Abstract: A method of handling incoming calls directed to a virtual communication subscriber is disclosed. An incoming call intended for the virtual communication subscriber is received at a communication device. A call is placed to the communication device using contact information provided by the virtual communication subscriber. Extension information is provided to a SLS when the call is answered which corresponds to a communication line associated with the communication device. Upon connection to the communication device, the incoming call is bridged with the call placed to the communication device.

Abstract: One or more elements in a telecommunications network (10, 10? and 10?) receive a call hold-initiating message when a first party places a second party to the call on hold, and in doing so, triggers a call hold event in the network. In response to the call hold-initiating message, the network element may take one or more actions, including releasing one or more network resources and/or providing a service to the second party during the period the call remains on hold. Upon resumption of the call, the network will re-acquire the resources that had been previously released.

Abstract: Described is a method for self provisioning of loops. The method includes receiving, from a customer, a registration for a service, the registration comprising specifications for at least one of a customer device, a unique hardware encoded identity of the customer device, a requested service and an access pipe identifier. The method then continues to select a connection box appropriate for the provided specifications, assign an IP address to the connection box and receive, when the connection box is connected to an access pipe, a self registration of the connection box to begin the service over the access pipe.

Abstract: A network interface unit is provided for use intermediate a LAN and a public or private network, or a combination of both, for establishing secure links to a VPN gateway. Login by a LAN client with the network interface unit, addressing, authentication, and other configuration operations achieved using a web page-based GUI are applied in establishing tunnels from LAN clients to desired VPN destinations. Illustrative network interface units include a DHCP server and provide encryption-decryption and encapsulation-decapsulation of data packets for communication with VPN nodes. Configuration and connection of a client are further enhanced by a built-in DNS server and other functional servers to provide a high degree of autonomy in establishing connections to a desired VPN gateway via an ISP or other public and/or private network links to. The interface unit then performs required authentication exchanges, and required encryption key exchanges.

Abstract: A system and method for call control wherein a call received at a communication device may be controlled through an IP device connected to an IP network over which at least a portion of the call was routed. The IP device is connected to the IP network via a control gateway.

Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for intercepting voice/multimedia calls in a VPN environment. The calls are diverted to a voice/multimedia call intercepting server where the intercept subject is identified. The identification may be based on an image/picture as well as identifying information about the intercept subject provided to the VPN administrator. The identifying information may be, for example, a telephone number, URL, name, and the like, for the intercept subject. The combination of image/picture and identifying information is especially useful to confirm telephone numbers, URLs, names, and the like that can be used by someone other than real intercept subject. Once the identity of the intercept subject is confirmed, the call content is duplicated, encapsulated, and/or transported to the law enforcement agency. The method and system of the invention then re originates the call to prevent the intercept subject from detecting the intercept.

Abstract: Paging, cellular telephone or other messaging functionality is incorporated into a virtual contact center system to permit logged-off customer service representatives (CSRs) to be alerted to a need to logon to the system, and to permit CSRs to alert supervisors or specialists to logon to the system. Matching at a contact control server of existing conditions to predetermined criteria, e.g., failure to login at an assigned time, or specified network conditions (such as length of customer queues), triggers a command for a communication to one or more logged-off CSRS. Results of follow-up testing at the contact control server for matches causes page requests to be renewed, redirected or canceled.

Abstract: The radio subscription system of the present invention enables a subscriber to remotely define and identify one or more playlists, each specifying information content selected by the subscriber from a subscription content database, for later transmission to the subscriber's radio. The radio subscription system also permits the subscriber to use the local subscriber radio to remotely request transmission of a particular playlist to the subscriber's radio for storage and playback. The subscriber may then use the local subscriber radio to play back the particular playlist.