Abstract: In accordance with the principles of this invention, Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) signal streams are converted into Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) cells for switching and transmission across a telecommunications network. Each cell carries one PCM sample of up to 48 different voice connections, the voice connections selected from the PCM data streams because they have a common destination. The cells are transmitted over ATM virtual circuits, each circuit transmitting one cell every 125 .mu.s. Advantageously, ATM transmission systems interface with PCM systems without adding appreciable delay and without requiring additional buffering. Advantageously, new voice paths can be established most of the time by using available slots in the cells of existing virtual paths.

Abstract: In accordance with the principles of this invention, Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) signal streams are converted into Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) cells for switching and transmission across a telecommunications network. Each cell carries one PCM sample of up to 48 different voice connections, the voice connections selected from the PCM data streams because they have a common destination. The cells are transmitted over ATM virtual circuits, each circuit transmitting one cell every 125 .mu.s. Advantageously, ATM transmission systems interface with PCM systems without adding appreciable delay and without requiring additional buffering. Advantageously, new voice paths can be established most of the time by using available slots in the cells of existing virtual paths. This application relates to methods of establishing connections in accordance with the principles of the invention.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiment is in an Automatic Call Distributor (ACD). Incoming calls to a system with no available agents can be placed in a queue, or in a departure from the prior art, can be terminated to voice mail. Voice mail messages are classified into different priority queues according to called number, keyed DTMF digits from the calling customer, and the calling number. The voice mail calls are delivered to the agent based upon the priority of the voice mail queue after the agent completes a call or after he/she logs in following a log out period. The voice mail calls can be terminated to a team of agents.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing cellular mobile telecommunication service in accordance with the requirements of the Global Systems for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard. A modular switching system is provided which performs the functions of the mobile switching center plus those of a home location register, authentication center, visitor location register, and equipment identity register. The latter functions are advantageously spread among the modules of the switching system, thus avoiding the getting started cost of expensive dedicated data bases. A wireless global switching module advantageously switches mobile communications control messages among the modules of the system and between the modules and the base station systems, and terminates signaling links between the mobile switching center and the base station systems.

Abstract: In accordance with the principles of this invention, Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) signal streams are converted into Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) cells for switching and transmission across a telecommunications network. Each cell carries one PCM sample of up to 48 different voice connections, the voice connections selected from the PCM data streams because they have a common destination. The cells are transmitted over ATM virtual circuits, each circuit transmitting one cell every 125 .mu.s. Advantageously, ATM transmission systems interface with PCM systems without adding appreciable delay and without requiring additional buffering. Advantageously, new voice paths can be established most of the time by using available slots in the cells of existing virtual paths. This application relates to arrangements for converting the PCM signal streams into ATM cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for accessing a service bureau or utility via a telemetry call from automated customer premises equipment, such as device state reporting or alarm equipment, without permitting features assigned to the associated customer to interfere with that call. Customer features such as call waiting are canceled for the duration of the telemetry call and are reactivated after the call has been terminated. Advantageously, access from the customer premises equipment to a service bureau or utility may be provided over a telephone line without limiting the customer's choice of telephone features.

Abstract: In modern telecommunications networks, a 64 kilobit/second channel is frequently used for transmitting data. Sometimes, there is a requirement for transmitting data at a rate that is a multiple of that rate; in that case, the use of a group of contiguous channels is advantageous. The invention relates to an efficient method of searching for such a group. A table of parameters is stored in memory, the parameters identifying the number of adjacent available channels in the high order, middle, and low order channels of a group of eight channels, given the binary value of the availability of the group of eight channels. These parameters are accessed using the availability pattern of the high eight, middle eight and low eight channels of a 24 channel group. The parameters are then examined, singly and in appropriate groups to determine if a group of contiguous channels of the right size is available.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing cellular mobile telecommunication service in accordance with the requirements of the Global Systems for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard. A modular switching system is provided which performs the functions of the mobile switching center plus those of a home location register, authentication center, visitor location register, and equipment identity register. The latter functions are advantageously spread among the modules of the switching system, thus avoiding the getting started cost of expensive dedicated data bases. A wireless global switching module advantageously switches mobile communications control messages among the modules of the system and between the modules and the base station systems, and terminates signaling links between the mobile switching center and the base station systems.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for sharing traffic among a plurality of ACD sites serving a customer. Each ACD site has a main queue for storing incoming calls to that ACD, and a group of overflow queues for storing calls rerouted from one of the other ACD sites. Before rerouting a call to an alternate site, the overflow queue for that site is checked; if it has an excessive number of entries, calls will not be rerouted to that alternate site. If one of the ACD sites is not appropriately equipped with overflow queues for different sites and an appropriate program for steering calls, that ACD site can route its overflow traffic via one of the ACD sites, designated as a mother node, for distributing overflow from the one site to others.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for sharing traffic among a plurality of ACD sites serving a customer. Each ACD site has a main queue for storing incoming calls to that ACD, and a group of overflow queues for storing calls rerouted from one of the other ACD sites. Before rerouting a call to an alternate site, the overflow queue for that site is checked; if it has an excessive number of entries, calls will not be rerouted to that alternate site.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of distributing calls among a plurality of destinations of a customer. The calls are distributed according to a customer specified policy to maximize revenue or profit, to minimize waiting time or to minimize probability of abandonment. Different types of calls, such as orders, repair requests, and general information requests can be distributed differently. For example, if the criterion is maximizing profit, then calls of the most profitable type may be given preference for completion, while, during a busy period, some of the less profitable calls are rejected.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for interfacing between computer channels and a Broadband Integrated Services Digital Network (B-ISDN) in order to allow such channels to communicate with a large number of other channels over the long distances and large bandwidth provided by B-ISDN. In a terminal adapter, channel addresses are translated into network addresses and channel format data is converted into B-ISDN format data in order to allow data messages between channels to be transmitted over the B-ISDN network.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for providing cellular mobile telecommunication service in accordance with the requirements of the Global Systems for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard. A modular switching system is provided which performs the functions of the mobile switching center plus those of a home location register, authentication center, visitor location register, and equipment identity register. The latter functions are advantageously spread among the modules of the switching system, thus avoiding the getting started cost of expensive dedicated data bases. A wireless global switching module advantageously switches mobile communications control messages among the modules of the system and between the modules and the base station systems, and terminates signaling links between the mobile switching center and the base station systems. Arrangements are provided for maintaining stable virtual circuit connections in this module even in the presence of protocol handler failures.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for specifying alternate numbers for use as Incoming Calling Line Identification (ICLID) numbers. On a calling card call, the caller may specify whether the calling card number or the telephone number of the caller telephone station is to be used as the ICLID number. Alternatively or in addition, the caller may provide an identification number comprising a personal identification number and a telephone number and indicate that the telephone number be used as the ICLID number. Advantageously, callers may identify themselves, for the purposes of ICLID, with their home or business telephone number even when they are calling from a different telephone station.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining which bus should be used for transmitting data to another station of a dual queue, dual bus DQDB network. Initially, data is transmitted over both buses. As each station receives an entity of data, such as packets or cells, over one bus, each entity including the identification of a transmitting station, the receiving station updates its memory to record that entities of data to that transmitting station should be transmitted over the other bus. The bus selection record is audited when packets are received to confirm its accuracy.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling overload in a data network. The exemplary embodiment is a Broadband Integrated Services Digital Network (B-ISDN) in which data is transmitted within data cells included in a larger data frame using the Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) protocol. In response to the network detecting overload, the network sends slow down messages to selected virtual channels to decrease their data rates. The network also acts to block or decrease resource allocations to transmission requests that are likely to overload the network.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing cellular mobile telecommunication service in accordance with the requirements of the Global Systems for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard. A modular switching system is provided which performs the functions of the mobile switching center plus those of a home location register, authentication center, visitor location register, and equipment identity register. The latter functions are advantageously spread among the modules of the switching system, thus avoiding the getting started cost of expensive dedicated data bases. A wireless global switching module advantageously switches mobile communications control messages among the modules of the system and between the modules and the base station systems, and terminates signaling links between the mobile switching center and the base station systems.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing customized greeting messages from a switch-based voice messaging service. Advantageously, special messages may be left for identified callers. The invention further relates to a method and apparatus for determining which of a plurality of numbers received in a common channel signaling message is to be used as the ICLID number for a specific call. The candidate ICLID numbers include the caller station telephone number, the caller's calling card number, or a special number provided by the caller. Advantageously, such an arrangement can be used to identify callers who are calling away from their home or business telephones.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of establishing connections over a public switched telephone network to a customer whose telephone number is in a block associated, for routing purposes, with a first telephone switching system, but who is actually served by a second telephone switching system. The facility for carrying out this method is desirable in order to serve customers who need the advanced functions of a digital switching system, who are currently served by an analog switching system, and do not wish to have their telephone number changed when they switch to being served by the digital switching system. In accordance with the invention, a common channel signaling initial address message is sent to the first system. The first system translates the telephone number of that initial address message and finds that the customer for that telephone number is now served by a second switch.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for redirecting calls from a first choice destination to some alternate destination if the call cannot be conveniently completed to the first destination. A call is initially extended through a toll network toward the first destination; if the toll network is congested and cannot reach an egress switch to access the first destination, or if a local exchange network connecting the first destination to the toll network is congested, or if a first destination PBX cannot be reached from the toll or local network because all access channels thereto are blocked, or if the first destination PBX is congested or attendants are unavailable, an indication that the call cannot be completed to the first destination is sent back to the ingress switch to the toll network for that call. The call is then redirected from the ingress switch of the toll network to an alternate destination.