Abstract: An instant message is communicated from a controller device to a target device. The instant message includes a command and one or more optional parameters associated with the command. Upon authentication and validation of the instant message and the command (and any optional parameters), the command is executed. The target device generates a second instant message having at least one of a response, a result, and a status associated with at least one of the authentication, validation, and execution. The second instant message is communicated to the controller device. The controller device authenticates the second instant message and validates at least one of the response, the result, and the status. As a particular example, the controller device represents a communication device such as a mobile telephone or personal digital assistant, and the target device represents a media application server capable of supporting one or more communication sessions such as conference calls.

Abstract: An instant message associated with a conference call is received. At least some of the contents of the instant message are converted into speech, which may be represented as an audio stream. The speech is then provided to at least one participant associated with the conference call. The speech provided to the at least one participant may further include additional speech in addition to the speech corresponding to the contents of the instant message. The additional speech could, among other things, identify a participant who sent the instant message.

Abstract: A system to dynamically protect access to a first network receives a data unit containing a source address indicating a source of the data unit. The source address is matched with information stored in the system, and entry of the data unit to the first network is enabled or denied based on the matching. It is determined whether the data unit contains an identifier of a codec type that matches a stored codec type, and occurrence of an attack of the first network is indicated in response to determining that the identifier is of a codec type that does not match the stored codec type.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of protecting a first network from unauthorized access includes storing profile information for each call session, and determining if an unauthorized access of the first network is occurring based on the profile information. The profile information includes a predetermined threshold indicating a maximum acceptable rate of incoming data units from an external network to the first network. If the incoming data unit rate exceeds the predetermined threshold, then a security action is taken, such as generating an alarm or preventing further transport of data units from the external network to the first network.

Abstract: A system to dynamically protect access to a first network receives a data unit containing a source address indicating a source of the data unit. The source address is matched with information stored in the system, and entry of the data unit to the first network is enabled or denied based on the matching. It is determined whether the data unit contains an identifier of a codec type that matches a stored codec type, and occurrence of an attack of the first network is indicated in response to determining that the identifier is of a codec type that does not match the stored codec type.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of protecting a first network from unauthorized access includes storing profile information for each call session, and determining if an unauthorized access of the first network is occurring based on the profile information. The profile information includes a predetermined threshold indicating a maximum acceptable rate of incoming data units from an external network to the first network. If the incoming data unit rate exceeds the predetermined threshold, then a security action is taken, such as generating an alarm or preventing further transport of data units from the external network to the first network.

Abstract: A call conferencing apparatus, method, and computer program allow a chairperson or other participant to enter a pass code for a conference call dynamically. Other participants are then prompted for the pass code. Participants who enter the correct pass code are allowed to join a conference bridge, while participants who enter an incorrect pass code are not.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating data units (e.g., Internet Protocol or IP packets) between devices on one or more networks includes storing address and/or port translation information, and receiving a data unit having a source address and port and a destination address and port. Both the source and destination addresses and/or ports are translated, with the data unit containing the translated source and destination addresses and/or ports transmitted to a destination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprises a controller to establish a call session between a first endpoint and a second endpoint. Without exchanging call setup signaling with the first endpoint, the controller is able to pivot the call session from the second endpoint to another endpoint so that media communication can occur between the first and other endpoints. The first endpoint remains “anchored” in the call session. The pivot is accomplished by sending a call request to the other endpoint and exchanging messages with a media portal that controls the communication of packets between endpoints. The media portal contains a network address and translation module that performs translation of addresses and/or ports of media packets communicated from one endpoint to another.

Abstract: A call conferencing apparatus, method, and computer program switch the video information presented to one or more participants during a conference call. The apparatus, method, and computer program identify a primary speaker channel during a video conference. Video information from the primary speaker channel is then provided to at least one other channel of the communication session.

Abstract: A call conferencing apparatus, method, and computer program switch the video information presented to one or more participants during a conference call. The apparatus, method, and computer program identify a primary speaker channel during a video conference. Video information from the primary speaker channel is then provided to at least one other channel of the communication session.

Abstract: A web based agent backed system provides sales and service and sales support for a company. The system includes a call center computer (112) coupled to the Internet (or another packet switched network) (118) that receives a call request from a customer computer (104), which may have been made using a link contained in a company web page maintained on a web server (108). Upon receiving the call request, the call center computer (112) determines customer information and call information and connects an agent through agent station computer (114) for call servicing. The call center computer (114) completes an IP telephony call made by the customer computer (104) to an agent or assigns an agent to call the customer by placing an IP telephony call to the customer computer (114) or by placing a PSTN call to the customer's phone (106).

Abstract: A method and apparatus of protecting a first network from unauthorized access includes storing profile information for each call session, and determining if an unauthorized access of the first network is occurring based on the profile information. The profile information includes a predetermined threshold indicating a maximum acceptable rate of incoming data units from an external network to the first network. If the incoming data unit rate exceeds the predetermined threshold, then a security action is taken, such as generating an alarm or preventing further transport of data units from the external network to the first network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating data units (e.g., Internet Protocol or IP packets) between devices on one or more networks includes storing address and/or port translation information, and receiving a data unit having a source address and port and a destination address and port. Both the source and destination addresses and/or ports are translated, with the data unit containing the translated source and destination addresses and/or ports transmitted to a destination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprises a controller to establish a call session between a first endpoint and a second endpoint. Without exchanging call setup signaling with the first endpoint, the controller is able to pivot the call session from the second endpoint to another endpoint so that media communication can occur between the first and other endpoints. The first endpoint remains “anchored” in the call session. The pivot is accomplished by sending a call request to the other endpoint and exchanging messages with a media portal that controls the communication of packets between endpoints. The media portal contains a network address and translation module that performs translation of addresses and/or ports of media packets communicated from one endpoint to another.

Abstract: A system and method for restoring telephone and data communication services provided by a primary computing resource when such primary computing resource fails, by providing a backup computing resource and restoration software having means which uses a heartbeat and challenge protocol to detect such a failure and to restore such services.