Abstract: A method and device that interrogates the availability of a called party before placing a communication from the calling party to the called party. A callback may be initiated so that both communications are completed simultaneously. The routing of communication may take place through any one of a number of different networks and at another time of the day, even if the caller does not otherwise have access to those networks.

Abstract: The present invention provides for bidirectional or duplex transmission of multimedia content such as live video and/or audio between access devices of a calling party and a called party in a convergent network. The quality of transmission is managed through a convergent communications platform, which periodically tests performance characteristics of network routes in operative communication with the platform, categorizes the network routes based on measured performance metrics, and selects network operators whose network characteristics meet the desired duality parameters of a particular multimedia content to be transmitted (e.g., real time high definition video conference). The management of transmissions is transparent to the end users who will be able to communicate with others regardless of the type of devices or networks the caked parties use or subscribe to.

Abstract: A method and device that interrogates the availability of a called party before placing a communication from the calling party to the called party. A callback may be initiated so that both communications are completed simultaneously. The routing of communication may take place through any one of a number of different networks and at another time of the day, even if the caller does not otherwise have access to those networks.

Abstract: The present invention provides for bidirectional or duplex transmission of multimedia content such as live video and/or audio between access devices of a calling party and a called party in a convergent network. The quality of transmission is managed through a convergent communications platform, which periodically tests performance characteristics of network routes in operative communication with the platform, categorizes the network routes based on measured performance metrics, and selects network operators whose network characteristics meet the desired quality parameters of a particular multimedia content to be transmitted (e.g., real-time high definition video conference). The management of transmissions is transparent to the end users who will be able to communicate with others regardless of the type of devices or networks the called parties use or subscribe to.

Abstract: A method and device that interrogates the availability of a called party before placing a communication from the calling party to the called party. A callback may be initiated so that both communications are completed simultaneously. The routing of communication may take place through any one of a number of different networks and at another time of the day, even if the caller does not otherwise have access to those networks.

Abstract: A method of settling accounts of buyers and sellers of telecommunication services by an online exchange system includes storing data representing a financial account of at least one seller and at least one buyer, wherein the financial account includes at least one of accounts receivable and cash receipts. A service node receives an offer to sell the services from the at least one seller and requests to buy the services from the at least one buyer. The service node then matches the offers and requests in accordance with one or more parameters specified in the offers and requests. A route table is generated based on the routes specified in the matched offers and requests and a switch node is configured based on the route table. Fees are computed based on the usage of the matched routes and the financial accounts of the at least one seller and at least one buyer based on the computed fees.

Abstract: A method and device that interrogates the availability of a called party before placing a communication from the calling party to the called party. A callback may be initiated so that both communications are completed simultaneously. The routing of communication may take place through any one of a number of different networks and at another time of the day, even if the caller does not otherwise have access to those networks.

Abstract: A method and device that interrogates the availability of a called party before placing a communication from the calling party to the called party. A callback may be initiated so that both communications are completed simultaneously. The routing of communication may take place through any one of a number of different networks and at another time of the day, even if the caller does not otherwise have access to those networks.

Abstract: A method and system for trading IP bandwidth in an exchange environment. Participating members of the exchange register their IP route destinations with the exchange. The exchange collects buy and sell orders, which include parameters such as the desired destination, price and quality of the routes. The buy and sell orders are matched based on the specified parameters, and lists of matched orders are forwarded to members' routers for execution of the trades. The exchange settles the executed trades by issuing invoices in accordance with the buyer members' usage of the bandwidth offered by the seller members.

Abstract: A telecommunications services exchange that assigns telecommunications services to a relatively small number of tagged classes based on the values of certain parameters characterizing these services is disclosed. Carriers and other traders participating in the exchange may use the class tag to refer to each service they seek to purchase or sell. The relatively small number of classes increases the probability of matching offered and required services. Class definitions may be established on the basis of typical parameter values for a particular type of service, and may be modified over time as those values change. The exchange operator may monitor the parameter variation of each offered service, and swap that service for a different service when monitored variation exceeds that dictated by class boundaries.

Abstract: A method and device that interrogates the availability of a called party before placing a communication from the calling party to the called party. A callback may be initiated so that both communications are completed simultaneously. The routing of communication may take place through any one of a number of different networks and at another time of the day, even if the caller does not otherwise have access to those networks.

Abstract: A method of settling accounts of buyers and sellers of telecommunication services by an online exchange system includes storing data representing a financial account of at least one seller and at least one buyer, wherein the financial account includes at least one of accounts receivable and cash receipts. A service node receives an offer to sell the services from the at least one seller and requests to buy the services from the at least one buyer. The service node then matches the offers and requests in accordance with one or more parameters specified in the offers and requests. A route table is generated based on the routes specified in the matched offers and requests and a switch node is configured based on the route table. Fees are computed based on the usage of the matched routes and the financial accounts of the at least one seller and at least one buyer based on the computed fees.

Abstract: A method settling accounts of buyers and sellers of telecommunications services by an online exchange system includes storing data representing a financial account of at least one seller and at least one buyer, wherein the financial account includes at least one of accounts receivable and cash receipts. A service node receives an offer to sell the services from the at least one seller and requests to buy the services from the at least one buyer. The service node then matches the offer and requests in accordance with one or more parameters specified in the offers and requests. A route table is generated based on the routes specified in the matched offers and requests and a switch node is configured based on the route table. Fees are computed based on the usage of the matched routes and the financial accounts of the at least one seller and at least one buyer based on the computer fees.

Abstract: A method and system for trading IP bandwidth in an exchange environment. Participating members of the exchange register their IP route destinations with the exchange. The exchange collects buy and sell orders, which include parameters such as the desired destination, price and quality of the routes. The buy and sell orders are matched based on the specified parameters, and lists of matched orders are forwarded to members' routers for execution of the trades. The exchange settles the executed trades by issuing invoices in accordance with the buyer members' usage of the bandwidth offered by the seller members.

Abstract: Computerized switching system provides a method of connecting a caller and a called party or target by a manual or automated dialer by informing a control station of a PIN or ID number and optionally the service type, and having the call routed based on preprogrammed numbers provided by the called party. The call is routed to a destination that may be based on many factors, including the hour of day, priority of call, service type, destination and origination of caller and other programmed commands. The called party has the ability to administer the routings and direct all call flows, including destination, scanning originator, time, etc. A dialer service pre-programmed with access and PIN numbers may be used to automate these procedures. A dialer may also be incorporated in a pager to permit automated access of pager messages.

Abstract: A system and method for flexibly routing communications transmissions in an efficient manner is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, service providers submit information to a centralized server node which comprises cost and service parameter data for routing a communication from a first location to a second location. The server node receives all of the submitted rate information, evaluates it, and generates from the information a rate-table database comprising efficient routing paths for connecting transmissions between any two locations in a communications switching network. The server may be programmed to substantially optimize its rate-table database with respect to one or more parameters, such as price, network utilization, return traffic volumes, and others. Service requesters submit service requests to the centralized server node.

Abstract: A system for use of a telecommunications voice network includes a communication node local to a calling location for acquiring calling and called party identification numbers and transmitting them to a central switching unit associated with a called location, through a transception channel independent of the telecommunications voice network. Further provided is a central switching unit for interrogating the called location to obtain a call supervision status thereof. Also provided is an apparatus for completing a first phonecall from the switching unit to the called location if the call supervision status is that of an answer, and for originating a second phonecall through the telecommunications network to the calling location. Teleconferencing of the first and second phonecalls then occurs. Further provided is an apparatus for providing an uncompleted call status signal to the central switching unit if the call status is that of a no answer or busy. The calling party is then appropriately advised.

Abstract: A system and method for flexibly routing telecommunications in an efficient manner using resources that are traded in a market are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, service providers and requesters submit service offers and requests to a server node. Offers and requests may be submitted automatically by a telecommunications node programmed to dynamically monitor current volume and sell or buy telecommunication time or bandwidth on the basis of the actual and predicted demand. The server node administers all aspects of the trades and the resulting changes in global network operations, hilling, and settlements. When a buyer wishes to use telecommunications resources it has purchased, it may pass supervision to a local telecommunications node, which may establish transmission using the purchased telecommunications resources.

Abstract: A method settling accounts of buyers and sellers of telecommunications services by an online exchange system includes storing data representing a financial account of at least one seller and at least one buyer, wherein the financial account includes at least one of accounts receivable and cash receipts. A service node receives an offer to sell the services from the at least one seller and requests to buy the services from the at least one buyer. The service node then matches the offer and requests in accordance with one or more parameters specified in the offers and requests. A route table is generated based on the routes specified in the matched offers and requests and a switch node is configured based on the route table. Fees are computed based on the usage of the matched routes and the financial accounts of the at least one seller and at least one buyer based on the computer fees.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamic utilization of the available bandwidth on existing ISDN and other broadband links is disclosed. In a first preferred embodiment, an efficient link-utilization system comprises first and second telecommunication nodes connected by one or more ISDN links or other broadband connections. When a caller desires to place a call from a communication device served by the first telecommunication node to a communication device served by the second telecommunication node, the first telecommunication node determines whether an existing broadband link connecting the first and second telecommunication nodes has sufficient available bandwidth to carry the call in compressed form from the calling communication device to the called communication device.