Method and apparatus for providing telecommunications trunk group selection for use in a public network in accordance with customer preference

Abstract

A method of providing for customer selection of a circuit selection algorithm for use in a public network comprises the steps of storing a plurality of circuit selection algorithms in public network memory, translating a routing number for a call into customer data, matching the customer data with a trunk block circuit selection algorithm and controlling the delivery of calls to a customer in accordance with the trunk block circuit selection algorithm. The customer may also custom design their own circuit selection algorithm and input their custom designed algorithm into public network memory along with others for selection in accordance with their customer criteria, for example, time of day or day of week, low traffic period, high traffic period or other criteria. Apparatus for providing for customer selection of a circuit selection algorithm for use in a public network comprises a public network memory for storing a plurality of circuit selection algorithms and a controller for translating a routing number for a call into customer data, matching the customer data with a circuit selection algorithm and controlling the delivery of calls to a customer in accordance with the circuit selection algorithm. The apparatus preferably comprises a switching center for toll or local call switching.