Abstract: A node in the telecommunication network supports location and direction services that are especially suited for wireless subscribers. Location coordinates such as determined by the global positioning satellite system are entered by a subscriber from the location to be marked. The node stores the coordinates and compares the marked location to the current coordinates of a subscriber making a request for directions to find the first location, e.g. the subscriber's parked car. The node provides the requesting subscriber with directions for proceeding from the current location to the first location. Subscribers other than the subscriber entering the location coordinates may also access the stored location information and obtain directions to the marked location to facilitate a meeting of subscribers at a location previously marked by a subscriber.

Abstract: In a packet data communications system (100) where a customer premises (120) has only a packet-based connection, a proxy modem (200) is provided at the customer premises to connect to devices that send and receive modulated transmissions, e.g., facsimile, modem, and TDD/TTY. The proxy modem demodulates the modulated transmissions (208), organizes the resulting digital signal into a packet (210) and forwards the packet over a packet network (104, 106). Another proxy modem (200) that connects to the packet network and to a telephony network (110) receives the packets from the packet network. The packets are re-organized into a digital signal that is then modulated and forwarded over the telephony network to a destination. Use of the proxy modems in the network prevents unnecessary digitizing of modulated transmissions, which slows transmission and introduces errors.

Abstract: One or more video server components of an apparatus that play one or more videos at one or more mobile phones while one or more phone calls associated with the one or more mobile phones are on hold.

Abstract: A remote control device is located in an environment proximate to conditions to be monitored and actions to be implemented. The remote control device is able to receive and transmit wireless text based communications. A user employing a wireless communication device that supports text based messaging can transmit a control message containing a predetermined command to the remote control device. After preferably authenticating the user, the remote control device initiates a predetermined action based on receipt of a corresponding command.

Abstract: A node in the telecommunication network supports location and direction services that are especially suited for wireless subscribers. Location coordinates such as determined by the global positioning satellite system are entered by a subscriber from the location to be marked. The node stores the coordinates and compares the marked location to the current coordinates of a subscriber making a request for directions to find the first location, e.g. the subscriber's parked car. The node provides the requesting subscriber with directions for proceeding from the current location to the first location. Subscribers other than the subscriber entering the location coordinates may also access the stored location information and obtain directions to the marked location to facilitate a meeting of subscribers at a location previously marked by a subscriber.

Abstract: In a packet data communications system (100) where a customer premises (120) has only a packet-based connection, a proxy modem (200) is provided at the customer premises to connect to devices that send and receive modulated transmissions, e.g., facsimile, modem, and TDD/TTY. The proxy modem demodulates the modulated transmissions (208), organizes the resulting digital signal into a packet (210) and forwards the packet over a packet network (104, 106). Another proxy modem (200) that connects to the packet network and to a telephony network (110) receives the packets from the packet network. The packets are re-organized into a digital signal that is then modulated and forwarded over the telephony network to a destination. Use of the proxy modems in the network prevents unnecessary digitizing of modulated transmissions, which slows transmission and introduces errors.