Abstract: In one configuration, the present invention is directed to an enterprise network that includes geographically dislocated first and second network regions 202 and 206 communicating with one another through first and second networks 252 and 248 and respectively comprising first and second gateways 220 and 224 and first and second groupings of trunks. A common electronic address is associated with the second grouping of trunks. A media server 200 is positioned in the first network region 202 that includes an inter-gateway routing agent 260. The first network region transmits, as part of the establishment of a real-time or near real-time communication between first and second subscribers respectively in the first and second network regions, the common address to the second gateway 224. After the outgoing communication is answered by the second gateway 224, the first network region transmits in band to the second gateway 224 a user identifier associated with the second subscriber and/or a phantom user.

Abstract: In one configuration, an enterprise network is provided that includes geographically dislocated first and second network regions 202 and 206, the first and second network regions being in communication with one another through first and second networks 252 and 248 and respectively comprising first and second gateways 220 and 224 and first and second groupings of links connected to the second network 248. A common electronic address is associated with the second grouping of links. In response to a request from a first subscriber to initiate a communication session with a second subscriber in the other network region, a media server 200 determines that the first network 252 is currently incapable of supporting the bearer channel for the session. In response, the first gateway 220 transmits the common electronic address to the second gateway 224.

Abstract: In one configuration, an enterprise network is provided that includes geographically dislocated first and second network regions 202 and 206, the first and second network regions being in communication with one another through first and second networks 252 and 248 and respectively comprising first and second gateways 220 and 224 and first and second groupings of links connected to the second network 248. A common electronic address is associated with the second grouping of links. In response to a request from a first subscriber to initiate a communication session with a second subscriber in the other network region, a media server 200 determines that the first network 252 is currently incapable of supporting the bearer channel for the session. In response, the first gateway 220 transmits the common electronic address to the second gateway 224.

Abstract: In one configuration, the present invention is directed to an enterprise network that includes geographically dislocated first and second network regions 202 and 206 communicating with one another through first and second networks 252 and 248 and respectively comprising first and second gateways 220 and 224 and first and second groupings of trunks. A common electronic address is associated with the second grouping of trunks. A media server 200 is positioned in the first network region 202 that includes an inter-gateway routing agent 260. The first network region transmits, as part of the establishment of a real-time or near real-time communication between first and second subscribers respectively in the first and second network regions, the common address to the second gateway 224. After the outgoing communication is answered by the second gateway 224, the first network region transmits in band to the second gateway 224 a user identifier associated with the second subscriber and/or a phantom user.

Abstract: A system for call conferencing a plurality of participants is provided that includes (a) an input operable to receive, from a conference call participant A-E, at least one of (i) a selective listening request and (ii) a request to remove selective listening, wherein the communication devices 416a-e of the conference call participants A-E are connected to a plurality of gateways 408, 424; and (b) a conference configuration agent 346 operable, in response thereto and during the conference call, to change from a first conference topology to a second conference topology, wherein the first and second conference topologies have a different number of inter-gateway connections.