Abstract: Methods and apparatus for negotiating bearer control parameters using property sets. A property set is a specific set of default parameters or “properties” to be used for a given bearer channel type in an integrated node. Property set information can be passed between integrated nodes (301, 302) in a multimedia packet network (305). In many cases, a parameter negotiation can be completed quickly after the originating node sends a setup message including a list of one or more property sets and one or more requested parameters. In all cases, the bearer type and bearer parameters are determined based on capabilities of the originating and terminating nodes. The invention provides a way for existing signaling links using bearer independent call control (BICC), or session initiation protocol (SIP), or H.245, or similar protocols with a way to negotiate more bearer types and parameters without significantly increasing the bandwidth needed for the negotiation, or requiring nodes to be provisioned.

Abstract: A procedure for accomplishing surveillance within a managed VoP network when end-user encryption/decryption and NAT are in place. The procedure comprises first analyzing the network from call signaling and message standpoints, leading to the identification of suitable surveillance access points (SAPs) for packet interception. A Delivery Function (DF) facilitated by the network service provider provides the means to intercept (without alteration) and replicate packets transmitted across the SAPs. The packets are then transmitted via the DF for collection within a Collection Function (CF), which is managed by a Law Enforcement Agency (LEA), for analysis by the LEA. This analysis provides, among other benefits, the opportunity to decrypt the intercepted packets and to identify additional suitable SAPs. In demonstrating the procedure, several embodiments of network surveillance models are described. Each one identifies the location of SAPs for that model.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for tunneling operating codes to and from a call server in a packet network. A signaling package for the Megaco/H.248 protocol is provided which encapsulates or “tunnels” control and signaling codes for an endpoint device so that the codes can be communicated between a call server and the device. Only the call server and the endpoint device need have the intelligence to interpret the operating codes. Where the device is a programmable phone, the call server can be provisioned to understand and control specialized functions of the phone without adding new, telephone specific signaling to the standard Megaco/H.248 protocol for each type of phone to be supported. The media gateway that serves the specific telephone in question simply passes on any operating codes received.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for associating an end-to-end call identifier with a connection in a multimedia packet network. An end-to-end call identifier (EECID) is provided to uniquely identify a call leg across a packet network, regardless of the number of nodes used in completing the network path. The EECID allows for call association with a bearer connection so that high level call processing and low level bearer connection management can function independently but correlated by media gateways and media gateway controllers. Either a media gateway or media gateway controller can generate the EECID before establishing a connection for a call. The EECID is then sent to remote media gateways and media gateway controllers. The bearer connection can be setup by a media gateway at either end of the connection with respect to where the EECID is generated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for negotiating bearer control parameters using property sets. A property set is a specific set of default parameters or “properties” to be used for a given bearer channel type in an integrated node. Property set information can be passed between integrated nodes (301, 302) in a multimedia packet network (305). In many cases, a parameter negotiation can be completed quickly after the originating node sends a setup message including a list of one or more property sets and one or more requested parameters. In all cases, the bearer type and bearer parameters are determined based on capabilities of the originating and terminating nodes. The invention provides a way for existing signaling links using bearer independent call control (BICC), or session initiation protocol (SIP), or H.245, or similar protocols with a way to negotiate more bearer types and parameters without significantly increasing the bandwidth needed for the negotiation, or requiring nodes to be provisioned.

Abstract: Computer telephone integration (CTI) server having dial-up network access. By providing increased integration between a CTI server and the public switched telephone network (PSTN), enhanced features can be provided to users of the CTI server for accessing on-line services. The server connects with on-line service providers either through a PSTN office or a dedicated data network which is associated with the PSTN. The dedicated data network is usually either a frame relay or an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network. The CTI server can also be connected to customer premises equipment (CPE) through a PSTN office to provide CTI services to dial-up users. Additionally, the CTI server can provide simultaneous access to multiple service providers which allows better integration of CTI services and services provided by Internet service providers.