PROCESS FOR INTEGRATED TRAFFIC DATA MANAGEMENT AND NETWORK SURVEILLANCE IN COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS

The dual operations of traffic data analysis and network surveillance in a telecommunications network are integrated to allow maintenance personnel to readily assess the impact of network element problems on the level of service. More specifically, the present invention utilizes traffic data measurements to monitor the level of service provided by various network components. By utilizing real-time or near real-time traffic data in this manner, switch maintenance activities may be prioritized so that, for example, equipment malfunctions having the greatest impact on the level of service may receive attention before those having little or no impact on service.