Abstract: A system and method that routes special number calls from communications devices, including VoIP communications devices, to an answering point that is selected based on a parameter. A peering network effects parameter-based routing of calls to a pre-assigned answering point, wherein the voice path and the signaling paths are set up simultaneously. A gateway in the peering network is connected to the service provider switch and receives special number calls. The gateway queries a pre-provisioned parameter server that determines call routing information for the particular communications device. The gateway then selects another gateway, or, optionally, a selective router access provider network, based on the routing information and delivers the call thereto. The other gateway or selective router access provider network is connected to a router in the destination network and delivers the call and the call parameters to the router.

Abstract: A method for use in diverse networks that authenticates inter-network resource requests. A router in a first network receives a request for a resource from a second network. The router sends a query to an element in the second network to determine whether the request actually originated there. If the request did originate from the second network, the request is processed according to the procedure for the requested resource. If the request did not originate from the second network, then the first network terminates the request. Thus, no network resources are consumed unnecessarily by accidental or malicious requests.