Abstract: A TDM switch is configured to route TDM traffic from two receive circuits to a destination. One copy of the traffic is discarded, and a memory selectively stores the other copy for routing to the TDM switch. Receive circuits contemplate both virtual tributary (VT) level and card or circuit level metrics for qualification of signals.

Abstract: The combination of narrowband applications with broadband transport is enabled by combining a first node having narrowband ability with a second node having broadband ability in which call control functionality of the first node is provided to the second node. Both the first node and the second node have connection control functionality for switching data information of a given call. However, the broadband second node receives signaling information from the narrowband first node, which has call control functionality, over one or more links to enable the second node to switch a call in accordance with determined call control instructions. The combination of the narrowband first node and the broadband second node results in a hybrid switch that is capable of operating with both synchronous transfer mode (STM) networks and asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) networks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of establishing a voice call between a calling party's terminal (5), which is connected to a telephone network (4), and a called party's terminal (6), which is also connected to the telephone network (4), through an Internet Protocol (IP) network (1). To make the method as simple as possible, it is proposed to use conventional IP servers (2; 3) of IP service providers for providing access to the IP network (1). The IP network (1) includes at least one Voice-over-IP (VoIP) server (11), which controls the functions of telephony over the IP network (1). The VoIP server (11) receives the request for an IP call from the calling party, activates the still inactive terminal (6) of the called party over the telephone network (4), determines the IP addresses of the terminals (5, 6), and communicates the IP addresses to the respective other terminal (5; 6). The terminals (5, 6) then establish a voice call between them through the IP network (1).

Abstract: A signaling architecture for a cross connect switch utilizes out-of-band communications channels to transmit status information from line modules to the switch module. The out-of-band communication channels are separate from the in-band payload data connections routinely used to connect line modules to the switch module. A framer is used to extract payload data for transmission on the in-band payload data connections. The framer also extracts status information that may be encoded before sending to the switch module via the out-of-band communications channels. The switch module logically pairs STS-1s into working/protect pairs and utilizes the STS-1 granular status information to decide which of the pair is a better copy which is output as the working copy after the cross-connect switch fabric is configured according to user demands. A redundant switch module may also be used for equipment protection.

Abstract: A system and method that enables a more flexible architecture in communication networks with separated call control and bearer control. The invention enables full support of the advantages of a communication network with separated call control and bearer control when interfacing with a further network with monolithic signalling. The invention also increases the flexibility of an existing payload connection, especially in the case of a malfunction. The invention uses the existing signalling protocols to transfer further information. Basically, information elements and methods to interpret the transferred information are stored in the receivers and senders of the information. This enables the receivers and senders of information to transmit more information than originally planned when the protocols where designed. So it is possible to identify a combination of a payload transmission device and a control node instead of a single device only.

Abstract: The present invention refers to methods for establishing control signaling between nodes connected to the same communication link, said link carrying a bitstream that is divided into frames, each frame in turn being divided into time slots, said time slot being allocatable to define circuit switched channels. According to the invention, all nodes connected to said link using, at link start-up, the same predefined time slot or set of time slots in said frames to receive control signaling messages from and transmit control signaling messages to nodes connected to said link. The nodes then establishes, using control signaling via said predefined time slot or set of time slots, respective control channels, defined by respective time slot or set of time slots in said frames, reserved for transmission of control signaling messages from each respective one of said nodes.

Abstract: A method and system for modifying and transmitting intelligent-network service data or service parameters in a telecommunication system comprising an intelligent network, a service control point of the intelligent network, a service data point of the intelligent network, a second telecommunication network and means for connecting the intelligent network to the second telecommunication network. The second telecommunication network is connected via a gateway to the service logic of the service control point and/or to the service data point and a service data parameter and/or the service logic of the intelligent network is modified using a protocol supported by the second telecommunication network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for switching a data packet between a source and destination in a network. The data packet includes a header portion and a data portion. The header portion includes routing information for the data packet. The method includes defining a data path in the router comprising a path through the router along which the data portion of the data packet travels and defining a control path comprising a path through the router along which routing information from the header portion travels. The method includes separating the data path and control path in the router such that the routing information can be separated from the data portion allowing for the separate processing of each in the router. The data portion can be stored in a global memory while routing decisions are made on the routing information in the control path.

Abstract: A technique for performing a time slot interchange in a processor. The TSI process is surrounded by a multiplexing/demultiplexing circuit for converting a plurality of PCM highways into a single input serial data stream. The mux/demux circuit includes elastic stores to align frames and shift resisters to mux/demux with a minimum of delay. The TSI processor includes an input and an output buffered series port, a pair of input buffers, one to receive even-numbered frames from the PCM highways and one to receive odd-numbered frames, and an output buffer. Data is read from the appropriate input buffer in a non-sequential fashion as commanded by the processor in accordance with information stored in connection arrays (address buffers). The data is then written to the output buffer sequentially. The timing of the reading and writing steps is optimized relative to free running buffered serial port pointers for each BSP to reduce the frame delay.

Abstract: A substitution call control system includes an ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) subscriber network of an ATM communication network. The ATM subscriber network includes a plurality of network terminators respectively connected with a plurality of subscriber terminals, and an ATM subscriber line concentrator, which accommodates VCs (Virtual Connection) to the plurality of network terminators, and is connected with a ATM switching apparatus of the ATM network through a UNI (User-Network Interface). The ATM subscriber line concentrator includes a substitution call control function to substitute for the plurality of network terminators and the subscriber terminals for a call control.

Abstract: A high-capacity electronic switching system includes two or more first stage switch modules to each of which one or more subscriber terminals (telephone sets, fax machines, personal computers, etc.) are connected and each of which executes signal switching for signals from/to the subscriber terminals, and a second stage switch module for switching signals between the first stage switch modules. In the high-capacity electronic switching system, each of the first stage switch modules is connected to another one of the first stage switch modules via a special-purpose link for setting a communication link between the first stage switch modules when necessary. For example, the setting of the communication link via the special-purpose link is executed when an abnormal condition of the second stage switch module occurred and normal communication link setting between two first stage switch modules via the second stage switch module is impossible.

Abstract: A telecommunications network (10) includes a gateway (18) that receives signaling information in a message based signaling format from a Class 5 softswitch (26). The gateway (18) also receives voice traffic over an inter-machine trunk from a public switched telephone network (12). The gateway (18) places the voice traffic into data packets. The gateway (18) transfers the data packets and the signaling information to an Internet Protocol network (30). The data packets and the signaling information may be transferred over a common physical link and over separate logical links.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for establishing and maintaining a backhaul link over an Internet Protocol based network for transporting Layer 3 ISDN messages. A signalling gateway establishes a TCP connection to a Media Gateway Controller through the IP based network. The Layer 3 ISDN messages generated within an ISDN network attached to the IP based network are then transported between the signalling gateway and the Media Gateway Controller over the TCP connection. The integrity of the TCP connection is monitored using a heartbeat mechanism based on UDP packets. Both the signalling gateway and the Media Gateway Controller transmit UDP packets at regular intervals, and monitor for the arrival of UDP packets from the other device. If a provisioned number of consecutive UDP packets do not arrive from the other device, then a failure of the backhaul link is declared. The signalling gateway then attempts to re-establish the backhaul link.

Abstract: The invention relates particularly to the switching of an SDH low order VC-3 using a high order switching apparatus, such as an STS switch. A low order VC-3 is aligned with a TU-3 pointer to form a TU-3. The TU-3 is mapped into a high order VC-3 type data structure which, in turn, is aligned with an AU-3 pointer to form an AU-3 type data structure. The AU-3 type data structure is suitable for switching by the high order switch. After switching, the AU-3 type data structure is combined with similar AU-3 type data structures and converted into an AU-4 suitable for transmission across an SDH/SONET network. Advantageously, the arrangement is such that each AU-3 pointer has the same fixed value. Hence, conversion to an AU-4 is achieved by a fixed pointer replacement operation.

Abstract: A method, system and network device routes a message to a temporarily unavailable network user, wherein a subscription to a registration state of the network user is initiated if the network user is indicated as being unavailable. Then, a notification is generated, when the registration state of the network user is changed to indicate a state when the network user is available again or when the network user is registered again, and the message is routed to the network user in response to receiving the notification. Thereby, network elements or servers generating messages can be informed about the connection state of the network user.

Abstract: Based on link security method to be discussed in IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802, for which standardization is to progress while centering on IEEE 802.3 and 802.1d, provided is an authentication method capable of allowing an OLT to implement functions of a RADIUS server to authenticate ONUs. An MD-5 algorithm, adapted to be used between the OLT and the RADIUS server, in accordance with its use between the OLT and the ONUs, is simplified so that it is usable in an EPON architecture. A computer-readable recording medium recorded with a program implements the authentication method. The authentication method includes the step of sending a start code from an optical network unit (ONU) to an optical line terminal (OLT). The ONU receives in response a request for an identifier of the ONU.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, the present invention provides a system for managing signaling messages in a telecommunication system. The system includes a first control module that is operable to receive signaling messages from a plurality of signaling links, process the signaling messages, and send the processed signaling messages through a communication network interface. The system also includes a second control module that is operable to receive the signaling messages from the plurality of signaling links, process the signaling messages, and send the processed signaling messages through a communication network interface. The system further includes a Matelink coupled to the first control module and the second control module. The Matelink is operable to communicate the status of the first control module to the second control module and the status of the second control module to the first control module.

Abstract: A telecommunications network is provided, including a switch configured such that a request from a first network termination to establish a communications link with a second network termination is directed to a service processor which directs the switch to establish the link. This enables the user terminal to direct service and call setup requests directly to the service processor, the switch not being involved with the call or service request until the service processor instructs it to participate, thereby minimizing the establishment and allocation of resources until it is clear that such resources are required. A call can therefore be validated before any communications links are established, thus potentially offering economies in the operation of the system.

Abstract: The practice and need for active network measurement is well established, however, current tools are not well suited to this task, mostly because the protocols which they employ have not been designed for measurement of the modern Internet. The IP Measurement Protocol (IPMP) is based on packet-probes, and is designed to allow routers to participate in measurements by the insertion of path information as the probe passes between a pair of hosts.

Abstract: The practice and need for active network measurement is well established, however, current tools are not well suited to this task, mostly because the protocols which they employ have not been designed for measurement of the modem Internet. The IP Measurement Protocol (IPMP) is based on packet-probes, and is designed to allow routers to participate in measurements by the insertion of path information as the probe passes between a pair of hosts.

Abstract: A system and method provide a call service features in response to call control information conveyed by a monitored bearer channel in a telecommunications network. A bearer channel monitor captures the call control information and relays the information to a call control application server. The call control application server analyzes the call control information, and provides call control instructions to a call control node that operates in the telecommunications network to effect the call service. The call control node serves as one or more virtual switching points in the network to directly control call routing without disconnecting a called or calling party, unless required as part of a service feature. Control from a center of the telecommunications network provides rapid and efficient call control without use of edge devices or duplication of bearer channels in the network.

Abstract: An operating system independent distributed self-contained dynamic logic system is disclosed. The dynamic logic system enables EO functionality in small edge routers or programmable switches which serve a small population of users instead of the rather large population typically served by a 5ESS or DSM100 central office switch. A disclosed method provides the capability for EO switch enhanced functionality that is programmable from a remote location The dynamic logic system may be implemented across several elements, including a subscriber database called a Service Control Point (SCP), a computer called a Service Management Point (SMP) for controlling and distributing programmable logic to implement EO features, and an Edge Switching Point (ESP) for interacting with a physical device (telephone/data endpoint). The dynamic logic system may be introduced at the “intercept” layer between the physical edge switching point device, typically a telephone interface, and a routing network.

Abstract: A method for processing packets includes specifying a primary chain of function elements on a primary processor and specifying a secondary chain of function elements on a secondary processor. Each element is operable to perform an operation on a packet. The method further includes selecting one of the primary processor, secondary processor, and combination of the primary and secondary processors to perform a packet-processing function of each element. The packets are processed by walking through the elements on at least one of the primary and secondary chains. A router having a primary and secondary processor is also disclosed. The primary and secondary processors each include a chain generator for generating primary and secondary chains of function elements. Each of the function elements of the primary chain corresponds to one of the function elements of the secondary chain to form a pair of function elements. At least one function element of each pair is configured to perform a packet-processing function.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for an optoelectronic network interface device allowing reconfiguration of ports in a Local Area Network (LAN). More particularly, the optoelectronic interface device is integrated to include optical ports for communicating with a network, electronic circuits for providing an interface to end-users and a controllable electronic switch between the optical ports and electronic circuits. In response to a control signal, the switch dynamically reconfigures the connection between selected optical ports and selected electronic circuits.

Abstract: A system and method for the efficient utilization of core telecommunications resources (including both switching and transport resources) during a datacom session over a connection-oriented telecommunications system is described. First, the telecommunications resources along a connection path are partitioned into two or more segments. One or more pause sensors placed along the connection path detect periods of inactivity in an connection. Whenever such a period of inactivity is detected, the pause sensor selectively causes the release of core telecommunications resources for reallocation to active applications, typically by deactivating one or more segments. When wake-up sensors detect renewed activity over the connection, then the dormant connection is reactivated by reallocating core physical resources. The dynamic connection technique of the present invention can be used both with analog (inband) signaling systems (e.g., Plain Old Telephone Service) as well as with digital signaling systems (e.g.

Abstract: A data sending/receiving system, data receiving device and data receiving method enable technique of efficient data; reception to be provided in such a way that even though when the system receives data whose file-name, file-size and so forth are unknown, the system determines temporary file-name and/or file-size with possible bounds, before implementing storing processing. A sending device converts file to be sent into packet data, and adds identification information of the file and position information of the packet data in relation to the file to respective packets. A receiving device generates a temporary file-name and a temporary file-size according to an identification information, before storing packet data associated with the temporary file-name in storage device.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus, system, and method for converting point codes in a signal transfer point in a telecommunications signaling system. The STP converts point codes which designate the origination and destination signaling points for the message. The conversion is based on information defined by the messages, such as origination or destination information. The present invention creates a virtual signaling system which can be reconfigured at the STP by converting point codes, and thus, altering the identities of the signaling points. The present invention is also operable to convert circuit identification codes and transfer integrated services user part messages to a user part.

Abstract: When an external terminal is signed on to a communications system, a data link is set up between the external terminal and a teleworking subscriber line module of the communications system. Until the external terminal is signed off, terminal-oriented signaling information, such as is usually available within the framework of a signaling protocol between internal terminals and the communications system, is transferred between the external terminal and the communications system via the data link.

Abstract: A system for establishing a voice and signaling link through a PBX system from an remote telephone device includes a PBX system, a setless gateway, and an remote telephone device. The PBX system is coupled to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) via a trunk connection. The PBX system is also coupled to the setless gateway via a digital phone port, which includes a first bearer channel B1 and a second bearer channel B2. DTMF tone sequences from the remote telephone device are decoded by the setless gateway, which acts as a proxy to the PBX system. The setless gateway routes voice and signaling from the second bearer channel B2 to the first bearer channel B1, so as to extend the remote telephone device from the PBX system.

Abstract: A signal transfer point (STP) within a Signaling System 7 (SS7) telecommunications network receives SS7 signals transmitted by a local switch. In response to a determination that the destination node specified by the received SS7 signal is connected to an Internet Protocol (IP) network, the serving STP encapsulates the received SS7 signal within an IP packet and transmits the IP packet over an IP network using an IP address identifying an application service provider (ASP) associated with a STP serving the specified destination local switch as the destination address. All other SS7 signals are transmitted over an existing SS7 telecommunications network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing data communication between a source station having multiple connections to a first switch and a destination station having multiple connections to a second switch. A trunk identifier to each port on the first switch and each port on the second switch. A data frame is encoded with the trunk identifier for an ingress port on the first switch. The data frame is sent to the second switch from the first switch. A list of egress ports for the destination station is obtained from a station list contained in the second switch. An egress port is selected from the list of egress ports based upon the source address, destination address and trunk identifier. The data frame is sent to the destination station through the selected egress port.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing signals received on a R2 multifrequency compelled signalling subscriber channel within a telephone switch. The method includes the steps of disposing a digital signal processor within the telephone switch between an inbound path of the R2 multifrequency compelled signal subscriber channel and a controlling processor of the telephone switch and detecting an R2 multifrequency compelled signalling control transmission by the digital signal processor on the inbound path. The method further includes the steps of responding to the control transmission by the digital signal processor transmitting an acknowledgement on an outbound path of the subscriber channel and transferring a symbolic representation of the control transmission to the controlling processor of the switch.

Abstract: A line group function in a communications network based on ITU-T H.323 is implemented via a proxy function. First, an alias address for the line group is converted into a group transport address for a proxy function, and a connection setup message is transmitted from the calling endpoint to the proxy function using the group transport address. A connection setup message is transmitted from the proxy function to group endpoints in the line group using transport addresses known to the proxy function. After a response message has been transmitted from one of the group endpoints to the proxy function, the address of this endpoint is transmitted to the calling endpoint, and the address of the calling endpoint is transmitted to the responding group endpoint by the proxy function. A connection is set up between the calling endpoint and the responding group endpoint using the addresses of these endpoints.

Abstract: A computer connected to an ISDN central office switch via an ISDN digital subscriber line, provides management information regarding activities of a plurality of telephone agents. The computer has shared call appearances with a number of telephone agent stations and receives shared call appearance associated messages from the switch reflecting call handling messages exchanged between the ISDN switch and each of the agent stations. The messages are interpreted by the computer, which generates station status information and management information such as the number of calls handled, average holding time per call, etc. The computer may be connected simultaneously to several central offices via ISDN subscriber lines and generate management information for a group of geographically separated agents, such as home telemarketing agents operating out of their individual homes and connected to different central offices.

Abstract: One or more nodes on a communication network are selected and set as one node group. In each of the nodes, group identification information representing the node group to which the node belongs is stored in advance. The group identification information is attached to the header of a data packet to be transmitted, so that nodes constituting a node group that should commonly receive data can be readily identified by comparing the group identification information imparted to the transmitted data packet and the group identification information stored in each receiving node. Given node can choose to become a node of a particular function, such as a clock master node, in which case control is performed to delete, from the node group, a node having so far played the role of the node of the particular function in such a manner that there exists only one node of the particular function per node group.

Abstract: An asynchronous serial crosspoint switch is word synchronized to each of a number of transceiver circuits. The crosspoint switch circuit generates both a master bit clock and a master word clock signal. A transceiver circuit recovers the master bit clock signal from an incoming high-speed serial data stream using a clock and data recovery circuit. The recovered bit clock signal is used as a timing signal by which data is serialized and transmitted to the crosspoint switch circuit. The data stream transmitted to the switch circuit is frequency locked to the master bit clock signal, such that the serial data stream need only be phase adjusted with a data recovery circuit. To recover word timing, the switch circuit issues alignment words to the transceivers during link initialization. The transceivers perform word alignment and establish a local word lock. Alignment words are then reissued to the switch circuit using the local word clock.

Abstract: The combination of narrowband applications with broadband transport is enabled by combining a first node having narrowband ability with a second node having broadband ability in which the first node has at least call control functionality, and the second node has connection control functionality and associated switching capabilities. The second node may rely on the call control functionality of the first node for traffic handling functions. Communications between the two nodes may be effectuated over first and second links for call signaling information and call data information, respectively. When switching fabric for call data information is present in both of the first and second nodes, incoming calls to either node may be routed as an outgoing call from the other node in order to, for example, switch between broadband and narrowband transport mechanisms.

Abstract: A communication system (10) employs switching circuits, such as an add/drop multiplexer (70) and another add/drop multiplexer (110). The bandwidth of a circuit switched connection between the switching circuits is altered without taking down the connection.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an alternate common channel signaling system path. The alternative signaling path that does not rely on the same hardware or software that is used for a primary signaling path. The alternative signal path allows network devices on a local area network to be signaled when a primary signaling path to the local area network has failed. The alternative signaling paths may provide better fault tolerance for connecting local area networks to other external networks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a procedure for transmitting information to a predetermined subscriber line or predetermined subscriber lines in a telephone network. In the procedure of the invention for transmitting information to a predetermined subscriber line in a telephone network, which comprises a telephone exchange (1), a number of subscriber lines (2) connected to it and a terminal device (3) connected to the subscriber line, the subscriber number of the subscriber line acting as source of information is stored in the telephone network; the subscriber numbers of the predetermined subscriber lines to which the information is to be transmitted are stored in the telephone network; the information to be transmitted is stored in the telephone network and/or in a peripheral connected to it; and, using a link without actual connection, the predetermined information is transmitted of the predetermined subscriber lines.

Abstract: A packet voice transmitter and method of transmitting digital audio signals are disclosed that detect and alter transmission processing for in-band signals such as DTMF signals. The present invention allows a digital audio data stream to be sent without delay when in-band signals are not present by detecting the possible presence of in-band signals early, i.e., before an entire in-band signal symbol has been received. In one embodiment, a DTMF signature detector 58 operates in parallel with a voice encoder 56 on a digital audio data stream 20. If a frame from data stream 20 resembles a leading portion of a DTMF signal, DTMF signal detection manager 60 shifts encoded audio data frames from encoded audio data stream 70 into a frame delay buffer 66 while further frames are examined for DTMF signal consistency. If a complete DTMF signal is received, buffer 66 is flushed and a DTMF signal is transmitted out-of-band in a separate packet.

Abstract: A method and protocol for creating R2 data connections over a telecommunications connection is presented. The protocol includes a small set of signals used to create a data connection over a telecommunications using R2-MFC signaling for voice connections. The method includes a first set of methods for R2-MFC short cycling and a second set of methods for R2-MFC spoofing. R2-MFC short cycling uses the R2 data connection protocol and a tone detection apparatus to create a data connection. R2-MFC spoofing uses the R2 data connection protocol to create a data connection without a tone detection apparatus to detect a forward register signal. The method and protocol allow a data connection to be quickly and economically completed using R2-MFC signaling. The method and protocol are suitable for data services such as Internet or intranet access and teleconferencing.

Abstract: Whenever a subscriber associated with a plurality of subscriber features receives or originates a call, an application module associated with the serving local exchange links into the established call. The application module thereinafter intercepts all incoming calls towards that subscriber and transmits control data over the existing call connection to the subscriber terminal informing it of the new incoming call. The control data are transmitted over the existing call connection using out-of-band voice frequencies or during silent portions of the speech connection. Over the same existing call connection, the application module receives an instruction from the subscriber terminal for providing a particular terminating call treatment for this incoming call. The application module then provides the instructed terminating call treatment as instructed by the subscriber.

Abstract: A network-based method for initiating and completing a voice telephony call via the Internet comprises the steps of receiving call completion data at a voice/data network gateway of the public switched telephone network from an Internet application web server, which may comprise an Internet service provider or other entity serving Internet users via an Internet application web server, and transmitting call completion data to telecommunications switches for connecting an Internet user to a telephone of an application agent associated with the Internet server. The application agent may be associated with a 1-8YY toll-free number or other national or international telephone number. Call progress data is translated into data communications protocol format to be returned to the Internet server where it may be displayed to the user. Preferably, the link between the Internet application web server and the voice/data network gateway comprises a telecommunications data link, for example, an ISDN data link.

Abstract: Mobile radio systems with mobile switching centers to which at least one private branch exchange for providing wireline subscriber lines is connected, are known. The branch exchanges require an expensive switching technology and are not capable of providing mobile-radio-specific service features at the wireline subscriber terminals. For the purpose of providing a mobile radio system (MRS) of simple construction accessible also to wireline subscribers, a mobile switching center (MSC) is proposed comprising an interface unit (IF) for interfacing to a concentrator (FSU) which combines a plurality of subscriber lines of wireline subscriber terminals (T1 to Tn). Accordingly, each of the wireline subscriber terminals is connected in such a way that it is treated like a mobile radio terminal, and offered the same available service options.

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 method and system for providing computer-network related information about a calling party. First, the called party receives a telephone number of a calling party. The called party's customer premises equipment (CPE) or elements in a telephone network then use the telephone number to index a database, which contains combinations of telephone numbers and computer-network addresses. Once the calling party's computer-network address is retrieved, calling-party-customized information present at the computer-network location specified by the computer-network address can be sent to and displayed on the called party's CPE. Also, the calling party's telephone number can be sent to an application in the computer network, causing the calling-party-customized information to be automatically displayed on the called party's CPE.

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: Contention losses are minimized in path searching, circuit-switched networks by adding intelligence to the last stage of the network. A count of number of bytes remaining to be transferred in each active message is maintained in real time for each output port of the network. If contention arises at the last stage switch being requested in camp-on mode to make a connection to a busy output port, the switch checks the bytes remaining count and responds differently depending on how the bytes remaining count compares to a preset threshold register. If the count remaining is below the threshold, the last stage switch accepts the camp-on request, because the desired output port will be available shortly. If the count remaining is above the threshold or below the threshold but another user is camped-on, the switch rejects the camp-on request to the last stage, because the desired output port will not be available shortly. In this case further path searching would be meaningless.

Abstract: A call control system can cope with a plurality of exchanges that support call control messages issued in accordance with different protocols. The call control system for use in a subscriber transmission device is located along a transmission path between a plurality of subscribers and a plurality of exchanges. The call control system includes call control message terminal sections, each of which is provided for each of the protocols that are supported by the exchanges for terminating a data link for sending and receiving a call control message to and from a corresponding exchange. A call change data processor is provided in the system for detecting a call and a clearance by a subscriber, and for requesting the call control message terminal section, which supports a protocol that corresponds to a protocol of an exchange to which is connected to the subscriber, to transmit the detected contents to the exchange that supports the protocol.