Abstract: The invention is a system for providing virtual connections through an ATM interworking multiplexer on a call-by-call basis. A signaling processor receives signaling for a call and selects the virtual connection for the call. The signaling processor generates new signaling that identifies the selection and transfers the new signaling to the ATM interworking multiplexer that accepted the access connection for the call. The multiplexer converts user information from the access connection into ATM cells for transmission over the virtual connection in accord with the new signaling.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for administrative monitoring of a calling card fraud prevention system is disclosed. An administrative monitor continuously oversees the functions performed by components of the fraud prevention system and thereby detects abnormalities in system performance. The administrative monitor regularly compiles status information from system components and applies a set of predefined thresholds in order to determine whether abnormalities are present. Upon detection of an abnormality, the administrative monitor generates a health warning, which is displayed on workstation monitors to provide notice of the problem.

Abstract: A data identification and retrieval method and apparatus is disclosed. The method is implemented with the aid of a computer program or programs that operate a computer network (10) for permitting a user to easily identify and retrieve data from files stored on any computer (14, 16, 18, 20) in the network regardless of the location of the computers, the format of the data and the storage medium on which the data is stored.

Abstract: A call referral system (10) for use in a telecommunications network (12) that permits a called party (16) to control the number and treatment of incoming calls. The call referral system includes a switch (34) for receiving calls from calling parties(14) and for connecting the calls to the called party. The call referral system includes a routing monitor computer (40) coupled with the switch for monitoring the connection of the calls to the called party. The monitoring computer receives and stores a gate size selected by the called party indicating the maximum number of calls the called party wishes to simultaneously handle through each of its gates. The gates are comprised of single destination telephone numbers or groups of destination telephone numbers to the various destinations (17 & 18, 32).

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for processing connections. Connection identifiers are assigned to indexes and stored in corresponding index latches. When communications arrive over a particular connection, the identifier for the particular connection is provided to all of the index latches. The index latch that stores a matching connection identifier provides its associated index. The index can be used to access a memory location that houses a processing instruction for the particular connection. The invention can be used within ATM multiplexers and gateways to facilitate connection processing.

Abstract: A telecommunications network architecture uses a service host to control the application of enhanced services. In preferred forms, the service host determines the disposition of the call and provides corresponding instructions to the origination switch by way of a service control point (SCP) in response to a request initiated by the SCP upon encountering a service node in the routing tables. The disposition may include routing the call to a media resource and if another call destination is determined, the call is rerouted from the origination switch to the destination while the first routing is dropped.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus, system, and method for converting point codes in a signal transfer point in a telecommunications signaling system. The STP converts point codes which designate the origination and destination signaling points for the message. The conversion is based on information defined by the messages, such as origination or destination information. The present invention creates a virtual signaling system which can be reconfigured at the STP by converting point codes, and thus, altering the identities of the signaling points. The present invention is also operable to convert circuit identification codes and transfer integrated services user part messages to a user part.

Abstract: A system and method provide enhanced services for a call that is transported from a communication device through an asynchronous transfer mode system. The call has user communications in asynchronous transfer mode cells and call signaling. A signaling processor receives the call signaling and processes the call signaling to determine a connection to a service platform. The signaling processor transports a processor control message designating the selected connection. An asynchronous transfer mode interworking unit receives the user communications from the communication device and the processor control message from the signaling processor. The asynchronous transfer mode interworking unit converts the user communications from the asynchronous transfer mode cells to a format compatible with the service platform and dynamically transports the user communications to the service platform in real time. The service platform processes the user communications.

Abstract: A programmable telephone line device (10) for selectively interconnecting two or more telephone lines between a plurality of communication instruments is disclosed. The device (10) includes an assignment matrix (24) for inter-connecting the telephone lines with the communication instruments and a control assembly (26) for automatically or manually directing the assignment matrix (24) to transfer a communication instrument from its primary telephone line to a roll-over telephone line if its primary telephone line is in use.

Abstract: A telecommunications system handles 800 calls between first and second networks in different countries. In the preferred embodiment, call handling equipment of the second network receives a call from a call origin in the first network, wherein the call was placed using an 800 number corresponding to a destination in the second network and wherein the second network includes interexchange carriers and local exchange carriers. Preferably, the call is received in call handling equipment of one of the interexchange carriers and carried to the destination by the interexchange carrier to which the 800 number is assigned. In one embodiment, the call is reoriginated after receipt by the call handling equipment of a local exchange carrier which routes the call to the assigned interexchange carrier. Billing charges are assessed to the origin for international toll charges and to the destination for 800 toll charges in the second network.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing data to multiple computer locations associated with a computer network determines which of the multiple network computer locations are to receive a data distribution, and then generates a first message indicating the data comprising the data distribution and the network computer locations intended to receive the data distribution. The first message and the data distribution are transmitted to the network such that each of the multiple network locations is capable of receiving the data distribution. The multiple network computer locations examine the first message so that each network computer location can determine whether it is an intended location for receiving the data distribution. Then, one or more intended network locations receive the data distribution.

Abstract: An on-line directory service includes a server associated with a database containing a plurality of directory listings including advertising information. A customer subscribing to the on-line directory service may selectively view directory listings from the database by initiating a search research at a personal computer linked with the server. The search request may specify a particular service or product, a particular geographical preference or other search parameters. The search request is then forwarded to the server which accesses the database and retrieves the responsive information for the customer. To place a telephone call to a service provider listed in response to the customer search request, the customer merely activates a telephone icon associated with the selected service or product provider. The server then obtains a telephone number associated with the selected provider from the database and automatically dials the telephone number.

Abstract: A system of bidirectional transmission of optical signals over an optical fiber in a telecommunications network includes a transceiver unit having an optical signal transmitter and receiver coupled with each end of the fiber, and a signal monitor for detecting a predetermined deviation in the signal strength directed toward each receiver from the fiber. This predetermined deviation is indicative of a signal path disruption in the fiber resulting in at least partial signal reflection of the signals from a transmitter toward the receiver of the same set.

Abstract: An object oriented system models a selected telecommunications circuit to estimate the access cost for leasing the selected circuit. A database contains circuit data relating to a plurality of telecommunications circuits included the selected circuit. The object oriented system includes a unit cost model driver object and a domain object residing on a personal computer. The domain object comprises a plurality of telecommunications objects adapted to model telecommunications circuits in accordance with a preselected cost structure based on a plurality of access cost parameters. The driver object retrieves the circuit data for the selected circuit from the database and distributes the circuit data to the telecommunications objects. The telecommunications objects, which are adapted to communicate with one another upon receiving circuit data, collectively produce an output signal to the driver object representing the access cost for the selected circuit.

Abstract: In a telecommunications network, a network host call server determines whether a call placed using a prepaid calling card was issued by a vendor other than the telecommunications carrier and if so, queries a database associated with the issuing vendor for information representing the telecommunications services associated with the card.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method, system, and apparatus for providing communication control. The invention includes a method in which signaling is processed externally to a switch before it is applied by the network elements. The processor is able to select network characteristics and signal the network elements based the selections. A network employing the processing method is also included, as well as a signaling system that employs the processing method.

Abstract: In a telecommunications network operable for routing calls such as 800 calls, to a plurality of customer destinations, a system allows the customer to configure the routing of calls by entering selected call routing criteria at a computer at the customer site. Selected information representative of the call routing criteria is then transmitted to a central processor system which then composes a set of call handling statements, also called time features, which the network then compiles into an executable routing scheme for routing calls.

Abstract: A message initiated at a first terminal and transmitted over a first communications link to a relay interface may be relayed to a second terminal over a second communications link by converting the words in the message received at the relay interface into a format compatible for use by the second terminal. Then, the formatted words are individually analyzed so that corrections may be made prior to display at the second terminal. The formatted words may be corrected manually by a relay agent or automatically utilizing a computer program associated with a relay terminal at the relay interface. Then, the analyzed words are displayed at the second terminal. The relay interface may be used for unilateral and bilateral communication between a standard telephone set and a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD).

Abstract: A system for recording the services provided by a telecommunications network in response to a service request generates a number of individual records corresponding to the number of network elements providing telecommunications services in response to the request. Each individual record contains information relating to the services provided by the corresponding network element. Those service requests requiring the services of two or more network elements are assigned an identifier which is stored in each corresponding record. Records having a common identifier are matched with one another and merged into a single network record corresponding to the service request. Billing statements and statistical reports may be derived from the single network record.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus that automates the database recovery process. A person not technically skilled in the use of a computer can operate the new procedure. The process operates under a system in which menus known as "panels" prompt the user for information and process selection. The user merely selects one of the panels to start and operate the system. Each recovery procedure follows the same general series of steps comprising of initialization of system location and variables, selection by the operator of major functions including research, recovery, and cleanup, process of the function and function options, and execution of the mode in which the function will be processed. This panel driven system results in a significant reduction of the amount of time required for recovery, at least a twenty percent decrease for the period.