Abstract: A cross-connect switch (16) for implementing local number portability between a current local service provider originating switch (14) and a desired local service provider ported switch (18). The cross-connect switch (16) is connected in a line associated with a subscriber's directory number between the originating switch (14) and a main distribution frame (12) to establish a first active communication channel. The cross-connect switch (16) is also connected in-line between the ported switch (18) and the main distribution frame (12) to establish a second inactive communication channel. The cross-connect switch (16) is signaled to automatically deactivate the first communication channel and activate the second communication channel thereby routing communications associated with said subscriber's directory number to the ported switch (18).

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system is provided for testing a communications line. The method comprises removing a repeater from an access case connected to a telecommunications line, connecting a test adapter to the access case and a test extension apparatus to the test adapter. The method further comprises connecting a plurality of diagnostic equipment devices to the test extension apparatus and testing the communications line with the diagnostics equipment via the test extension apparatus. The apparatus comprises a spool having a plurality of terminals, and a length of wire wound on the spool. The wire includes a plurality of subpairs of wires each of the subpairs of wires having a first end electrically connectable to the communications line, and a second end electrically connected to a corresponding terminal on the spool.

Abstract: Narrowband signaling from a transfer node for a call originating at an end office is received at a centralized control and signaling interworking function device in an asynchronous transfer mode switching network. The received narrowband signaling is converted to broadband signaling. The broadband signaling is provided to a plurality of trunk interworking function devices via the asynchronous transfer mode switching network, to establish a connection across the asynchronous transfer mode switching network, when the centralized control and signaling interworking function device and the plurality of trunk interworking function devices are determined to be members of a closed user group.

Abstract: A data processing method and network for collecting, storing, and providing user profile data. The network comprises a number of persona agents, interconnected to a hub. The persona agents and the hub are stored within the data communications network. Each persona agent is associated with a user of the data communications network, and is operable to collect observational data from an application being executed by the user, as well to receive queries for profile data from the application and to respond to the queries with context-based profile data.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for adaptably maintaining a taxonomy defined by a plurality of nodes arranged hierarchically.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing an indication of the busy condition to a calling party on a telecommunications system. The calling party may be the user of a text telephone device such as a TTY device. When a called party's line is busy, the method and system send a text message to the calling party that indicates that the called party's line is busy.

Abstract: An optical stream is split into a primary optical stream and a secondary optical stream. The secondary optical stream is converted to an electrical signal. The electrical signal is processed to identify a particular portion of the optical stream. The primary optical stream is delayed to provide a delayed optical stream. The particular portion of the delayed optical stream is modified to provide a controlled impairment.

Abstract: An Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)-based distributed virtual tandem switching system is provided in which a network of ATM-based devices is combined to create a distributed virtual tandem switch. The system includes an ATM switching network that dynamically sets up individual switched virtual connections. The system also includes a trunk interworking function (T-IWF) device and a centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device. The trunk interworking function device converts end office voice trunks from TDM channels to ATM cells by employing a structured circuit emulation service. The centralized control and signaling interworking function device performs call control functions and interfaces narrowband signaling and broadband signaling for call processing and control within the ATM switching network. Consequently, the ATM based distributed virtual tandem switching system replaces a standard tandem switch in the PSTN.

Abstract: A distributed network switching system includes a data network. The system also includes multiple access interworking function (A-IWF) devices each operating as a gateway that enables customer premises devices to directly interface into the data network. The system further includes a centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device that performs call control functions and administrative functions and is adapted to interface narrowband and broadband signaling for call processing and control within the data network.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a method for NPA split processing on a service control point. These preferred embodiments can be used to overcome problems encountered during a permissive dialing period of an NPA split and yield several advantages over prior art approaches to this problem. Specifically, these preferred embodiments do not require changes to be made to an existing call processing record to include a pointer to a new call processing record identified by a telephone number with a new NPA. Additionally, unlike prior approaches that require changes to be made to all incoming query messages to a service control point, these preferred embodiments do not require extra processing for services that are not NPA sensitive.

Abstract: A digital signal line transmission system with reduced echo is provided. A communication line is between a carrier and a user terminal. A bridgetap line has a first end connected to the communication line. An adaptor having a capacitance is connected to the bridgetap line. The adaptor reduces the effect of echo from the bridgetap line on a rate of data transmission to the user terminal over the communication line.

Abstract: A communications network and method enable broadband service subscribers to dynamically select broadband service destinations they wish to access from subscriber customer premises equipment. The communications network is an ATM network including a plurality of ATM switches. The network also includes at least one directory server connected to the ATM network, at least one fiber terminating device connected to the at least one directory server, and at least one broadband destination connected to the ATM network. Furthermore, the subscribers' customer premise equipment is connected to the at least one fiber terminating device. The method includes receiving a session request, which identifies a destination, in the at least one service gateway, wherein the session request is transmitted over a broadband connection using an Internet protocol. Next, using the at least one service gateway, an ATM network address of the destination from the at least one directory server is retrieved.

Abstract: A method for providing secure communications through a communications network comprising ATM channels and TDM channels. The communications network includes at least one closed user group of network elements configured to communicate with only other network elements in the closed user group. The method receives a connection setup request at an ingress ATM switch, via a UNI attached to the ATM switch, in response to a call initiated through a TDM channel. The UNI interfaces a first network element of the closed user group with the ATM switch. The method further verifies that an ATM End System Address (AESA) contained in calling party information of the connection setup request is consistent with the attached UNI. Additionally, the method establishes a connection with at least a second network element of the closed user group through an egress ATM switch in the communications network when the AESA is consistent with the attached UNI.

Abstract: A method of providing a caller with a directory assistance dialog. The dialog is configurable, at any level of the dialog, from an automated speech recognition (ASR) dialog to an operator-assisted (OP) dialog. The dialog is handed off to an operator if any level of the speech recognition dialog fails. Also, a configuration switch may be set to cause the dialog to be handed off to an operator even if a response at some level of the ASR dialog is successfully recognized.

Abstract: A mobile station is used by one of a plurality of subscribers of a home area wireless service provider. The mobile station includes a memory for storing a home area wireless network identity and a plurality of preferred wireless network identities. The mobile station further including a controller controlling said mobile station to connect to the home area wireless network when in a home area and controlling said mobile station to connect to one of the preferred wireless networks when outside the home area.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a distributed switching system supporting a plurality of services. A service request is initiated by an initiating customer. The service request is then executed using, for example, a user-to-network interface setup. A terminating setup is then performed to either accept or reject the requested service. Multiple service requests are correlated with respective services to enable at least one appropriate policy and logic.

Abstract: A customer service call system that provides both manual (assisted by a service representative) and automated problem solving dialogs. A routing process determines which dialog is appropriate for incoming calls. The routing process determines a probability that the automated system will resolve the problem and also determines an expected hold time for the customer to reach the manual dialog. The routing process uses this information to determine how the call should be routed.

Abstract: A user agent in a Web access device transmits an HTTP request for Web content to an origin server. The request contains a set of capabilities of the Web access device. A content authoring mechanism and adaptation determination service on the origin server process the request to determine what transformation is required to make the requested content fit the capabilities of the Web access device. The adaptation determination service invokes a niche transformation service that performs, in response to the content and the capabilities, the necessary transformation. The transformed Web content is transmitted to the user agent.

Abstract: A computer readable medium stores a program in an ingress capable network device of a network for routing signals through the network. The computer readable includes a receiving code segment for receiving an original signal, which has an embedded destination service address. The computer readable medium also includes a querying code segment for querying a database server to obtain an internal routing address corresponding to the embedded destination service address, and a routing code segment for routing at least a portion of the original signal through the network to an egress capable network device according to the internal routing address. The routed portion of the original signal includes at least the embedded destination service address, which enables the egress capable network device to restore the embedded destination service address and to forward the routed portion of the original signal from the network.

Abstract: Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) video data is separated into first data and second data. A first signal is formed based on the first data. A second signal is formed based on the second data. The first signal is transported via a first Optical Carrier 3 (OC-3) channel. The second signal is transported via a second OC-3 channel.