Abstract: A system for (and a method of) selectively establishing communication with one of plural devices associated with a single telephone number is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a wireless connect unit connected between an enterprise private branch exchange (PBX) network and a public switched telephone network. The wireless connect unit preferably serves as a gateway between the PBX and one or more remote communication devices. The remote devices can be used as standard PBX office telephones for both inbound and outbound telephone calls. Thus, features of the PBX network (e.g., voice mail, direct extension dialing, corporate calling plan, etc.) are available to the remote device even though they are not physically connected to the PBX. When the system receives an incoming call, it can route the call to an office telephone and one or more of the remote devices simultaneously or as desired by the user.

Abstract: When a subscriber calls into its Internet Service Provider (ISP), a central office receiving the call is triggered to perform a Local Number Portability (LNP) query. This LNP query is sent to an Intelligent Traffic Routing and Control (INTRAC) unit resident on a Service Control Point (SCP) which determines whether the call is to an ISP. If the call is to an ISP, the INTRAC unit polls a Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) server to determine whether resources are available. The RADIUS server tracks the resources of the ISP and of other ISPs and informs the SCP of the available resources. The SCP then inserts the Local Routing Number (LRN) of the preferred resource into a reply that is sent to the central office. If resources are not available, the call is terminated before signaling occurs with any switch associated with the ISP. On the other hand, when resources are available, the subscriber can be directed to the preferred resource for the subscriber.

Abstract: A telephone, when dialing another telephone, gives first address information of another telephone to a server, and obtains call identifying information corresponding to the first address information and second address information as a dial number of a control unit from the server. The telephone gives the control unit a call containing the call identifying information based on the second address information. The control unit obtains the first address information corresponding to the call identifying information from the server, and allows the call from the telephone to arrive at another telephone corresponding to the first address information.

Abstract: A method for configuring an access device that is coupled to an Internet Protocol network enables the access device to apply a desired signal to an access line, which signal is requested by a local exchange. Upon receiving a V5 protocol message from the local exchange requesting the desired signal to be applied to the access line, a voice gateway or Internet Protocol Access Terminal maps the V5 protocol message into a text message in NCS format containing one or more parameters associated with the desired signal and sends the text message to the access device over the Internet Protocol network. Upon receipt of the text message, the access device or media access terminal adjusts its configuration in accordance with the received text message using the one or more parameters included in the text message and one or more default values stored in a management information base accessible to the access device that defines the desired signal.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically and seamlessly routing telephone calls across a telephone network. The system includes a telephone network interface box having a computer, a master file and client file stored in the computer. The master file is dynamically linked to the client file at routing time to produce a selected client location telephone number which is transmitted across the telephone network. In one embodiment, the system utilizes Automatic Number Identification to identify the calling party. The master file has a plurality of records having a telephone number and a spatial key and is updated frequently. The client file has a plurality of records having a spatial key and a client telephone number. Another embodiment utilizes a spatial coordinate of an instantaneous location of a caller's mobile device as an input to a real-time process which identifies one or more client service locations corresponding to the location of the caller's device.

Abstract: A system for synchronizing party information and call-state information between two or more telephone switches involved in establishing a multiparty communication session has at least one server application for serving information and receiving information and a translation service for translating received information between formats of telephony and those of digital messaging. The system uses a digital network to propagate the information between switches in a dynamic message format.

Abstract: An interface to integrated switch control software includes a front-end interface coupled to a network; a back-end interface coupled to the integrated switch control software; and an interface control component that manages implementing requests from the network with the integrated switch control software. A method of interfacing to integrated switch control software includes coupling a front-end interface to a network; coupling a back-end interface to integrated switch control software; and managing the implementation of requests from the network with the integrated switch control software.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing a call establishment request in a telecommunication system comprising a plurality of exchanges communicating with each other, and in which method: a first exchange receives a call establishment request for establishing a call, data associated with the call establishment request is analysed, and the call is routed on the basis of the analysis.

Abstract: The present invention uses a software program to analyze all of the SS7 message traffic in a telephone network. By comparing point codes in the message data, the present invention can detect invalid and undesirable network inefficiencies in different types of telephone networks, including for example, wireline, wireless, or hybrid networks.

Abstract: Coordination of information at the network-based level between call centers connectable over a telecommunications network, such as the telephone network, and a packet network, such as the Internet, creates improved integration of and bonding between a customer's interaction with a Web site and with a call center. Information about the customer and the customer's Web interaction are delivered to the call center agent along with the call, leading to increased productivity and efficiency in call handling as well as improved call routing. Calls may be routed to existing call centers based upon information from the Web experience, and information from the user's Web interaction is shared with the call center. Web interaction information is passed to existing call centers using known call center external control methods, such as DNIS signaling. Information about the Web experience may also be “whispered” to the call center agent, and an agent may “push” Web pages for review by the customer.

Abstract: A neutral tandem telecommunications network providing public and private wireline and wireless carrier networks connectivity amongst themselves (“transit traffic”) and between themselves and metropolitan local exchange carrier (“LEC”) central offices (“terminating traffic”) as a substitute for utilizing the LEC public switched telephone network (“PSTN”) tandems. Telecommunications switching equipment for a Neutral Tandem Network (“NTN”) is located at various points in a metropolitan area and used to provide switching connectivity services for traffic passing (i) between carrier networks connected at any point to the NTN as well as (ii) between the carrier networks and the metropolitan LEC central offices and (iii) between the carrier networks and advanced traffic routing services.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for re-routing a call which has been routed from a calling party (1) through a communication network to a destination (4). A need to relay the call to another destination (5) is identified and a subscriber identification of the calling party (1) is signaled from the other destination back to the communication network using a call drop-back function. Preferably, the subscriber information is then used to derive a routing information of the other destination (5) which may be a right destination in case the initial destination (4) was a wrong destination. Thus, a call drop-back feature is used to route calls even in cases where a subscriber is connected to a wrong destination. Thereby, an effective re-routing can be provided in cases where a subscriber identification is not provided in the call, such that a single service access short code can be used by all subscribers irrespective of their mobile terminal and their location.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of initializing and updating a network node device to interoperate with one or more wireless devices on the network. The method on the system performs the following: downloading from the telephone network service those telephone identifiers eligible to communicate with said network node, and downloading indications of allowable services associated with each telephone identifier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a communications network element that is capable of routing signaling messages and includes a dynamic routing key registration feature which allows Internet protocol (IP) nodes to automatically register/de-register and subsequently direct traffic towards or away from themselves without the need for manual operator intervention. A signaling gateway routing node includes a self-registering data communication module (sDCM) that is adapted to receive and process dynamic routing key registration messages from associated IP nodes. Such dynamic routing key registration messages may include information that is used to register a new routing key association with a TCP/IP connection, de-register an existing routing key association with the TCP/IP connection, or modify routing key information associated with the TCP/IP connection.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for transferring calls among communicating devices connected through a public network. The service is offered by a public network to permit a party in a ongoing conversation to transfer a call to another communicating device that may be more convenient to use, such as from a mobile telephone experiencing static to a land-based telephone, or from a home telephone to a mobile phone as a party leaves the home. In a method according to the invention, the network first establishes a connection between two communicating parties. The network then receives from one of the parties a request to transfer the call to another communications device. The network then transfers the call. The invention may be entirely network-based, in which case there may be a database of transferee devices stored on the network.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium for retrieving information stored within a telecommunications-network component is provided. The method includes presenting component information to a user in response to providing one or more links upon which to derive information. The present invention can optionally ensure integrity of the data provided and automatically present information about the communications links entered as well as other signal-transfer-point information. This information includes one or more processor components that service the link as well as all other links serviced by the processor(s). The query results are presented in an easy-to-understand format on a display device via a user interface.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and a method for connecting an out-of-market customer to a desired telephone number. The method comprises receiving a customer validation request from a foreign market provider and, in return, providing a random or designated toll-free telephone number to the foreign market provider. Upon receiving a call request from the foreign market provider, the call request is directed to the desired telephone number. The customer validation request may include the desired telephone number and/or a mobile identification number. The call request is based on the provided toll-free telephone number, which is owned by a home market provider.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining the carrier that should be used for a particular AIN call. The following information is derived for each call: the originating calling party number, the terminating called party number, the originating LATA, the terminating LATA. Using these components, pre-defined tables are accessed that contain local calling plan information. These tables contain rate center and dial plan information that provides the local calling scope that is available to the originator of the call. Based on the information contained in the tables, the appropriate type of carrier for the call is selected and the call is routed using this carrier.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for transferring a call to a backup according to call context are provided. A context for a call from a caller to an intended callee is detected. An intended party backup profile is accessed that indicates multiple backup parties designated by the intended callee. At least one backup party is automatically selected from among the multiple backup parties according to the context for the call. The call may be automatically forwarded to at least one backup party if the intended callee has currently elected to forward calls. Alternatively, after detecting that the intended callee is unavailable, the call may be automatically transferred to at least one backup party.

Abstract: A method to determine transaction distribution among a plurality of transaction processing systems may include calculating estimated handling resources for each of the plurality of transaction processing systems based upon measured actual handling resources and identified scheduled handling resources. Transaction allocations may be determined for each of the transaction processing systems based upon the estimated handling resources.

Abstract: Signaling messages are exchanged for a call between a calling party to a called party. A setup message for the call is exchanged through at least one gate controller. Network resources are reserved for the call based on the exchanged setup messages. An end-to-end message for the call is exchanged without the end-to-end message being routed through the at least one gate controller.

Abstract: A method for providing softswitch failure protection in a communication network is provided that includes assigning an alias point code to a first softswitch. The alias point code is also assigned to a second softswitch. A message is generated that comprises a destination point code that is operable to identify a destination for the message. The destination point code comprises the alias point code.

Abstract: A network monitoring agent is disclosed that monitors network conditions, such as traffic volume, and determines when to dynamically adjust the encoding scheme for one or more connections. The network monitoring agent can select an encoding standard based on, for example, current network traffic volume, network error characteristics, time of day or day of week. In the illustrative network traffic implementation, an encoding standard that provides a lower degree of compression and a higher quality level is selected at times of lighter network traffic. Likewise, as network traffic increases, an encoding standard that provides a higher degree of compression, although at a lower quality level, is selected in order to maximize the network utilization. The network monitoring agent notifies one or both of the devices associated with each connection of changes in the encoding scheme. Generally, both devices must change the compression algorithm at the same time, to ensure proper decoding of received packets.

Abstract: Embodiment of the present invention relates to systems and methods for comparing feature package operational statuses of two or more switches. In an embodiment, the system includes a first switch and a second switch. The first switch includes a first set of features packages, and the second switch includes a second set of feature packages. The system also includes a computer coupled to the first switch and to the second switch. The computer is to receive a first set of feature package information and a second set of feature package information. The first set of feature package information corresponds to the first set of feature packages, and the second set of feature package information corresponds to the second set of feature packages. The computer is to compare the first set of feature package information and the second set of feature package information.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of doing business where a wireline telephone company provides wireless telephone communication through a telephone network. The method includes a wireline distribution providing a plurality of telephone signals over one or more wireline connected to one or more network nodes in wireless communication proximity to one or more telephone users and responding to requests from one or more wireless devices for telephone network attachment through a wireless communication with the network node devices.

Abstract: A method for performing automated UNE migration comprising receiving a disconnect order for an existing telephone service and receiving a connect order for a new telephone service. The existing telephone service is provided by a first exchange carrier and the new telephone service is provided by a second exchange carrier. A test cable is installed to simulate the new telephone service. The method further comprises verifying that the test cable performs correctly. The verifying includes executing a test on the test cable responsive to a test instruction from a migration software application. The existing telephone service is deactivated, where the deactivating is automated in response to a deactivation command from the migration software application and is responsive to said verifying. The test cable is activated to provide the new telephone service, where the activating is automated in response to an activation command from the migration software application and in response to the deactivating.

Abstract: A method and system for connecting a wireless handset to a wireline switch in an integrated wireline/wireless telecommunications network having a plurality of access controllers and wireline switches includes a wireless service processor operative to receive identification of a subscriber in response to a call attempt and determine a preferred connection between the wireless handset and one of the plurality of wireline switches based on predetermined data associated with the subscriber. The access controller is operative to connect the wireless handset to one of the plurality of wireline switches based on the preferred connection so as to complete the call attempt.

Abstract: An access network adapted to be coupled to a local exchange over a high-speed link is provided. The access network has a digital line carrier having a port adapted to be coupled to the high-speed link and a plurality of line cards. Each line card has at least one port adapted to be coupled to a transceiver. The digital line carrier selectively connects a transceiver associated with a port of one of the plurality of line cards of the digital line carrier with a transceiver associated with a port of another line card of the digital line carrier based on a signal sent to and returned by the local exchange.

Abstract: To monitor the use of a chargeable dynamic signaling port of a trunk connecting two exchanges, in particular in connection with applications which communicate via exchanges and which are likely to require to use such ports, rights of use are assigned to each application enabling it either to have a port of this kind set up and then to use it, or only to use a port of this kind if it has already been set up.

Abstract: There may be applications where for IN-calls, one SCP begins processing a transaction for supporting a service but another SCP continues processing said transaction. The invention shows how such a continuation of processing can be carried out in cases where this can be solved in terms of protocol.

Abstract: Utilizing an invisible agent within a remote switch to allow the redirection of calls received from a telephone set connected to a public telephone network to a main switching system.

Abstract: System and methodology for providing real-time call processing services received at a switch in an intelligent network having one or more service nodes having originating switches for receiving a call event. The system includes a platform-independent communication system for enabling communication between object instances executing at service nodes in the intelligent network. An operating system agent object instance executing in an execution environment associated with an originating switch communicates call origination information corresponding to a call event received at the switch to one or more object instances executing in an execution environment provided at a service node in the network; the object instances including a line object instance for maintaining the state of a communications line associated with a call origination, and, a service object implementing methods for performing a service according to a customer request.

Abstract: A method for determining a free connecting line in a switching center having a number of subscriber access units is provided. The access units are controlled by a switching center. At least one group of transmission lines of a subscriber access unit and, possibly, a group of lines of the line trunk group form a logical group of lines, which connects the switching center to another switching center. When an incoming or outgoing call which is intended for another switching center occurs at the subscriber access unit, a check is carried out to determine whether a connecting line which leads away from this subscriber access unit in the group of lines is free for a call, and, if one of these connecting lines is free, a connection is set up to the other switching center via this connecting line.

Abstract: An approach for supporting settlement of network usage associated with multiple network service providers is disclosed. A settlement system includes a processor that determines a settlement agreement among the network service providers. The settlement agreement specifies rate information associated with traffic exchange among the corresponding networks of the network service providers. A traffic monitor measures source traffic statistics, which is stored in a settlement database. Additionally, the settlement database stores the settlement agreement. The processor computes settlement information based upon the stored traffic statistics; the settlement information includes usage cost differential information for reconciliation of network usage among the various networks.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing provisioning parameters to a mobile device. A short messaging service message is used to send bootstrap data sufficient to establish communication between an Internet Protocol-based server and a mobile device. The mobile device then establishes such communication and the provisioning parameters from the Internet Protocol-based server.

Abstract: Automated call routing systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a speech recognition directory system facilitates the routing of callers based upon stored results of recent disambiguations, which may be stored in heuristic profiles that are associated with callers. Instead of requiring a caller to process a series of disambiguation attempts, in which secondary information is presented for the caller's approval, this call routing scheme leverages the fact that the user is likely seeking a person they've previously contacted. In large directories, this call routing scheme improves the speed of the transaction and eliminates the frustration of the disambiguation process. Rather than pursuing a disambiguation process with the caller, the call routing system may immediately announce the transfer. The caller may abort the process if the selected call destination is incorrect.

Abstract: In a gateway system for connecting a telephone network utilizing a common channel signaling system No. 7 to an IP (Internet Protocol) network, the gateway system includes a media gateway and a media gateway controller group including a plurality of media gateway controllers which are assigned a common point code. Any one of the media gateway controllers is for terminating a No. 7 signal representative of a control signal of the common channel signaling system No. 7 in the telephone network and for carrying out call control and connection control to the IP network by controlling the media gateway through the IP network so that a communication path is established between the telephone network and the media gateway. Each of the media gateway controllers comprises a No. 7 signal processing portion for terminating the No.

Abstract: A computerized interactor system uses physical, three-dimensional objects as metaphors for input of user intent to a computer system. When one or more interactors are engaged with a detection field, the detection field reads an identifier associated with the object and communicates the identifier to a computer system. The computer system determines the meaning of the interactor based upon its identifier and upon a semantic context in which the computer system is operating. The interactors can be used to control other systems, such as audio systems, or it can be used as intuitive inputs into a computer system for such purposes as marking events in a temporal flow. The interactors, as a minimum, communicate their identity, but may also be more sophisticated in that they can communicate additional processed or unprocessed data, i.e. they can include their own data processors.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a call trace system and method that is simple to establish in a short amount of time. The call trace is implemented through a Web browser page which remotely programs central offices to trace calls to particular number. When a trace is established a message is sent back to the Web browser which displays the calling number, the called number and the central office detecting the call. Also, a page is sent to a pager which displays the traced information.

Abstract: A method and device for allowing dissimilar networks to transfer information is disclosed.

Abstract: Computer-controlled communications system, particularly a private branch exchange for telephone and data communication, including a computer with at least one CTI application, a number of terminals which are combined to form a group, and an interface for transmitting data between the computer and one of the terminals. The interface monitors group call numbers and transmits status changes of the group call numbers with respect to at least one feature and/or to changes of the terminal status/statuses.

Abstract: In a telecommunications network, a communication channel identifier agent (CCIA) is employed to identify communication channels. The CCIA directs the ISUP layer residing on a node to create Interface Identifiers (IntfIDs). The IntfIDs may contain an originating point code and a network identifier. The IntfIDs allow a node to use more than one originating point code to identify itself to other nodes in the telecommunications network. The IntfIDs are combined with circuit identification codes to identify communication channels between nodes in the telecommunications network.

Abstract: For communications interface across the line of demarcation between the customer premises media and a link of a public digital broadband communication network, a network interface device is “soft” in that it is adaptable to different service applications and readily programmable from both the network-side and the customer-side. A network-side interface provides a communications connection to a broadband network link at an edge of the digital broadband network. A customer-side interface provides communications connection to one or more media in the customer premises, for example, to telephone and LAN wiring within the premises. The soft network interface device also includes a data processing system, for controlling at least some of the communications through the interfaces. The data processing system is capable of being programmed with network service provisioning data from the public network as well as with user programming received from the customer premises.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a call processing system includes a signaling interface that receives and processes message parameters and call signaling and transmits and receives call signaling and message parameters to and from a call processor. A call processor processes call signaling to select connections for calls. An interworking unit interworks user communications between time division multiplex (TDM) connections and asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) connections. An ATM matrix connects user communications between ATM connections. A call process control system (CPCS) manages the call processing elements including the signaling interface, the call processor, the interworking unit, and the ATM matrix. The CPCS provides call management applications such as call trace, call tap, remote call control, accounting, configuration of the call processing elements, and interfacing between external devices and the call processing elements.

Abstract: In a method for determining a suitable connecting path in a communication network as well as to a corresponding switching equipment, given the presence of a connection inquiry to a requested destination node, a check is first carried out to see whether a suitable connecting path to the requested destination node is already stored in a corresponding dynamic memory. When this is not the case, a suitable connecting path is determined on the basis of stored network data of the communication network and is subsequently entered in the dynamic memory, so that this connecting path is subsequently available for further connecting path determinations. After determining a suitable connecting path, the connection to the requested destination node is set up according to the determined connecting path.

Abstract: A switching apparatus distributes incoming calls to end point terminals that belong to a service group and that interact with the switching apparatus via messages. The messages query the end point terminals by specifying a range and asking those end point terminals that meet a criterion associated with the range to respond. By iteratively narrowing the range, for example, in a binary search fashion, one of the end point terminals is selected. In one embodiment, the range relates to fixed sequence IDs of the end point terminals and the criterion relates to whether an end point terminal is idle or not. In another embodiment, the range incorporates the idle/not idle state of the end point terminals by specifying idle time durations.

Abstract: A virtual private communications network (VPCN) and method of managing calls on the network. Stations on a private communications network are identified by an unique private network identification (ID) code or dial in direct (DID) number. Remote communications devices (e.g., cell phones, analog phones, etc.) are virtual client devices connected from a public communications network to the private communications network. One or more DID numbers are shared DID numbers, dedicated for the virtual client devices. Calls from the virtual client devices may be placed to network stations by dialing shorthand (e.g., 5 or fewer digits) numbers. Each call has a dedicated DID number temporarily assigned to it for placing the call as an in network call. Once the call reaches its final destination, the shared DID number is released for temporary assignment to other virtual client device calls.

Abstract: A method for providing local number portability between subscriber lines served by a distributed switch call manager (DSCM) involves updating translation tables of the DSCM to direct call control messages to a media gateway (MG) that serves the ported number. The service features and service feature profile of the ported subscriber are ported concurrently with the directory number, without re-provisioning.

Abstract: A system and method to enable establishment of long distance call connections, from a personal communication assistant (PCA), such as a personal wireless digital assistant, via a packet network, such as the Internet is provided. The system includes a call completion application adapted for communication with a long distance service provider server for establishing a cost effective long distance call connection. The system is further adapted to provide call scheduling and point of presence (POP) optimization within the PSTN.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for using differentiated telephone numbers to determine whether to perform a vocoder bypass. In an exemplary embodiment, a mobile station may call a terminating node. An intermediate entity may search an identifier of the terminating node for a predetermined aspect. If the predetermined aspect is found, the terminating node may be a mobile station, and the intermediate entity may perform a vocoder bypass. If the predetermined aspect is not found, the terminating node may be a non-mobile station, and the intermediate entity may perform vocoding.