Pierre Louis Bastien

US Patent:

6421435, Jul 16, 2002

Filed:

Nov 30, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/201264

Inventors:

Pierre L. Bastien - Castle Rock CO
Stephen L. Bulick - Boudler CO
Xiaojiang Lu - Broomfield CO
Victoria L. C. Okeson - Arvada CO
Steve E. Showell - Parker CO

Assignee:

Qwest Communications International Inc. - Denver CO

International Classification:

H04M 1500

US Classification:

379133, 37911205, 37922107, 37922108, 370230, 370252

Abstract:

Planning alternative SS7 networks is a complex task requiring assistance from an intelligent planning tool. The tool provides a method for forecasting service loads including automatically obtaining network traffic information from the network. Service loads are estimated based on a first set of network traffic information and service descriptions. Correction factors are calculated for service loads based on a second set of network traffic information. The correction factors are applied to estimated service loads to determine peak loads for each STP in the core network based on network traffic, component locations, and component connectivity.

US Patent:

6463058, Oct 8, 2002

Filed:

Aug 28, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/143472

Inventors:

Victoria L. C. Okeson - Arvada CO
Pierre L. Bastien - Castle Rock CO
Steve Y. Chiu - Bedford MA
Youngho Lee - Seoul, KR

Assignee:

Qwest Communications International, Inc. - Denver CO

International Classification:

H04L 1228

US Classification:

370385, 370386, 370254, 370406, 370410, 3792211, 709220, 709241

Abstract:

Local signal transfer points (LSTPs) are optimally selected for removal from a Signaling System Number 7 (SS7) network. At least one network element is connected to each LSTP and each LSTP is connected to a parent node. Each LSTP is determined as a flexible LSTP or a fixed LSTP. A potential network configuration is formed with at least one flexible LSTP excluded. Each network element is reconnected to one LSTP in the potential network configuration and each LSTP in the potential network configuration is reconnected to one parent node. A total cost based on the potential network configuration is determined. The potential network configuration becomes the new best network configuration if the total cost is less than any previous total cost. The process is repeated for each potential network configuration resulting from removing a different combination of flexible LSTPs.

US Patent:

6628622, Sep 30, 2003

Filed:

Sep 17, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/156282

Inventors:

Stephen L. Bulick - Boulder CO
Victoria L. C. Okeson - Arvada CO
Pierre L. Bastien - Castle Rock CO
Xiaojiang Lu - Broomfield CO
Steve E. Showell - Parker CO

Assignee:

Qwest Communications International Inc. - Denver CO

International Classification:

H04L 1228

US Classification:

370254, 370385, 370386, 370400, 37922105

Abstract:

Planning alternative SS7 networks is a complex task requiring assistance from an intelligent planning tool. The tool includes at least one planning database containing information on network traffic, component locations, and component connectivity. A load module determines peak load for each STP in the core network. A forecast module determines equipment capacity exhaustion for each STP, network database, and core link during each study period and determines network costs based on peak loads and an alternative network design provided by a user. A graphical user interface guides the user through a sequence of design steps, each step having to be correctly completed before the next step in the sequence is started. The sequence of steps may include permitting changes to the core network, permitting changes to the number of POPs and DBs, rehoming elements left disconnected from STPs, assigning SSPs to POPs, assigning SSPs to DBs, and permitting voluntary rehomes.

US Patent:

6958979, Oct 25, 2005

Filed:

Sep 5, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/236609

Inventors:

Stephen L. Bulick - Boulder CO, US
Victoria L. C. Okeson - Arvada CO, US
Pierre L. Bastien - Castle Rock CO, US
Xiaojiang Lu - Broomfield CO, US
Steve E. Showell - Parker CO, US

Assignee:

Qwest Communications International Inc. - Denver CO

International Classification:

H04L012/28

US Classification:

370254, 370385, 370386, 370400, 370408, 370410, 370522, 379229, 379230, 379231, 379232

Abstract:

Planning alternative SS7 networks is a complex task requiring assistance from an intelligent planning tool. The tool includes at least one planning database containing information on network traffic, component locations, and component connectivity. A load module determines peak load for each STP in the core network. A forecast module determines equipment capacity exhaustion for each STP, network database, and core link during each study period and determines network costs based on peak loads and an alternative network design provided by a user. A graphical user interface guides the user through a sequence of design steps, each step having to be correctly completed before the next step in the sequence is started. The sequence of steps may include permitting changes to the core network, permitting changes to the number of POPs and DBs, rehoming elements left disconnected from STPs, assigning SSPs to POPs, assigning SSPs to DBs, and permitting voluntary rehomes.