APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GENERATING CALLS AND TESTING TELEPHONE EQUIPMENT

A testing system, also known as a call generator, generates telephone calls to test telephone equipment. The call generator includes a processor, a memory for storing processor procedures and test cases, and a communication interface. The procedures include a test case procedure for calling a system under test (SUT), interacting with the SUT, and accessing voice mailboxes located in the SUT. The call generator sends messages to the SUT. Then the call generator calls the SUT to once again access the voice mailboxes, and retrieves the stored messages. The call generator compares the retrieved messages with the delivered messages, or parameters representative of the delivered messages, to verify the retrieved messages. The call generator also has the capability to store, communicate, and verify other types of electronic information including facsimiles and electronic mail. The call generator may also operate on a network for communicating test cases and other database information to and from other users. The call generator and method are also applicable to testing private branch exchanges (PBX) and other telephone equipment.