Abstract: This invention provides wireless communications using a remote, self-contained communications antenna unit that transceives signals from a disconnected cell site and communicates these signals with a communications network, In an exemplary embodiment, the remote, self-contained communications antenna unit includes a transportation vehicle that carries a generator for power, backup batteries, transmitter and receiver equipment, a digital signal processor (DSX), a network interlace unit, an air conditioner, and an extendible mast.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for enabling a telecommunications network-based healthcare information system (NBHIS). A data connection is established with a rule-based application dataserver of a telecommunications network facility to control access, sharing, notification, security, and/or management of electronic healthcare data exchanged between or among different legacy systems of NBHIS participants. Typically, the rule-based application dataserver is associated with a central office (“CO”), a mobile telephone switching center (“MTSO”), or a combination CO/MTSO.

Abstract: A communications device can include first and second input terminals configured to provide coupling with respective first and second conductors of a communications line, and first and second signal conductors respectively coupled with the first and second input terminals. A communications circuit can be coupled to the first and second signal conductors wherein the communications circuit provides a communications interface. A test switch can be configured to electrically couple the first and second signal conductors responsive to activation thereof, and an indicator circuit can be configured to provide indication of a completed electrical circuit through the test switch. Related circuits and methods are also discussed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for obtaining information related to a customer service location and directions for routing a service technician from one customer service location to another. One embodiment includes requesting at least one set of coordinates associated with the customer service location; accessing a technician server to direct a global satellite positioning system to obtain the set of coordinates for the customer service location; obtaining the coordinates and updating one or more databases with said coordinates. The coordinates may include at least one of a latitude and a longitude associated with the customer service location.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus is disclosed for communicating one or more telecommunication call records associated with a telecommunication system, the one or more call records are transmitted from a remote telecommunication device. The system includes a telecommunication switch; and a computing system adapted for communicating with the telecommunication switch, the computing system including one or more computers having one or more processors for executing one or more sets of logic instructions, a memory circuit for storing the one or more sets of logic instructions to be executed and a storage device in communication thereto. The method includes receiving the one or more dial digits; transmitting the one or more dial digits to a computer system at a local site; and storing the one or more dial digits in a database in communication with the computing system.

Abstract: An audio caller identification system and method are provided. A caller identification device of a called party's telephone, whether integrated with the telephone or stand-alone, includes a speaker for audibly alerting the called party to the nature of an incoming call. A speech synthesizer in concert with an audio caller ID program may audibly identify a name and/or number of the calling party displayed on the called party's caller ID device, including descriptive terms for calling parties such as “private,” “unlisted,” or “out of the area.” When the called party's telephone begins to ring, the called party may listen to the audio identification of the calling party for a quick screening without having to go to the telephone to read the caller ID.

Abstract: A method and system for prepaying credits to a user account for communications services provided. If a system detects a predefined condition associated with a communications connection, the system deducts the cost of the communications connection from the credit in the user account. The predefined condition includes the origination of the communications connection from one of a plurality of predefined sources. Software for implementing the method may be implemented in a number of environments, including a computer system accessible remotely or a processor located on the user's telephone.

Abstract: A fixed broadband wireless data access service providing shared wide-band packet-switched data transport for high speed data access in areas where conventional ADSL service and fiber optic service are unavailable. The wireless data access service is a point-to-multipoint cellular-type network that connects customers to data service providers through the ATM backbone of an existing network. Customers connect to the ATM backbone and data service provider through a cellular grid in which a wireless base station in each cell communicates with the individual customer wireless equipment within its cell site coverage area. The base stations are connected to an ATM backbone switch through wireless and wireline backhaul links. The upstream and downstream bandwidths of the wireless broadband network are engineered in various symmetric and asymmetric configurations to provide a shared packet-switched connection that emulates an uninterrupted, direct wireline ADSL connection.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments of the present invention include providing automated passcode recovery in an interactive voice response system by providing to a caller an automated passcode recovery question and processing a caller answer to the automated passcode recovery question to authenticate the caller.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for playing an advertisement to a telephone subscriber prior to call completion in a telecommunications network. A subscriber telephone line is provisioned to provide an advertisement. A switch in the telecommunications network detects an off-hook condition at the subscriber's telephone and interprets the digits of the telephone number of a called party dialed by the subscriber. The switch then retrieves an advertisement and plays the advertisement to the subscriber instead of generating a ringing tone prior to call completion. The switch may also play the advertisement instead of a dial tone. The advertisement may be stored in an advertisement module in the switch or in a network component in the telecommunications network. The period for playing the advertisement may be extended by delaying call processing at the network component. Once the advertisement begins playing, the subscriber may terminate the advertisement by depressing a key on a telephone keypad.

Abstract: A location visit detail service, typically provided by a wireless carrier to a subscriber, includes a portable wireless device, a location identification means and a central processor. The central processor periodically receives location data generated by the location identification means. The central processor data transforms the location data into time and position data pairs that identify the location of the portable wireless device at a particular time. Through a geographic information system database, the position data is converted to street address data. The details data is provided by the wireless carrier to the subscriber, which can use the details data to provide a summary report describing the activity of the service person. This summary report can be used for preparation of bills or for gathering statistics on (individual or group) service person efficiency. Alternatively, the wireless carrier can prepare the report that is then transmitted to the subscriber.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for obtaining information related to a customer service location and directions for routing a service technician from one customer service location to another. One embodiment includes requesting at least one set of coordinates associated with the customer service location; accessing a technician server to direct a global satellite positioning system to obtain the set of coordinates for the customer service location; obtaining the coordinates and updating one or more databases with said coordinates. The coordinates may include at least one of a latitude and a longitude associated with the customer service location.

Abstract: Methods and systems for proactively maintaining a telephone system local loop. One embodiment includes acquiring at least one type of information selected from information from a Dynamic Network Analyzer or information from a Loop Facilities and Control System. Another embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring at least one type of information selected from the group consisting of customer information associated with copper line pairs and service information associated with copper line pairs. Still another embodiment describes a system including software modules communicating with a communications network. Software modules include a Dynamic Network Analyzer module and a Loop Facilities and Control System module. A database interfaces with the Dynamic Network Analyzer module and with the Loop Facilities and Control System module. A processor is also included, and the processor is capable of processing information stored in the database and of generating proactive maintenance.

Abstract: A method for traffic engineering of connectionless virtual private network (VPN) services. The method comprises receiving physical connectivity data for a connectionless VPN including service nodes and links between the service nodes. One or more of the service nodes are also edge nodes. Logical connectivity data for the edge nodes is received. A restricted topology is created in response to the physical connectivity data and to the logical connectivity data. The restricted topology includes a single path between each pair of the edge nodes and each path includes a plurality of the service nodes and one or more of the links. A bandwidth requirement for each link in the restricted topology is calculated. The bandwidth requirement is reserved on each link in the restricted topology. The method further comprises directing routing software to force a packet received from an edge node through one of the paths in the restricted topology.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing a locator service. The method includes receiving object identification information from a mobile object and receiving location identification information from the mobile object. The location identification information indicates the presence of the mobile object at a location. The method also includes associating the object identification information with the location identification information and creating an occupancy record including results of the associating. The method further includes storing the occupancy record in a storage device.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods of use for a wire channel device that is positioned between an upper siding panel and a lower siding panel along the side of a building and that routes, supports, and/or secures one or more wires. The wire channel device includes an upwardly extending arm, a transverse leg, and a wire channel having a downwardly extending leg, a channel portion, and a rear upwardly extending leg.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for controlling computer access. Briefly described in architecture, some embodiments of such a system provide a control unit for controlling user access to a computer in accordance with a user profile. An administrator of the computer is enabled to remotely access and modify the user profile. The user profile is stored at least in a remote database that is accessible via a server. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method for providing a front-end user interface for a digital cross-connect system. The method comprises displaying a user selection menu and a command line. User input is received in response to the displaying. A TL1 command corresponding to the user input is transmitted for execution on the digital cross-connect system in response to the user input including the TL1 command in the command line or in response to the user input including a selection from the user selection menu. The TL1 command is displayed in response to the transmitting and output data is received from the digital cross-connect system in response to the transmitting. The output is displayed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing distributed notification of an emergency event are disclosed. A system according to the invention can include a remote device that is communicatively coupled to a base station. The remote device can include an activation device, a GPS signal receiver, a remote device controller, and a location signal transmitter. The GPS signal receiver is adapted to receive global positioning signals from each of a plurality of global positioning satellites. The transmitter is adapted to transmit location signals to the base station. The base station can include a contact profile data store, a location signal receiver, a base station controller, and a notification signal transmitter. The location signal receiver is adapted to receive location signals from the remote device. The notification signal transmitter is adapted to transmit notification signals to each of a plurality of contacts, which can include an emergency service.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing rapid telephone call capability to a plurality of callers, the methods and systems including receiving a selection by a first party of a first code, wherein the first code is between two (2) and seven (7) characters in length, and receiving a selection by a second party of a second code, wherein the second code is between two (2) and seven (7) characters in length, and wherein the second code is different in length than the first code. The methods and systems for providing rapid telephone call capability to a plurality of callers also including storing the first code in association with a first telephone number and storing the second code in association with a second telephone number. The methods and systems for providing rapid telephone call capability to a plurality of callers further including receiving a dialed code from a caller, wherein the dialed code is between two (2) and seven (7) characters in length.