Abstract: An auxiliary communication network is introduced into a virtual private network for passing signaling messages that present features not supported by the public, primary communication network portion of the virtual private network. Protocol converters are positioned within the virtual private network to intercept signaling messages, establish a connection through the auxiliary network, determine whether the intercepted messages present unsupported features, and, in which case, route corresponding feature requested through the auxiliary communication network. Preferably, the auxiliary network connection is established in a direction reverse to and in response to the primary network connection.

Abstract: Communicating voice over a packet-switching network is implemented on a telecommunications network that includes the packet-switching network, two coding units coupled to the packet-switching network and to an originating node and a terminating node, respectively, and at least one signaling apparatus. The first of the two coding units is configured to extract signaling data associated with the voice call and transmit the signaling data and its network address to the signaling apparatus. Signaling data for establishing the voice call is received by the signaling apparatus, and a network address of the coding unit in the packet-switching network is obtained. The second coding unit is controlled to establish a bearer channel with the first coding unit for carrying the voice data through the packet-switching network, based on the network address.

Abstract: Reducing overload conditions of a node of communication system comprises storing one or more sets of overload range values, where each set represents a range of used capacity of a component of the node. A rejection proportion value is stored in association with each of the sets of overload range values. Messages arrive at the node and are processed by the node. The current processing load or saturation level of the node is continuously measured in real time. The current saturation level is associated with one of the overload ranges. The node rejects a number of messages equal to the rejection proportion value that is associated with the overload range that corresponds to the current saturation level. In an embodiment, only call initialization messages, such as call setup messages or initial address messages, are rejected. The node may be a call processor in a telecommunication network, such as a universal protocol converter.

Abstract: An auxiliary communication network is introduced into a virtual private network for passing signaling messages that present features not supported by the public, primary communication network portion of the virtual private network. Protocol converters are positioned within the virtual private network to intercept signaling messages, establish a connection through the auxiliary network, determine whether the intercepted messages present unsupported features, and, in which case, route corresponding feature requested through the auxiliary communication network. Preferably, the auxiliary network connection is established in a direction reverse to and in response to the primary network connection.

Abstract: A scalable, programmable software based application run on a programmed general-purpose digital computer is used for interconnecting a plurality of heterogeneous network nodes. The application has the ability to convert between any two signaling protocols used, such as those used over a telecommunications network, by converting an originating protocol to a universal non-protocol specific representation, and then converting the universal non-protocol specific representation to a receiving protocol. A call context is used to store information elements created from the originating protocol so that a universal call model applies inter-working rules. The universal call model is also in communication with state machines associated with both the originating and the terminating sides in order to supply the appropriate response signals anticipated by the originating and terminating sides received when each is in communication with its own protocol.

Abstract: Communicating voice over a packet-switching network is implemented on a telecommunications network that includes the packet-switching network, two coding units coupled to the packet-switching network and to an originating node and a terminating node, respectively, and at least one signaling apparatus. The first of the two coding units is configured to extract signaling data associated with the voice call and transmit the signaling data and its network address to the signaling apparatus. Signaling data for establishing the voice call is received by the signaling apparatus, and a network address of the coding unit in the packet-switching network is obtained. The second coding unit is controlled to establish a bearer channel with the first coding unit for carrying the voice data through the packet-switching network, based on the network address.

Abstract: A scalable, programmable software based application run on a programmed general purpose digital computer is used for interconnecting a plurality of heterogeneous network nodes. The application has the ability to convert between any two signaling protocols used, such as those used over a telecommunications network, by converting an originating protocol to a universal non-protocol specific representation, and then converting the universal non-protocol specific representation to a receiving protocol. A call context is used to store information elements created from the originating protocol so that a universal call model applies inter-working rules. The universal call model is also in communication with state machines associated with both the originating and the terminating sides in order to supply the appropriate response signals anticipated by the originating and terminating sides received when each is in communication with its own protocol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing overload conditions of a node of communication system is disclosed. One or more pairs of predefined upper and lower overload threshold values are stored. A rejection proportion value is stored in association with each of the pairs of overload threshold values. Messages arrive at the node and are processed by it. The current processing load or saturation level of the node is continuously measured in real time. The current saturation level is associated with one of the predefined pairs of overload threshold values. The node rejects a number of messages equal to the rejection proportion value that is associated with the overload threshold values that correspond to the current saturation level. Preferably, only call initialization messages, such as call setup messages or initial address messages, are rejected.

Abstract: An auxiliary communication network is introduced into a virtual private network for passing signaling messages that present features not supported by the public, primary communication network portion of the virtual private network. Protocol converters are positioned within the virtual private network to intercept signaling messages, establish a connection through the auxiliary network, determine whether the intercepted messages present unsupported features, and, in which case, route corresponding feature requested through the auxiliary communication network. Preferably, the auxiliary network connection is established in a direction reverse to and in response to the primary network connection.

Abstract: Communicating voice over a packet-switching network is implemented on a telecommunications network that includes the packet-switching network, two coding units coupled to the packet-switching network and to an originating node and a terminating node, respectively, and at least one signaling apparatus. The first of the two coding units is configured to extract signaling data associated with the voice call and transmit the signaling data and its network address to the signaling apparatus. Signaling data for establishing the voice call is received by the signaling apparatus, and a network address of the first coding unit in the packet-switching network is obtained. The second coding unit is controlled to establish a bearer channel with the first coding unit for carrying the voice data through the packet-switching network, based on the network address.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protocol conversion using channel associated signaling (CAS) is disclosed. A protocol conversion system is located logically between a first signaling system and a second signaling system, in which the first signaling system uses the Common Channel Signaling (CCS) protocol and the second signaling system uses CAS, which is incompatible with CCS. The protocol conversion system receives a first message from the first signaling system that conforms to the CCS protocol, converts the first message to one or more second messages that conform to the CAS protocol, and communicates the one or more second messages to the second signaling system, whereby a voice conversation is established between the first signaling system and the second signaling system. The protocol conversion system preferably comprises a universal protocol converter coupled to a CAS module.

Abstract: A scalable, programmable software based application run on a programmed general purpose digital computer is used for interconnecting a plurality of heterogeneous network nodes. The application has the ability to convert between any two signaling protocols used, such as those used over a telecommunications network, by converting an originating protocol to a universal non-protocol specific representation, and then converting the universal non-protocol specific representation to a receiving protocol. A call context is used to store information elements created from the originating protocol so that a universal call model applies inter-working rules. The universal call model is also in communication with state machines associated with both the originating and the terminating sides in order to supply the appropriate response signals anticipated by the originating and terminating sides received when each is in communication with its own protocol.