Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a traffic aggregation map for a telecommunications network where the network has at least one aggregation node and a plurality of access nodes. A computing device receives information regarding the identity of each node in the network and determines cost information relating to pairs of the nodes. The cost information may be calculated by the computing device or received as input, or a combination of the two. Cost information is also assigned for each pair consisting of an aggregation node and a super node, which is not one of the aggregation or access nodes. To produce the map, the computing device calculates a minimum spanning tree interconnecting all of the nodes including the super node. Disregarding in most cases the connections terminating at the super node, the remaining connections are displayed on a display device, preferably superimposed on a geographic map.

Abstract: A method is provided controlling communications between a first party in an internet domain and a second party in a telephony domain. The method comprises receiving a request from the first party to communicate with the second party. A preference for a type of communication used by the second party is determined, and a communications session is initiated based on the determined preference.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of communicating with at least a calling party and at least a called party. The method includes receiving information indicative of an incoming call from the calling party, accessing context information associated with the called party in response to receiving the information indicative of the incoming call, and providing a ring-back tone based on the context information associated with the called party.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of communicating with at least a calling party and at least a called party. The method includes receiving information indicative of an incoming call from the calling party, accessing context information associated with the called party, and accessing a pass code provided by the calling party. The method also includes disposing of the incoming call based on the pass code and the context information.