Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for establishing the flexible connections required to serve collaborative Telestar service requests. Telestar refers to services frequently described as being Tele* services such as teleeducation, teleconsultation and telemedicine. A customer node, such as a doctor's office, is connected via a high speed link to a switch which in turn is connected to a broadband network for interconnecting high speed links. The broadband network is connected to a Telestar service provider node. The customer signals requests for connections within the Telestar service provider nodes. These requests are processed by a Tele* service controller to generate request messages to the source and destination nodes to establish a requested connection. Advantageously, the highly flexible arrangements needed for providing optimum Telestar service can be readily controlled by a calling customer.

Abstract: An improved method and system are disclosed for processing prioritized wireless calls. One embodiment of the present invention includes a method of providing prioritized wireless services, comprising the steps of: receiving a request for prioritized wireless service from a mobile device; determining the availability of a radio channel without obtaining the priority of the request; and if no radio channel is available, assigning a priority to the request and queuing the request according to the assigned priority.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for mitigating the impact of resource limitations caused by privileged use schemes, such as WPS and/or GETS, on non-privileged users of a communication system. In one embodiment, a resource controller or switch (#), responsive to receiving (202) an information request from a non-privileged user, retrieves (206, 214) information regarding the percentage or quantity of resources that are being used by privileged users. In one embodiment, upon determining (304) that resources are unavailable for a non-privileged user, a bid option (314) and/or queuing option (322) is offered so as to reduce occurrences of calls (or re-attempted calls) being terminated due to lack of resources.

Abstract: A novel communication system allows telephone customers to send and retrieve e-mail using only conventional telephone units. The system includes an “E-mail Device” (EMD), which is a special host computer for enabling customers to remotely create, send, retrieve and store e-mail messages. The EMD resides in the central office as part of a PSTN, or with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Subscribers to the e-mail service can give calling parties the option of leaving e-mail messages when the subscribers' telephone lines are busy. Customers can also create and send e-mail messages by either dialing an access code to connect directly to the EMD, or dialing an ISP with a resident EMD. Once connected to the EMD, the customer is guided through menus to send either pre-stored or custom e-mail messages to a chosen customer, telephone number, or e-mail address. The message information and details are entered via the touch-tone pad, or by voice, followed with voice-to-text conversion.

Abstract: A method is presented for efficiently utilizing network resources while routing voice communications over a packet-based data network with specified minimum quality of service requirements, where greater network resources are required to ensure higher quality of service parameters. A dial code can be entered by a user to specify an appropriate quality of service. If the dial code is valid, the call is routed with the specified quality of service. If the dial code is not valid, the call is routed with default minimum quality of service parameters. Also, a line may be associated with overriding minimum quality of service parameters, whereby all calls directed to such a line are automatically upgraded, if necessary, to conform to the overriding minimum quality of service parameters.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for mitigating the impact of resource limitations caused by privileged use schemes, such as WPS and/or GETS, on non-privileged users of a communication system. In one embodiment, a resource controller or switch (#), responsive to receiving (202) an information request from a non-privileged user, retrieves (206, 214) information regarding the percentage or quantity of resources that are being used by privileged users. In one embodiment, upon determining (304) that resources are unavailable for a non-privileged user, a bid option (314) and/or queuing option (322) is offered so as to reduce occurrences of calls (or re-attempted calls) being terminated due to lack of resources.

Abstract: A novel communication system allows telephone customers to send and retrieve e-mail using only conventional telephone units. The system includes an “E-mail Device” (EMD), which is a special host computer for enabling customers to remotely create, send, retrieve and store e-mail messages. The EMD resides in the central office as part of a PSTN, or with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Subscribers to the e-mail service can give calling parties the option of leaving e-mail messages when the subscribers' telephone lines are busy. Customers can also create and send e-mail messages by either dialing an access code to connect directly to the EMD, or dialing an ISP with a resident EMD. Once connected to the EMD, the customer is guided through menus to send either pre-stored or custom e-mail messages to a chosen customer, telephone number, or e-mail address. The message information and details are entered via the touch-tone pad, or by voice, followed with voice-to-text conversion.