Abstract: A method and apparatus provides a framework for specifying a multimodal application, such as an IVR, in a communication network. The framework provides a metalanguage that enables a programmer to specify a multimodal user interface using view logic, business rules using router logic, and integration with a backend enterprise system.

Abstract: A system to selectively answer a telephone is disclosed and includes a stationary unit connectable in line with a telephone line extending to the telephone. The stationary unit includes: a first antenna coupled to a first transmitter-receiver to communicate with a portable unit that includes a second antenna coupled to a second transmitter-receiver; a switching circuit to seize the telephone line after receiving a signal received from a first activatable switch of the portable unit, from a second activatable switch of the portable unit, or any combination thereof; and an autodialer circuit to dial a pre-programmed telephone number in response to a signal received from the second activatable switch of the portable unit. The stationary unit receives verbal communications from the portable unit and transmits the verbal communications via the telephone line after the telephone line is seized.

Abstract: A centralized biometric system is provided for verifying an individual's identity over a communications network. The system includes a storage that stores biometric information in association with information that identifies an individual. The system also includes a receiver that receives, from one of a communications device and a network communications platform, a biometric sample from a party attempting to obtain a service from the one of the communications device and the network communications platform. The service is provided contingent on authentication of the party as the individual. The system also includes a processor that compares the biometric sample to the biometric information to authenticate the identity of the party as the individual.

Abstract: An XDSL system comprising a hybrid circuit in operative communication with a transmission line and an XDSL modem associated with a subscriber premises. The hybrid circuit comprises a plurality of selectable impedance circuits having different impedance values. A controller selectively engages each of the impedance circuits in-line with the XDSL modem and the transmission line. The controller records the performance of the modem with each circuit engaged, and selects the desired impedance circuit as a function of the performance characteristics associated with each of the impedance circuits. The impedance circuit which provides the best performance characteristic is selected as the impedance circuit for normal modem operation.

Abstract: Method and system of call screening. The method and system including screening of calls according to call screening instructions. The call screening instructions may include instructions for performing any number of call screening operations, including instructions associated with allowing or blocking international telephone calls.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method configured to provide a caller with selectable activities and entertainment when the caller is on-hold. The system and method establishes a connection between a caller and a receiving system, wherein the receiving system is configured to access a plurality of entertainment sources utilizing a selectable link. The receiving system can determine a caller's selection and retrieve the selection from an entertainment provider that stores the selection. The caller can select an entertainment category from a plurality of entertainment categories and select specific audible selections within the categories to be played to the caller. The system and method can provide a menu driven interaction and respond to voice commands and touchtone input to provide the selected entertainment from specific artists, games, and entertainers.

Abstract: A routing conduit assembly for routing fiber optic jumpers from a raceway includes interconnected hood, curved neck, and vertical body conduits. The conduits have slits which are aligned with one another when the conduits form the assembly. A connector connects the vertical body conduit to a horizontally oriented raceway to mount the assembly to the raceway with the hood conduit positioned above the raceway. The connector includes a fulcrum component which enables the assembly to tilt relative to the raceway. A support stabilizer connects to the vertical body conduit for receiving tubular containers such that the tubular containers are aligned and secured with respect to the assembly. The conduit slits receive jumpers from the raceway for the assembly to enclose and route between the raceway and fiber optic equipment located below the raceway such that the jumpers transition between horizontal and vertical orientations while maintaining a minimum bend radius.

Abstract: A feature for a mobile station, wireless network, and method of operating a wireless network for locating a misplaced mobile station and preventing its unauthorized use. The wireless network including a base station. The network and base station transmit a misplaced mobile station signal to a mobile station, causing a misplaced mobile station to ring at high volume, display a text message, emit an audio message, and deactivate normal mobile station functions.

Abstract: An IP (Internet Protocol) diagnostic system is provided for troubleshooting data transport quality over an Internet Protocol operating in a communication system (100). The IP diagnostic system includes one or more processors (106) each placed at different segments (108) in the communication system. Each processor is programmed to receive (206) a request to establish a test session with a corresponding test node, establish (208) one or more IP connections with the test node, carry out (210) the test session with the test node on said IP connections, and measure (212) a quality level for each of said IP connections.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings herein, a wireless access point module having a plug and play feature and an auto-configuration engine may be used to provide substantial benefits to business owners, Internet service providers, and subscribers. The wireless access point module may have memory and a processor configured such that during “power-up” the processor reads instruction from memory and automatically creates a virtual private network (VPN) with a centralized access gateway via a network VPN server. In turn, the wireless access point module may utilize this VPN for subscriber communications.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for providing a verbal status of a power system utilizing a telephone system. A remote diagnostics module can communicate a status signal to a reporting module or an audio reporting system. The audio reporting system can be configured to dial a telephone number of the user's telephone and provide verbal notification to a user of a specific operating parameter of a power system. A reporting module can notify a central reporting system or a local reporting system. The status may be the condition of a battery.

Abstract: A method includes monitoring, using a customer profile monitor at a server, a customer performance parameter of customer premises equipment. The customer premises equipment includes a customer profile and is located remote from the server. The customer performance parameter is compared to a customer specific performance standard to determine a difference. The customer profile of the customer premises equipment is adjusted automatically by the server.

Abstract: In a call transfer system (110) a computer program can transfer a calling party (102A) communicating with a first agent (106A) at a first communication switch when said first communication switch does not support automated call transfers. The computer program includes instructions for receiving (212) a call from the first agent, selecting (224) a second agent (106B) at a second communication switch according to a request received from the first agent, connecting (226-228) the second agent at the second communication switch with one or more of a group of parties comprising the calling party and the first agent, and activating automated call transfers at the second communication switch.

Abstract: Method and system of auditing databases for security compliance. The method and system relating to querying databases for security parameters and auditing the queried parameters against authorized security parameters to determine security compliance of the databases.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for transporting data including a first add drop multiplexer (ADM) configured to receive non Time Division Multiplexing (non-TDM) traffic and to encapsulate the non-TDM traffic as an embedded payload within a SONET synchronous transport signal (STS) frame. A first synchronous optical network (SONET) ring may be coupled to the first ADM and an optical cross connect module may at least partially interconnect the first SONET ring and a second SONET ring. The optical cross connect module may be configured to pass the SONET STS frame, having an embedded non-TDM data as a payload, to the second SONET ring without de-encapsulating the non-TDM traffic from the SONET STS frame. The ADM may be capable of converting data formats that comply with Open System Interconnection (OSI) layers 2, 3, and 4 into an STS format.

Abstract: A system is provided for connecting collect calls. A collect call number for the collect call is received. A blocking status of the collect call number is determined. The collect call number is dialed. A call recipient is prompted to accept the collect call and to select a billing option according to the blocking status. The collect call is connected based on the selected billing option.

Abstract: A device includes a conduit which is connectable to a jumper raceway. The conduit includes a hollow body having two opened ends. A permanently formed opening runs along the conduit body between the conduit body ends for the conduit body to receive a jumper from the raceway.

Abstract: A method and system for use in identifying customer premises equipment (CPE) in a distributed network are presented. The method utilizes a unique identifier provided by a CPE device to a host server during the discovery stage of PPPoE communications in a distributed network. The server receives the unique identifier and stores the identifier for use in identifying and managing CPE devices attached to a service provider's network. The host server is configured to receive an active discovery packet from a communications device. The active discovery packet has a tag comprising a device identifier field. The device identifier includes chipset and firmware information regarding remote DSL CPE.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for selecting an option for expanding a communication service into a service area. Expansion options are based on a state of the existing network, demographics, and fiber topology. A list is made of available options. Costs for each option are calculated. Expected revenue associated with each option is also calculated. Selection of an option is based in part on an expected cost and expected revenue associated with the option.

Abstract: A method for an automated voice response system to present access numbers status information to dial-up Internet users. The automated voice response system can perform the step of establishing a telephony communication with a party responsive to a received telephone call from the party. An access number can be received from the party. At least one data store can be queried for entries associated the access number. Responsive to this query, a current status for the access number can be determined. An indication of the status can be presented to the party across the telephone communication.