Abstract: A system and method for implementing user-to-user information transfer services over a communications network having switches, a voice network, and a signaling network. The invention establishes a connection path over both the voice network and the signaling network for connections requested by users to follow such that multiple connections may utilize the same connection paths. Each of switches have available a database for tracking and maintaining current connection information for connections with other switches.

Abstract: A system and method by which bearer channels within high-speed communication channels can be directly accessed without completely breaking down the high-speed data communication channel. The present invention provides a flexible approach in which individual bearer channels can be accessed and in which data within an accessed bearer channel can easily be changed.

Abstract: A method of interrupting a call between two parties in a switched telecommunications. A monitoring switch monitors the call for a party initiated interrupt signal. Whenever the monitoring switch receives an interrupt signal initiated by its associated party, the monitoring switch initiates a call between the party initiating the interrupt signal and a serving platform, and parks the other party at a port of the monitoring switch. The monitoring switch then monitors the status of the call between the party initiating the interrupt signal and the serving platform, and the status of the parked call so that the parties may be reconnected at the conclusion of the call between the requesting party and the serving platform or informed if one of the parties disconnects before they are reconnected.

Abstract: A programmable gateway for processing protocol conversion for a virtual bearer channel platform. The platform includes a plurality of transaction processing units (TPUs). Each TPU processes service requests transmitted by a caller or transmits service requests to a destination called party. The platform has a distribution network that interfaces with the TPUs and acts as a shared bus between the TPUs. The platform receives and transmits communications with a communications network over bearer channels of a high bandwidth pipe. A cross-connecting controller multiplexes the signals coming into the platform over the bearer channels onto the distribution network, and also demultiplexes signals going out over the bearer channels from the distribution network. A resource manager provides a centralized control for the allocation of bandwidth to the transaction processing units.

Abstract: A resource manager for managing the resources of a virtual bearer channel platform. The platform includes a plurality of transaction processing units (TPUs). Each TPU processes service requests transmitted by a caller or transmits service requests to a destination called party. The platform has a distribution network that interfaces with the TPUs and acts as a shared bus between the TPUs. The platform receives and transmits communications with a communications network over bearer channels of a high bandwidth pipe. A cross-connecting controller multiplexes the signals coming into the platform over the bearer channels onto the distribution network, and also demultiplexes signals going out over the bearer channels from the distribution network. The resource manager provides a centralized control for the allocation of bandwidth to the transaction processing units.

Abstract: A virtual bearer channel platform includes a plurality of transaction processing units. Each transaction processing unit processes one or more service requests received as a call on a bearer channel. The call data is distributed to individual transaction processing units using a high-speed shared network such as a SONET-type network. In one embodiment, the standard SONET format is modified to eliminate fields which contain data of no significance to the present environment. In another embodiment, the standard SONET format, itself, is used. The platform includes a resource manager for allocating the newly received calls to individual transaction processing units. The resource manager sets up outbound calls when requested by a transaction processing unit. A gateway interfaces with the resource manager and the external communication network for assisting in call setup in both inbound and outbound directions.

Abstract: A system and method for branching a telephone call. The system is a network having a first call branch connecting a pivot node and an origination node, a second call branch connecting the pivot node and a release node, and a third call branch connecting the release node and an alternate node. The method includes the steps of initializing the origination and release nodes to inform them of the pivot node's ability to branch the call; creating a fourth call branch between the pivot and destination nodes, and switching the call from the third call branch to the fourth call branch.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for transmitting proprietary parameters in a telecommunications network conforming to the ANSI SS7 ISUP Standard. The method includes the steps of identifying proprietary parameters to be transmitted as part of an ISUP SS7 signaling message that includes a network specific Generic Digits parameter and encapsulating those parameters within the network specific Generic Digits parameter.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for transmitting proprietary parameters in a telecommunications network conforming to the ISUP Standard. The method includes the steps of identifying proprietary parameters to be transmitted as part of an ISUP signaling message that includes a network specific Generic Digits parameter and encapsulating those parameters within the network specific Generic Digits parameter.

Abstract: A system and method for efficient routing of communication paths in a telecommunications system. The system comprises a telecommunications network having a pivot node, a destination node, and a release node connected to the pivot node and having a possible connection to the destination node. The method includes attempting to establish a direct connection between the destination node and the pivot node. An attempt is initially made to establish a direct connection between the destination node and the pivot node. If the destination node and the pivot node can be connected directly, then the connection between the pivot node and the release node is released. If the attempt to directly connect the destination node and the pivot node fails, a direct connection is established between the destination node and the release node. The failure to connect the destination node and the pivot node can be indicated by two methods. In the pivot method, the pivot node sends a failure indication to the release node.