Abstract: Advertising system for callers to busy data service providers. A caller to an ISP or similar service for which the number is busy can be automatically connected to a server which provides advertisements or other information while waiting for the number to become free. The connection to the server is dropped automatically when the ISP number is no longer busy, and a connection to the service provider originally dialed is automatically established. Software in a PSTN implements part of the invention, while software in a computer application or modem firmware implements the steps of the invention performed at the CPE. A user of the invention need not keep trying a busy number, and the feature can be paid for by revenue from selling the advertising.

Abstract: A method of providing secure signaling connections and media connections for packet data network telephony calls. A secure registration request message containing an encryption technique and public key is sent from an originating gateway 105 over a packet data network 100 to a terminating gateway 105. The terminating gateway 105 returns a secure confirmation message containing a digital certificate over the packet data network 100 to the originating gateway 105. Once registered, further communication between the gateways 105 is encrypted over the packet data network 100 using the public key and encryption technique specified in the secure registration request message. The gateways 105 can be linked to other incompatible networks such as the PSTN 115 or wireless telephony 120 networks in order to provide telephone capability among POTS 125, wireless 130, and IP 140 phones.

Abstract: Advertising system for callers to busy numbers. When a call is received for a busy directory number the originator is notified and a determination is made as to whether the originator would like to activate an automatic callback feature. If the originator has activated the feature the call is forwarded to an advertisement server and the directory number is monitored. When the called directory number is free the originator is connected. In effect, an automatic callback service is provided free of charge to a caller, the revenues from the advertising paying for the service. The invention can be implemented either with an automatic callback facility or by using advanced intelligent network triggers. Computer program code within a telecommunication switch is used to implement the invention.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reducing load distribution delay in an internet protocol switch. A system of messaging allows leader and follower cards within a switch to communicate without spanning the external network and without significant involvement by the central computing module within a switch. When a call setup request is received by a leader card, it sends a broadcast message to follower cards within a multicast group. Each follower card responds with address and channel information which enable the leader card to perform load balancing and establish a connection through the appropriate follower card.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reducing load distribution delay in an internet protocol switch. A system of messaging allows leader and follower cards within a switch to communicate without spanning the external network and without significant involvement by the central computing module within a switch. When a call setup request is received by a leader card, it sends a broadcast message to follower cards within a multicast group. Each follower card responds with address and channel information which enable the leader card to perform load balancing and establish a connection through the appropriate follower card.