Abstract: A telephony relay enables a portable communication device that is communicatively coupled to a packet-switched network to originate calls over a circuit-switched telephone network. The telephony relay has a first interface communicatively coupled to the packet-switched network, e.g., via a modem, and a second interface communicatively coupled to the circuit-switched telephone network, e.g., via an analog telephone line. To originate a call to a called number, the portable communication device transmits the called number to the telephony relay, via the packet-switched network. The telephony relay then uses an analog signaling format, e.g., DTMF tones, to transmit the called number to the circuit-switched telephone network. When the call is answered, the telephony relay conveys media between the portable communication device and the circuit-switched telephone network, converting between the analog format used by the circuit-switched network and the packet format used by the packet-switched network.

Abstract: A method and system for providing services in communications networks. A gateway layer determines information about a communication session and responsively sends a signaling message to a session manager, providing the information. The session manager may then send a signaling message to a service agent, also providing the information. The service agent may in turn apply a set of service logic based at least in part on the information, so as to derive a service treatment, and the service agent may send a signaling message so as to cause an enforcement engine (such as the gateway or session manager) to carry out the service treatment. Advantageously, this arrangement may facilitate imposition of services across various types of communication sessions (such as voice sessions and/or data sessions) and access networks (such as circuit-switched and/or packet-switched), at session initiation and during the course of an ongoing session. A variety of useful services may thereby be provided.

Abstract: A method and system for providing services in communications networks. A gateway layer determines information about a communication session and responsively sends a signaling message to a session manager, providing the information. The session manager may then send a signaling message to a service agent, also providing the information. The service agent may in turn apply a set of service logic based at least in part on the information, so as to derive a service treatment, and the service agent may send a signaling message so as to cause an enforcement engine (such as the gateway or session manager) to carry out the service treatment. Advantageously, this arrangement may facilitate imposition of services across various types of communication sessions (such as voice sessions and/or data sessions) and access networks (such as circuit-switched and/or packet-switched), at session initiation and during the course of an ongoing session. A variety of useful services may thereby be provided.

Abstract: A private wireless network is able to provide wireless telecommunication services to subscriber mobile stations that also subscribe to a public wireless network. The private wireless network includes a private base transceiver station (BTS), a private mobile switching center (MSC), and a gateway service control point (SCP). The private BTS provides a private network wireless coverage area within which the mobile station can communicate with the base transceiver station over an air interface. The gateway SCP has a private network database containing private network data records for subscribing mobile stations. A private network data record includes a private network service profile and a private network locator address. The public wireless network has a home location register (HLR) with a public network database containing public network data records for subscribing mobile stations. A public network data record includes a public network service profile and a public network locator address.

Abstract: A method and system for distributing voice communication services via wireless local area networks. An entity sells, loans, gives or otherwise distributes wireless access points, each of which is pre-configured with virtual private network (VPN) security settings to establish a VPN tunnel over a packet network with a VPN terminator on a remote telephony services network. A recipient may thus install the wireless access point on a local area network (LAN), to allow users of voice-capable wireless devices to engage in voice calls via the wireless access point, VPN tunnel and telephony services network. The distributor of the access point, or another entity, may then charge users for placing and receiving voice calls through this system.

Abstract: A mobile station is identified by a plurality of directory numbers. One or more of the directory numbers are associated with distinct identifier codes that identify a directory number or “personality” in transmissions over the air interface, e.g., for call origination from the mobile station and/or call termination to the mobile station. When the mobile station receives an identifier code when it receives a call, the mobile station provides a distinct user-discernible indication that is specific for that identifier code. From this distinct user-discernible indication, the use may determine which directory number is being called. When originating a call, the mobile station may transmit an identifier code to indicate which directory number to use as the calling party number.

Abstract: A method and system for providing remote voice communication service via a wireless local area network (WLAN). A WLAN access point is arranged with predefined security settings to establish a VPN tunnel over a packet network with a VPN terminator on a remote network. The access point then wirelessly receives voice traffic from a wireless terminal operating in the WLAN and sends the voice traffic over the VPN tunnel to the remote network, for transmission to a call control device, which provides connectivity with a voice transport network. And the access point similarly receives voice traffic via the VPN tunnel from the remote network and sends the voice traffic wirelessly to the wireless terminal. Advantageously, multiple wireless terminals operating on the WLAN can engage in voice calls concurrently via the access point.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting audio data for use in establishing an audio recording such as a surround sound recording are described. One exemplary method includes recording audio data at a plurality of mobile terminals located in a plurality of location zones in a given location, sending the recorded audio data from the plurality of mobile terminals to a central network server, and the central network server recording the received audio data into a plurality of audio tracks that may be used in establishing an audio recording.

Abstract: A mobile station may determine its present location. The mobile station may then access a database, which correlates the mobile station's present location with a coverage area of a radio network. If the database indicates that the mobile station is within the coverage area of the radio network, the mobile station may then attempt to access the radio network and determine the radio network's availability.

Abstract: A mobile station has multiple communication modules for multiple wireless communication modes. In a first wireless communication mode, the mobile station communicates with a wireless wide area network and is identified by a first, mobile directory number. In a second wireless communication mode, the mobile station communicates with a wireless local area network and is still identified by the first, mobile directory number. In a third wireless communication mode, the mobile station communicates with the wireless local area network but is identified by a second, local directory number.

Abstract: A method and system for providing prepaid data service. A subscriber terminal may establish a connection with a communications network. Based on a balance of a prepaid account, traffic from the subscriber terminal may be directed to a self-service portal. At the self-service portal, a user of the subscriber terminal may provide a credit card to add value to a prepaid account and to select a type of prepaid data service. The subscriber terminal may then be granted access to a data network. The balance of the prepaid account may be adjusted in accordance with the prepaid data service that is provided. When the balance of the prepaid account meets a threshold, the subscriber terminal's access to the data network may be redirected back again to the self-service portal.

Abstract: A method and system for configuring one or more prospective-participant nodes as participant nodes so as to enable the prospective-participant nodes to engage in a peer-to-peer communication is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the method and system may be embodied as a common application that includes logic, in hardware or software form, for carrying out one or more of the functions for configuring one or more prospective-participant nodes as a participant node in a peer-to-peer network. In carrying out these functions, one of the participant nodes discovers its network connection settings, and based on these settings, generates participant-node-configuration data that includes one or more network connection settings that define how to address the prospective-participant node as a participant node.

Abstract: A mobile station communicating with a first radio network may detect that it has changed location and thereafter stopped moving. In response to determining that it has changed location and thereafter stopped moving, the mobile station may perform one or more predetermined actions. For example, the mobile station may be communicating with a first radio network, such as a WWAN. In response to this determination, the mobile station may check the availability of a second radio network, such as a WLAN. If the second radio network is available, the mobile station may begin accessing the second radio network for voice, data or other services.

Abstract: A call-handling system and its method of operation are disclosed. The call-handling system comprises a communication system and a call center. The communication system receives a call, and in response, transfers a query. The call center receives and processes the query to select a packet address of a call center resource at the call center. The call center transfers a response indicating the selected packet address of the call center resource. The communication system receives the response indicating the selected packet address of the call center resource and transfers the call to the call center in voice packets having the selected packet address of the call center resource. The call center receives the voice packets having the selected packet address of the call center resource and routes the voice packets to the call center resource based on the selected packet address.

Abstract: A method of handing off an ongoing wireless telecommunication session with a mobile station when the mobile station is engaging in the ongoing communication session via a first access system, and then registers in a second access system, is provided. When communicating with the first access system the mobile station communicates with a first access node according to a first protocol. When communicating with the second access system the mobile station communicates with a second access node according to a second protocol, which is a different protocol than the first protocol. After registration of the mobile station in the second access system, the ongoing communication session is carried between the mobile station and the second access node according to the second protocol over the first protocol. More specifically, the ongoing communication session is carried between the mobile station and the second access node using the first protocol encapsulated in the headers of the second protocol.

Abstract: A communication system is disclosed that provides usage-based billing for voice communications transmitted over a packet system. The communication system is comprised of a packet billing system that sniffs signaling transmitted between a signaling processor and a communication device, such as a switch or a router. If the packet billing system detects a call setup message in the signaling, then the packet billing system generates a start record. If the packet billing system detects a call complete message in the signaling, then the packet billing system generates an end record. The packet billing system transfers the start record and the end record to a conventional public switched telephone network (PSTN) billing system. The PSTN billing system generates a bill for the call based on the start record and the end record. The communication system advantageously provides usage-based billing for packet-based calls using the conventional PSTN billing system.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating collection of past due balances. A control entity such as a call server or collections server receives a signaling message such as a SIP INVITE that seeks to set up a call between a calling party and called party. The control entity determines that the calling party has a past due balance, i.e., that the calling party owes the carrier money. In response, the control entity changes the signaling message to designate a collections system as the called party, and the signaling message is then used to set up a call between the calling party and the collections system.

Abstract: A method and system for providing services in communications networks. A gateway layer determines information about a communication session and responsively sends a signaling message to a session manager, providing the information. The session manager may then send a signaling message to a service agent, also providing the information. The service agent may in turn apply a set of service logic based at least in part on the information, so as to derive a service treatment, and the service agent may send a signaling message so as to cause an enforcement engine (such as the gateway or session manager) to carry out the service treatment. Advantageously, this arrangement may facilitate imposition of services across various types of communication sessions (such as voice sessions and/or data sessions) and access networks (such as circuit-switched and/or packet-switched), at session initiation and during the course of an ongoing session. A variety of useful services may thereby be provided.

Abstract: A mobile station communicating with a first radio network, such as a WLAN, may detect that it is communicating with an access point located at a perimeter of a coverage area of the first radio network rather than communicating with an access point located within an interior of the coverage area. The mobile station might further detect one or both of first and second directional signals transmitted from the access point. In response, the mobile station might perform one or more predetermined actions, such as checking the availability of a radio network other than the WLAN, performing a handoff, sounding an alarm or some other action.

Abstract: A mobile station provides arbitration and hand-off between two or more differently formatted computer and/or telecommunication networks. To facilitate the mobile station arbitration and hand-off, the mobile station operates at a given location in which it can communicate according to a first protocol via a first-access system and at which it can communicate according to a second protocol via a second-access system. At the given location, the mobile station arbitrates between communicating real-time media according to the first protocol via the first-access system and communicating real-time media according to the second protocol over the first protocol via the second-access system. To carry out the arbitration, mobile station may be provisioned with one or more arbitration policies. Based on these arbitration policies, the mobile station commits resources to carry on a communication session via a selected access system.