Abstract: A method and apparatus for switching active calls from one entity to another on a network device. The method includes the steps of collecting the call information, designating a second, or target, entity to receive the call, and switching the call. If compression is being used in the call, the method will include the steps of copying the compression dictionary tables and loading the tables in the second entity. The apparatus includes a controller and at least two entities. A connector connects the entity with incoming or outgoing phone calls. The controller switches the active call from a first entity to a second entity.

Abstract: Techniques for managing access to resources utilizing call information are provided. Resources of like type can be pooled into resource groups and customers can then be sold a base amount of a resource, to be taken from the appropriate resource group, that the customer can then provide to users or callers. The server of the resources utilizes the telephone number of the party called and call type in order to identify the resource that is requested. If the base amount of the requested resource has already been allocated, an overflow amount can be utilized to provide additional resources of a like type, if they are available. Thus, the resources can be efficiently managed to allow a high utilization of the available resources.

Abstract: A system and method for providing secure and efficient configuration of port devices. The system identifies a user of the system and associates the identified user with a particular account group. Each account group is associated with one of a plurality of service templates maintained within each port device or group of port devices. Messages via a control or administration path are used to select the service template associated with the user. The selected service template is then used to configure the port device according the configuration parameters defined for the template according to the user's account group. A separate data path is provided for communicating port data and providing port services once the port has been configured according to the service template. By separating the control path for administrative configuration from the data path for port services, the security of the configuration of the port devices is thereby significantly increased.