Abstract: A method is provided managing a call using a digital communication device, where the device provides an interface between a public broadband network and a public circuit switched network. In one example, the method includes receiving a request at the device from either the broadband or circuit switched network to establish the call and identifying a destination for the call. A path from the requesting network to the destination is determined, where the determination identifies whether the path will use one or both of the broadband and circuit switched networks. The call is routed via the path, and the device identifies the destination, determines the path, and routes the call without using any resources associated with the circuit switched network if the path does not include the circuit switched network.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for interfacing a broadband network and a circuit switched network, such as a PSTN, that is accessed via a switch that resides in the circuit switched network. The system includes a device, such as a gateway, that is located at a point of convergence between the two networks and connects to the circuit switched network through the switch. The gateway incorporates call management capabilities and is able to offload call management functions from the circuit switched network. The method manages call traffic by identifying a final destination for a call and determining a path for the call to the final destination. If the path does not need to use the circuit switched network, the gateway routes the call without accessing the switch.