Abstract: An access architecture for real-time communications is described. The architecture includes an inter-architecture network utilizing a single protocol, a plurality of border elements in communication with the inter-architecture network and with an external network, and one or more call control elements in communication with said inter-architecture network. The external network utilizes any of a variety of known networking technologies and protocols. The inter-architecture network utilizes a single protocol such as SIP. The present architecture provides a single common infrastructure for offering real-time communications services independent of call control protocols and networking technologies.

Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for intercepting voice/multimedia calls in a VPN environment. The calls are diverted to a voice/multimedia call intercepting server where the intercept subject is identified. The identification may be based on an image/picture as well as identifying information about the intercept subject provided to the VPN administrator. The identifying information may be, for example, a telephone number, URL, name, and the like, for the intercept subject. The combination of image/picture and identifying information is especially useful to confirm telephone numbers, URLs, names, and the like that can be used by someone other than real intercept subject. Once the identity of the intercept subject is confirmed, the call content is duplicated, encapsulated, and/or transported to the law enforcement agency. The method and system of the invention then re originates the call to prevent the intercept subject from detecting the intercept.

Abstract: In order to provide a single common cost-efficient architecture for real time communication services for audio, video, and data over internet protocol, a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) system and architecture is provided by placing border elements (BEs) at the interface boundaries between the access network the user devices use and the VoIP infrastructure. The BEs use SIP protocol as the access call control protocol over any access networking technologies, for example, IP, Ethernet, ATM, and FR, and provides all services transparently to the end users that use SIP-enabled devices. To enable a scalable system, the SIP BEs are decomposed into separate communicating entities that make the SIP BE scalable and provide new capabilities not previously available by a self-contained SIP BE.