Abstract: Various example implementations are directed to circuits, apparatuses and methods for providing Voice-over-IP (VoIP) services. According to an example embodiment, an apparatus includes a first network node configured to communicate VoIP packets between upstream and downstream network nodes in a network and to communicate metadata with at least one of the VoIP packets downstream in the network. A network pathway assessment module is configured to derive, from the response packet one or more transmission characteristics (e.g., latency) corresponding to the VoIP packets communicated along a pathway between the first network node and the second network node and VoIP packets may be routed in response thereto.

Abstract: Various example implementations are directed to circuits, apparatuses and methods for providing Voice-over-IP (VoIP) services. According to an example embodiment, an apparatus includes a first network node configured to communicate VoIP-packets between upstream and downstream network nodes in a network and to communicate metadata with at least one of the VoIP packets downstream in the network. The apparatus also includes a second network node configured to receive the set of metadata and at least one VoIP packet, and communicate the at least one of the VoIP packet further downstream in the network. The second network node is also configured to send a response packet upstream in response to receiving the metadata. A network pathway assessment module is configured to derive, from the response packet a latency corresponding to the VoIP-packets communicated along a pathway between the first network node and the second network node.

Abstract: Various example implementations are directed to circuits, apparatuses and methods for providing Voice-over-IP (VoIP) services. According to an example embodiment, an apparatus includes a first network node configured to communicate VoIP-packets between upstream and downstream network nodes in a network and to communicate metadata with at least one of the VoIP packets downstream in the network. The apparatus also includes a second network node configured to receive the set of metadata and at least one VoIP packet, and communicate the at least one of the VoIP packet further downstream in the network. The second network node is also configured to send a response packet upstream in response to receiving the metadata. A network pathway assessment module is configured to derive, from the response packet a latency corresponding to the VoIP-packets communicated along a pathway between the first network node and the second network node.

Abstract: A Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apparatus or system includes a call control agent that is configured and arranged to perform a number of functions. The call control agent is configured to receive a connection request for a VoIP call and then accesses a list of media-relay servers (MRSs) that are located at geographically disparate locations relative to one another. The call control agent can execute a selection algorithm that processes variables for the MRSs in the list. In response to the selection algorithm, the call control agent is configured to select a particular MRS from the list. In response to the selection, the call control agent can then direct an endpoint to route audio media for the VoIP call through the particular MRS. The call control agent also is configured to maintain a call state for the VoIP call while the voice media is routed through the particular MRS.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for VoIP communication with endpoint devices via a network address translator (NAT). A plurality of proxy servers is configured to relay communications through mapped paths of the NAT during operations including VoIP sessions through or with the plurality of endpoint devices and during other operations not involving VoIP sessions through or with the plurality of endpoint devices. The mapped paths are susceptible to being unmapped by the NAT if the mapped path is unused for a threshold duration of time. The proxy servers maintain the mapped paths through the NAT by prompting the endpoint devices to communicate data to the plurality of proxy servers. A call control server uses a selection algorithm to select a particular one of the proxy servers to be used for routing communication of a VoIP session between endpoint devices.

Abstract: A Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apparatus or system includes a call control agent that is configured and arranged to perform a number of functions. The call control agent is configured to receive a connection request for a VoIP call and then accesses a list of media-relay servers (MRSs) that are located at geographically disparate locations relative to one another. The call control agent can execute a selection algorithm that processes variables for the MRSs in the list. In response to the selection algorithm, the call control agent is configured to select a particular MRS from the list. In response to the selection, the call control agent can then direct an endpoint to route audio media for the VoIP call through the particular MRS. The call control agent also is configured to maintain a call state for the VoIP call while the voice media is routed through the particular MRS.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for VoIP communication with endpoint devices via a network address translator (NAT). A plurality of proxy servers is configured to relay communications through mapped paths of the NAT during operations including VoIP sessions through or with the plurality of endpoint devices and during other operations not involving VoIP sessions through or with the plurality of endpoint devices. The mapped paths are susceptible to being unmapped by the NAT if the mapped path is unused for a threshold duration of time. The proxy servers maintain the mapped paths through the NAT by prompting the endpoint devices to communicate data to the plurality of proxy servers. A call control server uses a selection algorithm to select a particular one of the proxy servers to be used for routing communication of a VoIP session between endpoint devices.

Abstract: A Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system includes a call control agent that is configured and arranged to perform a number of functions. The call control agent is configured to receive a connection request for a VoIP call and then accesses a list of media-relay servers (MRSs) that are located at geographically disparate locations relative to one another. The call control agent can execute a selection algorithm that processes variables for the MRSs in the list. In response to the selection algorithm, the call control agent is configured to select a particular MRS from the list. In response to the selection, the call control agent can then direct an endpoint to route audio media for the VoIP call through the particular MRS. The call control agent also is configured to maintain a call state for the VoIP call while the voice media is routed through the particular MRS.

Abstract: Call routing to user communication devices is facilitated. According to an example embodiment, a call-routing switch arrangement uses data in a programmable database to associate or match incoming calls with destination user-communication devices for users employing two or more user identifiers. The incoming calls are then routed to the destination user-communication devices in response to the match. In some applications, the user identifiers include local and virtual telephone numbers for a particular user, the local number pertaining to a geographical location relating to the user's communication device or to a service via which the user's communication device is connected (e.g., a mobile telephone service), and the virtual telephone number to a different geographical location.

Abstract: In a network accessed by a client access device (3) and an agent access device (8), there is disclosed a method and apparatus for the regulation by the agent of the degree of access available to the client (3) to Web pages at a Web host (9) in common communication the client (3) and agent (8) via the internet (6). The degree of access is determined after the client (3) has supplied identifying information to the agent (8), the agent being in control of the Web host (9) so as to variably determine what degree of access the identified client should have to Web pages provided by the Web host. Methods and apparatus are disclosed for the control of the Web host (9) by the agent (8) so as to regulate which Web pages the client views via the Web host (9), in what order they are viewed, and when.