Abstract: A proxy gateway for voice over Internet protocol telephony. The proxy gateway includes a terminal portion and a gateway portion. The gateway portion is coexisting and in communications with the terminal portion. The proxy gateway is capable of interfacing with a gatekeeper and a gateway. The proxy gateway is further capable of interfacing with at least one terminal via a network to which the at least one terminal is attached. The proxy gateway uses its terminal portion for interfacing with the at least one terminal. The proxy gateway uses its gateway portion for interfacing with the gateway and gatekeeper. Another aspect of the invention is a telephony system in which at least one proxy gateway is deployed. The proxy gateway has dual characteristics such that it behaves as a terminal with respect to other terminals and as a gateway with respect to other gateways.

Abstract: A call establishment method for Internet Telephony appliances consisting of two phases. The first phase is a method of notifying the Internet Telephony appliance of the called party that a VoIP call is being attempted. The second phase is for both systems to automatically log on to the Internet and to proceed through the procedure to establish the VoIP call.