Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for placing a call between a client in one network and a client in another network. The IP network includes a SIP server and a network gateway configured to provide access to a public switched network. The method includes receiving a SIP call request message from the first client. The SIP call request message is authenticated to thereby identify an authentic originating client. Subsequently, a database is searched to find client billing tag corresponding to the authentic originating client. The call is completed if the client billing tag is obtained, and not completed if the client billing tag cannot be obtained. Thus, the present invention provides an efficient method for billing phone calls that are placed from SIP enabled devices to a telephone connected to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The method of the present invention also substantially eliminates certain types of fraud.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for placing a call between a client in one network and a client in another network. The IP network includes a SIP server and a network gateway configured to provide access to a public switched network. The method includes receiving a SIP call request message from the first client. The SIP call request message is authenticated to thereby identify an authentic originating client. Subsequently, a database is searched to find client billing tag corresponding to the authentic originating client. The call is completed if the client billing tag is obtained, and not completed if the client billing tag cannot be obtained. Thus, the present invention provides an efficient method for billing phone calls that are placed from SIP enabled devices to a telephone connected to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The method of the present invention also substantially eliminates certain types of fraud.

Abstract: A customizable mechanism is provided for determining and reporting the overall reachability of a user based on the current statuses of a variety of network elements associated with the user, such as devices or applications that a user may use to communicate with others. The system can evaluate customizable reachability rules to determine an overall reachability status for the user. The system provides for distribution of reachability status and presence statuses of network elements to authorized subscribers.

Abstract: Applying a filter to state information sent from a server to a subscribing client includes receiving a subscription request from the subscribing client, where the subscription request requests a subscription for the subscribing client. A subscriber value is established from the subscription request. A filter set corresponding to the subscriber value is implicitly determined. The filter set comprises one or more filters, where a filter operates to filter state information sent from a server to the subscribing client. The filter set is recorded in a subscription record of the subscription for the subscribing client.

Abstract: A system includes a database configured to store account information relating to users of a telecommunications network. Additionally, a session initiation protocol (SIP) server receives first messages initiating call transfers. The server appends billing information and a digital signature to the first message based on account information of one of the users stored in the database. The digital signature provides for authentication of the call transfers.

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: An approach is provided for supporting telephony services over a data communication network. A network server receives multiple early media streams associated with a communication session between an originating network element and one or more terminating network elements. The network server selectively suppresses the early media streams, such that the originating network element receives a single signaling message indicating status information of the communication session (or call). The present invention has particular applicability to SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) IP (Internet Protocol) telephony services.

Abstract: An approach is provided for supporting telephony services over a data communication network. A network server receives multiple early media streams associated with a communication session between an originating network element and one or more terminating network elements. The network server selectively suppresses the early media streams, such that the originating network element receives a single signaling message indicating status information of the communication session (or call). The present invention has particular applicability to SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) IP (Internet Protocol) telephony services.

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: 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: A network device receives signals transmitted via a network and generates trigger messages. The network device transmits the trigger messages to an intelligent network platform that performs a network control function. The network device and the intelligent network platform both include redundant systems to provide increased reliability and rerouting capabilities in case one or more of the components experiences problems or a failure.

Abstract: In a SIP network, SIP servers are provisioned with information used to authenticate subscribers and entities that will be placing calls. This information can be used during call establishment to allow or deny calls, as well as to determine the appropriate party to bill if the call involves a charge, such as a long distance charge. In addition to allowing calls between authenticated and trusted entities, there is a need for the SIP server to allow certain kinds of calls that involve non-trusted users or entities. If non-trusted entities where not recognized, trusted users and entities within the SIP network would not be able to receive calls from users or entities not know to the SIP server that is providing them services.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for placing a call between a client in one network and a client in another network. The IP network includes a SIP server and a network gateway configured to provide access to a public switched network. The method includes receiving a SIP call request message from the first client. The SIP call request message is authenticated to thereby identify an authentic originating client. Subsequently, a database is searched to find client billing tag corresponding to the authentic originating client. The call is completed if the client billing tag is obtained, and not completed if the client billing tag cannot be obtained. Thus, the present invention provides an efficient method for billing phone calls that are placed from SIP enabled devices to a telephone connected to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The method of the present invention also substantially eliminates certain types of fraud.

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: 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: 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.