Abstract: A computer implemented method for facilitating creation of virtual local area networks (VLANs). The method includes: receiving a VLAN name, a class of service and two or more access ports; determining switches and trunks associated with the access ports; searching a VLAN database for the VLAN; and creating a VLAN if said searching does not result in locating the VLAN. The creating includes: selecting a starting access port from the two or more access ports; mapping a base path from the starting access port to another of the access ports, wherein the base path includes one or more of the switches and one or more of the trunks; and adding the base path to the VLAN including the starting access port and said another of the access ports.

Abstract: A telephone and a method for routing a telephone call using the telephone is provided. The telephone includes a microprocessor and a transceiver coupled to the microprocessor. The telephone further includes a voice recognition unit coupled to the microprocessor. The unit is further configured to determine when the user is speaking proximate the unit and to generate a match signal when the user is speaking. The microprocessor is configured to generate a command signal to induce the transceiver to transmit a voice mailbox routing signal to a telephone switching center upon receipt of the match signal from the unit.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing ontological domain services are provided. A method includes gathering information elements relating to an individual from trusted sources of information via secure channels of communication. The method also includes creating an ontological domain that is specific to the individual using the information elements accrued from the sources. The information elements are acquired from detectable behaviors of the individual over time. The ontological domain is automatically generated from the detectable behaviors and absent any intervention by the individual. The method also includes determining an interest that is specific to the individual based upon relevancy analyses performed with respect to the information elements and making the interest available to the individual or entity.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to managing access resources in a network. Methods include receiving a request for network service, the request including a required class of service; accessing a storage device that specifies routers and bandwidth available on the routers; selecting a router from the specified routers and a port on the selected router to perform the requested service, the selecting including verifying that the bandwidth available on the selected router and port can perform the requested service, where the bandwidth is divided into a plurality of capacity classes and the bandwidth in each class can perform the requested service if the capacity class corresponds to the required class of service; transmitting instructions to a network configuration system to initiate activation of the requested service on the selected router and port; and updating the storage device to reflect the requested service being activated on the selected router and port.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and storage mediums for database management services for a telecommunications system are provided. A method includes transferring, via a managed language application, raw data extracted from a legacy system to a first spreadsheet application macro. The method also includes merging, via the first spreadsheet application macro, selected portions of the raw data, and creating a first spreadsheet file that includes the merged data. The merged data relates each physical and virtual fiber of the telecommunications system to the merged data. The method further includes transferring, via the managed language application, the first spreadsheet file to another spreadsheet application macro, and generating, via the other spreadsheet application macro, a graphical drawing comprising a cable ring that includes fiber routes and telecommunications equipment. The graphical drawing is generated using the merged data.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling one or more monitoring devices in a user's household in the event of emergency so as to more productively monitor the emergency situation on a real-time basis. The monitoring devices may include a number of multimedia instruments such as a telephone with an answering machine, a computer with a built-in digital camera, a video recording device, a cellular phone with an integrated digital camera, etc. An emergency service provider may remotely activate the monitoring devices in the user's vicinity upon receiving an emergency help request from the user, and receive the information sent by the monitoring devices to enable the service personnel to plan appropriate response to the emergency at hand. Such an arrangement allows for better monitoring of the user's vicinity in an emergency situation without the need for prolonged user participation in narrating or describing the emergency situation.

Abstract: A method for transmitting enhanced originator information over a communications network includes retrieving a service profile for a recipient terminal from a service profile database in response to initiation of a communication by an originator terminal to the recipient terminal. The service profile specifies a service plan and a terminal capability of the recipient terminal to retrieve the enhanced originator information from the originator terminal. The method also includes retrieving multiple information elements associated with the originator terminal from a network database based upon the service plan and the terminal capability of the recipient terminal, and transmitting a communication including the multiple information elements to the recipient terminal prior to establishing a communications session with the recipient terminal.

Abstract: A system and method for a caller to control a tune notification for a telephone call includes a service switching point and a service control point. The service switching point is operable to receive a tune notification service access code and a called directory number, and to issue a query in response to receiving the service access code. The service control point is operable to receive the query and issue a response including a tune notification signal to the service switching point. Upon receiving the response from the service control point, the service switching point processes the call so that the tune notification signal causes the tune notification to be applied to a called telephone line associated with the called directory number.

Abstract: A fixed-position buoy for observing and monitoring the surface of a predetermined area of water, including a flotation device; an imaging device operable for obtaining images of the surface of the predetermined area of water; memory for storing the images of the surface of the predetermined area of water; one or more communications devices operable for transmitting a signal representing the images of the surface of the predetermined area of water to a remote location; and a tether and a mooring attached to the flotation device, the tether and the mooring operable for securing the flotation device.

Abstract: An emergency system includes a gateway and a database in communication with the gateway. The database comprises first routing information for establishing a first communication link between a communication device and a controller, second routing information for establishing a second communication link between the gateway and the controller, wherein the second routing information is correlated to the first routing information; and location data associated with the communication device. Upon receiving identification information related to the communication device, the gateway retrieves the first routing information from the database and provides the first routing information to a switch. The gateway retrieves the second routing information from the database and uses the second routing information to establish a second communication link with the controller, and the gateway retrieves the location data from the database.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing a locator service are provided. A method includes receiving object identification information and location identification information from a vehicle. The location identification information indicates the presence of the vehicle at a parking space. The method also includes creating an occupancy record that includes the object identification information and the location identification information. The method further includes receiving a request to locate the vehicle during an exiting process, the request including at least a portion of the objection identification information. The method further includes retrieving the location identification information from the occupancy record associated with the object identification information, and presenting the location identification information of the parking space to the operator.

Abstract: A method and system for providing targeted advertisement information to consumers over a wireless communications network. In one embodiment, local advertisers register to advertise on certain wireless communications devices that are in close proximity to the advertiser. As a consumer enters a cell site that is near the location of the advertiser, the wireless network delivers a message to the wireless device that is specified by the local advertiser. An acknowledgement signal is then received by the network, and the local advertiser's account is charged for transmission of the advertisement. In a further embodiment, each of the messages stored in the database is also associated with one or more demographic codes, and users of wireless communications device select from one more demographic codes to describer their advertisement preferences.

Abstract: A cookie management system serves as a central storage location for information and other data on users. A user's machine contains a cookie having a key and the cookie management system associates user information with this key. Upon receiving a request from a user, a web site retrieves the key from the user's machine and queries the cookie management system for the user information. The cookie management system retrieves the data associated with the key and returns the user information to the site. The sites therefore do not need to store information on all users nor do they need to place their own cookies on the user's machine. If sites obtain more data about a user during an interaction, the sites send this data to the cookie management system which updates its database. The user's machine may contain multiple cookies that correspond to different people and the site can prompt the user to select the appropriate one.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and computer program products for providing ambient noise sensitive alerting. The methods comprise receiving ambient noise, converting the ambient noise to an electrical signal, detecting a parameter of the electrical signal which is indicative of ambient noise, sensing an incoming call or message, and controlling the volume of an audible alert in response to the detected parameter of the electrical signal.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to methods, systems, and computer program products for providing quality of service brokering in a network. Methods include receiving a data packet at a router in an Internet protocol (IP) network. The data packet includes a data packet QoS class and a data packet destination. A storage mechanism that includes possible routes to the data packet destination at the data packet QoS class is accessed. One of the possible routes is selected. The data packet is transmitted along the selected route to the data packet destination.

Abstract: A set top box with a firewall is disclosed. The set top box uses two separate ports to communicate with two respective communications networks. The first port communicates with the first network to receive programming information and the second port communicates with the second network to receive information. A firewall, in communication with one of the ports, is capable of receiving and analyzing information from the port. The firewall helps to prevent harmful or unauthorized information from reaching other components of the set top box. The firewall can receive information before other components associated with the set top box and the firewall can include various different forms of filtering.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide remote performance monitoring and testing to a cell site in a cellular communications network. The systems and methods include a network management center having remote monitoring and testing capabilities utilizing an intelligent customer service unit that traps and makes available alarm information on the transport link.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a tracing clip for a fiber optic cable including: a clip body including an inner and an outer surface; a metal clip disposed on the outer surface; a metal tooth disposed on the inner surface, wherein the metal clip tooth connects to a metal element extending substantially axially along a length of fiber optic cable and to the metal clip.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing virtual posting services. Methods include receiving content from a communications device located in a geographic proximity that is serviced by an access node, storing the content in a storage device that is in communication with the access node, and tracking an amount of time the content item is stored. If the amount of time does not reach a pre-established threshold, the methods include transmitting the content to another communications device in response to detecting the presence of the other communications device within the geographic proximity and in response to an inquiry from the other communications device.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a caller-controlled demarcation service is described. An embodiment of the present invention is advantageously implemented as an advanced service in an intelligent telecommunications network. An embodiment of the present invention allows the user to specify an interval for a telephone communication. A telecommunication switch times the communication and when the interval expires, the switch either plays a tone to signal the expiration or disconnects the call. The switch may enforce the interval for calls originating or terminating at the subscriber's phone.