Patent ID: 7742433
Filing Date: 2010-06-22
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for determining a preferred communications network use configuration, the method comprising: receiving current usage information indicating the current usage of at least one user of a communications network; receiving linkage information for the communications network; receiving price information associated with the communications network; receiving previous usage information for the communications network; receiving geographic location information for switches within the communications network; receiving geographic location information for customer facilities within the communications network; determining, by a processor, the preferred communications network use configuration based on the current usage, linkage, price, and previous usage information, wherein determining includes optimizing the preferred communications network use configuration to minimize price and determining fees associated with a communications network use configuration based on the geographic locations of switches relative to customer facilities within the communications network; displaying a configuration interface on a display in communication with the processor, the configuration interface configured to detail a plurality of elements comprising the preferred communications network use configuration; and displaying a detail interface on the display, the detail interface configured to show the details of an element of the preferred communications network use configuration, wherein the element of the preferred communications network use configuration comprises at least one of: a logical ring, wherein the logical ring identifies at least three nodes, or a circuit, wherein the circuit identifies two nodes.