Abstract: The present invention enables a capability for automatically porting the telephone number of the original VoIP endpoint device to the user's new VoIP endpoint device by re-associating the original telephone number with the MAC address of the new IP endpoint device.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for enabling DTMF signal processing in the core VoIP network. More specifically, the present invention enables a VoIP network to recognize and respond to special DTMF signals entered by a user and initiate the appropriate service logic response to satisfy the user's service request.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for enabling DTMF signal processing in the core VoIP network. More specifically, the present invention enables a VoIP network to recognize and respond to special DTMF signals entered by a user and initiate the appropriate service logic response to satisfy the user's service request.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling calls destined for a terminating point on a packet network, e.g., a VoIP network, that is experiencing a service disruption to be forwarded by the network to another endpoint is disclosed. The method enables subscribers to register an alternative number, such as a cell phone number, a relative's phone number, or a work number, that the network can use to forward calls in the event of a service disruption. In one embodiment, the provider can even use an alternative transport network, such as the PSTN, to forward these calls until the VoIP network service is restored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing emergency services, e.g., E911 services, for nomadic users by utilizing network announcements to remind customers to update location information used to provide services on packet networks, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Service over Internet Protocol (SoIP) networks, are disclosed. For example, the method enables the VoIP or SoIP service provider to detect a change in the IP address associated with either the broadband modem or the router through which a terminal adaptor is used to access services when a customer is logging on from a new location. In turn, the method sends a reminder network announcement message to the terminal adaptor, e.g., to be played when the terminal adaptor goes off-hook.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing emergency services, e.g., E911 services, for nomadic users by utilizing network announcements to remind customers to update location information used to provide services on packet networks, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Service over Internet Protocol (SoIP) networks, are disclosed. For example, the method enables the VoIP or SoIP service provider to detect a change in the IP address associated with either the broadband modem or the router through which a terminal adaptor is used to access services when a customer is logging on from a new location. In turn, the method sends a reminder network announcement message to the terminal adaptor, e.g., to be played when the terminal adaptor goes off-hook.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling providers of PSTN toll free services to stagger simultaneous transmission of call setup signaling messages into an IP based teleconference bridge, supported by a VoIP network, by suspending a subset of calls and placing them on hold while placing other calls to be connected to the conference bridge are disclosed. The PSTN network can stagger calls by limiting the number of call setup signaling messages to be sent to the VoIP network within a predefined period of time interval and spread all the calls over multiple of such predefined periods. Prerecorded announcements or music can be played while the calls that have been placed on hold are in queue.

Abstract: A decomposed H.323 border element is disclosed that is useful for providing an entry point from one or more H.323-based networks into a SIP-based VoIP network. In one embodiment, the signaling element of the BE is separated into a separate functional entity from the media control element to facilitate a single signaling entity controlling multiple media entities. In another embodiment, the security element of the border element is also separated from the media control element so that firewall and network address translation elements may be performed by a separate functional entity. In a further embodiment, the media transcoding element is separated from the media control element. In a final embodiment, the internetworking facility between the SIP and H.323 element is separate from the H.323 gatekeeper elements.