Abstract: A telecommunications system is described comprising: a master server associated with each of a plurality of services available to subscribers; a database for holding profile records for each subscriber, the records identifying the master servers associated with services to which the subscriber subscribes; and a set of call agents arranged to manage user sessions. The master server for each service is arranged to respond to a query from a call agent to communicate a set of trigger events and a set of servers for executing the events. Finally, the call agents are arranged to manage user sessions by retrieving the profile records from the database, querying the master servers for the services to which the user subscribes to obtain the set of trigger events to be reported and the set of servers for executing the reported events and dynamically constructing an event table for a user session based on the response from the master servers.

Abstract: A method to systematically analyze a next generation telecommunications network to result in creating a provisioning plan for provisioning the network to provide services for one or more subscribers. In one specific embodiment, the method involves creating and storing information that represents a logical decomposition of the next generation network into a plurality of discrete functional areas. The information representing the functional areas is analyzed to identify one or more provisioning requirements for each of the functional areas. One or more provisioning procedures are determined, and one or more required provisioning tools are identified for each of the functional areas, based on the provisioning requirements. A sequence of execution of the procedures and tools is created and stored. Following the procedures and using the tools in the prescribed sequence results in a plan for provisioning the network for the services to which the subscriber has subscribed.

Abstract: The invention concerns an office automation and communication equipment (1) designed for information exchange, in particular written or oral, via one or several communication networks, for processing data, in particular documents, and for accessing resources available on one or several of said communication networks. Said office automation and communication equipment (1), also known by the name PUBLIDESK (registered trademark in France), is designed to be installed in an existing telephone booth (CA) connected to one of the communication networks, as replacement for a telephone apparatus initially equipping said telephone booth. It is further designed to communicate via the communication network(s) with a central service site designed to manage a set of such office automation and communication equipment installed in an existing network of telephone booths. The invention is particular useful in providing access to Internet and office automation resources form a pool of existing telephone booths.

Abstract: A method for transferring a message in a message transfer part with high speed is disclosed. Distinctive features of the invention include the generation of an access key table that stores information regarding the status of a destination point, to which a message is intended to be sent, and the transmission of the message pursuant to the status of the destination point contained in the access key table.

Abstract: The invention specifies an information center (CC) in a telecommunication network and a method for operating said information center, where the information center (CC) is connected to an exchange (VST) and comprises both a mainframe (CTI), connected to the exchange (VST), and at least one information desk (AP) having at least one telecommunication terminal. The basic functions for operating the information center (CC) can be performed by a plurality of elements of the information center (CC), so that the failure of individual elements cannot result in the failure of the entire information center (CC). These include, firstly, call distribution, which can be performed both by the mainframe (CTI) and by the exchange (VST) itself, and secondly duplication of the telecommunication terminals, including the necessary data transfer paths.

Abstract: A method for bundling connections within a switch controller of a broadband switching network. Connections are bundled into logical units of related connections. This method also allows a common code base for switch controllers putting hardware specific code into a portion of the bundling code.

Abstract: The connection device connects a telecommunications system to a data processing device which provides telecommunications applications. The telecommunications system and the data processing device in each case have a switching network for through-connecting the relevant telecommunications application. The connection device is a switching device directly connected between the respective switching networks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing customer service request allocations based upon real-time data and forecast data, calculates estimated handling resources for each of the transaction processing systems based upon actual handling resources and scheduled handling resources. Customer service transaction workloads are forecasted for the handling resources for each of the transaction processing systems. Then, customer service request allocations are determined using estimated handling resources and the forecasted customer service transaction workload.

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 method and system for forwarding information, such as a message waiting indicator (MWI) message, to a telephone number corresponding to a foreign network (e.g., a wireless network) and a shared NPA/NXX. The invention evaluates individual telephone numbers of shared NPA/NXXs to determine to what networks to send messages. A representative embodiment of the invention uses a service control point and service package application to deliver an MWI message from a messaging service provider to a wireless (i.e., foreign network) telephone number of a shared NPA/NXX. Shared NPA/NXXs are marked as “portable” in a signal transfer point for forwarding to the service control point, which determines whether the shared NPA/NXX telephone numbers require local number portability global title translation or should be forwarded to an inter-switch voicemail routing (ISVMR) service package application. The ISVMR service package application determines the point code to which the MWI message should be routed.

Abstract: A system for using an under-utilized data channel for carrying additional data, in a network mode. One such channel is the D-channel in the ISDN system. In one implementation, a group of telephone call centers share data, using the D-channel, about the lengths of time incoming callers must wait before being answered. Using the shared data, the call centers collectively route incoming calls to call centers having smaller waiting times.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for transferring the service profile of a digital subscription to a digital terminal device in a telecommunication network. According to the invention, the services activated for use by the subscriber as well as associated complementary data are transferred from the digital telephone exchange to the digital terminal device.

Abstract: Methods and devices establish an area party line for telephone calls to provide a geographically based chat forum via a telephone. One method receives telephone calls at a local call station where the telephone calls may be landline calls from callers serviced by the local call station, wireless phone calls from users who are currently located in proximity to the local call station, and/or long distance calls from callers who have dialed into the local call station using an area code and exchange. Callers provide an indication of an area party line, such as a star code, and the local call station bridges the calls together. Another method receives telephone calls at a central call station, where the telephone calls are directed to the central call bridging station from a local call station, and the central call bridging station bridges the callers together depending upon the local call station that the calls are transferred from.

Abstract: An interface means between a network switch and a CTI server means is adapted to communicate between a service switching function device having a service switching functionality within said network switch and said CTI server means. Such an interface means is as well part of an apparatus for providing a service to at least one customer. This apparatus includes a network switch, of which a service switching function device is coupled via an interface means of the present invention to a CTI server means, which is further coupled via an application programming interface to executable means for executing the service.

Abstract: In call forwarding of a call there is an original calling network device, an original recipient of an incoming call, and a forwardee of the call. Systems, network devices, and methods are provided for delivering local call forwarding functionality. Each network device is capable of functioning in the capacity of any one or more of the above three roles, namely, originator, original recipient, and forwardee by providing local call forwarding functionality. In some implementations there is no central processing equipment used to provide local call forwarding functionality for forwarding calls. Furthermore, a network device may provide a call forwarding destination on behalf of another network device when the other network device cannot be reached.

Abstract: A computer program that automatically creates call routing data files for setting up call routing in a new telecommunications switch (10) or for adding a new MSA to an existing switch. The computer program broadly comprises a code segment for receiving NPAs and NXXs for an area such as an MSA; a code segment for receiving information differentiating local calls from long distance calls for at least some of the NPAs and the NXXs in the area; and a code segment for analyzing the NPAs, the NXXs, and the information differentiating local calls from long distance calls and for automatically creating at least some of the call routing for calls originating in the area.

Abstract: In recent times, communications service providers have been able to offer large business enterprises the ability to share call center operation among multiple geographically dispersed call centers. In particular, network-resident call handling technologies have been developed for performing some of the handling and queuing of each inbound call within the communications network, that is, before the call is forwarded to an ACD at a particular call center. However, by outsourcing a portion of the call center operations to a network-based call routing system, the call centers are no longer able to maintain direct control over, and are generally unable to directly access information, such as statistics, about the calls in the network or other call centers. Accordingly, an interface is provided that allows an entity to obtain information about calls within the network or other call center(s).

Abstract: A PBX which accommodates an extension station and voice store equipment, the PBX comprising a controller for controlling interconnection between the extension or the voice store equipment and an outside line, the controller including: a destination extension number determination unit for determining the destination extension number for an incoming call from the outside line; a destination extension determination unit for determining whether the destination extension is the extension station or the voice store equipment based on the determined destination extension number; a voice store equipment termination processing unit for performing termination processing concerning the voice store equipment in case it is determined on the destination extension determination means that the destination extension is the voice store equipment; and an extension station termination processing unit for performing termination processing concerning the extension station in case it is determined on the destination extension deter

Abstract: The call forwarding is provided within and between telephone networks by establishing a generalized procedure for call delivery and call forwarding. Network protocols are addressed using a common framework for processing call delivery and call forwarding among any combination of different types of networks. An “integrated location management” component realizes the generalized procedure. The integrated location management component is a device capable of holding location information for diverse cellular networks, including Internet telephony systems. The inventive system and method executes generalized call delivery and call forwarding for calls among different types of telephone networks, including wireless networks and Internet networks. The calls may originate from any type of telephony network. Having been initially directed to any of these networks, calls can then be call forwarded to any of these networks.

Abstract: A method and system enable optimization of trunk group design in a public switched telephone network (PSTN). A community of interest, including two end offices connected by a direct trunk and at least one tandem switch, is identified using out-of band signaling data collected from the PSTN. An application server interfaced to the PSTN determines whether traffic in the community of interest passes through the tandem switch during a predetermined time period. When traffic passes through the tandem switch, the application server further determines whether the direct trunk between the end offices experienced an overflow condition during the same predetermined time period. When the direct trunk did not experience an overflow condition, an exchange code associated with the traffic passing through the tandem switch is designated as a misrouted code. The misrouted code is flagged so that associated traffic is redirected through the direct trunk.

Abstract: A media gateway (MGW), and methods related thereto, for controlling the routing of data packets through a “connectionless” packet-switched network, without bearer-channel control signaling. In an exemplary embodiment, an Integrated Services Digital Network User Part (ISUP) Initial Address Message (IAM) is transmitted from a controller 110-A associated with a MGW 120-A to a controller 110-B associated with a MGW 120-B; the IAM includes a source address for data packets at the MGW 120-A. The controller 110-B sends a resource allocation message to the MGW 120-B, which defines and stores an association between the source address for the data packets and an address associated with the MGW 120-B in a mapping table 230. Subsequently, when the MGW 120-B receives a broadcast message including an unknown destination indicator, it queries the mapping table 230 using the source address of the broadcast message.

Abstract: Network resources for a call between a calling party and a called party are allocated. The network resources for the call are reserved based on a reservation request. The network resources are reserved before any one network resource from the reserved network resources is committed. The reserved network resources for the call are committed when a called party indicates acceptance for the call.

Abstract: A method and circuit arrangement for establishing telecommunication links in a communication network between subscriber stations connected to this network and/or separate networks. In order to establish telecommunication links in a communication network (KN), in particular a public switched network, between subscriber stations which belong to different subscriber groups (A1, A2; B1, B2, B3) of at least one subscriber grouping, and/or from or to separate networks (external networks) via separate terminating devices (T1, T2, T3) individual markers supplied by the subscriber stations concerned and/or via the separate networks and/or dialing information which takes into account only the own numbering plan in each case are used in the terminating devices (T1, T2, T3).

Abstract: Communication system comprising one or more exchanges and a number of terminals (telephone sets, facsimile apparatuses, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for establishing a telephone connection between subscribers of a first telephone net (P) to subscribers of a second telephone net (T1, T2, T3). A calling private branch exchange (N1, N2) of the first telephone net communicates a subscriber's number to a central control unit (C). Said central control unit determines the private branch exchange (N1, N2) from which the second telephone net is accessed. Subsequently, the connection to the subscriber of the second telephone net is established.

Abstract: A system comprising a plurality of network-connected private branch exchanges (PBXs), wherein an outside originating route of a transfer source terminal is applied at call incoming from an originating terminal of the other PBX to a transfer source terminal having a setting of an outside incoming call transfer of a user's own PBX. Upon call incoming from an originating terminal to a transfer source terminal, a PBX accommodating the transfer source terminal transmits a transfer instruction signal including transfer information enabling identifying a PBX accommodating an outside line (a public network) of a transfer destination to a PBX accommodating an originating terminal. The transfer instruction signal is made to pass PBXs other than the PBX accommodating the originating terminal.

Abstract: After receipt of the expanded control information coming from the first communications network, the following steps are carried out in a network transition node connected to a further communications network: Based on the telephone number of the caller, which is transmitted with the control information, data for controlling functions are assigned, which are valid for the further communications network and which functionally correspond with the data for controlling functions of the first communications network, and the data for controlling functions, which are assigned to the telephone number of the caller, are added to the control information, the control information with the data for controlling functions assigned to the telephone number of the caller being transmitted to the further communications network.

Abstract: A method and circuit for simultaneously establishing communication links between a subscriber station connected to a switching center of a communication network via a single subscriber line and other subscriber stations connected to the same communication network wherein, the relevant subscriber line is operated as a multi-channel multiplex line, between the switching center and a translating device which is preferably provided at the transition to another communication network, especially the Internet, a multi-channel multiplex junction line, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, a number of individual junction lines exist, in the translating device, a demultiplexer/multiplexer which is used for the respective transition from a multiplex link to individual connections and conversely is located between the multiplex junction line and the individual junction lines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for realizing a telecommunications service in an intelligent communications net work (IN) (2), which connects at least one first and one second telecommunications terminal (1, 3), involving the use of a controlling service center (4), whereby the telecommunications service establishes (S8) a first connection and a second connection that is requested by the first and/or another telecommunications terminal after the first connection was disconnected. The invention also relates to a telecommunications system for implementing said method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a switching element for maintaining data used in operation of a communications system. Examples of such operations include serving sessions and routing calls. A local data structure is maintained within the switching element wherein the local data structure contains data used by the switching element in its operation in the communications system. Responsive to a requirement for needed data that is unavailable or out-of-date from the local data structure, a request is generated for the needed data from a server through a communications link from the switching element to the server.

Abstract: A wireless local loop communications system includes a digital subscriber line access multiplexer connected to a plurality of network terminals wherein each network terminal provides multi-session local loop access for user communications. A shared point to multi-point wireless communications link connects the digital subscriber line access multiplexer to the plurality of network terminals. Regulation of user and session access to the shared wireless communications link is effectuated by a session dispatcher functionality. That functionality utilizes a dispatcher at each network terminal that operates responsive to received commands to regulate user and session access to the shared wireless communications link.

Abstract: A communication network includes a Virtual Private Network (VPN) interconnection to a Foreign Exchange (FX) service. A method for routing a call for a telecommunication network customer having Virtual Private Network (VPN) capability and Foreign Exchange (FX) lines, includes receiving a call destination number from a first customer location originating point having an origination location number. The method further includes routing the call to an FX line of the customer corresponding to the destination number through a virtual private network of the customer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a switching element for maintaining data used in operation of a communications system. Examples of such operations include serving sessions and routing calls. A local data structure is maintained within the switching element wherein the local data structure contains data used by the switching element in its operation in the communications system. Responsive to a requirement for needed data that is unavailable or out-of-date from the local data structure, a request is generated for the needed data from a server through a communications link from the switching element to the server.

Abstract: A telephony exchanges allows terminating equipment to indicate whether a telephone call is public, where the telephone conversation may be heard by more than one person at a remote end of a call, or private, where a person at the remote end of a call employs, for example, a handset or a headset. A calling party can restrict a called party from holding a call in a public mode if so desired either before or during the call and is provided through their terminating equipment with an up-to-date graphical display, textual display or physical indication of the status of whether the called-party is operating in a public mode. The called party may also be provided through their terminating equipment with an up-to-date graphical display, textual display or physical indication that they should not put a call on speaker, if the calling party has so decided.

Abstract: A telephony application architecture which allows creating programs as a set of nested routines running independently and concurrently on three different control layers. Each layer focuses on only a particular portion of the overall call processing function thus allowing that portion to be written or presented in a substantially linear fashion. This linear presentation greatly reduces the complexity of development and maintenance of the software.

Abstract: A control resource, such as a service control point, causes a telephone network to route calls, initiated by an explicit request for operator service, to a front-end automation platform. The platform provides an announcement, typically in the form of a menu identifying available services. If the platform receives a signal from a caller selecting one of the services, the platform converts the call from an operator service call to a type of call associated with the selected service. The network then routes the call as converted, through the network to a predetermined resource for providing the selected service. The menu announcement and service selection processing with subsequent call conversion help take as many operator service calls as possible away from the operator switch and instead route many calls directly to the appropriate department, emergency destination or automated resource.

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: Telephony call control functionality is divided into a set of components. Each component provides a specific portion of the call control. The components communicate with each other via a unique telephony protocol. The unique telephony protocol is defined as a set of events. A component sends/receives events to other components that are involvement in a call. Sets of components are located together on telephony servers. Because communication between components is via a protocol, the components may be located on many different servers.

Abstract: In a communication system for communicating between moving objects in which a moving object determines the peripheral state based on moving object information transmitted and received using communication between moving objects, accuracy level information regarding the apparatus provided in the transmitting moving object is included in moving object information. Further, a vehicular driving support apparatus that transmits moving object information using communication between moving objects includes accuracy level information regarding the apparatus provided in a host vehicle in moving object information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a service node capable of coordinating call processing for incoming calls intended for any one of multiple telephony devices of a given entity, such as a business or individual user. Switching devices, such as traditional telephony switches or internetworked gateways controlling call routing, are configured to interact with the service node to determine how to handle incoming calls to the telephony devices that they serve. Through a variety of techniques, the entity can dynamically instruct the service node how to route incoming calls, and preferably, upon putting those instructions into effect, the service node will send an alert to the entity. The instructions are used by the service node to create call processing rules for the switching devices to apply to an incoming call intended for any of the entity's telephony devices.

Abstract: Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP) information from an Signaling System 7 (SS7) network (11) is provided, in response to an original SIP-compatible request by an SIP entity (17) in an SIP network (10), to the SIP network where the TCAP information is then used to facilitate call setup and routing of the call. In one embodiment, the SIP network locally stores the TCAP information upon receipt (at least temporarily) such that the TCAP information is available for subsequent local use without requiring a correspond inquiry to the SS7 network.

Abstract: A computer telephony interface includes both first party and third party call components. A telephony server is arranged to control one or more of plural network nodes and has a control interface having a call model and call components for (a) at least one first party call and (b) at least one third party call. First and third party call components are linked to a single call model.

Abstract: A first call processing system advantageously uses a constant bit rate connection and a variable bit rate connection to utilize the bandwidth for a data call. The first call processing system receives signaling for the data call. The first call processing system then processes the signaling to generate a first instruction to set up a constant bit rate connection for the data call between the first call processing system and a second call processing system. The first call processing system processes the signaling to generate a second instruction to set up a variable bit rate connection between the first call processing system and the second call processing system. Any bandwidth that the data call does not need and use can be utilized for other calls. Thus, the performance of other calls is improved.

Abstract: This invention provides an automated method for connecting a videoconference through a telecommunication system comprising telecommunication devices, endpoints, and routing segments.

Abstract: An interface connecting an hardware service provider with a media gateway software component is described. The interface facilitate exchange of data within a media gateway unit by removing the requirement that the MEGACO stack of the software component be able to communicate with a variety of gateway HSP's which may operate using different protocols. Messages between the interface and the HSP are exchanged as primitives, using the services of a delivery agent. A client-service relationship is thus set up between the HSP and MEGACO stack.

Abstract: A telecommunications system, service control point and method are provided that can establish specialized dialing plan(s) utilizing one or more of the unused country codes in the traditional international dialing plan. In particular, the telecommunications system could translate the digits of a telephone call having an international access code and a previously unused country code to direct the telephone call to a service provider instead of a foreign country. The service provider could then manage one of the new dialing plans and offer a variety of services to their customers including, for example, global vanity numbers, global local number portability, global Internet access, and private dialing plans.

Abstract: A multi-stage data logging system comprising a telecommunications stage for receiving, processing, and compressing data from one or more input channels, a recorder stage for storing said data to a memory device, a distribution stage for retrieving said stored data and distributing said data to one or more output channels, and a plurality of interface paths linking said three stages to one another. Different stages of the system can be located wide distances apart and the interface paths linking the three stages can be automatically switched to achieve fault tolerance of the system.

Abstract: An open network gateway system for use with networks that do not have dedicated Signaling System No. 7 signaling is provided by associating channel-associated signaling received over a first communication line with individual media channels on a second communication line and embedding channel-associated signaling in a media stream in the form of line supervision signaling and register signaling and using a public switched telephone network line supervision driver to monitor and manipulate line supervision signals and interface to the public switched telephone network dial manager. The associated signaling is then backhauled into a media gateway controller for processing and manipulating the data connection.

Abstract: A call processing system that is configured to communicate with a plurality of remote processors, wherein the call processing system comprises a routing system configured to receive signaling for a call wherein the signaling indicates a called number including an international country code, and a processing system configured to process the international code to select one of the remote processors from the plurality of remote processors. The processing system is further configured to transfer a remote processor query to the one remote processor and process a remote processor response from the one remote processor to transfer a routing instruction for the call to the routing system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system that prevalidates service orders placed by an interexchange carrier with a local exchange carrier for connection of the interexchange carrier with a business customer. An integrated prevalidation system and service order system is disclosed in which prevalidation requests are performed to ensure that a service order will be correct when submitted, thereby avoiding the necessity for expensive supplemental orders. The present invention further provides for generating accurate service orders based upon information separately maintained by the interexchange carrier regarding the local carrier's facilities and using prevalidation requests to reconcile the separately maintained information with the database of the local exchange carrier.