collected on the performance of the voice and data network;

a server device for receiving and storing the performance statistics and the derived alarms from the device for deriving; and

a presentation device for enabling the customer to define and display reports associated with the derived alarms and the performance statistics at the client workstation, the presentation device further receiving the alarms as they are derived from the server device and presenting the alarms to the customer at the client workstation,

wherein the customer is enabled to receive and view the alarms and the performance statistics relating to the voice and data network to which the customer has subscribed, at the client workstation via the integrated interface.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the presentation device further notifies the customer according to a predetermined user notification protocol when the alarms are received from the server device.

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the user notification protocol includes notification via paging.

4. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the user notification protocol includes notification via e-mail.

5. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the user notification protocol includes notification via fax.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the server device polls the presentation device to deliver the derived alarms via the integrated interface.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the presentation device further allows customers to define and enter via the integrated interface, network performance thresholds specifying reporting of specific network behavior, wherein the network alarms and performance statistics are filtered according to the customer-defined threshold and presented to the customer at the client workstation.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the presentation device further allows the customer to define and enter via the integrated interface troubleshooting procedures for specific alarms or circuits pertaining to the voice and data network.

9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the systems further comprises a device for automatically launching the trouble shooting procedure when the customer receives and acknowledges the alarm associated with the trouble shooting procedure.

10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the voice and data network includes voice grade circuits.

11. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the voice and data network includes point-to-point private lines.

12. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data includes ISDN lines.

13. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the performance statistics includes data relating to switched network throughput.

14. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the performance statistics includes data relating to switched network latency.

15. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the client browser application is initiated in a Web browser.

16. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the presentation device further includes a graphical user interface and may be launched directly from the client browser application.

17. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the presentation device further includes a graphical user interface and may be launched directly from a Web browser window.

18. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system further includes a report viewer device for enabling display of reports in accordance with customer input, the customer input indicating reporting views selected from graphical, tabular, and spreadsheet views.

19. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the report viewer device further enables simultaneous multiple graph reporting views.

20. The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the graphical view includes a drill down view within a customer'"'"'s premise equipment for viewing a breakdown of the customer'"'"'s equipment, the breakdown including individual channels within each circuit.

21. A method for communicating information relating to a customer'"'"'s voice and data network from an enterprise to a customer via an integrated Web-based interface, the method comprising:

providing a client browser application located at a client workstation for enabling interactive Web-based communications between the customer and the integrated interface;

receiving and storing at the enterprise, the performance statistics collected from the voice and data network;

calculating and deriving alarms from the performance statistics based on predefined thresholds;

presenting the derived alarms to the customer at the client workstation.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the method further comprises enabling the customer at the client workstation to define and modify the predefined thresholds via the client browser application.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein the method further comprises presenting to the customer at the client workstation customized reports based on the performance statistics collected from the voice and data network in near real-time.

24. The method according to claim 21, wherein the method further comprises notifying customers via paging service when the alarms are received.

25. The method according to claim 21, wherein the method further comprises notifying customers via fax service when the alarms are received.

26. The method according to claim 21, wherein the method further comprises notifying customers via e-mail when the alarms are received.

27. The method according to claim 21, wherein the method further comprises launching a trouble shooting procedure associated with the alarm when the customer acknowledges the alarm presented at the client workstation.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein the method further comprises enabling t he customer to define the trouble shooting procedure associated with an alarm.