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Abstract

A method and apparatus for emulating a digital cross-connect switching (DXC) network fully tests a telecommunication network monitoring and control system (MCS). The communication and behavior of a DXC network are emulated in the presence and absence of selected network node and trunk configurations, failures, and/or normalizations. A communication module communicates with the MCS through emulator control links using a communications protocol substantially identical to a communications protocol used in the emulated digital cross-connect network. A configuration database stores configuration data representing the current behavior of the DXC nodes. A topology database stores flexible topology data identifying trunks through adjacent DXC nodes. Changes to trunk connections can be made without knowledge of intermediate site and equipment topology details to test many network scenarios. An emulator message generator generates messages emulating communications from DXC nodes to the MCS. An emulator link selector further selects an enabled emulator control link depending upon whether respective emulated network control links are enabled. Intelligent emulator responses are generated and sent based on the current configuration and/or topology data which take into account any selected user-input to emulate solicited and unsolicited responses by actual digital cross-connect network nodes to MCS commands and audits. Simulated multi-tasking and dynamic user-interface control options are included. Different DXC networks and systems are emulated to test an MCS including a hybrid DXC network.

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