Abstract: A system, method and apparatus adapted to provide multiple voice communication carriers access to a data network via a single gateway.

Abstract: A method and system is provided wherein routing information is obtained from previously cached information or from a gatekeeper. An originating gateway in a network receives a request for a connection and determines whether pertinent routing information is cached. If available, the cached routing is used to attempt to establish a connection. If no previously established routing is available, the originating gateway requests preferred routing from a gatekeeper, including prioritized selections of terminating gateways through which to make a connection to a designated call recipient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing interconnectivity between several telephone networks. The apparatus receives a telephone transaction initiation message that originated with a telephone set located in a first network. The initiation message bears an originator's registration number identifying a subscriber whose home registration is located in a second network, the first and second networks using disparate signaling protocols. The apparatus then queries the originator's home registration database using the network protocol of the second network to determine the registration status of the originator. Finally, the registration status information is forwarded to the first network in the network protocol of the first network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing interconnectivity between several telephone networks. The apparatus receives a telephone transaction initiation message that originated with a telephone set located in a first network. The initiation message bears an originator's registration number identifying a subscriber whose home registration is located in a second network, the first and second networks using disparate signaling protocols. The apparatus then queries the originator's home registration database using the network protocol of the second network to determine the registration status of the originator. Finally, the registration status information is forwarded to the first network in the network protocol of the first network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing interconnectivity between several telephone networks. The apparatus receives a telephone transaction initiation message that originated with a telephone set located in a first network. The initiation message bears an originator's registration number identifying a subscriber whose home registration is located in a second network, the first and second networks using disparate signaling protocols. The apparatus then queries the originator's home registration database using the network protocol of the second network to determine the registration status of the originator. Finally, the registration status information is forwarded to the first network in the network protocol of the first network.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for managing a voice call over a packet switched network, in which the voice call is rerouted when voice quality is below a predetermined level. In particular, the voice quality is determined by calculating a parameter representing the voice quality based on information regarding codec, network delay and packet loss. Preferably, R-factor and MOS is calculated based on the information obtained from Cisco CDRs during the call session.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing interconnectivity between several telephone networks. The apparatus receives a telephone transaction initiation message that originated with a telephone set located in a first network. The initiation message bears an originator's registration number identifying a subscriber whose home registration is located in a second network, the first and second networks using disparate signaling protocols. The apparatus then queries the originator's home registration database using the network protocol of the second network to determine the registration status of the originator. Finally, the registration status information is forwarded to the first network in the network protocol of the first network.

Abstract: A system and method for reconciling the differences in pricing breakout definitions between telecommunication carriers so that rates and codes can be communicated between carriers in a format that is compatible with the systems of the respective carriers.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides a distributed monitoring, evaluation and routing (“DiMER”) system capable of active management of data network-based telephony. Such a system, and data network-based telephony incorporating the same, advantageously routes calls to meet call quality standards, connection speed and/or cost goals, among other targets. To meet such quality standards, the system incorporates preferences with periodically obtained call-related data and analysis, and revises call routing, as appropriate, by shifting or reallocating call traffic between available terminating gateways (based on their performance and caller preferences).

Abstract: An indexing system in a database comprises plural levels, each representing one digit in a key of a data string and having an instruction for each constituent element at said represented digit of the key. The instruction includes one of: i) moving on to check a next level without specifying a record; ii) specifying one or more records and also moving on to check a next level; iii) specifying one or more records and not moving on to check a next level; iv) not specifying a record and not moving on to check a next level. A database so indexed facilitates an efficient recursive lookup on a best-pattern match basis, such as required in a telephony database for acquiring fast routing instructions based on a telephone number.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing a voice call to a PSTN extension for a networked client computer, and routing the voice call off of the network, is provided. In a first embodiment, the apparatus comprises a storage medium having stored therein a plurality of programming instructions for implementing a set of communication services for facilitating establishment of the voice call to the PSTN extension, and an execution unit, coupled to the storage medium, for executing the plurality of programming instructions. The set of communication services include services for receiving a Push-To-Talk™ request from the networked client computer, requesting the voice call, and in response, determining the PSTN extension. The Push-To-Talk™ request includes identification information of an originating web server of the Push-To-Talk™ option, and the determination of the PSTN extension is made in accordance with the originating web server's identification information.

Abstract: A system and method for reconciling the differences in pricing breakout definitions between telecommunication carriers so that rates and codes can be communicated between carriers in a format that is compatible with the systems of the respective carriers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing call or contacts over a network based upon an identifier. The contacting party sends a message requesting contact with the contacted party, and the system locates the contacted party via a data network or telephone address specified preferably by the contacted party.

Abstract: A method and system is provided wherein routing information is obtained from previously cached information or from a gatekeeper. An originating gateway in a network receives a request for a connection and determines whether pertinent routing information is cached. If available, the cached routing is used to attempt to establish a connection. If no previously established routing is available, the originating gateway requests preferred routing from a gatekeeper, including prioritized selections of terminating gateways through which to make a connection to a designated call recipient. In a further embodiment of the invention, a process is provided to respond to a complaint regarding the quality of service. The system determines whether the reported problem is general or isolated; if it is general, alternate call routing is devised.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided with a storage medium having stored therein programming instructions that implement a set of communication services for receiving on behalf of a plurality of offeror content providers within a call service community, an indication from an offeree acknowledging acceptance of an offer to provide assistance presented to the offeree by one of the plurality of offeror content providers. In one embodiment, independent agents selectively facilitate assisting offerees based at least in part upon certain attributes specific to the offer and/or the offeree.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing a voice call by way of an electronic mail (email) message is provided. According to one embodiment of the invention, a first party (i.e. offeror), generates or causes to be generated, an electronic token representing an offer to participate in a voice which is transmitted to an offeree party in association with an email message. Upon receiving the electronic token, the offeree has the option of accepting the offer by activating the electronic token. When the offeree activates the electronic token, a first voice call is established with the offeree and a second voice call is established with a destination party identified by the offeror. Once the two calls have been established, they are bridged together to place the offeree in voice communication with the destination party. In one embodiment, the destination party is the offeror.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing routing through a data network is disclosed. Plural simulations are run on various links between network routers, and a central location may be used to compile the information from the links and calculate parameters of paths through the network. A graphical user interface to specify parameters of the simulations is also provided.