System and method for overload control in a next generation network

A method of controlling traffic demand at a control node in a network, the method comprising:

• operating the control node in an overloaded state when an overload condition is detected in the network;
• while in the overloaded state, the control node;
• for each of a plurality access nodes connected to the control node, regulating a leak rate, the leak rate being a rate at which the access node admits call attempts to the control node;
• monitoring a total incoming call attempt rate generated by the access nodes during a measurement period;
• and
• at the end of the measurement period:
• checking the incoming calf attempt rate for an increasing trend relative to a previous measurement period;
• and
• if the trend is the same or decreasing, terminating the overloaded state.

A control node for controlling traffic at access nodes in a network, the control node being operable to perform steps comprising:

• entering an overloaded state of operation when an overload condition is detected in the network;
• when the control node is in the overloaded state of operation:
• for each of a plurality access nodes connected to the control node, regulating a leak rate, the teak rate being a rate at which the access node admits call attempts to the control node;
• monitoring a total incoming call attempt rate generated by the access nodes during a measurement period;
• and
• at the end of the measurement period:
• checking the incoming call attempt rate for an increasing trend relative to a previous measurement period;
• and
• if the trend is the same or decreasing, terminating the overloaded state.