Abstract: A telephone is described that allows any arbitrary combination of key strokes, including numerical keys, extension keys, as well as function keys such as TRANSFER, CONFERENCE, etc., to be programmed such that the entire sequence of key strokes can be recalled with the touch of a single button. The phone can be programmed directly by operation of the telephone user interface on the phone (i.e., the keys, phone display, and speaker prompting the user) and a program button dedicated to the feature of programming a separate programmable button to map to the specified key sequence. The feature can be implemented in advanced telephones capable of voice over Internet Protocol networks, and supporting the Session Initiation Protocol. In these more advanced phones, the programming can be done by a system administrator or by the user of the phone via a computer with internet access.

Abstract: A method for management and control of a media session. The method comprises receiving a first message from an end user device at an application server to initiate a media session and forwarding the first message from the application server to a media server. A first media transaction between the media server and the end user device is then conducted. The method further comprises, receiving a second message from the media server at the application server to indicate that the first media transaction is complete. The method still further comprises transmitting a third message from the application server to the media server to initiate a second media transaction and conducting the second media transaction. After the second media transaction is complete, the method comprises and receiving a fourth message from the media server at the application server indicating that the second media transaction is complete.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a presence based universal camp-on feature in packet-based telephony systems are disclosed. A first packet-based device is subscribed to a line status of a second packet-based device. A first notification is received into the first packet-based device from the second packet-based device when the line status of the second packet-based device is in a busy state. A second notification is received into the first packet-based device from the second packet-based device when the line status of the second packet-based device is in an idle state. A user of the first packet-based device is prompted with an option to establish a communication session with the second packet-based device upon receiving the second notification into the first packet-based device. A communication session is established between the first packet-based device and the second packet-based device in response to receiving an accept-call command into the first packet-based device.

Abstract: A method and system for providing directory based services is provided. The directory service may process an ambiguous destination identifier from a call-session request to multiple database entries in a directory server, and return an appropriately constructed response that can be interpreted by a user as a prompt for additional input to refine the destination identifier. The possible matches could be sent as a list of possible choices. The user can then select the desired match from the list and send a follow-on request including the selection to the directory server. Based on the selection, the directory server will then either send additional possible matches to the user or obtain a contact address corresponding to the selection. After resolving the ambiguous match to a unique destination identifier, a call can then be established.

Abstract: Providing enhanced emergency services (E-911) to an IP Telephony-based PBX or similar system, by utilizing aspects of the intelligence of end-user SIP client devices to address challenges and difficulties associated with E-911-like services in LAN-based telephony environments.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling features and services in packet-based networks are disclosed. The present application provides systems and methods that include sending a first message to a network core device, and identifying a profile from user account information stored on the network core device. The profile specifies which features and services may or may not be implemented by an end device. In the systems and methods of the present application, the profile is added to a second message that is sent from the network core device to the end device. Alternatively, a single message or multiple messages containing the profile, regardless and/or independent of any prior message sent from an end device, may be sent from the network core device to the end device. These systems and methods may also use the session initiation protocol for their communications, with the end devices being session initiation protocol phones and the network core device being a session initiation server.

Abstract: A method and system for network based call-pickup is provided. In one embodiment a first user agent communicates in a communication session with a second user agent in a network telephony system. The second user agent may request that a third user agent replace the second user agent in the communication. The third user agent may be a park server, and when it replaces the second user agent, the communication session may thereby be parked at the park server. A fourth user agent may then request that the third user agent (e.g., park server) initiate a communication session between the first user agent and the fourth user agent. The third user agent may then instruct the first user agent to communicate with the fourth user agent. The parked communication session may thereby be picked up by the fourth user agent.

Abstract: A system and method for multicasting announcements in a communication network. An address is established in a memory. Announcements are formed. The announcements are broadcast on the address.

Abstract: Providing enhanced emergency services (E-911) to an IP Telephony-based PBX or similar system, by utilizing aspects of the intelligence of end-user SIP client devices to address challenges and difficulties associated with E-911-like services in LAN-based telephony environments.

Abstract: A method for call parking in a network telephony system is disclosed. A first user agent and a second user agent establish a communication session, and the second user agent enters a call park number to initiate a call park of the communication session. Subsequently, the call park number and the location of the second user agent are sent to a server, which authorizes the second user agent for call parking. The server then registers the call park number, and the communication session between the first and second user agents is parked. When a third user agent wants to pick up the communication session, the third user agent calls the server by entering the call park number. The server then routes the third user agent to the second user agent, which in turn refers the third user agent to the first user agent. The first and third user agents then establish their own communication session, the communication session between the first and second user agents is terminated, and the call park number is deregistered.

Abstract: A method and system for network based call-pickup is provided. In one embodiment a first user agent communicates in a communication session with a second user agent in a network telephony system. The second user agent may request that a third user agent replace the second user agent in the communication. The third user agent may be a park server, and when it replaces the second user agent, the communication session may thereby be parked at the park server. A fourth user agent may then request that the third user agent (e.g. park server) initiate a communication session between the first user agent and the fourth user agent. The third user agent may then instruct the first user agent to communicate with the fourth user agent. The parked communication session may thereby be picked up by the fourth user agent.

Abstract: A system and method for providing user mobility handling in a network telephony system is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a register request from a network entity on a first domain and modifying a user identifier in the register request. A registration database is preferably updated with the modified user identifier. The modified register request is transmitted via a network to a network entity on a second domain. An authentication process preferably takes place between the network entity on the first domain and the network entity on the second domain. If successful, a confirmation is received via the network from the network entity on the second domain. Various embodiments of the invention may, for example, allow a user typically located in a home domain to temporarily move to a visiting domain, while maintaining the user's home domain user identifier. Preferred embodiments utilize the Session Initiation Protocol.

Abstract: A system and method for routing information includes a resource manager. The resource manager includes a configuration table. The configuration table includes at least one group of physical gateway addresses, each of the at least one group of physical gateway addresses has a single and unique logical identifier. The resource manager is coupled to a plurality of gateways. A proxy coupled to the resource manager. The resource manager receives a register request message from a selected one of the plurality of gateways.

Abstract: A system and method for providing fault tolerance in a network telephony system. Signaling messages according to a signaling protocol, such as the SIP protocol, are modified to include a path attribute with a network address corresponding to a backup proxy server. When a primary proxy server is supported by a backup proxy server, the primary proxy server inserts the Alternate Path tag into one or more signaling messages. When a network entity sends a message, it checks the message to identify the primary proxy server. Upon receiving a failure or timeout when attempting to send to the primary proxy server, the sending network entity should try the backup proxy server specified in the path attribute. When the backup proxy server receives the message, it may modify the message to specify the new routing path. As a result, subsequent messages get routed properly using the backup proxy server.

Abstract: Providing enhanced emergency services (E-911) to an IP Telephony-based PBX or similar system, by utilizing aspects of the intelligence of end-user SIP client devices to address challenges and difficulties associated with E-911-like services in LAN-based telephony environments.

Abstract: A method and system for providing directory based services is provided. The directory service may process an ambiguous destination identifier from a call-session request to multiple database entries in a directory server, and return an appropriately constructed response that can be interpreted by a user as a prompt for additional input to refine the destination identifier. The possible matches could be sent as a list of possible choices. The user can then select the desired match from the list and send a follow-on request including the selection to the directory server. Based on the selection, the directory server will then either send additional possible matches to the user or obtain a contact address corresponding to the selection. After resolving the ambiguous match to a unique destination identifier, a call can then be established.

Abstract: A provisioning server (11) having various operating modes serves to provide a unified logical view of a soft switch (10) to a user via a display (14) and in response to receiving new service information from the user, provisioning corresponding configuration parameters to various of the logical communications support platforms (10A-F) that comprise the soft switch. Depending upon the mode of operation, the provisioning server can also receive current configuration parameter information from the logical platforms.

Abstract: When an Internet protocol connection for a given mobile communications unit already exists, that existing link can be used to conduct an Internet protocol communication with that mobile communications unit. When such a link does not already exist, and a need exists to convey information to the mobile communication unit via such a link, a message can be provided to the mobile communications unit via a non-Internet protocol wireless link to cause the mobile communications unit to self-initiate establishment of such an Internet protocol communications link. Upon establishing such a link, the requesting entity, service, or application can use that link to facilitate the desired Internet protocol-based communication.

Abstract: Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP) information from an Signaling System 7 (SS7) network (11) is provided, in response to an original SIP-compatible request by an SIP entity (17) in an SIP network (10), to the SIP network where the TCAP information is then used to facilitate call setup and routing of the call. In one embodiment, the SIP network locally stores the TCAP information upon receipt (at least temporarily) such that the TCAP information is available for subsequent local use without requiring a correspond inquiry to the SS7 network.

Abstract: Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP) information from an Signaling System 7 (SS7) network (11) is provided, in response to an original SIP-compatible request by an SIP entity (17) in an SIP network (10), to the SIP network where the TCAP information is then used to facilitate call setup and routing of the call. In one embodiment, the SIP network locally stores the TCAP information upon receipt (at least temporarily) such that the TCAP information is available for subsequent local use without requiring a correspond inquiry to the SS7 network.