Abstract: A system and method for improving communication between a switched network and a packet network is disclosed. In a simplified embodiment, a signaling gateway is utilized for converting signaling in a first protocol into a second protocol, and from the second protocol to said first protocol. At least one media gateway is utilized for converting multimedia provided in a first format into a second format, and from the second format into the first format. A session router for selecting at least one multimedia transmission route to a destination is also utilized, wherein the destination is specified by the switched network. In addition, a media router is also utilized for guiding the multimedia to the destination after conversion by the media gateway.

Abstract: A system for providing encryption for the rerouting of multi-media data flow packets is disclosed. Generally, a first endpoint is connected to a second endpoint, wherein the first endpoint comprises a transceiver, encryption software stored within the first endpoint defining functions to be performed by the first endpoint, and a processor. The processor is configured by the encryption software to perform the steps of: assigning a sequence number to a first multi-media data flow packet received by a first endpoint, wherein the first multi-media data flow packet is within a series of multi-media data flow packets; pseudo-randomly shuffling the sequence number of the first multi-media data flow packet; and, transmitting the pseudo-randomly shuffled sequence number to a second endpoint. These steps may be performed by a programmed controller, or other hardware, instead of, or in addition to, being performed in accordance with software.

Abstract: A system and method for determining flow quality statistics for real-time transport protocol (RTP) data flows is disclosed. Generally, a first endpoint is connected to a second endpoint, wherein the first endpoint comprises a transceiver, software stored within the first endpoint defining functions to be performed by the first endpoint, and a processor. The processor is configured by the software to perform the steps of, determining latency for the RTP data flows, determining jitter for the RTP data flows, and/or determining lost packets for the RTP data flows. Latency is determined by the first endpoint transmitting a test data packet to the second endpoint; the second endpoint looping the test data packet back to the first endpoint; comparing when the test data packet was received by the first endpoint to when the test data packet was sent to the second endpoint, to determine a round trip time; and, dividing the round trip time in two, resulting in the latency.

Abstract: A system and method for providing rapid rerouting of real-time transport protocol (RTP) multi-media flows is disclosed. Generally, a first endpoint is connected to a second endpoint, wherein the first endpoint comprises a transceiver, software stored within the first endpoint defining functions to be performed by the first endpoint, and a processor configured by the software. The processor is configured to perform the steps of, performing flow processing on a data packet received at a first endpoint, from a second endpoint, removing a multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) tag from the data packet, translating a source address and destination address of the data packet, and determining a forwarding destination if more than one destination address of the data packet is provided.

Abstract: A system for assisting in controlling real-time transport protocol flow through multiple networks via screening is disclosed. The system utilizes a transceiver, a memory having logic stored therein defining functions to be performed by the system, and a processor. The processor is configured by the memory to perform the functions of: determining if route information received by the transceiver is from an external source or an internal source; if the route information is from an external source, performing a first internal screen of the route information, wherein a destination address defined by the received route information is compared to a local destination address defined by the first internal screen; and if the route information is from an internal source, performing a second internal screen of the route information, wherein an origin address defined by the received route information is compared to a local origin address defined by the second internal screen.

Abstract: In general, a call rating and debiting system provides a way of rating and debiting complex debit card calls. The system estimates the time when a subscriber's balance will expire by using total charges for all calls for a given time period. Estimation is performed by accounting for time already paid for, reserving a minimum continuation time for adding a new call, reserving time for all calls up to a latest paid for time, estimating remaining time before a subscriber's balance reaches zero, based upon a remaining balance achieved after the system accounts for time already paid for, reserving a minimum continuation time for adding a new call and reserving time for all calls up to the latest paid for time, and setting a time limit for all calls in accordance with any portion of the aforementioned. An alternative embodiment of the system allows a subscriber's account balance to be automatically increased after the balance decreases past a predefined minimum.

Abstract: A system for assisting in controlling real-time transport protocol flow through multiple networks via use of a cluster of session routers is disclosed. The system utilizes a first computer and a cluster of computers, wherein the cluster of computers comprises at least two associated computers that are connected to the first computer. Each of the associated computers comprises a second transceiver, a second memory having logic stored therein defining functions to be performed by the associated computers, and a second processor.

Abstract: A system for assisting in controlling real-time transport protocol flow through multiple networks is disclosed. The system utilizes at least a first computer and a second computer that is connected to the first computer, wherein the second computer comprises a second transceiver, a second memory having logic stored therein defining functions to be performed by the second computer, and a second processor. The second processor is configured by the second memory to perform the functions of: performing an inbound screen on route information received by the second computer, from the first computer, to determine if the received route information should be discarded; if the route information is not discarded, comparing the received and screened route information to a local policy defined with the second computer, and performing an outbound screen on the received and screened information prior to transmitting the received and screened information.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting in controlling real-time transport protocol flow through multiple networks via media flow routing is disclosed. The system utilizes a first computer and a second computer connected to the first computer, via a group of associated computers, wherein each of the first computer, second computer, and group of associated computers comprise a transceiver, a memory, and a processor.

Abstract: A telecommunications database system is provided which permits an intelligent peripheral(IP) platform to have channelized database access to a plurality of databases. The IP platform can locate data in any one of the plurality of databases through a channel map that is derived from configuration data supplied by a default database and data supplied by an incoming call or request to the IP platform. Once the channel map is derived, the IP platform can select a channel to access a local or remote database based on the data supplied by the incoming call or request. This data may be a request for information, service circuit id, DNIS of the incoming call, address entered by a caller, OCN/Redirect of the call, ANI of the call, and/or progress indicators.

Abstract: A dynamic transaction network having a management station, a terminal, and a database. In response to a transaction request from a caller, the terminal accesses information stored in the database via transportable logic. The transportable logic derives the location of relevant information in the database array from input characteristic(s) of the transaction request. The transportable logic stored in the terminal is updated with transportable logic stored in the management station if the terminal determines that there is a difference between its transportable logic and the management station's transportable logic. Some differences may include a change in the number of databases on the network, a change in the number of terminals on the network, or a change in the location of the information stored on the database.

Abstract: A software process setting time limits for telephone calls so that a subscriber's account balance is not exceeded. The method estimates the time when the subscriber's balance will expire by using total charges for all calls per second. The process accounts for time already paid for, reserving the minimum continuation time for adding a new call, reserving time for all calls up to the latest paid for time, dividing the remaining balance by total charges per second to estimate the time left before the subscriber's balance reaches zero, an setting the time limit for each call accordingly.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic call distribution targeting users in workgroups wherein the users utilize either wired or wireless communications tools. Users are chosen via a rule-based selection process including access to a database of user and caller-screened information. The system is compatible with available and developmental hardware platforms for call centers and mobile workers including SS7/AIN, computer telephony interfaces, direct cellular network connections, PBX and centrex-based systems.

Abstract: Storage locations, such as voice mailboxes are addressed on a plurality of widely distributed host systems, connect via a network, by defining logical domains Bach of which may include storage locations on more than one host system. The domains are defined by address tables which indicate which host systems provide ranges of address locations. Transfer of data between domains is simplified by the use of translation tables. One type of translation table is an alias table which has entries containing a range in the originating domain, a new domain and a starting point for a range in the new domain, thus defining a one-to-one correspondence between the ranges in the two domains. Another translation table is a gateway table which defines a gateway to a new domain when an input address has characteristics matching a prefix, number of digits, or both, of an entry in the gateway table.