Abstract: A method for supporting advanced features in a core SIP network when the calling party is in a network operating with the H.323 protocol is disclosed. Specifically, after processing the calls by collecting information associated with the advanced features, a REFER message is sent by an application server to an ingress border element associated with the calling party. The ingress border element then sends an H.450.2 FACILITY message containing the information in the SIP REFER message to an application gateway associated with the calling party. Upon receiving a SETUP message from the application gateway, the ingress border element then translates that SETUP message into a SIP INVITE message to establish the call.

Abstract: A method for supporting advanced features in a core SIP network when the calling party is in a network operating with the H.323 protocol is disclosed. Specifically, after processing the calls by collecting information associated with the advanced features, a REFER message is sent by an application server to an ingress border element associated with the calling party. The ingress border element then sends an H.450.2 FACILITY message containing the information in the SIP REFER message to an application gateway associated with the calling party. Upon receiving a SETUP message from the application gateway, the ingress border element then translates that SETUP message into a SIP INVITE message to establish the call.

Abstract: Upon detection of an overload condition at a network element, the network element sends two messages to those other network elements which may potentially send request messages to the overloaded network element. If the network utilizes the SIP signaling protocol, then the messages sent by an overloaded network element are SIP INVITE and SIP CANCEL. The CANCEL message comprises an indication that the sending network element is unavailable and an amount of time which the recipient network elements are to wait before sending any requests to the overloaded network node. Upon receipt of these messages, the receiving network elements wait for a delay time period before sending any additional request messages to the overloaded network element. During the waiting period, the waiting network elements may send request messages to network elements other than the overloaded network element which provide functionality similar to that of the overloaded network element.