Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for managing transactions in a telecommunications network. The method includes creating an XML transaction detail file. At least one transaction detail record is stored in the XML transaction detail file in response to a telecommunications transaction. The at least one transaction detail record includes transaction data corresponding to the telecommunications transaction.

Abstract: A method provides call pickup in a communications network. The method includes initiating a call from a first device to a second device. The call is initiated over one or more networks, where at least one of the one or more networks includes a data network. The method further includes storing information relating to the call initiation between the first device and the second device, receiving a message from a third device during the call initiation, where the message includes a call pickup indication, retrieving the information relating to the call initiation between the first device and the second device, and establishing a call between the first device and the third device based on the retrieved information.

Abstract: A method provides call pickup in a communications network. The method includes initiating a call from a first device to a second device. The call is initiated over one or more networks, where at least one of the one or more networks includes a data network. The method further includes storing information relating to the call initiation between the first device and the second device, receiving a message from a third device during the call initiation, where the message includes a call pickup indication, retrieving the information relating to the call initiation between the first device and the second device, and establishing a call between the first device and the third device based on the retrieved information.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically partitioning context servers in a network in response to changes in network conditions. Context servers store information about calls in a telecommunications system. Network control elements can obtain call information from one or more partitions of the context servers to help make call control and reporting decisions.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a high reliability network. Context servers store information about calls in a telecommunications system. Network control elements can obtain call information from the context servers to help make call control and reporting decisions.

Abstract: An approach for providing telephony services over a data network is disclosed. A communication system includes a gateway that receives a signal to establish a call with a called station from a calling station in a telephone network (such as a Class 3 network) associated with one of a plurality of customers. The gateway generates a message according to a prescribed application layer protocol to establish the call with the called station over the data network. The message includes an alias host address identifying the one customer. The system also includes a server that receives the message from the gateway and to route the call to the called station based upon the alias host address.

Abstract: In the context of a communications system, means are disclosed for ensuring that invocation of redirect features, such as call forwarding, do not circumvent call blocking settings. User profile information associated with a party controls the invocation of features for the party and controls the screening of redirect contacts resulting from feature invocation. The behavior of feature-associated contact screening for the party is configurable independently of the originating calling permissions of the party.

Abstract: A session initiation protocol (SIP) server adds billing and authentication information to conventional SIP messages used in establishing call transfers. This additional information is later verified by a SIP server and used to enable advanced billing and fraud protection features for call transfers in a SIP telecommunications network.

Abstract: A method provides call pickup in a communications network. The method includes initiating a call from a first device to a second device. The call is initiated over one or more networks, where at least one of the one or more networks includes a data network. The method further includes storing information relating to the call initiation between the first device and the second device, receiving a message from a third device during the call initiation, where the message includes a call pickup indication, retrieving the information relating to the call initiation between the first device and the second device, and establishing a call between the first device and the third device based on the retrieved information.

Abstract: A method of routing a telephone call includes receiving an indication, at a handset device 112, to initiate a telephone call. It is then determined, preferably by the handset device 112, whether the telephone call is an emergency services telephone call. If the telephone call is not an emergency services telephone call, it is routed to a proxy server 134. On the other hand, if the telephone call is an emergency services telephone call, it is routed to a local gateway 116 without first accessing the proxy server 134.

Abstract: Network servers in a session initiation protocol (SIP) telecommunication network implement playback of announcements to end-users by embedding programming scripts defining how the announcements are to be played in a SIP message. In particular, the scripts may define the sequence in which a series of announcements are to be played, duration information relating to a playback length of the announcements, and repetition information defining how many times an announcement is to be repeated. By including a script in a single message, announcement instructions may be efficiently communicated in the network.

Abstract: A session initiation protocol (SIP) server adds billing and authentication information to conventional SIP messages used in establishing call transfers. This additional information is later verified by a SIP server and used to enable advanced billing and fraud protection features for call transfers in a SIP telecommunications network.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for managing transactions in a telecommunications network. The method includes creating an XML transaction detail file. At least one transaction detail record is stored in the XML transaction detail file in response to a telecommunications transaction. The at least one transaction detail record includes transaction data corresponding to the telecommunications transaction.

Abstract: In the context of a communications system, means are disclosed for ensuring that invocation of redirect features, such as call forwarding, do not circumvent call blocking settings. User profile information associated with a party controls the invocation of features for the party and controls the screening of redirect contacts resulting from feature invocation. The behavior of feature-associated contact screening for the party is configurable independently of the originating calling permissions of the party.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed in the context of a communications system whereby parties accessible through the system may be referenced by multiple alternative symbolic names. User profile information for a given party may be maintained in the system to control features and routing behavior in response to session request involing the party. By virtue of a mapping capability, one or more symbolic names may be associated with the same user profile information. A session request involving any of the alternative names for a party will evoke the same user profile.

Abstract: An approach for providing telephony and other services over a data network is disclosed. A communications system includes a location server that generates a first subset from the set of all addresses relating to a called party. A proxy server obtains a first subset of addresses from the location server and attempts to establish a session with the called party based on the subset of addresses. In response to whether the first subset of addresses results in session establishment, the proxy server may then request a second subset from the location server. Context information provided by the location server with the first subset may be returned to the location server as part of the request for the second subset.

Abstract: An approach for providing telephony and other services over a data network is disclosed. A user profile information is maintained for a party to control the screening of inbound communications requests intended for the party. Means are disclosed for redirecting an inbound call to a designated alternative location if it is determined that the inbound call meets at least one screening criterion. The user profile information controls screening criteria and disposition of calls that are intercepted by the screening process.

Abstract: An approach for providing telephony services over a data network is disclosed. A communication system includes a gateway that receives a signal to establish a call with a called station from a calling station in a telephone network (such as a Class 3 network) associated with one of a plurality of customers. The gateway generates a message according to a prescribed application layer protocol to establish the call with the called station over the data network. The message includes an alias host address identifying the one customer. The system also includes a server that receives the message from the gateway and to route the call to the called station based upon the alias host address.

Abstract: The telecommunications networks of the present invention include a wireless enhanced service platform which is coupled to a home location register database and a prepaid platform. The telecommunications networks of the present invention may also include a mobile switching center for accepting calls from a wireless handset, an interexchange network that carries calls to the prepaid platform, and a local network for terminating calls. The present invention also includes a method for setting up a call in a telecommunications network comprising sending transaction capabilities application part messages containing prepaid parameters between a wireless enhanced service platform and a prepaid platform. The prepaid parameters are the information needed to process and bill a debit call. The present invention also includes a method for sending transaction capabilities application part messages containing prepaid parameters between a mobile switching center and a prepaid platform.

Abstract: Telecommunications networks for originating and terminating calls are described to include a wireless enhanced service platform coupled to a home location register database and a prepaid platform which may also include a mobile switching center for accepting calls from a wireless handset, an interexchange network that carries calls to the prepaid platform, and a local network for terminating calls. Also described is a method for setting up a call in a telecommunications network by a wireless enhanced service platform or mobile switching center encapsulating one or more prepaid call parameters within a super generic digit field of an initial address message. The method also includes sending the initial address message with the prepaid call parameters encapsulated within the super generic digit field from the wireless enhanced service platform or mobile switching center to a prepaid platform.