Abstract: Methods of managing media server resources that may be used for VoIP calls are disclosed. In an embodiment, a media server resource broker receives a request for a set of media server resources from an application server. The media server resource broker determines the service request should be handled by a first media server based on the type of request and the availability of the first media server and provides the address of the first media server to the application server. The media server resource broker updates records regarding an assignment level of the first media servers to reflect the most recent request. When the call is complete and the resources become idle, the media server resource broker can update the assignment level to reflect the increase in availability of resources in the first media server.

Abstract: Methods of controlling media server resources in a VoIP network are disclosed. In an embodiment, an IP node provides a service request. An application server receives the service request and sends a request for media server resources to a media server resource broker. The media server resource broker determines that the request should be handled by a first media server. The media server resource broker queries the first media server to obtain an IP address and port number for use in establishing a call between the IP node and the first media server. The media server resource broker then provides a signal to the IP Node so that it can establishing the call with the appropriate port on the media server. In an embodiment, the media server resource broker updates a database module that tracks assignment levels of the first media server so as to reflect the most recent request, thus decreasing the number of ports available for the first media server.