Abstract: Techniques for implementing logical trunk groups with session initiation protocol (SIP) are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as an apparatus for implementing logical trunk groups with session initiation protocol (SIP). The apparatus may comprise a first network device and a second network device that are configured to exchange SIP signaling messages. Network traffic between the first network device and the second network device may be segregated into one or more logical groups. The SIP signaling messages associated with each logical group may include a Route header that uniquely identifies the logical group between the first network device and the second network device.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a multiple appearance directory number (MADN) group including terminals on both the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and a packet-switched network. The terminals within the MADN group are preferably on the PSTN and a packet-switched network under the control of the PSTN. While call signaling is centralized and provided by the PSTN, a full complement of PSTN services are available to the terminals on the packet-switched network. With centralized call control and access to services from the PSTN, IP terminals on the packet-switched network are treated as if they were PSTN terminals by PSTN elements, and are capable of implementing PSTN features and functions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling network gatekeeper message processing include overload control routines executed by a network gatekeeper to prevent the network gatekeeper from crashing during overload conditions. The overload control routines are executed in a predetermined order so that messages relating to calls in progress are preferentially processed over messages relating to newly originating calls. Fault detection routines detect protocol stack and application level faults of a network gatekeeper.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for interworking between internet protocol (IP) telephony protocols includes a call server. The call server includes a first protocol agent for communicating with a first protocol device according to a first protocol. A second protocol agent communicates with a second protocol device according to a second protocol. An interworking agent provides functions usable by the first and second protocol agents to communicate with each other according to a third protocol. The third protocol is a superset of functions provided by the first and second protocols.

Abstract: A method for processing calls in a packet network using peer call servers includes receiving a setup message from a first gateway in the packet network. The setup message includes a first address for a called endpoint. The call server that receives the setup message translates the message into a call server ID and an endpoint ID specifying the remote call server corresponding to the called party. The call server sends the call server ID and the endpoint ID to the remote call server. The remote call server obtains a call signaling transport address to the called end user based in the endpoint ID.

Abstract: A method and system of managing calls over a data network includes determining an available bandwidth of the data network. After a call request is received for establishing a call between at least two network terminals, one or more of a plurality of resource elements are selected in response to the call request based on the bandwidth of the data network. The resource elements, which can include codecs (coders/decoders), packet sizes (for carrying audio data), and others, are used in the requested call between the at least two network terminals. Further, a plurality of communities may be defined each including one or more terminals. One or more usage threshold values may be assigned to a link or links between communities, and a call request is processed based on the one or more usage threshold values. The processing includes at least one of determining whether to admit the call request and selecting resource elements to be used during a call between terminals over the link.

Abstract: A method for processing calls in a packet network using peer call servers includes receiving a setup message from a first gateway in the packet network. The setup message includes a first address for a called endpoint. The call server that receives the setup message translates the message into a call server ID and an endpoint ID specifying the remote call server corresponding to the called party. The call server sends the call server ID and the endpoint ID to the remote call server. The remote call server obtains a call signaling transport address to the called end user based in the endpoint ID.

Abstract: A communications network resource conservation system is provided for that conserves network bandwidth and improves voice quality. The method and apparatus permit users of H.323 terminal devices to talk to each other directly over the Internet thereby eliminating the need to use the resources of a telephone switch and a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Communication between users is established directly via packet network. In one embodiment, a voice path between users is directly established without routing the voice through a PSTN as for a typical telephone call and yet get supplementary services from the PSTN switch. The telephone call will be set up through the telephone switch and the PSTN as for a normal call, but, the voice path will be Intraswitched directly between the calling party and the called party via their packet network.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling network gatekeeper message processing include overload control routines executed by a network gatekeeper to prevent the network gatekeeper from crashing during overload conditions. The overload control routines are executed in a predetermined order so that messages relating to calls in progress are preferentially processed over messages relating to newly originating calls. Fault detection routines detect protocol stack and application level faults of a network gatekeeper.