Total Network Data System: Equipment Systems

1.1 Role of TMDS/EQ in support of network functions Basic to the operation of the telephone business is the collection, processing, distribution, and analysis of traffic data. The usage and availability for service of each of the many millions of components in * Bell Laboratories. ®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. 2281 the telephone system are measured by evaluating these data. In a typical week, the average Operating Telephone Company (OTC) collects over 50 million separate traffic measurements. Aided by the reports formulated from these data, telephone company personnel monitor how well customers are being served, place work orders as needed to optimize usage of currently installed equipment, and formulate traffic trends to forecast future needs. Almost all major decisions in the managing of the telephone network are influenced by the conclusions derived from traffic data. The group of systems referred to as the TNDS Equipment (TNDS/ EQ) systems primarily support data administration and central office switching engineering and administration functions in network organizations.