Patent ID: 7916634
Filing Date: 2011-03-29
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A network device for monitoring call status comprising: at least one processor; at least one interface operable to provide a communication link to at least one other network device in a data network; and memory; the network device configured to: track an actual call count comprising a number of current active call sessions associated with a user; compare the actual call count to a predetermined session limit defined in a Service Level Agreement (SLA) corresponding to the user; track a virtual call count comprising a number of active sessions that would exist for the user if there were no predetermined session limit; receive a new call setup request; determine if increasing the actual call count by 1 associated with allowing the new call setup request will exceed the predetermined session limit; wherein if the new call setup request will exceed the predetermined session limit, then deny the new call setup request and increment the virtual call count and not increment the actual call count, else, if the new call setup request will not exceed the predetermined session limit, then allow the new call setup request and increment the actual call count by 1 and the virtual call count by 1, wherein if the new call setup request does not cause the actual call count to exceed the predetermined session limit, then the virtual call count and the actual call count remain equal; and determine a limit deficit parameter corresponding to the SLA and comprising a difference between the virtual call count and the predetermined session limit defined by the SLA.