Abstract: The present invention enhances synchronization when frames are transmitted over an intermediate network by incorporating a synchronization code along with a data frame in a transport frame used to transport the data frame over an intermediate network. The synchronization code is generated and used to check framing and correct framing errors when the data frames are extracted from the transport frames.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to creating and placing an error correction code in a cell for error correction of data or frames carried by that cell or related cells. When frames of data arrive at a gateway between two networks, the frames of data are mapped into cells used for transport. Error correction codes are generated and placed into the payload of each transport frame or cell. The transport cells encapsulating the data frames are carried over the network to another gateway, wherein the transport cells are processed and corrected for errors based on an error correction code in one of the transport cells. Providing the error correction code allows for the correction of lost or corrupted information during transport without requiring retransmission of data. When multiple frames of data are mapped into a transport cell, error correction for one transport cell will minimize the need for retransmission of multiple data frames.

Abstract: A method and system for integrating a computer and a telephone. A stimulus messaging device, such as an analog telephone, is provisioned as a functional messaging device, such as an ISDN telephone, at a switch. The switch communicates with the telephone through a loop interface device. The loop interface device translates ISDN messages destined for the telephone received from the switch into analog signals for the telephone. The loop interface device also sends the ISDN messages received from the switch to a computer associated with the telephone. The loop interface device translates analog signals received from the telephone into ISDN messages for transmission to either the switch and/or the computer. The present invention enhances call control information for an analog telephone and allows tight integration between a telephone and a computer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus used in an AO/DI networking service that automatically changes thresholds that increase or decrease bandwidth to cause a corresponding change in the rate of data transfer capacity. The AO/DI networking service uses apparatus that comprises a circuit switched network having an end office with a network management center that monitors the circuit switched network. A computer and a packet switched network are connected to the circuit switched network. An ISP connected to the packet switched network and the end office is used for determining the status of telephone circuits in the circuit switched network serving both the computer and the ISP. Once this status is determined, the AO/DI automatically changes thresholds for increasing and decreasing bandwidth thereby effecting a corresponding change in the rate of data transfer capacity for an AO/DI subscriber.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transferring a call leg in a telecommunication network and releasing it to free up resources, while allowing retrieval at a later time under specified conditions. Message extensions are provided for interfaces used between service nodes and host switches in a telecommunication networks. The invention is appropriate for use in an integrated services digital network (ISDN), in an internet protocol (IP) telephony network, or in any other type of telecommunication network. The service node sends a transfer request and retrieval conditions -to the switch. The switch stores the conditions and transfers the channel with the appropriate call leg, but can retrieve the call leg when one of the conditions is met.

Abstract: A call servicing system permits service agents to service customer calls over a data network. The call servicing system includes customer switches that direct calls to and from the customers, agent terminals for use by the service agents in servicing the customer calls, a network switch, a call translation unit, and an Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) server. The network switch receives the customer calls and transfers the calls to the call translation unit under direction of the ACD server. The call translation unit routes the calls to selected service agents. The ACD server selects the service agents to service the calls, and controls the call translation unit to forward the calls to the agent terminals associated with the selected service agents over the data network.