Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling incoming service requests, where an application server comprises a set of traffic modules, each being capable of handling at least one predetermined multimedia service. When an initial service request is received from a requester, a load balancing function, capable of selecting basically any traffic module in the set of traffic modules, is applied to assign a traffic module in the set of traffic modules for handling the received service request. After processing the request, a response is sent to the requester including a port number associated with the assigned traffic module. When receiving a subsequent service request including a port number indication, a port mapping function is applied to determine the earlier-assigned traffic module associated with the given port number indication, for handling said subsequent service request.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling incoming service requests, where an application server comprises a set of traffic modules, each being capable of handling at least one predetermined multimedia service. When an initial service request is received from a requester, a load balancing function, capable of selecting basically any traffic module in the set of traffic modules, is applied to assign a traffic module in the set of traffic modules for handling the received service request. After processing the request, a response is sent to the requester including a port number associated with the assigned traffic module. When receiving a subsequent service request including a port number indication, a port mapping function is applied to determine the earlier-assigned traffic module associated with the given port number indication, for handling said subsequent service request.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a service node between Internet networks and a telecommunications network, said node being used to order telephony services by means of HTML pages from a computer having a WWW browser. The invention also relates to a method for calling a B subscriber, in which the call is ordered from the computer but the connection is set up between the telephones of the A and B subscribers' telephones. The service node communicates with computers connected to computer networks using the HTTP protocol. The node stores data related to a subscriber; said data can be used when the user requests a telephony service. The node is centrally located, which enables the use of its services even if the user moves to another location and terminal.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed in which an incoming call is routed to a service node with a World-Wide Web interface. In a preferred embodiment, responsive to an incoming call, an "alert" software routine is executed in the service node, which sends an alert message to a Java software application residing in the called party's terminal (e.g., personal computer, etc.). The Java application causes a window to be displayed on the called party's terminal, which shows pertinent information about the calling party. The displayed window also contains "buttons" that allow the called party to choose (at a minimum) whether to accept the call, reject the call, hold the call, or re-direct the call to another phone.