Abstract: A method of providing secure signaling connections and media connections for packet data network telephony calls. A secure registration request message containing an encryption technique and public key is sent from an originating gateway 105 over a packet data network 100 to a terminating gateway 105. The terminating gateway 105 returns a secure confirmation message containing a digital certificate over the packet data network 100 to the originating gateway 105. Once registered, further communication between the gateways 105 is encrypted over the packet data network 100 using the public key and encryption technique specified in the secure registration request message. The gateways 105 can be linked to other incompatible networks such as the PSTN 115 or wireless telephony 120 networks in order to provide telephone capability among POTS 125, wireless 130, and IP 140 phones.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reducing load distribution delay in an internet protocol switch. A system of messaging allows leader and follower cards within a switch to communicate without spanning the external network and without significant involvement by the central computing module within a switch. When a call setup request is received by a leader card, it sends a broadcast message to follower cards within a multicast group. Each follower card responds with address and channel information which enable the leader card to perform load balancing and establish a connection through the appropriate follower card.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reducing load distribution delay in an internet protocol switch. A system of messaging allows leader and follower cards within a switch to communicate without spanning the external network and without significant involvement by the central computing module within a switch. When a call setup request is received by a leader card, it sends a broadcast message to follower cards within a multicast group. Each follower card responds with address and channel information which enable the leader card to perform load balancing and establish a connection through the appropriate follower card.