Abstract: A media stream system (140) processes plural media streams (148), e.g., speech streams or speech channels. The system comprises plural processors (146), each of which execute one or more plural types of media stream processing functions (147). A switch function (144) routes packets of the plural media streams to a sequence of the plural processors whereby the plural types of media stream processing functions are sequentially performed relative to the packets. A packet size for the packets is chosen to minimize overhead load on at least one of the plural processors without causing undue delay for a packet awaiting processing by the at least one of the plural processors. In an example non-limiting implementation, the packet size for a packet of media information is chosen to be 160 octets, consecutive packets of a same media stream being separated by a packet repetition interval which is 20 milliseconds.

Abstract: A gateway (MG1) interconnects telecom networks (N1,N2) of different types with different signal formats (ATM,IP). A first control unit (CC1), connected (C1) to a server, controls connection set up. A second control unit (RC2) provides telecom functions (F21-F28), such as speech coder/decoder or echo extinguisher, to the connection. A third control unit (BC3) establishes connections and sets up switch functions (CP21-CP27) corresponding to the different signal formats (ATM,IP). A signal format converter (CP29) converts to/from a common signal format (COM1) that the telecom functions uses. A speech request goes via the server to the first control unit (CC1), which requests telecom function (F21) by the second control unit (RC2). This returns the address (ADR11) of the telecom function to the first control unit (CC1) which sends the function address (ADR11) and the network address (ADR2) of the connection to the third control unit (BC3).

Abstract: In a call and connection separated network that includes a number of domains, the network has a layered structure that includes a connection layer and a service layer. In each connection domain there is a connection control process for controlling hardware. An external network is used to carry a transmission channel that originates from or terminates in the call and connection separated network. Such calls are referred to as inhomogeneous calls. A connection control process at the originating side of an inhomogeneous call uses a routing number to route the transmission channel through the external network. The routing number is administered by a service used by the control process at the terminating point of the call. The routing number follows the signalling protocol of the external network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for handling connections in a telecommunication system including digital, computer controlled telephone exchanges and subscribers connected thereto, where the connection handling is distributed out in the network. Physical connections between subscribers are handled under the control of abstract connection models, where, in an object oriented system a number of different, mutually independent user processes are provided in such a manner that one or more of the processes under control of one of more processors control those connections which are necessary to achieve e.g. reservation of a connection path, connection set up, through connection and release of complete connection, and redirection of connections. The invention solves the problem of coordinating a number of processes by way of a set of functional objects which allow each user to control and change a connection without coordination with other users.