Abstract: Enhanced capabilities within a telephone network are made accessible to a telecommunications device. The telecommunications device is used to dial a sequence. A network server receives and identifies the sequence invokes an advanced network function. A advanced network function server in communication with the network server provides instructions as to how the network server is to provide the advanced network function. The network server processes the call in accordance with the received instructions to provide the particular advanced network function.

Abstract: A centralized data repository system, in various embodiments, is configured to provide a central data-storage repository (e.g., one or more servers, databases, etc.) for the centralized storage of personally identifiable information (PII) and/or personal data for one or more particular data subjects. In particular embodiments, the centralized data repository may enable the system to populate one or more data models (e.g., using one or more suitable techniques described above) substantially on-the-fly (e.g., as the system collects, processes, stores, etc. personal data regarding a particular data subject). In this way, in particular embodiments, the system is configured to maintain a substantially up-to-date data model for a plurality of data subjects (e.g., each particular data subject for whom the system collects, processes, stores, etc. personal data).

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for managing and evaluating leads from incoming calls are provided. A first inbound call from a first caller may be received. A first set of information identifying characteristics of the first inbound call may be processed. A second set of information identifying characteristics of the first inbound call may be determined based on the first set of information. A first category may be matched to the first inbound call. A first receiver may be determined. A second inbound call from a second caller may be received. A third set of information identifying characteristics of the second inbound call may be processed. A fourth set of information identifying characteristics of the second inbound call may be determined based on the third set of information. A second category may be matched to the second inbound call. A second receiver may be determined.

Abstract: The invention features systems and methods for detecting and mitigating network attacks in a Voice-Over-IP (VoIP) network. A server is configured to receive information related to a mitigation action for a call. The information can include a complexity level for administering an audio challenge-response test to the call and an identification of the call. The server also generates i) a routing label based on the identification of the call, and ii) a script defining a plurality of variables that store identifications of a plurality of altered sound files for the audio challenge-response test. Each altered sound file is randomly selected by the server subject to one or more constraints associated with the complexity level. The server is further configured to transmit the script to a guardian module and the routing label to a gateway.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are provided such that enterprise network administrators may create and display a dial plan management arrangement using enterprise canonical format and number normalization and friendly display tables. A solution is provided for creating and managing call routing simply and graphically using enterprise canonical format rather than through a legacy routing scheme using of a series of tables with no graphic depiction and multiple formats. By using a single format with a graphical representation when administering dial planning, implementation and management are significantly simpler and more efficient.

Abstract: A system and associated methods for automation and management of trunk routing among switches in a telecommunications network between carriers connected to a third party tandem services provider or manager (a “neutral tandem network.”) The system and methodology can be used to, among other things, effectuate a business model for providing preferred rates, or other preferences, to a defined group of members or subscribers by managing and directing subscriber-associated call traffic from subscriber-owned switches to one or more tandem switches owned by a third-party tandem managing entity other than a LEC or ILEC.

Abstract: One or more aspects of the disclosure relate to various functions and processes related to routing of calls originating from other service providers. For example, a method includes receiving a request to route a call or a call session, such as a session initiation request, from a second service provider and proceeding to route the requested call or session through a call routing facility of the first service provider to a requested destination of the call. Routing the call through the call routing facility may include determining a service provider type and/or an origination number type for the call, determining routing information for the call using the type information, and causing routing of the call to a destination of the call based on the routing information. Further aspects of the disclosure relate to various functions and processes related to accessing routing data and/or information from a routing database.

Abstract: A method for controlling and evaluating message traffic of a communication unit uses a first network unit within a mobile radio system for forwarding all the messages of the message traffic. The first network unit decides, using one or more useful information items of the communication unit, whether one or more messages are forwarded to a second network unit for processing or whether they are blocked. The first network unit is also used to determine, using one or more useful information items of the communication unit, whether the respective message of the message traffic is logged by the first network unit in a logfile.

Abstract: A telecommunications addressing system/method allowing selection of a telephone instrument device (TID) using arbitrary identifiers is disclosed. The system/method allows a source TID (STD) to select a target TID (TTD) by the use of a Target Telephone Identifier (TTI) data string rather than a traditional numeric telephone identification (NTI). This TTI is then indexed within a TTI/NTI mapping server (TMS) that functions as a hierarchical repository of TTI/NTI mappings. STD/TTD communication is established by first performing a lookup of the STD-selected TTI within the TMS to identify the NTI of the TTD. Once the NTI of the STD has been identified by the TMS, communication between the STD and TTD is established using the NTI via the normal public switched telephone network (PSTN). TMS TTI lookup may be performed via STD TID web application and/or via PSTN infrastructure interface.

Abstract: A telecommunications addressing system/method allowing selection of a telephone instrument device (TID) using arbitrary identifiers is disclosed. The system/method allows a source TID (STD) to select a target TID (TTD) by the use of a Target Telephone Identifier (TTI) data string rather than a traditional numeric telephone identification (NTI). This TTI is then indexed within a TTI/NTI mapping server (TMS) that functions as a hierarchical repository of TTI/NTI mappings. STD/TTD communication is established by first performing a lookup of the STD-selected TTI within the TMS to identify the NTI of the TTD. Once the NTI of the STD has been identified by the TMS, communication between the STD and TTD is established using the NTI via the normal public switched telephone network (PSTN). TMS TTI lookup may be performed via STD TID web application and/or via PSTN infrastructure interface.

Abstract: A method includes receiving Local Exchange Routing Guide (LERG) telephone number (TN) data; comparing the LERG TN data with telephone service provider (TSP) TN data; determining whether one or more differences exist between the LERG TN data and the TSP TN data based on the comparing; generating one or more executable statements for updating the one or more differences that exist based on the comparing; and executing the one or more executable statements to match the TSP TN data with the LERG TN data.

Abstract: A system, method, and call processing component for controlling an order of call processing among a plurality of call processing components. Each call processing component, upon receiving a call request when system resources are not available to process the requested call, creates a real queue entry in its call processing queue and sends a call-queued notification to all other call processing components in the system. The other call processing components in the telecommunication system then create a shadow queue entry in their respective call processing queues as a placeholder for the requested call. When system resources become available and the requested call is next in the queue, the call processing component that received the request de-queues and processes the requested call, and sends a call de-queued notification to the other call processing components.

Abstract: An Internet telephony registry 190 comprises a server 140 and an associated data store 160. Routing and/or policy data associated with telephone number strings are stored in the data store 160 in a tree data structure 240 and a data index map 230. The tree data structure 240 comprises parent nodes and leaf nodes and each parent node of the tree data structure 240 has ten child nodes. The tree data structure 240 stores an index associated with each telephone number string and the data index map stores routing and/or policy attributes 233 represented by the indices 232.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to provide an operator selection service for subscribers of a communications network (CN?), wherein the subscribers terminals (T1, T2, . . . , Tn) are connected to one local exchange (ILEX) of a first operator, wherein said local exchange (ILEX) detects, whether call handling of an incoming call request is to be performed within network devices of said first operator or to be passed to a second operator, wherein, if a call is to be passed to the second operator, the local exchange (ILEX) identifies the calling address and the called address and sends a call information (M1) comprising said addresses to a call server (LS1, LS2) of the second operator, the call server (LS1, LS2) sends back a connection request (M2) to establish a call connection between selected terminals (T1, T2, . . .

Abstract: A technique for managing call-routing numbers in a mobile communication network using a distributed switching system is provided. The switching system embodies a cluster configuration, wherein at least one cluster of the switching system comprises a plurality of cluster members, each of which is capable of routing an incoming call based on a call-routing number temporarily associated with the call. A defined series of call-routing numbers is distributed between the plurality of cluster members. The management technique makes use of a common data structure which defines an amount of assignments equal to the length of a given series of call-routing numbers, wherein each assignment uniquely associates a cluster member with one or more least significant digits of the numbers of the number series.

Abstract: A call is processed by examining a nature of address indicator in a signaling message associated with the call and allowing the call to complete in a jurisdiction associated with a national nature of address indicator if the nature of address indicator is international. A call is also processed by examining a nature of address indicator in a signaling message associated with the call. A number of digits associated with a calling party number in the signaling message is determined and the call is allowed to complete if the nature of address indicator is national and the number of digits associated with the calling party number exceeds ten.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein may allow for the sharing of routing information among call control devices. The routing information may be stored in an information repository, where call control devices may access the routing information as needed. The information repository may be centrally located for centralized access by call control devices, or may be distributed to individual call control devices for localized access.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a user to invoke a service over a signaling channel in a communication system with a communication device such as a mobile phone. The user dials a series of digits into their phone and enters them into the disclosed system, for example by pressing the send key on a mobile phone. The digits entered by the user include a prefix or routing code, and a data code. The dialed digits are transferred to a call switching system, which determines, based on the prefix code, a processing system to which a message is sent. The processing system further determines, based on the data code of the dialed digits, the service to provide and how the service should be fulfilled. The service can be fulfilled by content over the signaling channel or a transport channel, or both.

Abstract: A telecommunications addressing system/method allowing selection of a telephone instrument device (TID) using arbitrary identifiers is disclosed. The system/method allows a source TID (STD) to select a target TID (TTD) by the use of a Target Telephone Identifier (TTI) data string rather than a traditional numeric telephone identification (NTI). This TTI is then indexed within a TTI/NTI mapping server (TMS) that functions as a hierarchical repository of TTI/NTI mappings. STD/TTD communication is established by first performing a lookup of the STD-selected TTI within the TMS to identify the NTI of the TTD. Once the NTI of the STD has been identified by the TMS, communication between the STD and TTD is established using the NTI via the normal public switched telephone network (PSTN). TMS TTI lookup may be performed via STD TID web application and/or via PSTN infrastructure interface.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for providing service provider information for a user communication device. A targeted communication link associated with a target service provider is determined using a user communication device associated with a user service provider. The determination of the indicator for the target service provider may be with a user service provider Central Office or server. An indicator of the target service provider is received and displayed on the user communication device. Communication services available to the communication device are determined and presented to the communication device by audible or visual signals. Representations of services available or restricted to the user communication device are provided to the user device. Restricted services may be enabled by override options.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention may include a method and apparatus configured determine an optimal routing path to route a call through a network. One example method may include retrieving and parsing a routing table and storing the parsed routing information in a routing database. The method may also include determining a plurality of routes that could be used to route the call through the network by applying at least one cost metric to the plurality of determined routes. The method may also include determining an order of the plurality of routes used to route the call, and create a route used to route the call based on the determined order of the plurality of routes.

Abstract: A system, computer-readable medium system, and method which provide a telephone number mapping specification in a local number portability environment where an originating device of a first service provider dials a dialed call for forwarding to a terminating device of a second service provider. There is provided a combined local number portability and telephone number mapping database having a central location which is in communication with both an originating office and a terminating office. Both the originating office and the terminating office can look up and use local number portability and telephone number mapping information from the combined database.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a user to invoke a service over a signaling channel in a communication system with a communication device such as a mobile phone. The user dials a series of digits into their phone and enters them into the disclosed system, for example by pressing the send key on a mobile phone. The digits entered by the user include a prefix or routing code, and a data code. The dialed digits are transferred to a call switching system, which determines, based on the prefix code, a processing system to which a message is sent. The processing system further determines, based on the data code of the dialed digits, the service to provide and how the service should be fulfilled. The service can be fulfilled by content over the signaling channel or a transport channel, or both.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a number of service providers to respond to communication device user service invocations through a service invocation distribution center. A telecommunications switch is provisioned with a trigger that operates based on a service prefix code in a service invocation message. Calling events that include various service prefix codes that match trigger firing criteria cause the trigger to execute call control logic within the telecommunications switch to forward information concerning the service invocation to the distribution center. The distribution center matches a service provider with a prefix code in conjunction with the forwarded information and forwards the service invocation to the appropriate service provider. The service invocation message may include a service code that indicates the specific service requested.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and an apparatus for transferring a telephone call and associated data from an IVR system to a live agent or other system are provided. An exemplary embodiment may include a voice portal of the IVR system requesting an access number for a live agent and sending data associated with the telephone call to a CTI system. The CTI system may request and receive a routing label from a router and then send the data associated with the telephone call and the request for an access number to a call center using the routing label provided by the router. The CTI system may receive the access number from the call center and send the access number back through the IVR system to an exchange carrier for transferring the caller to the call center.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of communications and provide a session transfer method, an application server, and a communications system, which implement a cross-network session transfer between a CS domain and an IMS domain. The method includes: after receiving a session transfer request sent by user B or user C in the IMS domain, sending a release message to the user B currently in a call to terminate a session between user A in the CS domain and the user B, and negotiating media information of the user A and media information of the user C to establish a session between the user A and the user C. The embodiments of the present invention apply to a cross-network session between the CS domain and the IMS domain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a packet network provider, e.g., a VoIP network provider, to terminate long distance calls using both CLEC PRI access links and regulated LEC access links depending on whether or not the wholesale customer wants to treat outgoing calls in a regulated manner similar to traditional Public Switched Access Network (PSTN) calls or apply FCC information service exemptions to outgoing calls are disclosed. Based on the calling party number of a call, the network can determine if the call should be terminated as an information service call or a regulated PSTN call. Once the call termination method is determined, the appropriate access link can be chosen for call completion.

Abstract: A system includes a switching device. The switching device is configured to process a call request as a 12-digit telephone number in a first situation. The 12-digit telephone number includes an area code and 9 digits after the area code. The switching device is further configured to process the call request as a telephone number including less than 12 digits in a second situation.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are provided such that enterprise network administrators may create and display a dial plan management arrangement using enterprise canonical format and number normalization and friendly display tables. A solution is provided for creating and managing call routing simply and graphically using enterprise canonical format rather than through a legacy routing scheme using of a series of tables with no graphic depiction and multiple formats. By using a single format with a graphical representation when administering dial planning, implementation and management are significantly simpler and more efficient.

Abstract: Architectures, arrangements, systems and/or methods for an Internet protocol (IP) telephony system for enterprise applications that is efficiently provisioned and maintained are disclosed. In one embodiment, a single platform uses a label allocation and routing scheme to provide overlapping dial plans for multiple customers, E.164 mapping and enhanced regulatory enhancements for both wireline and wireless telephony devices.

Abstract: A system is connected to an access point via a network, receives packet transmission information held by the access point, and extracts an address having a transfer destination which is radio interface from the packet transmission information. It is assumed that the terminal of the extracted address exists under the access point holing the packet transmission information. Thus, it is possible to realize connection relationship between a terminal and an access point at low cost and not depending on the vendor.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, transmitting a first request for an identity of a first regional name authority pointer server of a plurality of regional name authority pointer servers to a national domain name system server responsive to determining that a name authority pointer associated with a telephone number is not stored in cache memory, transmitting a second request for the name authority pointer to the first regional pointer server identified by the domain name system server, where the first regional name authority pointer server corresponds to a geographic region associated with the telephone number, and receiving the name authority pointer from the first regional name authority pointer server. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing routing of calls in a packet network, using one or more criteria extracted from signaling information to determine the routing for the calls are disclosed. The routing criteria extracted from signaling messages comprises at least one of: an access Uniform Resource Identifier, a destination phone number, a destination URI host, a calling party number, a calling party URI host, an incoming IP address, or a requested codec. An access URI and the egress URI are used to enhance routing decisions in a VoIP network. The egress URI can be used to specify egress route selections from the egress point of a VoIP network. The access URI can be used to influence the routing decisions within the VoIP network as well as the routing decisions with regard to egress routes from the egress point of the VoIP network.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing toll-free service in a telecommunications network are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for providing toll-free service in a telecommunications network. The method includes, at a signaling node that includes at least one processor: receiving a first signaling message that includes a toll-free called party number, where the first signaling message is one of a non-TCAP call setup message, a mobility management query, a number portability (NP) query, and an E.164 number (ENUM) query; determining a directory number associated with the toll-free called party number; and sending the first signaling message or a second signaling message, the sent message including at least one of the directory number and routing information associated with the directory number.

Abstract: By using letters, this invention provides telephone numbers that contain the actual initials or name of the recipient. With business subscribers, each company's stock marker ticker symbol is their telephone number, such as ‘GE’ for General Electric. Custom programming routes a call with the simple dialing input of only the recipient's initials or name. Only one well-defined area code is needed per State, such as ‘AZ’ for Arizona. The same number is used for landline, facsimile, special feature, and cellular connections. Telephone numbers are permanent and fixed for the life of the subscriber. Global call numbers, such as GE's, shrink from 011-44-207-302-6000 to ‘UK-LO-GE.

Abstract: A telephone handset is provided with a user interface which includes a display unit, audio output unit and various user actuable keys. A phone controller implements and responds to instructions from the user interface. Where the instructions from the user interface request the connection of a call, the phone controller connects the handset to a PSTN via one of a plurality of connection means provided. Similarly, in the event of an incoming call connection request received via any one of the connection means, the phone controller enables the connection of the call. The user may choose to accept or reject the connection using the interface. The handling of an incoming or outgoing call is determined by a connection routing engine. The connection routing engine comprises an identification unit, a rules unit, a comparison unit and an enabling unit.

Abstract: The present invention system and method facilitates efficient and accurate maintenance of LERG information. The present system and method periodic implementation of LERG downloads permits network devices to automatically update LERG information. A local exchange routing guide update method includes performing an automated LERG maintenance initialization process; engaging in an automated LERG parsing process; and executing an automated LERG synchronization process.

Abstract: A router of a first network and a router of a second network are connected to a third network. A connection request including information relating to the direction of communication performed by a first service provider that exists on the first network is transmitted from the first network to the second network via the third network. On the basis of the information relating to the direction of communication included in the connection request transmitted from the first network to the second network, a second service provider that exists on the second network is selected and a response that includes identification information of the selected second service provider is transmitted from the second network to the first network via the third network.

Abstract: System and method for providing a telecommunication transmission from an originating device to a terminating device over a telecommunications network. In one embodiment a bit code may be received from the telecommunication network, such that the bit code is extracted from the telecommunication transmission from the originating device. A directory number associated with the originating source may be received and a predefined message may be determined based at least on the directory number and bit code. The predefined message may be displayed on the terminating device.

Abstract: By using letters, this invention provides telephone numbers that contain the actual initials or name of the recipient. With business subscribers, each company's stock marker ticker symbol is their telephone number, such as ‘GE’ for General Electric. Custom programming routes a call with the simple dialing input of only the recipient's initials or name. Only one well-defined area code is needed per State, such as ‘AZ’ for Arizona. The same number is used for landline, facsimile, special feature, and cellular connections. Telephone numbers are permanent and fixed for the life of the subscriber.

Abstract: A call is processed by examining a nature of address indicator in a signaling message associated with the call and allowing the call to complete in a jurisdiction associated with a national nature of address indicator if the nature of address indicator is international. A call is also processed by examining a nature of address indicator in a signaling message associated with the call. A number of digits associated with a calling party number in the signaling message is determined and the call is allowed to complete if the nature of address indicator is national and the number of digits associated with the calling party number exceeds ten.

Abstract: In one configuration, the present invention is directed to an enterprise network that includes geographically dislocated first and second network regions communicating with one another through first and second networks and respectively comprising first and second gateways and first and second groupings of trunks. A media server is positioned in the first network region that includes a routing agent. When a WAN outage occurs, the routing agent, using a dial plan, maps the dialed digits to an electronic address addressable over the PSTN and routes the call over the PSTN to the destination second communication device in the second network region.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring an automated voice response (AVR) system is provided. An audio communication from a caller is processed by executing an AVR script with a plurality of instructions. A visual representation of the audio communication is presented to an agent substantially simultaneously with the audio communication based on the AVR script. The visual representation includes at least one field to be populated with information obtained from the caller and the information populated in the field can be updated by the agent.

Abstract: A system and associated methods for automation and management of trunk routing among switches in a telecommunications network between carriers connected to a third party tandem services provider or manager (a “neutral tandem network.”) The system and methodology can be used to, among other things, effectuate a business model for providing preferred rates, or other preferences, to a defined group of members or subscribers by managing and directing subscriber-associated call traffic from subscriber-owned switches to one or more tandem switches owned by a third-party tandem managing entity other than a LEC or ILEC.

Abstract: A system, computer-readable medium system, and method which provide a ENUM specification in an LNP environment where an originating device of a first service provider dials a dialed call for forwarding to a terminating device of a second service provider. There is provided a combined LNP and ENUM database having a central location which is in communication with both an originating office and a terminating office. Both the originating office and the terminating office can look up and use LNP and ENUM information from the combined database.

Abstract: Systems and methods for retrieving household data based on an origination identifier. In an embodiment, an origination identifier of a communication is captured. The origination identifier is indexed into a master table comprising a plurality of records. Each of the records comprises an association between an origination identifier and a universal database linkage key, and each universal database linkage key comprises an index into one or more databases. A universal database linkage key associated with the captured origination identifier is retrieved and indexed into one or more databases. Household data associated with the captured origination identifier is retrieved from the one or more databases and communicated to at least one recipient.

Abstract: One or more aspects of the disclosure relate to various functions and processes related to routing of calls originating from other service providers. For example, a method includes receiving a request to route a call or a call session, such as a session initiation request, from a second service provider and proceeding to route the requested call or session through a call routing facility of the first service provider to a requested destination of the call. Routing the call through the call routing facility may include determining a service provider type and/or an origination number type for the call, determining routing information for the call using the type information, and causing routing of the call to a destination of the call based on the routing information. Further aspects of the disclosure relate to various functions and processes related to accessing routing data and/or information from a routing database.

Abstract: An automatic location update system receives location information regarding an identified communications device and stores an identification of the communications device, advantageously its telephone number, and the location information, advantageously X/Y coordinates. Weighting factors associated with the coordinates are also stored. The coordinates and weighting factors thus stored are compared and the coordinates that appear to be the most accurate are selected. The selected coordinates are delivered to a positioning server used to route special number calls.

Abstract: A system for determining whether to request additional telephone number resources for a telecommunications carrier. The system includes a first database operated by a telecommunications carrier and configured to store data indicative of telephone number usage and ENUM usage of telephone numbers assigned to the telecommunications carrier. The system further includes a computing device in communication with a multiple databases via a network, the multiple databases may contain telephone number usage information associated with multiple telecommunications carriers. The computing device executes software to query the first and multiple databases to retrieve information associated with the telecommunications carrier (i) to determine current utilization of telephone numbers of a rate center and (ii) to determine months to exhaust of telephone numbers and automatically generate a report utilizing the current utilization and months to exhaust in response to determining the current utilization and months to exhaust.

Abstract: A conferencing system for an enterprise is disclosed. The conferencing system includes a management apparatus for managing conferencing resources in a premises. The management apparatus includes a communications link for communicating with a proximity announcing system, which indicates whether a portable communications device is near a conferencing device within the premises. The management apparatus can transmit a message to a proximate portable communication device indicating that a conferencing device is nearby. The proximity announcing system can include wireless transmitters and receivers associated with the premises and with portable communication devices used within the premises for tracking the location of the portable communication devices throughout the premises.