CBP (call blocking probability)

Call blocking probability (CBP) is a metric used in telecommunications to measure the percentage of calls that are blocked or denied by a network during a given time period. It is calculated as the ratio of the number of blocked calls to the total number of attempted calls, expressed as a percentage.

When a call is blocked, it means that the network is unable to establish a connection between the calling party and the called party. There are several reasons why a call may be blocked, including network congestion, equipment failure, routing errors, and insufficient resources.

CBP is an important metric for telecommunications providers because it reflects the quality of service that they are providing to their customers. A high CBP indicates that a significant number of calls are being blocked, which can result in dissatisfied customers, lost revenue, and reputational damage. Therefore, reducing CBP is a key goal for telecommunications providers.

To measure CBP, network operators typically use call detail records (CDRs) to track the number of attempted calls and the number of blocked calls. These records can be analyzed to calculate CBP on a per-call basis or for an entire network over a given time period, such as an hour or a day.

CBP can be calculated in a number of ways, depending on the specific circumstances and requirements of the network operator. One common method is to calculate the CBP as the ratio of the number of blocked calls to the total number of attempted calls, expressed as a percentage:

CBP = (Blocked Calls / Total Calls) x 100%

For example, if a network received 10,000 attempted calls and blocked 500 of them, the CBP would be:

CBP = (500 / 10,000) x 100% = 5%

This means that 5% of all calls were blocked during the time period in question.

CBP can also be calculated for specific types of calls, such as calls to a particular destination or calls made during a certain time of day. This can help network operators identify patterns and trends in call blocking that may be related to specific factors, such as network congestion or equipment failures.

In addition to measuring CBP, network operators can take a number of steps to reduce call blocking and improve the quality of service for their customers. These may include:

1. Capacity planning: Network operators can analyze call traffic patterns to identify times of day or days of the week when call volumes are highest. They can then allocate additional resources during these times to prevent network congestion and reduce call blocking.
2. Network optimization: Network operators can optimize the routing of calls to ensure that they are being handled efficiently and effectively. This may involve adjusting the routing of calls based on the current network conditions, such as the availability of resources or the congestion levels.
3. Equipment maintenance: Regular maintenance and monitoring of network equipment can help prevent equipment failures that can lead to call blocking. Network operators can also implement redundancy and failover mechanisms to ensure that there are backup resources available in the event of an equipment failure.
4. Service level agreements (SLAs): Network operators can establish SLAs with their customers that specify the level of service they will provide, including the maximum CBP. This can help ensure that customers are aware of the quality of service they can expect and can hold the network operator accountable if service levels are not met.
5. Quality of service (QoS) policies: Network operators can implement QoS policies that prioritize certain types of traffic, such as voice calls, over other types of traffic, such as data. This can help ensure that voice calls are given the resources they need to be successfully completed, even in times of network congestion.

In addition to these steps, there are several emerging technologies and trends that may help reduce CBP in the future. These include:

1. 5G networks: 5G networks promise faster speeds and lower latency than previous generations of mobile networks. This could help reduce call blocking by enabling more efficient routing of calls and reducing network congestion.
2. Network slicing: Network slicing allows network operators to create virtual networks that are tailored to specific types of traffic or customers. This could help reduce call blocking by ensuring that voice calls are given priority over other types of traffic.
3. Cloud-based infrastructure: Cloud-based infrastructure can provide greater flexibility and scalability than traditional network infrastructure. This could help reduce call blocking by allowing network operators to quickly allocate additional resources as needed.
4. Artificial intelligence (AI): AI can be used to analyze network traffic patterns and predict when call blocking is likely to occur. This could help network operators take proactive measures to prevent call blocking before it occurs.
5. Network sharing: Network sharing allows multiple network operators to share network infrastructure. This could help reduce call blocking by allowing resources to be shared more efficiently and effectively.

In conclusion, call blocking probability (CBP) is a key metric for measuring the quality of service provided by telecommunications networks. By taking proactive measures to reduce CBP, network operators can improve customer satisfaction, reduce revenue losses, and protect their reputation. Emerging technologies and trends, such as 5G networks, network slicing, cloud-based infrastructure, AI, and network sharing, may also help reduce call blocking in the future.