Abstract: A local network call handling device is configured to establish multiple concurrent call sessions between local network end devices and an external network. When a prioritized end device attempts to establish a call session, the call handling device may initially determine if a first call session identifier is available. If so, the call session can be established using that first identifier. If the first identifier is in use for a call session of another end device, the call handling device may either use a different call session identifier for the prioritized end device session or may drop a pre-existing call session to free an identifier for use in connection with the prioritized end device.

Abstract: A method includes gathering local call attributes from a call detail record capture utility, linking supplemental attributes to the local call attributes; and generating a local call report, which associates local call routes with a plurality of attributes. A system includes an electronic cost administrator operable to gather call detail records identifying a plurality of calls set up throughout a network and associate a cost with each identified call, a trunk group inventory storing a plurality of local trunk groups that calls can be terminated on, and a local call optimal cost routing matrix generator operable to retrieve selected call setup data from the electronic cost administrator, identify local calls using the trunk group inventory and generate an optimal cost routing matrix associating a plurality of local calls with local routes in a prioritized manner.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for administering a personal interactive voice response service. A personalized greeting is retrieved that is associated with a calling party and with a called party. The calling party's response to the greeting is received, and stored information is retrieved that is associated with the calling party's response and with the called party. The stored information is presented to the calling party.

Abstract: A system and related techniques enhance the generation and delivery of dialed number identification service (DNIS) data to automatic call distributors and other destinations. Unlike conventional DNIS-based (800) or other call centers or other resources whose available DNIS-based identifications can become overtaxed during comparatively high call volumes, according to embodiments of the invention DNIS numbers are dynamically generated from an available pool on a per-call basis under call router supervision. According to embodiments of the invention in one regard, the dynamic DNIS may be associated with that call to the call's particular destination, such as an automatic call distributor, interactive voice response unit or other resource, during the duration of the call for the operative destination, with other calls being locked out from using that DNIS assignment while the call is in progress.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating in a communication network, comprising presenting a communication comprising data over a communications network to a router, said router being adapted to route the communication to one of a plurality of available network destinations; automatically executing a communication targeting algorithm in the router, based at least in part on the data, wherein the communication targeting algorithm operates to contextually jointly analyze a plurality of parameters extracted from the data and a plurality of contextual parameters, to determine an optimum target for the communication, wherein the optimum target varies in dependence on both the data and the context of the communication; and routing the communication in dependence on the algorithm execution.

Abstract: A source IP telephone inputs, from its numeric keypad, a telephone number of a call destination and obtains, from an ENUM server, a NAPTR record of the destination IP telephone based upon the input telephone number of the call destination. By referring to a search table, the source IP telephone retrieves, from the obtained NAPTR record, an available specific number in the ascending order of call rates from the lowest based upon communication services available to the source IP telephone. The source IP telephone transmits a call to the destination IP telephone by using the retrieved specific number.

Abstract: A communication network comprising a plurality of border controllers, a first packet voice network, a second packet voice network coupled to the first packet network by the plurality of border controllers, and a master border controller coupled to the plurality of border controllers and coupled to the first packet voice network and the second packet voice network. The master border controller, responsive to receiving a query from a switch in the first packet voice network for a call between the first and second packet voice networks, processes the query to determine a first border controller for the call of the plurality of border controllers, and transfers a response to the switch in the first packet network wherein the response indicates the first border controller.

Abstract: A graphical user interface and method for customer centric network management. The graphical user interface includes a first view showing text input by a user indicative of customer identification data corresponding to a customer in a network. This data is received by a server connected to the user. The server retrieves stored information corresponding to the customer identification data from a database and provides the stored information and actual circuit path information corresponding to a customer service based on the stored information to the graphical user interface. A second view of the graphical user interface shows the stored information, and a third view shows a graphical representation of a customer path corresponding to the actual circuit path information.

Abstract: A method for testing a Local Number Portability (LNP) ported telephone number is provided according to the invention. The method includes in a first switch generating a LNP test telephone call to a second switch. The LNP test telephone call is targeted to the LNP-ported telephone number associated with the first switch. The method further includes indicating that the LNP-ported telephone number is being correctly routed in the second switch if the first switch receives the LNP test telephone call back from the second switch. The method further includes indicating that the LNP-ported telephone number is being incorrectly routed in the second switch if the first switch does not receive the LNP test telephone call back from the second switch.

Abstract: A system for and method of providing local number portability is presented. A request may be received to establish a session between an origination user agent and a destination user agent. The request may comprise a destination user agent identifier. It may be determined whether the destination user agent identifier was ported from one service provider to another. If so, routing information may be provided for establishing the session through the second service provider rather than through the first service provider. The session may be established over one or more Internet protocol networks.

Abstract: Tasks for managing a network can be displayed in a priority task list. Tasks can be selected for inclusion based on rules, such as rules relating to best practices. The rules can be applied against network status, usage status, user profiles, and the like. Upon selection of a user interface element in the priority task list, an appropriate user interface for accomplishing the task can be displayed.

Abstract: A method for routing a special number call to an appropriate answering position using a common telecommunication network includes: (a) placing an extant special number call to a switching center; (b) ascertaining the appropriate answering position for receiving the extant call; (c) providing to a gateway switch call-information for routing the extant call to the appropriate answering position; (d) in no particular order: (1) associating the call-information with a temporary number; and (2) providing the temporary number to the switching center; (e) employing the temporary number as a called party number for routing the extant call through the network to the gateway switch; and (f) operating the gateway switch to employ the call-information associated with the temporary number for routing the extant call to the appropriate answering position.

Abstract: A method for operating wired and wireless phone services interconnectively, includes: receiving a subscriber registration application for wired and wireless services from an arbitrary extension subscriber; performing wired and wireless service registrations in each of the extension subscribers by endowing at least one of the wired terminals and public/private mobile communication terminals with a wired phone number in accordance with the subscriber registration application; making a call to the wired terminal corresponding to the corresponding wired phone number in the case that an arbitrary wired phone number is called, and making a call to the corresponding public/private mobile communication terminal through a mobile communication network in the case that there is the public/private mobile communication terminal to be called simultaneously interconnectively to the wired phone number; and performing a billing according to a usage of the wired and wireless services in each of the extension subscribers.

Abstract: A method for dialing between Internet extensions is disclosed. When dialing between Internet extensions, just dial the switchboard phone number of SIP proxy server plus “-” and then dial the extension phone number of the opposite Internet extension directly. It is not necessary to use a voice guidance for asking dialing of the extension phone number of the opposite Internet extension.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, method and article for porting a directory number for a duration of time. A portability component automatically updates one or more provisioning components to port the directory number for the duration of time. The value for the duration of time may be one or more of a period of time, a date in the future, or a permanent status. Upon the expiration of the duration of time, the portability component initiates one or more notifications of the expiration of the duration of time to a management component and/or the provisioning components to remove and/or alter the port of the directory number.

Abstract: A technique for providing context information for a PSTN phone call originating from an user includes dynamically selecting a phone number (or invite code or combination thereof) from among a pool of available phone numbers; displaying the selected phone number to the user in a web page; receiving context information corresponding to the user; receiving an incoming phone call on the dynamically selected phone number, connecting the incoming call to an outgoing call to the call center, and providing the context information to a computer corresponding to an agent to whom the outgoing call is connected. The context information may include a web page viewed by the user, and may be sufficient to provide a co-browsing capability. The technique may be utilized with or without session based web pages and may be performed by a sever that serves web page content to the user or a third party service provider.

Abstract: A system may include a destination device that receives information about a caller via a first outgoing leg and exchanges content with the caller via the first outgoing leg. The system may further include a network device that receives an incoming call from the caller, establishes the first outgoing leg, connects the incoming call to the first outgoing leg so the content can be exchanged, monitors the first outgoing leg, selectively establishes a second outgoing leg in response to the monitoring, and connects the incoming call to the second outgoing leg.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for exchanging and determining routes in packet-switched mesh networks. Nodes in the mesh networks may be coupled via wireless and fixed-wire links. Routing protocols used to determine routes include link state protocols and hybrids of link state and path vector protocols. Type-Length-Value formats are provided to facilitate state information for nodes in the packet switched network, allowing paths to be re-routed through the mesh networks in real-time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a full-featured telecommunications system without the cost and infrastructure requirements of conventional private branch exchange (PBX) systems. A system according to aspects of the present invention comprises a data processing unit and an application controller in communication with the data processing unit. The application controller comprises a processor, a user interface, and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive a request for a communication through the data processing unit and instruct the data processing unit to perform the communication in accordance with the request.

Abstract: Number portability is a service where a subscriber can keep his old telephone number within a portability cluster and thus retain easy contactibility. Because of number portability, a called address, i.e. B-number, no longer refers to the subscription network/number range owner and the old rule “the number range of the called party reveals the tariff level” is no longer valid. To overcome this defect all intelligent network-like service invocation requests are routed (3-2) via a network node performing a number portability function to the network node controlling the service. The node performing the number portability function performs (3-3) a mapping of the B-number and relays (3-4) the service invocation requests indicating the subscription network/number range owner.

Abstract: A communication system provides a user with the ability to redirect telephone calls to a voice chat account and vice versa. In one example, a voice chat gateway may receive communication requests and determine whether communications directed to a first party is to be redirected. If so, the voice chat gateway may reroute the communication request to an appropriate destination. For instance, a user may request that all communications such as telephone calls be rerouted as a voice chat to the user's voice chat account. Alternatively, a user may request that all communications including voice chats be redirected to a telephone number. Users may further be allowed to call a voice chat account through a telephone network and initiate a voice chat with a telephone number through a data network.

Abstract: A data capture technique for high speed signaling to allow for optimal sampling of an asynchronous data stream. This technique allows for extremely high data rates and does not require that a clock be sent with the data as is done in source synchronous systems. The present invention also provides a hardware mechanism for automatically adjusting transmission delays for optimal two-bit simultaneous bi-directional (SiBiDi) signaling.

Abstract: A method of AIN query redirection is performed by a first SCP in a telecommunication network. The first SCP receives a query from an originating SSP and determines that a second SCP should service the query. The query is then populated with information from the originating SSP as well as appropriate routing information to send the query to a second SCP where a response is generated by the second SCP. The query response is sent back from the second SCP to the originating SSP without passing through the first SCP.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a multitenancy telephony system including a call queue that stores call requests received from a plurality of users; an expandable and contractible telephony resource cluster that establishes call sessions for call requests; a analysis system that calculates capacity requirements of the system; a resource allocator that manages the scaling and operation of the telephony resource cluster; and a plurality of telephony network channels that are used as telephony communication channels for call sessions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enabling efficient telephone number mapping (ENUM) based call routing during area code splits are presented herein. An ENUM domain management component can associate an ENUM domain name with multiple records when a numbering plan area code split links an old area code of a telephone number corresponding to the ENUM domain name with a new area code. An ENUM provisioning component can perform permissive dialing of the old and new area code during ENUM based call routing by utilizing the multiple records.

Abstract: System(s) and method(s) are provided for enabling routing and call completion among hybrid communication services. A client component receives a request to establish a call session, the request includes a service identifier tag that uniquely discloses a requested communication service. Client component validates the tag, and generates a query that is conveyed to a server, which supplies a set of Naming Authority Pointer (NAPTR) resource records (RRs) in response to query. The client component receives the set of NAPTR RRs; validates received Telephone Number Mapping (ENUM) embedded service and protocol identifiers associated with the NAPTR RRs; and associates the received tag with a matching NAPTR RR to route the call session and complete the call. Configurable logic that dictates association of the service identifier tag with a NAPTR RR also can enable routing and call completion when the tag is unavailable. A device that exploits service identifier tag is provided.

Abstract: Queries for IP addresses associated with a telephone number are conducted in accordance with query flags contained with an ENUM record. A query flag indicates the type of query to be initiated against the DNS databases. The query flag provides a means for interpreting the domain name portion of the URI contained in the ENUM record. Query flags provide an explicit indication as to the type of query to be performed against the DNS and provide an explicit indication as to how the domain name portion of a URI in an ENUM record should be interpreted. Query flags also provide guidance pertaining to subsequent actions to be performed. The use of query flags eliminates ambiguities associated with making assumptions about the domain name contained in an ENUM record. Thus, the use of query flags can reduce latency, reduce the load on transmission links, and reduce processing load on network elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wireless backbone for use with a public switched telephone network (PSTN). In one embodiment, the wireless backbone includes a central office switch coupled to the PSTN and configured to process a plurality of calls associated with the PSTN. Additionally, the wireless backbone also includes a wireless transmission unit coupled to the central office switch and configured to cooperate with another wireless transmission unit to yield a wireless trunk for communicating the plurality of calls to another central office switch.

Abstract: A telecommunication system that can selectively establish communications with one of a plurality of telephony devices associated with a particular telephone number for a device in an enterprise network. More particularly, the system is configured to route an incoming telephone call received from an external device, such as a mobile device for example, to one or more of a plurality of telephony devices associated with the telephone number. The plurality of telephony devices may include personal digital assistants and other remote devices. In one embodiment, the system comprises a network server configured to connect the incoming telephone call from an external device to a telephony device, where voice communications are encrypted for transmission by the network server to the external device from which the incoming telephone call is received, and encrypted voice communications received from the external device can be decrypted, re-encrypted and/or stored by the network server if required.

Abstract: A security plan for telephone clients allows the client to authenticate itself by sending a coded sequence of DTMF digits to a PBX at the beginning of each call. When the idle client telephone receives a call, it sends a coded DTMF sequence to the PBX. If the client makes a feature invoking call to the PBX while active on the first call, the client will be prompted for the security sequence. The client must send the same sequence of DTMF digits as for the first call. The first call is authenticated by virtue of being a call from the PBX to the telephone. The second call is authenticated by sending a DTMF sequence that matches the one sent with the first call. A call that fails authentication is dropped. The security plan for clients constrains the client to using a callback to originate a call from an idle telephone.

Abstract: A method to be executed in a session initiation protocol (SIP) environment is provided that includes initiating a conversion process that involves a change from a first communications platform to a second communications platform. One or more routing tables associated with the first communications platform are then dumped. A conversion script is executed such that one or more patterns associated with a dial plan corresponding to the second communications platform are provided in a dial plan format. One or more files associated with the dial plan are loaded into one or more endpoints that are designated to change to the second communications platform.

Abstract: A communication apparatus operates to realize multiple communication functions in accordance with multiple client applications. The multiple functions include a step of causing the communication apparatus to function as a client that obtains data from an external server device through the networks and processes the obtained data or to process other data the communication apparatus stores and to transmit the processed data to the external server device, multiple communication interfaces respectively connected to the networks, an interface priority storage storing priority information representing priorities, in usage, of the multiple communication interfaces when each of the multiple client applications is executed for each of the multiple client applications, a communication interface determining system determines a communication interface to be used in accordance with the priority information retrieved from the interface priority storage.

Abstract: A methodology for optimizing the cost associated with access charges incurred by network service providers when leasing communications facilities from a local service provider has been developed that incorporates physical reconfiguration of the access network topology as a cost-saving measure, where and when appropriate. The methodology identifies opportunities to reduce access charges by performing the following functions: (1) moving T1 facilities from one hub location to another; (2) moving T1 facilities from one T3 facility to another (at the same hub location) in order to disconnect unneeded T3 facilities; and (3) adding new T3 facilities in order to reduce overall access expenses and/or to provide new capacity for future growth, including adding potential new hub locations. The methodology is appropriate for use with various types of network facilities, T1 and T3 being considered as exemplary only.

Abstract: A system and method for processing toll free telephone calls by a telecommunications service provider may include receiving, by the telecommunications service provider, a telephone call request for a telephone call being placed to a toll free telephone number from a telephone within a service area of the telecommunications service provider. The telecommunications service provider may determine that the toll free telephone number is one operated by the telecommunications service provider. The telephone call may be routed via a network of the telecommunications service provider to a telephone associated with the toll free telephone number to connect the telephone call.

Abstract: A telecommunication switch for operating in a CS-2 intelligent network architecture. The telecommunication switch comprises: 1) integrated service logic (ISL) objects that perform requested services; and 2) a service control function access manager object that receives a first service request and determines if one of the ISL objects can perform a first requested service associated with the first service request. The service control function access manager object, in response to a determination that none of the ISL objects is capable of performing the first requested service, transmits the first service request to a service control function object external to the telecommunication switch. The service control function access manager object, in response to a determination that a first one of the ISL objects is capable of performing the first requested service, causes the first ISL object to perform the first requested service.

Abstract: A caller ID based call routing feature is described for blocked and non-blocked caller ID's. A processing system in the public switched telephone network (PSTN) receives first identifying information for identify the source of a telephone call and associates additional information stored in a memory with the first identifying information. The additional information may be information about the calling party initially downloaded to the memory by a subscriber. Once retrieved from the memory by the processing system, the additional information may then be transmitted to the subscriber via the Internet for display on a monitor or to the subscriber's telephone for display on a telephone display. Another feature described is a branch calling feature where the subscriber may program a processing system within the PSTN to forward an incoming call to two or more end units (e.g., telephones) simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the adaptation of the routing of the communications of a Customer (C) within an IMS type network, the said method providing for the ability of the Customer (C) to transmit additional routing rules (2), and wherein the said additional routing rules are concatenated with the routing rules (1) defined by the IMS network operator, such concatenated routing rules (3) being subsequently available for use by the IMS network to adapt the routing of the customer's communications as a function of his/her needs. The invention also pertains to an IMS type network.

Abstract: A network device has a voice mail module adapted to provide voice mail functionality for calls of a first type directed to the network device. The calls of the first type are originally intended for the network device. The voice mail module also provides voice mail functionality for calls of a second type directed to the network device. The calls of the second type are originally intended for one or more other network devices in respect of which the network device has been designated as a backup. In a system having such network devices, voice mail functionality may be provided locally at the network devices. The network devices may be implemented as telephones. In the event that a network device is no longer available on the network, another network device designated as a backup network device takes voice mail messages for the network device that is unavailable. This significantly improves overall system reliability and availability.

Abstract: One embodiment of the disclosures made herein is a method for facilitating mediated communication. In accordance with such method, an operation is performed for maintaining a database including a plurality of Quality-Of-Service (QOS) factors and an operation is performed for assessing at least a portion of said QOS factors for determining a capability for offering mediated communication. In response to determining that mediated communication is capable of being implemented, an operation is performed for facilitating transmission of a communication request notification for reception by a mediation subscriber communication device.

Abstract: An interaction router includes a computerized server executing a routing engine stored on a machine-readable medium, an interface at the server receiving information from an interaction switching element, the information regarding an interaction received at the switching element to be routed, an interface at the server to a wide area network (WAN), a function of the routing engine judging if one or more business-logic determinations are to be made to select a routing destination for the interaction, and a function for controlling the switch to route the interaction. If if one or more business-logic determinations are to be made, the routing engine requests the business-logic determination from a remote server over the WAN, and upon receiving the determination from the remote server, uses the determination in controlling the switching element to route the interaction.

Abstract: A mid-point call management node subject to monitoring through a workstation communicatively coupled thereto, provides call services (e.g., through extensible markup language (XML), and in particular call control extensible markup language (CCXML) and/or voice extensible markup language (VXML), instructions) for an inbound call received from an originating network at an originating point-of-presence (POP) associated with multiple, disparate call centers, the call services being provided in response to call management application instructions issued according to enterprise-specific strategies for optimizing call handling between the originating POP and domestic and/or international ones of the disparate call centers communicatively coupled thereto. Call center information (e.g., call load information) received at the management node from the multiple call centers may be used in connection with providing the call services.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method includes generating one or more route plans, each route plan being associated with a service plan, and provisioning the one or more route plans on a core routing engine accessible by a softswitch for routing calls according to the one or more route plans. The one or more route plans may include an on-net route plan and an off-net route plan. An embodiment of a system includes a local route manager (LRM) configured to generate one or more route plans associated with one or more respective service levels that customers can subscribe to. The system may further include an inventory of trunk groups containing a plurality of trunk group identifiers (IDs), wherein trunk group IDs are marked as either on-net or off-net.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of routing a call made by a calling party to a fixed telephone number of a called party, said method comprising: —checking if the called party is a subscriber to a routing service; —if the called party is a first subscriber: checking if the first subscriber is located in a first area covered by one or more wireless access points; —checking if the calling party is a subscriber to said routing service; —if the calling party is a second subscriber: checking if the second subscriber is located in a second area covered by one or more further wireless access points; —routing said call to one or more mobile terminals associated with said fixed number via an IP network and one of said wireless access points in the case wherein said first subscriber is located in said first area or both said first subscriber and said second subscriber are located in their respective first and second areas, or otherwise routing said call to a predetermined alternative terminating point.

Abstract: Telephone numbering data comprising an NPA code associated with an NXX code that is associated with a rate center identifier is received at a dial plan instruction writer. Local call data relative to a home rate center is also received. The local call data determine whether a call originating in the home rate center is charged as a local call, a toll call, or a long distance call. Routing rules to be applied to a called telephone number originating from the home rate center are determined based on the telephone numbering data and the local call data. Instructions executable by the telephone switch that implement the routing rules are generated.

Abstract: A network management system (100) has a communications interface (110), a memory (104), and a controller (102). The controller is programmed to retrieve (202) a plurality of call detail records (CDRs), reconstruct (208) call paths from attributes in the plurality of CDRs, and generate (210) extended CDRs from reconstructed call paths.

Abstract: A communication terminal unit has a system control section including a communication error detection section that detects a communication error, which occurs at the time of originating a call over an IP network or a public network. A communication error analysis section analyzes the thus-detected communication error, and in accordance with the result of analysis of the communication error, a call origination network determination section automatically determines whether to re-dial a call over the IP network or the public network. As a result, when detecting a communication error at the time of origination of a call over the IP network or the public network, a system control section performs control operation for analyzing the communication error and automatically determining whether to re-dial a call over the IP network or over the public network.

Abstract: Provided is a method that includes receiving a redirect request from one or more switches of a telecommunications network, receiving, from one or more switches of the telecommunications network, a connect request that requests connection of a transmitter device to a receiver device associated with the normal subscriber number, and configuring the telecommunication network to connect the transmitter device to a receiver device associated with the modified subscriber number, independently of the switch serving the normal receiver device being operable or inoperable. The redirect request comprises a normal subscriber number and a modified subscriber number.

Abstract: A communication system that is configured to communicate with more than one call manager systems, the communication system comprising a routing system configured to receive signaling for a call wherein the signaling indicates a called number including an international country code, and process the international country code to transfer a first query including the international country code, and the communication system further comprising a call processing system configured to receive the first query, process the international country code to select one of the call manager systems from the more than one call manager systems, transfer a second query to the one call manager system, and process a response from the one call manager system to transfer a routing instruction for the call to the routing system.

Abstract: A method for establishing communication between a calling party and a called party by means of user agents connected to communication networks (30) having a control unit (50), which method comprises the following steps: retrieving a communication session initiated by the calling party and controlled by the corresponding control unit, this session comprising an initialization request made by a user agent corresponding to the calling party and addressed to the called party, determining, based on the initialization request, an identifier corresponding to the called party and the communication format; based on the identifier, and based on at least one predetermined criterion, selecting a usable user agent from a predetermined list of user agents corresponding to the called party, adapting the session initiated by the calling party to the selected user agent, by at least: converting the identifier used by the calling party to designate the called party into an identifier compatible with the selected user agent

Abstract: An assembly, and an associated method, by which to place a telephonic station in virtual residency in a telephonic network. The virtually-resident telephonic station is coupled to a packet data network, such as the Internet backbone. The virtually-resident telephonic station has packet network address determined by the location of its connection to the packet data network. An index, formed by an indexer, is maintained at a proxy server embodied at the packet data network. When a call is placed by a calling station for connection with the virtually-resident telephonic station, the call is routed to the packet data network, and the index is accessed to ascertain the address of the virtually-resident telephonic station. When the address is ascertained, the call is routed to the virtually-resident telephonic station, and the call connection is completed.