A method and apparatus for processing call signaling messages during burst
overloading and sustained overloading of a communications switch include
processing that begins by receiving a plurality of call signaling
messages, which may be call set-up messages, connect messages, call
proceeding messages, call release messages, release complete messages,
and/or link layer information. The processing then continues by comparing
a queue occupancy level of a call processing queue with a first queue
occupancy threshold. If the queue occupancy level compares unfavorably
with the first queue occupancy threshold (e.g., the queue is storing more
messages than desired), call signaling messages are enqueued into the
call processing queue based on the types of the call signaling messages.
For example, dispensable call signaling messages are enqueued in a LIFO
manner while indispensable and essential messages are enqueued in a FIFO
manner. Dispensable messages are those, that if dropped, have minimal
impact on the efficiency of the communication switch and/or do not evoke
a time-out process to release whatever communication resources have been
allocated to a particular communication set-up request.