A method and a tool for provisioning media gateway resources in a network
management context are presented. Circuit emulation entities are selected
via the interaction with the tool in a combination of configuration and
selection contexts. Further circuit emulation entity identification may
be effected by using a combination of filter options. Once a list of
identified circuit emulation entities is generated, a determination is
made as to which entities are available. Connection control over all
selected available circuit emulation entities is either relinquished or
regained via a network management system by interacting with the tool.
Relinquishing connection control for the selected circuit emulation
entities includes, but is not limited to, configuring thereof for H.248
signaling, configuring port buffers, reserving resources at network
nodes. The advantages are derived from a bulk media gateway provisioning
at reduced costs lowering entry barriers in migrating circuit-switched
service content transport over a packet-switched infrastructure.