Abstract: A method for managing the transmission of messages over a backbone network in which the users are segmented relative to expected quality of service level. The access of the lesser service level users to the backbone network is then restricted, when necessary, to assure high quality or service for the other service level users. The other service customers are charged at a higher rate that reflects the better quality of service being provided to them.

Abstract: A hidden pathway to a host is provided in an internetwork having an egress router coupled to the host. A selected port of the egress router is connected to the host as a hidden access port. A label table in the egress router is configured to associate the selected port with a predetermined label. Distribution of the predetermined label is restricted to one or more controlled access points so that access to the hidden pathway is restricted to the controlled access points. The controlled access points may reside at the users themselves, but are preferably contained within proxy devices coupled to the internetwork using secure connections.

Abstract: A telecommunication system establishes location information concurrently with the set-up of a landline as a network address for delivering wireless-based subscription services. A location register in the wireless system defines a current network location where a respective subscriber is connected and a current geographic location where said respective subscriber is located. An access device is provided for coupling with a landline within the public switched telephone network, wherein the landline has a landline ID, and wherein a user terminal connected to the landline is associated with a fixed geographic location. A control channel transmits an electronic identification number of a subscriber and a location coordinate corresponding to the fixed geographic location from the access device to the location register during registration of the landline as the current network address of the user terminal. The subscriber receives location-based wireless services via the landline.

Abstract: An enhanced AIN telephone system that can screen incoming calls during predetermined time periods and block some calls while allowing selected calls to be completed.

Abstract: A system comprises a wireless interface coupled to a transaction manager. The wireless interface receives user information, including a user speech sample and a user account code, from a wireless communication device over a wireless communication link. The transaction manager transfers the user speech sample and the user account code to a validation system. The transaction manager receives and displays validation information from the validation system. The validation information indicates if the user is authentic and if the account code is valid. The validation information may include a picture of the user that is displayed by the transaction manager.

Abstract: A communication hub that includes a control system, a mode selection interface, and an interface system. The control system is configured to switch between a configuration mode and an operation mode. In response to switching to the configuration mode, the control system receives a registration request from unauthorized communication device. The control system processes the registration request to automatically authorize the communication device for use with the communication hub. In response to switching to the operation mode, the control system controls the exchange of communications between a plurality of previously authorized communication devices, the newly authorized communication device, and a network system. The mode selection interface is configured to receive a user input that selects one of the configuration mode or the operation mode and cause the control system to enter the selected one of the configuration mode or the operation mode.

Abstract: An RF ID tagging system provides information for managing a local area network (LAN). A plurality of first network elements and an inventory management tool are interconnected within the LAN. Predetermined management information is communicated from the first network elements to the inventory management tool via the LAN. A plurality of second network elements are maintained for coupling to the LAN, the second network elements not communicating the predetermined management information with the inventory management tool. Respective RF ID tags are mounted to each of the second network elements, wherein each of the RF ID tags wirelessly transmits a respective identifier. The respective identifiers are received in a wireless monitor. The received respective identifiers are associated with predetermined management information. Virtual device images are created in response to the predetermined management information. The virtual device images are transmitted to the inventory management tool via the LAN.

Abstract: A method and system for brokering frequencies for use in peer-to-peer communication sessions. A frequency broker receives session-participation messages from multiple parties wishing to communicate wirelessly with each other. The broker selects a frequency for the parties to use and then instructs the parties to communicate with each other on the selected frequency. And the parties then engage in peer-to-peer communication with each other over the selected frequency.

Abstract: A call center system is described that is comprised of an information control system and a portal system. The information control system receives a call agent identifier. The information control system formats and transfers a message that includes the call agent identifier. The portal system receives the message and caller information for the caller. The portal system transmits the caller information to a call agent system over the Internet based on the call agent identifier.

Abstract: Financial reciprocal compensation is provided for a predetermined Quality of Service (QoS) managed service path including various providers in an internetwork (such as the Internet). A user requests access to one or more of the services or resources advertised by a portal that employ the predetermined QoS (such as digital multimedia or Internet telephony). After the request is validated, the portal transmits a request to a primary QoS regulation server to determine the path segments required to deliver the service at the predetermined QoS level. If capable segments are available, the primary QoS regulation server will setup QoS regulation in its domain and request QoS regulation from the QoS regulation servers managing any other required segments in other domains (e.g., networks). After completing the setup, the primary QoS regulation server replies back to the portal with a success indication and an identification of an entry point to the QoS-regulated path.

Abstract: A method and system for altering the functionality of a device based on location. When the device is in a designated location, the device may receive a control signal specific to the location. The control signal may cause the device to change its control logic (such as application layer logic) so as to change the responses that the device has to various primitives or to change the primitives that the device employs in carrying out various functions. When the device leaves the designated area, the device may then revert to a normal state of operation.

Abstract: A content delivery system for delivering digital multimedia content to a premise appliance of a user comprises an intelligent voice response (IVR) unit which is responsive via a public switched telephone network to a premise telephone of the user. The IVR unit presents a predetermined menu for selecting a transaction to receive the digital multimedia content. The IVR unit also obtains an identification of the user (such as the user's telephone number via automatic number identification or caller ID). A content server is coupled to the IVR unit for transferring the digital multimedia content to the premise appliance. A telephone billing system is coupled to the IVR unit or the content server. The telephone billing system creates a call record corresponding to the selected transaction and to a telephone billing account corresponding to the user identification. The call record contains usage information for the transaction which can later be used by the billing system to determine a charge for the transaction.

Abstract: A control interface enforces a network architecture in a communication network by utilizing states and state transitions for logical elements and network devices. The control interface includes states of logical elements, maps of the logical elements, states of network devices, and maps of the network devices. The logical elements represent sets of network device functions. The control interface receives an event. The control interface processes the event to identify one of the logical elements and at least one of the network devices. The control interface then updates the first state for the identified logical element based on the event and one of the first maps of the identified logical element. The control interface updates the second state for the identified network device based on the event and one of the second maps of the identified network device.

Abstract: A wireless communication device automatically and periodically monitors each of a plurality of wireless links in a public wireless communication network to generate a set of link metrics for each of the wireless links. The wireless communication device then processes the link metrics to generate historical performance data for the wireless links. The wireless communication device selects a selected wireless link from the plurality of wireless links based on the historical performance data. The wireless communication device then uses the selected wireless link to communicate over the public wireless communication network.

Abstract: The present invention deploys an intelligent voice response (IVR) unit to interface between the subscriber and the operational support system of the telephone system. After proper authentication, the subscriber can access control over certain predefined behaviors associated with the subscribed line connection, resulting in improved utility and functionality for the subscriber as well as improved busy line interrupt actions.

Abstract: A telephony system for completing conference calls includes a premise-based network having a local controller coupled to local endpoints, a proxy, and a conference bridge. The telephony system includes a public telephone network coupled to the premise-based network. A request call is initiated to the proxy for setting up the conference call. The request call is routed to the conference bridge. A plurality of local endpoints for participation in the conference call is provided to the proxy via the request call. The local controller contacts the plurality of local endpoints and routes successful connections to the conference bridge. The request call and the successful connections are then bridged at the conference bridge.

Abstract: An enterprise communication system comprises a wireless transceiver and a server. The wireless transceiver is located within the enterprise and receives a hand-off for a wireless communication device from a public network base station in response to the wireless communication device entering an enterprise cell. The enterprise cell is located in a public network cell of the public network base station. The wireless transceiver communicates over an air interface with the wireless communication device. The server determines the positioning of the wireless communication device within the enterprise and selects information for the enterprise based on the positioning. The server transfers the information for the enterprise to the wireless communication device through the wireless transceiver.

Abstract: A communication system that provides link sharing between communication devices within the system. A first communication device communicates with the service provider over a first link and a second communication device communicates with the service provider over a second link. The second communication device determines a need for additional bandwidth and transmits a request for the additional bandwidth. The second communication device receives an instruction message responsive to the request that grants the second communication device access to available bandwidth on the first link. The second communication device then communicates with the service provider over a third link and the first link at the available bandwidth wherein the third link connects the second communication device and the first communication device.

Abstract: An information server according to one embodiment of the invention includes a communication interface configured to communicate over a communication network and a processing system connected to the communication interface. The processing system is configured to receive one or more digital content sets, receive a caller system identifier and a called system identifier from the caller system, select a digital content set from among the one or more digital content sets using the caller system identifier and the called system identifier, and provide the selected digital content set to a called system corresponding to the called system identifier prior to the caller system establishing a communication channel to the called system.

Abstract: An access communication system provides access between a user system and a plurality of communication networks. The plurality of communication networks provide services to a user in the user system. An access communication system includes a database system and an access server that is connected to the user system and the plurality of communication networks. The access server receives an alias selection from a user for a network shell that includes alias selections associated with actions. The access server then processes the alias selection to execute an action associated with the alias selection.