Total Network Data System: Data Acquisition and Near-Real-Time Surveillance by EADAS

High-quality telephone service requires facilities that collect and process data on the traffic being handled by a telephone system. In * Bell Laboratories.+ AT&T. ®Copyright 1983, American Telephone & Telegraph Company. Photo reproduction for noncommercial use is permitted without payment of royalty provided that each reproduction is done without alteration and that the Journal reference and copyright notice are included on the first page. The title and abstract, but no other portions, of this paper may be copied or distributed royalty free by computer-based and other information-service systems without further permission. Permission to reproduce or republish any other portion of this paper must be obtained from the Editor. 2209 particular, it needs data on the number of calls being handled by the system, the duration of each call, and the number of times a call encounters difficulties as it proceeds through the system to its destination. Such data are needed for surveillance of the quality of service being provided. This requires, for example, measuring in real time the interval required to obtain dial tone, and informing responsible personnel when such intervals exceed acceptable limits. Traffic data are also used to determine the proper quality and distribution of central office equipment and trunk facilities. Other uses are to provide telephone customers with special reports on the performance of their own particular facilities and grade of service, and to assist telephone company personnel in proper maintenance of equipment.