The network operator's perspective: detecting and resolving feature interaction problems

Citation

Tsang S & Magill E (1998) The network operator's perspective: detecting and resolving feature interaction problems. Computer Networks and ISDN Systems, 30 (15), pp. 1421-1441. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0169-7552%2898%2900151-2

Abstract
In many countries regulatory pressure is likely to force the incumbent network operators to open up their networks to other service providers. The Intelligent Network is a catalyst to allow this to be technically feasible. Clearly the network operators must address feature interaction detection within the Intelligent Network. As the size and penetration of intelligent networks (IN) increases, and the need to interwork different IN platforms, private business networks, virtual private networks and residential network services becomes greater, these issues will have to be addressed if the process of designing and provisioning new services is not to remain difficult and costly. This paper explores some of these issues from the network operator's perspective and considers the impact and restrictions that they impose on feature interaction management techniques. Within these constraints a new practical approach proposed by the authors is outlined, based on the international ITU-T IN recommendations (CS-1). The approach proposes initially capturing "correct" (or signature) feature behaviour in a test environment. The signatures are then used at run-time to monitor feature behaviour and to detect deviations from the correct behaviour. The detection approach includes a predictive element, which allows some types of interaction to be avoided. In cases where this is not possible, a default call recovery approach is applied which restores the call to a known state.

Keywords
IN; CS-1; AIN; feature interaction; run-time

Journal
Computer Networks and ISDN Systems: Volume 30, Issue 15