DIGIT PARSING FOR A FLEXIBLE DIAL PLAN CAPABILITY IN A TELECOMMUNICATIONS SWITCH

A telecommunications switch (12) includes a dial plan database (300) used for creating, identifying, and verifying dial plan codes and dialing sequences of a desired dial plan (100). The dial plan (100) is created through a craft terminal (201) that communicates with a craft interface (200) of the telecommunications switch (12). The telecommunications switch (12) uses dial plans created and stored within the dial plan database (300) in performing a digit parsing routine. The digit parsing routine identifies dial plan codes and dialing sequences through digit collection by systematically eliminating possible dial plan codes until one is identified. The identified dial plan code is processed by performing valid or error actions associated with the identified dial plan code. The digit parsing routine continues with an incoming call until it has been appropriately handled and awaits for the next incoming call digits to be received.