Abstract: A system and apparatus for enabling supplementary service functions, such as group pickup, to be implemented in a communication network having one or more local servers. The group pickup system is adapted to enable one group member to automatically receive or manually pick up another group member's call from anywhere within the network, including outside the local server in a multiserver network. The group pickup system includes an automatic mode unit for enabling the system to pro-actively seek a group member to take a call and a manual mode unit for enabling the system to search for an alerting group member. The system further includes a local connect unit and a remote connect unit to establish local or remote connections to a group member, respectively. A remote search unit enables the system to request a remote search. A queue/dequeue unit is provided for selecting a group member from a group list.

Abstract: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) private network call rerouting or switching, substantially transparent to both the caller and the called party. IP private network calls (e.g., VoIP private network) are automatically switched over a Public Services Telephone Network (PSTN) such as an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) as the need arises. Alternate routing may occur because of, for example, network congestion, network outages, or detected poor Quality of Service (QoS) in the private network. Routing is over existing customer PSTN trunks and a dedicated Direct Inward Dial (DID) number, unlisted, that serves all users at a distributed system. Calls that may be switched to the PSTN (ISDN) are correlated with call associated information, such as a private calling user number, name, classmarks, Dialed Number Identification Services (DNIS), user group. VoIP calls made between users appear as intranetwork calls regardless of whether they are intranetwork calls or alternately routed.

Abstract: A system and apparatus within a communications server for intercepting supplemental service requests to a communications network and ensuring redirection to correct network party and optimal resource usage when redirecting a call over the network. The optimization system includes a database and database server software. A device/trunk handler is used to interface signalling channels to the optimization system. A monitoring and statistics unit monitors the signalling channels. The server software is responsive to the monitoring and statistics unit and selects the routing of the supplementary service through the appropriate server(s) in the network.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods (and corresponding apparatus) for accurate transmission of an ELIN/callback number from an emergency caller after the emergency call goes on-hook. The methods include (upon initiation of an emergency call) the steps of storing an emergency location identification number and/or callback number in a buffer; and, upon detecting an on-hook event, transmitting the ELIN and/or callback number from the buffer. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the emergency call is disconnected after said step of transmitting; and prior to said step of transmitting, optionally first over private network and to the public network PSAP, a timer is initiated. The step of disconnecting is performed after the timer expires.

Abstract: Methods for accurate transmission of ELIN/callback number from an emergency caller calling from behind a PBX/MLTS include prioritizing the emergency call, assigning a port equipment number to each device/trunk of the PBX/MLTS and associating ports/devices with ELINs and callback numbers. The apparatus of the invention detects an emergency number, assigns the call priority, and uses the port/device number to determine the ELIN/callback number and properly transmit the ELIN/callback number.

Abstract: A private communications network and method of private communications network operation. One or more communications servers each have connected communications devices. From communications devices users enter called party numbers that may include a carrier access code (CAC) and carrier identification code (CIC). The called party number is checked for a CAC and any identified CAC/CIC is parsed from the called party number. The parsed called party number and the CAC/CIC are passed independently of each other over a private network to a public network gateway server. The public network gateway server directs the parsed called party number to a carrier network identified by the CIC, connecting the user to the called party.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automatically determining a call service request in a first communications device and for signalling the call service request determination to a second communications device. The second communications device can apply the service to the call based on the type of call service request. The methods and apparatus of the invention utilize predefined call criterion to make a determination of the call service request. The call criterion may, for example, be selected from called number, calling number, time of day, day of week, and date. An exemplary protocol and message encoding are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for accurate transmission of ELIN/callback number from an emergency caller calling from behind a PBX/MLTS include prioritizing the emergency call, assigning a port equipment number to each device/trunk of the PBX/MLTS and associating ports/devices with ELINs and callback numbers. The apparatus of the invention detects an emergency number, assigns the call priority, and uses the port/device number to determine the ELIN/callback number and properly transmit the ELIN/callback number.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the ability of an ACD server to pull back a call from an IVR server and for allowing an ACD caller to complete a critical transaction while connected to an IVR include special processing and network signaling which enable the ACD to set a pull back status flag and grant permission to the IVR to request a change in the pull back status flag. An exemplary protocol and message encoding are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling call handling in a communications network. The methods and apparatus include special processing and network signalling (between network communications devices) which enable a caller to complete a critical transaction, without interruption. An exemplary protocol and message encoding are disclosed.

Abstract: A Carrier Identification Code (CIC) aware private communications network. International calls are placed with a CIC from a station at an originating server and routed over a private network to a connected public network gateway switch located in another country for a far-end hop-off. The public network gateway switch includes a CIC cross reference table with corresponding local CICs. The public network gateway switch replaces the original CIC with a corresponding local CIC from the cross reference table. Then, the call egresses from the public network gateway switch to a corresponding selected carrier network and connects to the called party on the public communications network.

Abstract: In a network comprising call handling services for mobile users, services being requested by the mobile user for an active call and wherein each user registers for services with a personal identification number (PIN), a method for updating said personal identification number during an active call, the steps of said method comprising: registering user initially with the network for services with user's personal identification number during an active call; signalling a user preference to update the personal identification number; and updating user's personal identification number during said active call.

Abstract: Methods for accurate transmission of ELIN/callback number from an emergency caller calling from behind a PBX/MLTS include assigning a port equipment number to each device/trunk of the PBX/MLTS and associating ports/devices with ELINs and callback numbers. The apparatus of the invention detects an emergency number, assigns the call priority, and uses the port/device number to determine the ELIN/callback number and properly transmit the ELIN/callback number.

Abstract: A Carrier Identification Code (CIC) aware private communications network. International calls are placed with a CIC from a station at an originating server and routed over a private network to a connected public network gateway switch located in another country for a far-end hop-off. The public network gateway switch includes a CIC cross reference table with corresponding local CICs. The public network gateway switch replaces the original CIC with a corresponding local CIC from the cross reference table. Then, the call egresses from the public network gateway switch to a corresponding selected carrier network and connects to the called party on the public communications network.

Abstract: Methods for accurate transmission of ELIN/callback number from an emergency caller calling from behind a PBX/MLTS include assigning a port equipment number to each device/trunk of the PBX/MLTS and associating ports/devices with ELINs and callback numbers. The apparatus of the invention detects an emergency number, assigns the call priority, and uses the port/device number to determine the ELIN/callback number and properly transmit the ELIN/callback number over a private network for far-end hop-off to the public network PSAP.

Abstract: Generic transport option invoked by a system administrator module (104) which defines what data type to send, the destination to which the data should be sent, the dissemination method, the mode of transport, the schedule, and which transport facility to be used. When the generic transport option has been invoked, the server (102) acknowledges the control command and proceeds to set up the appropriate connection (101), prepares a predetermined portion of a data container (400) with control header information (402), retrieves the proper data, and packs the data into the transport container (404). Further, confirmation is provided for each container sent that the message was received successfully.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for accurate transmission of ELIN/callback number from an emergency caller calling from behind a PBX/MLTS include assigning a port equipment number to each device/trunk of the PBX/MLTS and associating ports/devices with ELINs and callback numbers. The apparatus of the invention detects an emergency number, assigns the call priority, and uses the port/device number to determine the ELIN/callback number and properly transmit the ELIN/callback number optionally first over a private network and to the public network PSAP.

Abstract: An IP Telephony Emergency Connections (ITEC) system and method that determines the precise origin of an emergency call and routes the call to the proper Public Service Answering Point (PSAP). A source-based routing mechanism is provided in an IP telephony type network, such as a VoIP or IP over LAN/ATM. Emergency calls are routed to the correct PSAP jurisdiction. Each server/switch may include the mechanism such that the IP Telephony network can identify an E911 connection and egress to a public network at a point closest to the emergency call point of origin. Whenever an emergency number call is made, the call's origin is determined during call setup establishment. Every port or end user jack in the network is assigned a Source Group Index (SGI), which is a number or index representing each PSAP jurisdiction in the network. All ports/jacks within the same PSAP jurisdiction are assigned the same SGI. Users may be in different areas of multiple PSAP jurisdictions.

Abstract: Systems for dialing an emergency telephone number from a teleworking client according to the invention include apparatus that implement the steps of detecting at a teleworking client when an emergency number is dialed, disconnecting the teleworking client from the PBX/MLTS, connecting the teleworking client to the PSTN, and dialing an associated stored number. Though the invention is described with reference to a teleworking client, it may also be applied to any other dialup network connection.

Abstract: Methods for accurate transmission of ELIN/callback number from an emergency caller calling from behind a PBX/MLTS include prioritizing the emergency call, assigning a port equipment number to each device/trunk of the PBX/MLTS and associating ports/devices with ELINs and callback numbers. The apparatus of the invention detects an emergency number, assigns the call priority, and uses the port/device number to determine the ELIN/callback number and properly transmit the ELIN/callback number.