Abstract: A system and method for flexibly routing communications transmissions in an efficient manner is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, service providers submit information to a centralized server node which comprises cost and service parameter data for routing a communication from a first location to a second location. The server node receives all of the submitted rate information, evaluates it, and generates from the information a rate-table database comprising efficient routing paths for connecting transmissions between any two locations in a communications switching network. The server may be programmed to substantially optimize its rate-table database with respect to one or more parameters, such as price, network utilization, return traffic volumes, and others. Service requesters submit service requests to the centralized server node.

Abstract: A system for use of a telecommunications voice network includes a communication node local to a calling location for acquiring calling and called party identification numbers and transmitting them to a central switching unit associated with a called location, through a transception channel independent of the telecommunications voice network. Further provided is a central switching unit for interrogating the called location to obtain a call supervision status thereof. Also provided is an apparatus for completing a first phonecall from the switching unit to the called location if the call supervision status is that of an answer, and for originating a second phonecall through the telecommunications network to the calling location. Teleconferencing of the first and second phonecalls then occurs. Further provided is an apparatus for providing an uncompleted call status signal to the central switching unit if the call status is that of a no answer or busy. The calling party is then appropriately advised.

Abstract: A system and method for flexibly routing telecommunications in an efficient manner using resources that are traded in a market are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, service providers and requesters submit service offers and requests to a server node. Offers and requests may be submitted automatically by a telecommunications node programmed to dynamically monitor current volume and sell or buy telecommunication time or bandwidth on the basis of the actual and predicted demand. The server node administers all aspects of the trades and the resulting changes in global network operations, hilling, and settlements. When a buyer wishes to use telecommunications resources it has purchased, it may pass supervision to a local telecommunications node, which may establish transmission using the purchased telecommunications resources.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamic utilization of the available bandwidth on existing ISDN and other broadband links is disclosed. In a first preferred embodiment, an efficient link-utilization system comprises first and second telecommunication nodes connected by one or more ISDN links or other broadband connections. When a caller desires to place a call from a communication device served by the first telecommunication node to a communication device served by the second telecommunication node, the first telecommunication node determines whether an existing broadband link connecting the first and second telecommunication nodes has sufficient available bandwidth to carry the call in compressed form from the calling communication device to the called communication device.