pathfinder-bannerPathFinder is designed to gather information from diverse databases throughout a telecommuncations company and offers software and engineering intelligence to create value driven views, reports, and suggestions helping traffic engineers manage their network. This functionality centers around four main processes. The first process is gathering data from the different sources. The second is constructing a network simulation from the gathered data. The third major function of PathFinder is to allow network engineers to establish rules for what the network should look like. Finally, the fourth major function compares the constructed network simulation with the established rules for how the network should be routing in order to show a differential between the actual and the ideal.

Network Simulation

PathFinder is designed to gather information from diverse databases throughout a telecommuncations company and offers software and engineering intelligence to create value driven views, reports, and suggestions helping traffic engineers manage their network. This functionality centers around three main processes. The first process is gathering data from the different sources. The second is constructing a network simulation from the gathered data. The third major function of PathFinder is to allow network engineers to establish rules for what the network should look like. Finally, the fourth major function compares the constructed network simulation with the established rules for how the network should be routing in order to show a differential between the actual and the ideal.

Number Trace

Number Trace provides the functionality of tracing a NPA/NXX range as it moves through the switch. This ability allows the user to locate possible routing errors within the switch routing configuration. The first table(s) will show the iterations through the initial routing table(s) for the given number, then show tables that provide further Routing Case (aka Route Lists) and Route (aka Trunk) information. Range Types can be LERG, and any other RangeType defined in the Admin->Downloads->MSRNs&HONs page, as long as the starting parameters have already been defined for each Range Type on page Admin>Switches>Add/Edit. Some Range Type examples may be: HON, MSRNTLDN, VMAIL, etc

Optimization

The optimization module is used to indicate the new PSTN connections needed to reduce long distance and IMT costs and optimizes IMT links to save money and reduce switch ports.

The optimization process consists of three tasks:

  • Define rates – Define per minute rates and fixed costs
  • Schedule Optimization – Set the date and time the optimization task is to begin
  • Results – Review suggested changes and cost savings

BIG PICTURE BENEFITS

PathFinder allows the user to compare the actual results from the discovered network model and the optimal model established by defining the networks internal routes and connections and PSTN routes and rule sets. Because PathFinder includes the rates for each connection type, each change is accompanied by the estimated cost savings a carrier can expect to obtain through each change. The result is that the traffic engineers can concentrate on the changes that will save the most money. Changes that simply keep the network to standard or simply comply with inter-carrier accords can be implemented when time permits.