Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing an Internet web server to direct the processing of operator assistance type calls. A Telephony web browser is connected to a switch to receive customer signals over a voice channel and switch signals over a data channel. Responsive to receipt of inputs over the voice and data channels, the telephony web browser generates a request comprising a uniform resource locator (URL) segment which is transmitted to a web server. The web server responds with a Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) page which the telephony web browser converts into a request to the switch to establish the call connection. The telephony web browser can also control visual display to an operator work station for calls wherein the work station controls the call.

Abstract: It is desirable to be able to recognize data calls so that different charges can be applied to such calls and that vertical services, such as the use of special transmission facilities, may be offered to data callers. This recognition is accomplished by attaching a tone detector to a call in order to detect the special tones characteristic of a data call. Advantageously, this permits different charges to be imposed on data calls.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for providing roaming service to a telecommunications station which can act as a cellular station or if plugged into a jack connected to a land-line switch, can act like a land-line telephone. When such a Universal Main Station (UMS) is plugged into a jack connected to a land-line switch, the station calls a server system which obtains the directory number corresponding to the jack into which the UMS was plugged. The server notifies a home switch of said UMS to forward calls to that directory number. When the UMS subsequently unplugs from the jack, the UMS registers as a mobile station and the home switch is notified to forward calls to the UMS, acting as a mobile station and identified by a secret directory number, identified in the course of the registration.

Abstract: An arrangement for enhancing the capabilities of emergency service provisions for telephone stations served by a cable system. In accordance with the prior art, telephone stations served by cable systems are frequently provided with access to an emergency telephone line for making emergency calls when the cable system lacks power, or is otherwise inoperative. In accordance with this invention, the emergency service line is used for making incoming calls directed to all telephones connected to the emergency line, using a different telephone number for the emergency call. Outgoing service is also provided to the telephones connected to the emergency line. Advantageously, the value of the emergency line service is substantially enhanced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing calls initiated by an initial call attempt request to permit the characteristics of call connections established in response to the ICA request to be controlled by translation information of a defining port. The defining port can be a real port of a switch, or a pseudo port having associated therewith a block of translation information, but no physical network equipment. Among the characteristics that can be controlled are a billing number of the call, and a routing plan for determining a route based on destination information specified in the ICA request, and the line or trunk features offered in the switch. Advantageously, the characteristics of the ICA request connection can be specified by translation information instead of being inflexibly tied to the pre-defined standard characteristics.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing secure transmission of information. The bulk of the information is transmitted over non-secure channels such as broadcast media which terminate on a plurality of receiving stations. However, a residue of data is transmitted over a protected channel, such as a point-to-point channel, established for example, by a telephone connection. Interception of a complete message, when only the bulk of the message is available, becomes very difficult. It becomes even more difficult if scrambling arrangements are used to select the particular bits of the data message that are transmitted over the secure channel. It becomes still more difficult, if the data transmitted over the secure channel, itself, alters the scrambling algorithm.

Abstract: In a connection-oriented packet switching network, different paths through the network from one point to another are likely to have different delay. The invention is a method and network architecture for rerouting data packets from one path to another path without loss, duplication, or mis-ordering of the packets (or cells) despite unpredictable differences in delay incurred by packets on the replacement path relative to packets on the original path. The invention uses a marker cell, which is either transmitted along one path or along both paths. At the downstream convergence of the original and replacement path, all pre-marker data packets arriving on the original path are first transmitted and then all post-marker data packets on the replacement path are transmitted. Proper use of the marker provides a means for ensuring that the data packets will be delivered in the proper order, despite the order in which the data packets are received over the original path and the replacement path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively establishing a connection via a telephone network, or via the Internet. A network access switch decides whether to use the telephone network or the Internet. If connections are established using the Internet, the establishment of connection is controlled using existing CCS7 interoffice signaling messages. Advantageously, this permits most of the switching control software to be retained and allows the access switches to interface with the present array of operations support systems.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for interfacing between the Internet and the Telephone Network. A time slot interchange is enhanced by the addition of a supplementary memory for storing data for accumulating Internet packets. When a packet has been accumulated, the appropriate header is inserted into the packet under the control of a routing processor, and the packet can then be sent as a group of adjacent PCM samples over a connection to the Internet. In other embodiments, information is sent to the Internet over a direct data pipe for transmitting ATM cells or Ethernet packets. A Vocoder signal processor can be inserted between the TSI memory, and the supplementary memory to convert PCM voice samples into vocoded voice samples for transmission over the Internet. A modem signal processor can be interposed between the TSI memory and the supplementary memory to convert between analog data (representing for example, shift key analog signals) and binary data for transmission within packets over the Internet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining call record information in a mobile telecommunication switching system. The information is obtained, not only from the base station serving a call at the time that of the call record information is requested, but also for obtaining such information from prior base stations serving the call and subsequent base stations serving the call. Whenever a call is handed off, the identity of the call record and the handing-off base station, as well as the identity of the handing-off base station and the mobile switching center, (MSC), serving the call in the previous base station are recorded in the handed to base station. When a request for call record information is received, the base station serving the call transmits such call record information, and also transmits a request to the immediately prior base station to transmit its call record information from the identified call record. The predecessor then requests a similar action from its predecessor, if any.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a highly reliable distributed processing system. The group of processors of the system are linked in a circular list, the final processor being linked to the first processor. Only one of the processors is a lead processor, and has the “Watchdog” data required of a lead processor. Only a lead processor can seize a global resource, and only a lead processor can switch another processor out of service. The successor processor to the lead processor contains a Ghost Object token, which is initially identical to the contents of the Watchdog token, except for an indication that it is a Ghost Object token. This next processor times from the time that it receives the Ghost Object token to insure that it will receive the Watchdog token within a pre-determined time. If it fails to receive the Watchdog token by the end of the time-out, it converts the Ghost Object token to a Watchdog token, and sends a new Ghost Object token to its own successor processor.

Abstract: In a wireless telecommunications network, apparatus and method for code gapping messages from mobile switching centers to switching control points. The switching control point, (SCP), sends a stand-alone message containing only code gap control information to each of the MSCs served by the SCP. The code gap control message specifies the types of messages which are to be subject to code gap control, as well as the code gap interval and overall timer interval. The message further specifies such details as the range of digits of calls for which messages are to be subject to code gap control. Advantageously, the specification of the details of code gap control is made more efficient.

Abstract: A large router for routing datagrams. The large router comprises a plurality of router slices, each of which receives switches and transmits datagrams. Each router slice has a routing memory for routing the packets. If a packet is received whose destination address is not known to the receiving packet slice, the packet slice broadcasts a request for routing information for that datagram to the other packet slices of the large router and routes the packet in accordance with the received responses. Groups of slices are interconnected by a time slot interchange (TSI) unit, and groups of TSIs are interconnected by a time multiplexed switch. The router can consist of more than one switch; the switches being interconnected by high speed data links. Advantageously, the router, though composed of small slices, acts as if it were a single large high capacity entity.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a smooth by-pass of extra Vocoders in a mobile station to mobile station connection. Vocoders are used in mobile stations using digital signals to communicate with base stations. When the vocoded signals are to be transmitted over the public switched telephone network, they are normally converted into the kinds of signals such as 64 Kb per second pulse code modulation (PCM), used in the public switched network. In accordance with one preferred embodiment of this invention, when a connection is made between two mobile units, the connection is made via a separate asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network. Arrangements are also available to switch between the ATM network and Vocoders connected to the public switched telephone network when it is necessary to transmit a PCM signal to a land based station, or other equipment.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for automatically monitoring call processing transactions performed in base stations of a mobile cellular telecommunications switching system. A mobile switching center maintains a list of mobile stations whose calls are being monitored. When one of these mobile stations originates a call, or when an incoming call is received for such a mobile station, the base station originally serving the call is notified, and that base station then transmits messages recording reportable events for that mobile station. When that mobile station is handed off to another base station, the other base station receives an indication from the first base station that it is to monitor the call of that mobile station. When a base station no longer serves a mobile station that is being monitored, it clears the record that the mobile station is to be monitored from its data base.

Abstract: Apparatus for switching full rate (e.g., 64 kilobit per second) signals and composite signals comprising a plurality of subrate signals (e.g., 32 kilobit per second subrate signal). The apparatus includes a unit for compressing selected ones of a plurality of full-rate signals into a smaller plurality of full-rate single and composite signals, and apparatus for decompressing composite signals into a plurality of full-rate signals. The main elements of the switching fabric of the switch continue to switch full-rate signals. Advantageously, during periods of heavy load, the switching network fabric of a switching system can carry more calls, and more traffic can be carried between switches equipped for subrate switching.

Abstract: Calling party identification announcement service (CPIAS) provides an announcement of the caller's name to a called party, so that the called party may accept of reject a call. This invention relates to arrangements for providing CPIAS using centralized announcement synthesis apparatus, under the control of a data base (in accordance with the principles of intelligent networks), within the basic call processing arrangements of the public switched telephone network, without requiring users of the services to have two telephone numbers. Billing entries for the use of the announcement service are made under the control of the terminating switch so that these entries can be readily combined with other billing entries for the called party in order to generate a bill for that party.

Abstract: A method for reconnecting calls affected by a loss of synchronization comprises detecting disconnect of a call and initiating a time-out sequence during which reconnection attempts are performed. The reconnection time-out sequence may be incremented a predetermined number of times before reconnection attempts are terminated and the call is released. Further, a mobile switching center and a serving base station may selectively determine whether reconnection attempts are to be made. Advantageously, resources associated with a call affected by a loss of synchronization are held for a predetermined time. If reconnection is successful, the held resources are bridged to new air traffic channels resulting in enhanced network efficiency.

Abstract: Relates to apparatus and methods for permitting an agent of a utility or service bureau to access customer metering equipment before or during a conversation with the customer. For accessing before a call, while the customer is still on-book, an alert signal is sent to activate the telemetering equipment prior to establishing a voice connection. For accessing during the call, an alert signal is sent while the customer is off-hook. Advantageously, the measurement can be made in conjunction with the oral contact with the customer, thus making customer contacts more efficient and providing better service to customers.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for controlling of a telecommunications station. A controlling computer establishes a data connection to a controlled computer. The controlled computer is connected via a data connection to the station. The controlled computer receives status information from the station and forwards this information to the controlling computer. The controlling computer, responsive to receipt of user commands, send status control commands to the controlled computer which sends status control commands to the station. Advantageously, if a connection can be established between the controlling and controlled computers, the controlling computer, responsive to user commands, can control the status of the station.