INTELLIGENT SELECTION OF NETWORK ELEMENTS FOR UPGRADES

A system ( 2100, 2400 ) for taking network elements ( 112 ) off-line includes a memory ( 1806 ) for storing a record ( 1802 ) of a number of calls being handled by a first network element ( 112 ) over a period of time and a processor ( 1804 ) communicatively coupled to the memory ( 1806 ), where the processor ( 1804 ) is used for setting a threshold value based on the record ( 1802 ), monitoring in substantially real-time, a number of calls being handled by the first network element ( 112 ), and comparing the number of substantially real-time monitored calls being handled by the first network element ( 112 ) to the threshold value. The system also includes a switch ( 1816 ) communicatively coupled to the processor, where the switch ( 1816 ) is used to take the first network element ( 112 ) off-line if the number of substantially real-time monitored calls being handled by the first network element is below the threshold value.