Abstract: The present invention describes how a trusted network routing authority, such as a VoIP inter-exchange carrier or clearinghouse can provide routing and secure access control across multiple network domains with a single routing and admission request. This technology can improve network efficiency and quality of service when an Internet Protocol (IP) communication transaction, such as a Voice over IP (VoIP), must be routed across multiple devices or administrative domains. This technology defines the technique of performing multiple route look-ups at the source of the call path to determine all possible routes across intermediate domains to the final destination. The VoIP inter-exchange carrier or clearinghouse then provides routing and access permission tokens for the entire call path to the call source.

Abstract: A system for routing voice telephone calls over IP networks as opposed to traditional switched circuit networks. The voice communications during the telephone call are packaged as digital data and access the Internet through gateways. The system supports the linking of a source gateway in a first clearinghouse to a destination gateway in a second clearinghouse. The system further supports the selection of a destination gateway based on factors such as cost, speed of routing, and transmission quality of the voice data The components of the system are arranged so as to minimize the number of signals sent between clearinghouses in identifying the optimal destination gateway.

Abstract: The present invention describes how a trusted network routing authority, such as a VoIP inter-exchange carrier or clearinghouse can provide routing and secure access control across multiple network domains with a single routing and admission request. This technology can improve network efficiency and quality of service when an Internet Protocol (IP) communication transaction, such as a Voice over IP (VoIP), must be routed across multiple devices or administrative domains. This technology defines the technique of performing multiple route look-ups at the source of the call path to determine all possible routes across intermediate domains to the final destination. The VoIP inter-exchange carrier or clearinghouse then provides routing and access permission tokens for the entire call path to the call source.

Abstract: A system for routing voice telephone calls over IP networks as opposed to traditional switched circuit networks. The voice communications during the telephone call are packaged as digital data and access the Internet through gateways. The system supports the linking of a source gateway in a first clearinghouse to a destination gateway in a second clearinghouse. The system further supports the selection of a destination gateway based on factors such as cost, speed of routing, and transmission quality of the voice data. The components of the system are arranged so as to minimize the number of signals sent between clearinghouses in identifying the optimal destination gateway.

Abstract: A peering authority or settlement clearinghouse can be used to control access, collect session accounting information, and provide financial settlement of interconnect or session fees among anonymous Internet Protocol (IP) peers or networks. The addition of peering policy criteria, such as price and quality of service, to peer to peer route discovery mechanisms enable a trusted intermediary, such as the settlement clearinghouse, to authorize acceptable interconnection or peering sessions between anonymous IP peers. Any financial settlement transactions which result from the peering sessions may be subsequently executed by the settlement clearinghouse.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a call pricing center that assists gateway operators in defining preferences, including call prices for terminating an IP telephony call. A centralized routing engine associated with a clearinghouse uses the preferences to assist gateways in making routing decisions. The call pricing center provides IP network operators and retail IP telephony gateway operators with significant flexibility by allowing them to designate preferences and preference criteria. Preference criteria define circumstances in which preferences are to be applied. A source gateway operator may set preferences such as the maximum price that it is willing to paid for a call, the maximum delay that will be tolerated and the maximum autonomous system hop count that will be tolerated. A destination gateway operator may also set preferences relating to the prices it will charge for terminating calls.