Abstract: The present invention relates to a procedure for ensuring the activation of a V5 interface formed between a local exchange and an access node. According to the invention, the checking of the operational condition of the primary and secondary links is started simultaneously both on the local exchange side and on the access node side, and if a confirmation indicating that the link is operational is received for the secondary link first, then a switchover of the primary link to the secondary link according to the V5 definitions is performed and the new primary link is used for protection in the V5 interface during the V5 interface activation process. The invention makes it possible to avoid unnecessary interruptions of activation during the V5 interface activation procedure.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for routing traffic in a circuit-switched network, comprising offering a call between between an origin node and a destination node to a preferred route between said nodes, and if said preferred route is not available, offering an alternative route via an intermediate node, and for links between two nodes, setting a first trunk reservation threshold for reserving a certain number of circuits for direct calls along said links between said two nodes, and setting a second trunk reservation threshold for calls between nodes connecting a second link of said alternative route.

Abstract: A telecommunications network using an intelligent network architecture per forms detection point processing for a call switched by a service switching point at a service control point which is at a location remote from the service switching point. A trigger table to use in detection point processing may be distributed between the service switching point and the service control point. Part of the trigger table may be downloaded to the service switching point from the service control point when required for a particular call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic callback used in an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). The system is particularly useful in the Personal Computer (PC) environment for guaranteed use of the next available channel to one of the modems of an Internet Services Provider (ISP). This invention makes use of the existing Automatic Call Back (ACB) feature designed for voice calls, to PC modem dial-up calls. In a specific example, the apparatus, that can be in the form of an Service Control Point (SCP) keeps in a table entries of unsuccessful communication attempts between modems and a called party, such as an ISP, as a result of a busy line condition on the ISP side. When the busy line condition ceases, the SCP issues the necessary control signals in the network to cause the Service Switching Point servicing a modem to notify the modem to re-dial. When the modem goes off-hook, the SSP applies dial tone. The modem that is invited to re-try establishing a communication attempt is selected from the table in the SCP.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling an automated attendant to a telecommunications system. The apparatus includes a switching device which establishes connection between a plurality of trunk lines of an existing telecommunications system and a plurality of ports of an automated attendant. A switching device of the apparatus is controllable to establish communication between any of the trunk lines and any of a plurality of station line ports that are adapted to be coupled to a plurality of telephone stations, respectively. The apparatus substantially isolates either the switching network or the automated attendant from the AC audio portion of a telecommunications signal based on whether the automated attendant or the switching network is handling the telecommunications signal, and is capable of monitoring the status of the trunk and stations lines to detect for an on-hook condition.

Abstract: A modular digital telephone system and method featuring a universal telephony shelf adaptable for incremental expansion of legacy telephone switches and as a building block in the construction of new telephony switches. The shelf includes identification and connectors for shelf pairing, and is adapted to receive redundant power supplies, plural line cards, and either a peripheral shelf interface unit or a switch array card which provides both a local shelf interface and three interface units for connection to the peripheral interface units of other shelves. System wide fault displays are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for routing calls to communication processing centers based on an optimal destination plan. Calls are allocated on the basis of area codes, regions, or other predetermined categories to particular communication processing centers. Each communication processing center's free capacity is calculated for all time intervals and this result is used to ascertain the smallest free capacity of any time interval for each communication processing center. The calls are then reallocated through linear programming methods such that the amount of smallest free capacity is maximized in order to determine the optimal call allocation scheme.

Abstract: A system for providing services in a communications network includes a service processing function, a universal directory function, and a nodal resource manager. The service processing function receives service requests, formulates requests for interworking functions based upon service requests, and formulates resource requests based upon service requests and interworking functions. The universal directory function receives addresses from the service processing function and returns interworking functions based upon addresses. The nodal resource manager receives resource requests and allocates resources to the service processing function in response to resource requests. The nodal resource manager maintains a resource database that includes an entry corresponding to each network resource managed by the nodal resource manager.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for determining whether a CPS should employ a standard interface or an unreliable network for routing telephone calls. The invention includes a telephone call switching apparatus which includes a routing engine configured to receive a telephone call from a terminal connected to the call switching apparatus and a switching matrix connected thereto. The telephone call includes a destination code. The routing engine is configured to receive the telephone call from a terminal or trunk line, determine an unreliable network route for the telephone call based upon the destination code, and provide a message to a call manager associated with the unreliable network route (via the switching matrix). The message includes the destination code. The routing engine is also configured to receive a response from the call manager; and route the call over the unreliable route if the response is affirmative.

Abstract: A modular digital telephone system and method featuring a universal telephony shelf adaptable for incremental expansion of legacy telephone switches and as a building block in the construction of new telephony switches. The shelf includes identification and connectors for shelf pairing, and is adapted to receive redundant power supplies, plural line cards, and either a peripheral shelf interface unit or a switch array card which provides both a local shelf interface and three interface units for connection to the peripheral interface units of other shelves. System wide fault displays are provided.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for performing circular hunts within a switch. Only a limited number of trunk groups are searched in a PSTN switch which has large numbers of trunks available. Additionally, the starting point of the search varies among the trunk groups. This search method is called a circular hunt with window. The invention limits the amount of time and resources spent searching for available call routes and more efficiently distributes traffic across trunk groups.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for updating the telephone number in a subscriber's profile to the telephone number at the subscriber's current location based on a revertive call. When a revertive call is received by a system from a subscriber, the subscriber's number is identified and compared to a default number in the subscriber's profile. The call is connected and the system checks whether the telephone number is the same as the number stored in the subscriber's profile. If the subscriber's number is different than the number stored in the subscriber's profile, after the call is terminated, the system queries the subscriber as to whether the subscriber would like to have calls forwarded to his or her current telephone number for a particular length of time.

Abstract: A system and method of retrieving customer records regardless of area code change affecting customer telephone numbers stored in customer records is provided. The method begins by providing an area code changes user interface on a system user display, which is configured to accept area code changes input by the system. Area code changes, which include actual area codes and old area codes are input using the interface. Next, each input area code change is stored in an area code changes memory. An ANI string corresponding to an incoming telephone call is then received and at least one customer record database is searched to identify any call records that include a telephone number corresponding to the ANI string. If no customer records are identified, then the area code changes memory is searched to identify if the ANI string includes an area code corresponding to an actual area code stored in the area code changes memory.

Abstract: A telephone agent availability monitoring system is disclosed for use in telephone switching networks known as “automatic call distribution” systems (ACD's). The inventive monitoring system automatically detects when a telephone headset is unplugged from its associated amplifier, and sends a signal via the agent's computer work station to a central server connected with telephone switching equipment. In the case of a wireless headset, a signal is sent when the headset travels out of communication range. The telephone switching equipment can then route an ongoing call and/or future calls to other agents who are available, until the monitoring system detects that the headset has been plugged back into the amplifier or traveled back into range, indicating that the agent is available again.

Abstract: A database for a telecommunication service includes a first record for a first number having a predetermined NXX, and a second record for a second number having the predetermined NXX. The first record includes an indication that a call having an automatic number identification associated therewith is acceptable for the first number. The second record includes an indication that a call having at least one of an automatic number identification and a calling party identification associated therewith is acceptable for the second number. Associated methods and systems for providing a telecommunication service for the predetermined NXX are disclosed.

Abstract: A telephone network redirects calls intended for an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to one of a plurality of available Internet Protocol (IP) gateways operated by the ISP. A call is received by the telephone network at an originating switch from a subscriber's calling terminal, the call directed to a toll-free-number or a central number (TFN) for the subscriber's ISP. The originating switch interacts with the signaling network via a coupled service switching point (SSP) to request a Dialed Number (DN) corresponding to the TFN. A destination switch (or a Private Branch Exchange “PBX” coupled to the destination switch), instead of completing the call, redirects the call to a new IP gateway coupled to a new destination switch or coupled PBX. The call is then routed from the calling terminal to the new IP gateway via the originating switch and the new destination switch via a lowest point in the traffic network.

Abstract: A system and a method for managing incoming calls within a call queue include a network bandwidth monitor for monitoring network bandwidth availability on a call center and a queue call rate monitor for determining a total of all call charge rates associated with the calls. A queue manager determines the order of advancement of the calls within the queue. If the network bandwidth monitor determines that network bandwidth availability is below a predetermined threshold, high network bandwidth calls are preferentially advanced to free up additional network bandwidth. Calls with high charge rates are preferentially advanced if the total call charge rate in the queue exceeds a predetermined maximum threshold. If the maximum total call charge rate threshold is exceeded and the network bandwidth availability level is below the minimum threshold, a relative priority for maintaining network bandwidth availability and reducing total call charge rates will determine the order of call advancement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for permitting temporary use of a telephone number which promptly permit temporary use of a different telephone number without requiring a telephone installation fee. Virtual telephone number notification unit assigns a virtual telephone number to a subscriber terminal at the request of the subscriber terminal, and virtual telephone number registration unit registers the thus-assigned virtual telephone number in association with connection information on the subscriber terminal. In response to call initiation by another subscriber terminal by means of the virtual telephone number, call connection unit refers to the virtual telephone number registration unit to read out the connection information associated with the virtual telephone number and, based on the connection information, connects the calling subscriber terminal to the first-mentioned subscriber terminal.

Abstract: Real time detection of the fraudulent use of a telecommunications network is accomplished by analyzing data for each call that is occurring within the network. A signal protocol receiver is used to collect signaling protocol for each call that is occurring within the network. The Signaling protocol data is collected, decoded and formatted into call information records (CIRs). The CIRs contain various operator specified parameters for each call that is occurring within the network. The CIRs are compared to operator defined thresholds. If any of the CIRs exceeds the thresholds, an alert is generated. The alerts are stored in a database where the operator can analyze them and take the appropriate corresponding action to resolve the alert. The alerts and the CIRs are archived in a database so that trends of fraudulent use can be detected and prevented. This method of fraud detection provides for the effective analyzation of every call that is occurring within the network.

Abstract: A method for providing personal information which can overcome the duplication and redundancy of personal information and regional limitation, includes building a Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) information database, a personal information database, and a destination information database in a Service Control Point (SCP), to provide the personal information to CTI destination terminals in an intelligent network; transferring, by a Service Exchange Point (SSP), a calling line identification (CLI) and a dialing number (DN) to the SCP when an originating subscriber dials, retrieving a personal information and a destination information from said databases, and transferring the CLI and the retrieved personal information and destination information to the SSP; and providing, by the SSP, the CLI and the personal information to the destination terminals.