A telecommunications services exchange that assigns telecommunications services
to a relatively small number of tagged classes based on the values of certain parameters
characterizing these services is disclosed. Carriers and other traders participating
in the exchange may use the class tag to refer to each service they seek to purchase
or sell. The relatively small number of classes increases the probability of matching
offered and required services. Class definitions may be established on the basis
of typical parameter values for a particular type of service, and may be modified
over time as those values change. The exchange operator may monitor the parameter
variation of each offered service, and swap that service for a different service
when monitored variation exceeds that dictated by class boundaries. The system
may employ a hysteresis band of suitable dimensions to ensure that the assignment
of offered services to classes is as stable as desired when remaining sensitive
to meaningful variations in parameter values.
