Abstract: An Internet Protocol (IP) voice telephony system constructed according to the present invention manages Gatekeeper load by redirecting calls from an assigned Gatekeeper to a servicing Gatekeeper during call setup. A Load Management Unit (LMU) processes all setup messages. In processing the setup messages, the LMU receives the message from the assigned Gatekeeper to which a requesting endpoint is registered. Upon receipt, the LMU determines which Gatekeeper of a plurality of Gatekeepers should setup and service the call. Based upon its selection, the LMU either directs the assigned Gatekeeper to setup and service the call or redirects the endpoint to a servicing Gatekeeper. Upon receipt of a redirection message, the endpoint sends a confirmation message to the assigned Gateway and then sends a setup message to the servicing Gateway. Upon receipt of the setup message, the servicing Gateway sets up and services the call.

Abstract: Advertising system for callers to busy data service providers. A caller to an ISP or similar service for which the number is busy can be automatically connected to a server which provides advertisements or other information while waiting for the number to become free. The connection to the server is dropped automatically when the ISP number is no longer busy, and a connection to the service provider originally dialed is automatically established. Software in a PSTN implements part of the invention, while software in a computer application or modem firmware implements the steps of the invention performed at the CPE. A user of the invention need not keep trying a busy number, and the feature can be paid for by revenue from selling the advertising.

Abstract: A method and system for integrating a computer and a telephone. A stimulus messaging device, such as an analog telephone, is provisioned as a functional messaging device, such as an ISDN telephone, at a switch. The switch communicates with the telephone through a loop interface device. The loop interface device translates ISDN messages destined for the telephone received from the switch into analog signals for the telephone. The loop interface device also sends the ISDN messages received from the switch to a computer associated with the telephone. The loop interface device translates analog signals received from the telephone into ISDN messages for transmission to either the switch and/or the computer. The present invention enhances call control information for an analog telephone and allows tight integration between a telephone and a computer.