Abstract: A system for the handling of calls by a packet-based telephony system by which calls invoking features not implemented on the packet-based system are handed off to an existing legacy circuit-switched telephony system for further processing. Initial address messages are forwarded to a packet network feature server, which determines whether the features invoked by the call can be provided. If not, the feature server assigns the call a trunk selection parameter according to the type of feature invoked. The trunk selection parameter is conveyed to a connection gateway, which routes the call on one of a plurality of voice trunks. The call is received by a circuit-switched switching system for further processing according to the feature invoked.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for permitting a telecommunications switch to interact with a plurality of feature servers. All feature request messages from the switch are directed to a service integration node. A Policy Manager software and database system in the service integration node analyzes received request messages from the telecommunications switch, and generates one or more request messages to one or more of the feature servers. The Policy Manager controls the sequencing of feature request messages in cases where a plurality of feature servers, or a plurality of different application programs on one feature server, are required in order to supply the telecommunications switch with the response information necessary for executing the feature. Advantageously, using this type of arrangement, a telecommunications switch can communicate with a plurality of feature servers while controlling interaction among different features triggered by a common event, such as an incoming call.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for controlling the establishment of telecommunications calls. In response to a service request from a calling party, a switch serving the calling party transmits a query identifying the called party to a shared database. The database provides information identifying the switch for accessing the called party, and information for identifying port(s) for accessing the called party from that switch. When a customer moves from one location to another, the database is updated to reflect the switch and port identification associated with the new location of the customer. If the called customer is a mobile customer, the database maintains information concerning the current location of that customer so that calls can be immediately switched to that customer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for permitting a telecommunications switch to interact with a plurality of feature servers. All feature request messages from the switch are directed to a service integration node. A Policy Manager software and database system in the service integration node analyzes received request messages from the telecommunications switch, and generates one or more request messages to one or more of the feature servers. The Policy Manager controls the sequencing of feature request messages in cases where a plurality of feature servers, or a plurality of different application programs on one feature server, are required in order to supply the telecommunications switch with the response information necessary for executing the feature. Advantageously, using this type of arrangement, a telecommunications switch can communicate with a plurality of feature servers while controlling interaction among different features triggered by a common event, such as an incoming call.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling establishment of telecommunications call connections in a telecommunications network. The network comprises a plurality of switches each with its own switching processor means, and a plurality of switching processing platforms each comprising at least one call processor. The switches and switching processing platforms are interconnected by a data network. SS7 signaling messages are received in one of the platforms and a call is assigned to a call processor. The call processor communicates with one or more switching processor means for controlling establishment of the call. Call features are processed under the control of the call processor. Advantageously, any call processor can be used for serving any call in the network and can control all legs of a multi-leg connection. Advantageously, in a large network, the number of platforms may be significantly less than the number of switches which reduces the cost and complexity of administration of the network.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for continuing the processing of a telecommunications call in the presence of a failure of a call processor. A backup processor is designated for each call, and a file of signaling messages for that call is maintained in that backup processor. When a failure of the call processor is detected, the file of accumulated messages for the call is processed by the backup processor in order to build up a call state for the call, but without sending call control messages for the call. Subsequent signaling messages are processed by the backup processor, including transmitting call control messages to other processors for establishing the call. Advantageously, the backup processor only processes signaling messages when a failure is detected thus greatly reducing the processing resources required for a typical call (which, of course, does not involve a processor failure).