Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a network provider, in concert with IP technology and protocols, to provide the ability to offer a simple pre-answer or post-answer call redirection, such as call transfer, to customers with IP endpoints is disclosed. The present invention allows call transfers to be initiated from an IP endpoint but processed in the packet network, e.g., the VoIP network instead of being processed by the endpoint. When a redirecting party (RP) receives a call from a calling party (CP), the RP simply sends a VoIP signaling message to the network to initiate a call transfer to redirect the call from the CP to a TP instead and the network will complete the call transfer on behalf of the RP.

Abstract: Methods of managing media server resources that may be used for VoIP calls are disclosed. In an embodiment, a media server resource broker receives a request for a set of media server resources from an application server. The media server resource broker determines the service request should be handled by a first media server based on the type of request and the availability of the first media server and provides the address of the first media server to the application server. The media server resource broker updates records regarding an assignment level of the first media servers to reflect the most recent request. When the call is complete and the resources become idle, the media server resource broker can update the assignment level to reflect the increase in availability of resources in the first media server.

Abstract: Methods of controlling media server resources in a VoIP network are disclosed. In an embodiment, an IP node provides a service request. An application server receives the service request and sends a request for media server resources to a media server resource broker. The media server resource broker determines that the request should be handled by a first media server. The media server resource broker queries the first media server to obtain an IP address and port number for use in establishing a call between the IP node and the first media server. The media server resource broker then provides a signal to the IP Node so that it can establishing the call with the appropriate port on the media server. In an embodiment, the media server resource broker updates a database module that tracks assignment levels of the first media server so as to reflect the most recent request, thus decreasing the number of ports available for the first media server.

Abstract: A network-based method for initiating and completing a voice telephony call via the Internet comprises the steps of receiving call completion data at a voice/data network gateway of the public switched telephone network from an Internet application web server, which may comprise an Internet service provider or other entity serving Internet users via an Internet application web server, and transmitting call completion data to telecommunications switches for connecting an Internet user to a telephone of an application agent associated with the Internet server. The application agent may be associated with a 1-8YY toll-free number or other national or international telephone number. Call progress data is translated into data communications protocol format to be returned to the Internet server where it may be displayed to the user. Preferably, the link between the Internet application web server and the voice/data network gateway comprises a telecommunications data link, for example, an ISDN data link.

Abstract: This invention provides a telecommunications routing system and method that allows a switch (e.g., an intelligent peripheral) to control the routing to a special applications device, which results in savings of time, cost and capacity throughout the entire network. Control of the routing lies within the Service Switching Point (SSP) which reduces the need to requery a Service Control Point (SCP) in error situations. This invention incorporates into the SSP a remote IP routing table containing routing instructions for IPs. The SSP will know if an alternate route is possible, based on the error from the IP. The SSP will have a rudimentary intelligence about routing which allows it to reroute when necessary, without requerying back to the SCP. The remote IP routing table will also allow the SSP to route to a successive IP if the local IP, although operative, cannot process the request.

Abstract: A method and system for processing a variety of outbound service calls initiated by a network adjunct platform (NAP) over a Small Scale Adjunct Primary Rate Interface (SSA PRI) in a telecommunications network on a call by call basis is disclosed. A outbound service subscriber triggers the NAP to initiate the desired outbound service call. The outbound service call may include, for example, a software defined network call (SDN), an AT&T Digital Link (ADL) call, or a Megacom call or other such suitable outbound service call. The NAP forwards set-up data based on the type of call desired to an originating toll switch (OTS) programmed to accept the set-up data from the NAP. After receipt of the set-up data, the OTS determines if the forwarded set-up data classifies the call as an outbound service call. If the forwarded set-up data contains outbound service parameters, the originating toll switch processes and routes the call initiated by the NAP as the appropriate outbound service call.

Abstract: A network-based method for initiating and completing a voice telephony call via the Internet comprises the steps of receiving call completion data at a voice/data network gateway of the public switched telephone network from an Internet application web server, which may comprise an Internet service provider or other entity serving Internet users via an Internet application web server, and transmitting call completion data to telecommunications switches for connecting an Internet user to a telephone of an application agent associated with the Internet server. The application agent may be associated with a 1-8YY toll-free number or other national or international telephone number. Call progress data is translated into data communications protocol format to be returned to the Internet server where it may be displayed to the user. Preferably, the link between the Internet application web server and the voice/data network gateway comprises a telecommunications data link, for example, an ISDN data link.

Abstract: A method and system for processing a software defined network (SDN) call initiated by a network adjunct platform (NAP) over a Small Scale Adjunct Primary Rate Interface (SSA PRI) in a telecommunications network on a call-by-call basis is disclosed. An SDN subscriber triggers the NAP to initiate the SDN call. The NAP forwards set-up data to an originating toll switch programmed to accept the set-up data from the NAP. After receipt of the set-up data, the originating toll switch determines if the forwarded set-up data classifies the call as an SDN call. If the forwarded set-up data contains SDN parameters, the originating toll switch processes and routes the call initiated by the NAP as an SDN call. The originating toll switch is also able to process and route non-SDN calls utilizing the same SSA PRI used for SDN calls. The need for separate dedicated trunk groups for SDN subscribers is alleviated.