Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a boundary node and a server for restricting the traffic in a packet-oriented, connectionless network for an efficient QoS transmission of prioritized data packets. According to the invention, reliability checks are carried out that include a reliability check with respect to the network input and the network output. The reliability checks allow to check whether resources meeting the requirements to transmission of a group of data packets of a priority class are available in the network. The invention allows to avoid resource shortages, especially at the network input and network output, thereby safeguarding QoS transmission.

Abstract: Embodiments of the method and system provide for network support for call record privacy in a telecommunication system. The method in an embodiment may have the steps of: checking for a subscription to the call record privacy feature by a subscriber; checking if the call record privacy feature is active for a call associated with the subscriber; and marking call detail records of the call as “private” when the call record privacy feature is active. The system implements the method.

Abstract: Communications systems are provided, a representative one of which incorporates: a recorder operative to record information associated with a communication; and a first computer application operative to provide a graphical user interface, the graphical user interface being configured such that, responsive to a user input designating a portion of the communication via the graphical user interface, information corresponding to that portion of the communication and recorded by the recorder is presented to the user, the first computer application being further operative to construct an integrated data stream comprising at least some of the information recorded.

Abstract: A splitter unit including a chassis containing splitter cards. The splitter unit includes a central processing unit mounting location. The splitter unit also includes test access devices that are inactive when the central processing unit mounting location is vacant. The splitter unit is configured such that the splitter cards provide passive signal splitting even when the central processing unit mounting location is vacant.

Abstract: It is one objective of the present invention to provide a private branch exchange that can identify calls to be routed to an extension phone group. A private branch exchange according to this invention comprises: a caller information detector for, when a call is received, obtaining caller information; a group incoming call table in which two or more extension numbers are correlated with an extension incoming call group number; and an incoming call group controller for, when a call received through the telephone line is for an extension incoming call group number, extracting from the group incoming call table extension numbers that are correlated with the extension incoming call group number and transmitting an incoming call signal to extension phones corresponding to the extension numbers, and also for storing, in a group incoming call log table, a caller number that is obtained by the caller information detector.

Abstract: A flexible data outlet includes a housing configured for placement in an operating area of a user, such as on a wall adjacent to a user's work space. User interface circuitry in the housing provides an interface to user equipment located in the user operating area, including a user telephone device and a user data device such as a personal computer. The user interface circuitry includes a link-layer interface to the user data device. Both wired and wireless user connections are supported. Premises interface circuitry in the housing provides an interface to premises equipment located generally outside the user operating area. The premises equipment includes data processing equipment and telephone communications equipment providing access to a public telephone network. Bridge circuitry in the housing provides communications connections between the user interface circuitry and the premises interface circuitry in a flexible manner, enabling the provision of a variety of information services to the user.

Abstract: An RF switch circuit and method for switching RF signals that may be fabricated using common integrated circuit materials such as silicon, particularly using insulating substrate technologies. The RF switch includes switching and shunting transistor groupings to alternatively couple RF input signals to a common RF node, each controlled by a switching control voltage (SW) or its inverse (SW_), which are approximately symmetrical about ground. The transistor groupings each comprise one or more insulating gate FET transistors connected together in a “stacked” series channel configuration, which increases the breakdown voltage across the series connected transistors and improves RF switch compression. A fully integrated RF switch is described including control logic and a negative voltage generator with the RF switch elements. In one embodiment, the fully integrated RF switch includes an oscillator, a charge pump, CMOS logic circuitry, level-shifting and voltage divider circuits, and an RF buffer circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing caller ID information related to a third party, to a telephone user already engaged in a telephone call with a second party. A burst of FSK data is transmitted to the user during the conversation with the second party. The FSK data signal is detected and modified as it is received, such as through the addition of a melody, prior to being audibly conveyed to the telephone user. The resulting modified signal is aesthetically pleasing to the user, while indicating to the user that communications with the second party are temporarily interrupted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for setting up a voice call between a client and one of a plurality of agents of an organization. The method includes the steps of detecting a contact request associated with the client determining a communication system address of the client based upon the detected contact request transferring a request to a router at a router Internet protocol address for a voice connection between the client at the determined address and one of the plurality of agents selecting an agent of the plurality of agents and forming a voice channel between the determined address of the client and an agent Internet protocol address of a terminal of the selected agent.

Abstract: Provided is a billing method for telecommunication service based on fixed fee according to user's usage time. The method includes the steps of: estimating reference time according to user's usage time of the previous term; estimating guarantee time; reading user's usage time of this term; and billing telecommunication service fare according to the reference time and the guarantee time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for specifying and obtaining services through audio commands, resulting in a live conversation between a user and a selected service provider using an audio-transmission medium (the telephone). A service seeker locates a service provider by entering a keypad code corresponding to a field of service or by speaking the name of a profession, which is recognized by the system. The seeker can then specify, via voice or keypad entry, a price range, quality rating, language, and keyword descriptors of the service provider, such as a service provider code number. In response, the system offers currently available service providers. Once an available service provider is selected, the system connects the service seeker with the service provider for a live conversation. The system bills the seeker for the time spent conversing with the service provider and compensates the service provider accordingly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a telecommunication service is disclosed wherein a call associated with a first prepaid services account identifier is received from a user. An offer is provided to the user to initiate a replacement service for the first prepaid services account identifier and, upon receiving an indication of an acceptance of the offer from the user, a replacement codeword associated with the first prepaid services account identifier is established. The call associated with the first prepaid services account may be any type of communication, including a telephone call, a message delivered via the internet, or any other voice or data message. Upon receipt of the codeword from the user, a second prepaid services account identifier is established and, in one implementation, the first prepaid services account identifier is deactivated.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, and means for generating timing information in a wireless communication network comprises detecting, at a mobile unit, accurate timing information, wherein the mobile unit is in a cell area serviced by a base station. Association data is generated which associates the accurate timing information with base station timing information maintained by the base station. Network timing information is updated by using or storing the association data. Pursuant to embodiments of the present invention, the association data is stored and maintained at a central network authority from where it may be disseminated to mobile units and base stations in the network.

Abstract: A telephony system that accepts inputs, such as account codes, from a variety of devices and interfaces. The system includes a server with a telephony management software (TMS) unit, a telephony application programming interface (TAPI) unit, and an application unit. The application unit includes a control module, a call status module, an endpoint interface module, a storage interface module, a call transfer module, a TAPI interface module, a configuration module, and an extension library module. A server is capable of prompting several devices for an input and then accepting an input from any of the devices. Thus, a server enables a user to initiate a phone call on one device and then input information using a different device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provide for processing prepaid calling time to a subscriber by determining an identity of a subscriber of prepaid calling time upon origination of a call to which a subscriber of prepaid calling time is to be a party; determining an amount of prepaid calling time available to the subscriber; allowing a call to which the subscriber is to be a party to be connected if prepaid calling time is available to the subscriber; and deducting calling time from the available prepaid calling time of the subscriber as the connected call proceeds. The method also provides for purchasing pre-paid calling time by electronically transferring funds from an account of the subscriber to an account of a pre-paid call time provider, the amount of funds transferred equal to the dollar amount of pre-paid calling time to be credited to the subscriber; and crediting to the subscriber an amount of pre-paid calling time corresponding to the dollar amount of the transferred funds.

Abstract: A system routes local toll-free communications to a toll-free communications address via local switches and/or local network onto interconnecting local providers with local access settlement rates, thereby allowing a local rather than toll cost structure of the communication. When an originating communications address is identified as an LCA, intraLATA, or otherwise local communications address, the system routes the local toll-free call from the network to participating local switches that service the subscriber's terminating communications. According to exemplary embodiments, the originating communications are separated between the LCA and the rest of the LATA based upon the NPA-NXXs that are considered local to the subscriber's terminating number. The system also provides for communicating and routing local toll free communications and for reporting each local toll free communication to the subscriber.

Abstract: Providing enhanced emergency services (E-911) to an IP Telephony-based PBX or similar system, by utilizing aspects of the intelligence of end-user SIP client devices to address challenges and difficulties associated with E-911-like services in LAN-based telephony environments.

Abstract: A computer-assisted system and method for auditing a communications bill wherein billing information is collected, reformatted and stored for use in a set of automated audits. The system and method for auditing a communications bill further collects data from other external systems such as a work order system, a trouble ticket system, an inventory system, an AMA/SMDR data source, an SS7 event record data source, or another source of call records or billing records. The data collected is used in a set of automated audits to determine if the communications bills contain errors. The system and method will further perform historical audits, and generate and manage the billing dispute process. The system and method will further provide audit reports and interface to an accounts payable system.

Abstract: A method of wireless communication. The method includes the step of broadcasting a message, such as channel list message, for example. The broadcasting message lists each available carrier for each available frequency band in the wireless communication spectrum—e.g., 400 MHz and about 2100 MHz. Each available carrier listed within the message may correspond with at least one cell of a coverage area. Moreover, each broadcast message comprises at least one occurrence for each available carrier. Each available carrier may also be repeated within the message a number of times corresponding to a carrier weighting. This carrier weighting in turn corresponds with a traffic load. Alternatively, the method may also include the step of repeating the broadcast of the message a number of times, wherein the number corresponds to a carrier weighting associated with the traffic load. The broadcast message may also comprise a listing of at least one service, such as voice and/or data, supported by each available carrier.

Abstract: A method, a telecommunications system and a network node are provided for managing subscription information of a prepaid subscription in a telecommunications system. According to the present invention, a first time limit indicating when the subscription will expire is set during subscription provisioning. When the first time limit is encountered, the subscription is deactivated.