Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for selecting voice compression and coding based on capabilities of all intermediary networks and links in addition to the capabilities of the end points. The present invention optimizes voice quality by determining a minimum number of new conversions, herein referred to as transcodings, necessary in voice connections, on a system wide basis. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a sender sends a signaling message to a receiver. The signaling message is sent to the receiver prior to sending an actual message. Each entity or device capable of converting voice coding, herein referred to as a “station”, between the sender and the receiver identifies their capabilities to the signaling message. The receiver, which is also a station, also identifies its capabilities to the signaling message.

Abstract: A network node 102 capable of detecting how many parties have collided during attempts to transmit on a bus 108. If more than one party has been detected to collide, the node 102 selects a backoff window from a larger randomized group of possible backoff windows than if the node had collided with only one other party. In this way, delays due to multiple parties colliding are minimized.

Abstract: A method for enabling a plurality of Local Service Providers within a common Numbering Plan Area (NPA) to serve Subscribers of the plurality of Local Service Providers. The method includes the step of assigning to each Subscriber of a Local Service Provider within the common NPA a unique three digit code, hereinafter referred to as a SPA code. The service provider area (SPA) code is used by the telephone system in the same manner presently used for routing calls made when a calling Subscriber dials the NPA code of the called party. Here, however, the SPA code is not dialed by the calling Subscriber. The dialed directory number, NXX-XXXX, of a called Subscriber subscribed to a different Local Service Provider, is sent to a database. The database maintains a record of the relationships between the directory numbers of Subscribers and the SPA codes of the Subscribers. The database retrieves the SPA code associated with the dialed directory number presently serving the called Subscriber.

Abstract: A user's access patterns are accounted for in deciding to switch between a plurality of wireless networks 204, 206. A method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes monitoring a location of a wireless communication device 202 within a region serviced by a first wireless communication network 204 and second region serviced by a second wireless communication network 206. The first and second region have an overlapping region which could be serviced by both networks. The future location of the wireless communication device 202 within the first and second regions is predicted based on the monitoring of the previous locations of the wireless communication device 202. When the wireless communication device 202 is detected as being within the overlapping region, the system determines whether to transfer an active connection between the wireless communication device 202 and one of the networks to the other network.

Abstract: A method and device for decoding a sequence of signals in which information is derived, in part, from a duration of (a) one of the signals and/or (b) an inter-signal pause between two of the signals. The method and device may also be used to decode a signal to form decoded information, derived, in part, from a duration of the signal.