Abstract: There is provided a private branch exchange (PBX) system for interworking a digital telephone with a computer such as a personal computer (PC). In the private branch exchange system, a switch has a subscriber interface, a computer telephony interface module (CTIM) is connected to the subscriber interface of the switch, the digital telephone is connected to the switch through the computer telephony interface module, and the computer is connected to the switch through the computer telephony interface module and interworks with the digital telephone. The computer telephony interface module sends a computer-directed message generated from the switch to the computer and sends both the switch and the computer a call origination event message received from the digital telephone.

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 telecommunications system and method is disclosed for re-directing failed calls to H.323 endpoints within an H.323 system by adding a unique re-routing release cause to a Release Complete message in the H.225 protocol that indicates that the call should be re-routed to another number. The Gatekeeper within the H.323 system stores the alternative number for the H.323 endpoint, and upon reception of this new re-routing cause in the Release Complete message, the Gatekeeper establishes a new leg of call to the alternative number.

Abstract: A system for automated installation of a communication line using an optimal route between a source location and a destination location is disclosed. The system includes a routing engine providing an automated design process for rendering the optimal route. The routing engine utilizes a routing algorithm to select the optimal route from a graph of capacity links defining a plurality of possible routes between the source and destination locations. If, at any time during the design process, the optimal route or capacity links defining the optimal route are detected as unavailable for any reason, the routing engine re-initiates the design process and thereafter selects a new optimal route based upon a new capacity graph built without the previously unavailable capacity link. Once designed, the available optimal route is provided to a command and control engine, which, in turn, manages the installation of the communication line using the optimal route.

Abstract: When a Service Switching Point (1,2) of a telecommunications network receives signalling from a first customer telephone (5) for a destination customer line equipped with a special divert response CPE, network signalling is used to request from the destination line specified by the digits signaled by the first customer, data defining a network destination to which the call is to be connected. The call may be diverted to another telephone or may be diverted to network apparatus arranged to provide voice information and/or data collection facilities to enable further decision on the ultimate destination of the incoming call.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an efficient and effective method and system for routing calls to predetermined destinations to facilitate communication in a customer's preferred language. The present embodiments allow for an indication of a customer's language preference to be stored in some fashion and also allow for that indication to be accessed when the customer places a call that may require communications in a specific language. The indication of the customer's language preference can be accessed upon receipt of the call and appropriate information can be retrieved that enables the call to be routed to a destination to facilitate communication in a customer's preferred language.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method is disclosed for re-directing failed calls to H.323 endpoints within an H.323 system by adding a unique re-routing release cause to a Release Complete message in the H.225 protocol that indicates that the call should be re-routed to another number. The Gatekeeper within the H.323 system stores the alternative number for the H.323 endpoint, and upon reception of this new re-routing cause in the Release Complete message, the Gatekeeper establishes a new leg of call to the alternative number.

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 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: The router unit is built in the main key telephone apparatus, the office line interface function and the independent power supplying function are deleted in the router unit, and the office line interface units and the power supply unit substitute for these functions. The temperature inside the cabinet, the operated state of the cooling fan, and the temperature and operating power supply voltage Vcc of the PC power supply unit, etc. are detected in the CTI personal computer, and these monitor data are transferred to the main key telephone apparatus and analyzed in the main key telephone apparatus, so as to detect abnormality in the CTI personal computer and take necessary measures against the abnormality.

Abstract: A method of controlling affiliation of a remote line-collection device with a plurality of switches connected via a network includes the steps of providing each switch with a backup-storage area in advance in addition to a normal storage area, and transferring control data of the remote line-collection device from the normal storage area of a first switch to the backup-storage area of a second switch when affiliation of the remote line-collection device is changed from the first switch to the second switch.

Abstract: In a mobile communication system comprising a PBX connected to a mobile communication network through an interface unit and having a semi-public roaming function, a first PBX is connected to a second PBX having the semi-public roaming function with a leased circuit. The first PBX transmits a position registration/call transmission request of a PHS received by itself to a mobile communication network through the second PBX. The second PBX transmits a call reception request addressed to the PHS from the mobile communication network to the PHS through the first PBX.

Abstract: An efficient interface for service exchange is provided between a circuit-switched communications network and a domain naming system (DNS) in a packet-switched communications network. A node in the circuit-switched communications network receives from a first entity a request for a first service involving a second entity associated with a second entity identifier. A message is sent from the circuit-switched network node to a DNS server in the packet-switched network requesting a second service related to the second entity identifier. The result of the second service from the DNS server is used in providing the first service.

Abstract: There is provided a digital switch system for connecting a telephone central office with a number of subscriber lines, in which the system includes at least one central office-digital trunk interface switch which allows digital signals to be transmitted between the switch system and the central office, and a number of subscriber line interface switches which allow signals to be transmitted between the switch system and the subscriber lines, in which each of the subscriber line interface switches is connected with at least one subscriber line via at least one digital-to-subscriber line converter, and in which the central office-digital trunk interface switch and the subscriber line interface switches are connected in a ring-shaped structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for implementing a plurality of numbering plans in a telecommunications network. A network can support a private numbering plan for identifying private lines, as well as conventional public numbering plans. An illustrative hybrid numbering plan has a generic format of NPA-PPP-EXTN. The NPA value is a geographic component, in a similar manner to the PSTN plan. The PPP value identifies private lines or trunks. The EXTN value carries either the dialed digits or the derived digits through the network to the terminating private line. The EXTN digits may be required by a destination PBX to route a call to a connected station or another PBX. A numbering plan flag differentiates each of the different numbering plans employed by a network, such as the private numbering plan and the public numbering plan, to establish a plurality of routing domains.

Abstract: A system and method for consolidating access to communication media into a single, configurable interface accessible by callers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting a circular routing in No. 7 signaling network by detecting the circular routing occurred when operating the signaling network, thereby preventing a congestion of links by the circular routing and finding out any reasons of the link congestion. In the prior art in which the circular routing is detected by using the MRVT message of the Operation and Maintenance Application (OMAP), all signal routes are tested as to DPC of the MRVT message. Thus, it has the problems of causing unnecessary load in the whole signaling network and making a required time for the test longer, thereby making it impossible to prevent a congestion of links.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for searching trunks in exchange systems that a subsystem searches a standby idle trunk for preparing a next trunk usage, stores information of the standby idle trunk and then processes a current call service by connecting the preset trunk when the call is required, whereby minimizing load of the system as well as improving a search speed of the trunk. The exchange system applied to the present system is composed of a subscriber call processing unit, a number decoding unit, a routing control unit, and a plurality of switching subsystems. The present invention has advantages to prevent the processor load from increasing according to the call processing as well as improve the system stability efficiently.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system with a redirect functionality that removes the potential of a bottleneck inherent with a central redirect server. In a communications system according to the present invention, the central redirect server is eliminated in favor of a distributed redirect server. This distributed redirect server is distributed to, and hosted on, telephony access nodes (TANs) in the system. This configuration resolves both the problem of a potential bottleneck and provisioning of redundant redirect server capability.

Abstract: A system and method for exchanging telecommunication service information between a telecommunication service provider and a telecommunication service customer include electronically receiving a request in a predefined format to establish an interactive session with a telecommunications customer, determining whether the telecommunications customer is authorized for electronically exchanging information and continuing only if the customer is authorized, parsing the request to identify information related to at least one telecommunications service offered by the telecommunications services provider, the telecommunications service having an associated identification code, determining whether the requested telecommunication service is available in a particular location, and automatically generating information associated with the requested telecommunications service and transmitting the information using the predetermined format to the customer.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for switching a call from an unreliable network to an alternate network when a QoS of the network falls below a predetermined threshold. The invention includes a telephone call switching apparatus which monitors the QoS of the call. When the QoS of the call falls below a first threshold the switching apparatus establishes a connection over an alternate network. If after a predetermined time period or after the QoS falls below another predetermined threshold the call is transferred to the alternate network connection. While the switching apparatus is maintaining multiple network connections, the idle network connection remains muted.

Abstract: A telephone call connection architecture is disclosed which establishes a call connection between two parties. A caller at a caller location initiates a call request to an intermediate location over a first communication network requesting a call be connected to a callee at a callee location over a second communication network. The caller location is connected to the callee location over the second communication network in response to the call request being made over the first communication network. In both a call back and call collect scenario, the caller initiates the call request to the intermediate location. However, in a call back situation, the caller is ultimately charged for the call, while in a call collect situation, the callee authorizes charges for the call.

Abstract: A multiple endpoint path for providing endpoint redundancy is described. Selected active end nodes in a digital communications network are configured by a network management system to have compatible alternate endpoint paths. When one of the selected active endpoint paths fails, the network management system automatically switches the endpath from the previously active endpoint to the alternate end point path.

Abstract: A signal transmission system includes a plurality of long distance signaling transfer point (L-STP) stations, each of which includes a plurality of regional signaling transfer point (R-STP) stations, each of which includes a plurality of signaling end point (SEP) stations. One of the plurality of SEP stations as an originating SEP station transmits a message to another of the plurality of SEP stations as a destination SEP station, the message having a header section including a point code of the destination SEP station as a DPC.

Abstract: A method of providing for customer selection of a circuit selection algorithm for use in a public network comprises the steps of storing a plurality of circuit selection algorithms in public network memory, translating a routing number for a call into customer data, matching the customer data with a trunk block circuit selection algorithm and controlling the delivery of calls to a customer in accordance with the trunk block circuit selection algorithm. The customer may also custom design their own circuit selection algorithm and input their custom designed algorithm into public network memory along with others for selection in accordance with their customer criteria, for example, time of day or day of week, low traffic period, high traffic period or other criteria.

Abstract: In an arrangement where calls are directed to different call centers, each call center based on selected metric measures determines whether an incoming call is an “overflow” call to be rerouted to an alternate call center. These metric measures may include, e.g., the number of operators in the call center answering calls, the number of calls in queue to be answered, etc. Once an overflow call is identified, the call center reserves an outbound communication channel in anticipation of rerouting the call, and transmits a call rerouting request to a call routing server. In accordance with the invention, the server identifies an appropriate alternate call center for receiving the overflow call, and communicates routing information including an identity of the alternate call center to the overflow call center. The latter based on the received routing information transfers the call to the appropriate alternate call center.

Abstract: A telecommunications network (110) has a unit (100) and technique to alleviate congestion on a congested link as can occur, e.g., when a new connection seeks admission to the network. The congestion avoidance technique/unit ascertains, from a set of candidate connections (C0, C1, C2, C3), a best candidate to route in order to avoid the congestion. Further, the congestion avoidance technique/unit determines a best candidate path to which the best candidate connection is to be routed. The best candidate connection and the best candidate path are determined so that, after routing the best candidate connection to the best candidate path, a load of the weakest link in the network is as low as possible.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for permitting a subscriber of a call forwarding service to customize call forwarding parameters associated with the call forwarding service. The call forwarding service being configured to permit the subscriber to specify whether a call received at a telephone number associated with a given account of the call forwarding service be forwarded to a forwarding telephone number. The call forwarding parameters includes a call forwarding enable option and the forwarding telephone number. The method includes providing a subscriber communication profile database. The subscriber communication profile database has therein the account pertaining to the subscriber. The account includes the call forwarding parameters for the subscriber.

Abstract: A telephone network constructed according to the present invention includes call redirection functions that redirect calls intended for a toll-free-number or central number of an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to one of a plurality of available Internet Protocol (IP) gateways operated by the ISP. Call redirection may be performed within a coupled signaling network during a database lookup or Service Control Point operation, at a signal switching point of a destination switch or by a PBX operated by the ISP. The call redirection may be static or may be dynamic. In static call redirection, all calls are redirected to a single IP gateway. In dynamic call redirection, one of a plurality of available IP gateways is selected based upon operating conditions. In making such selection, IP gateway loading, IP gateway availability, telephone network loading, telephone network availability and telephone network routing costs are considered.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for retrieving a telephone call that has been diverted from an originally called user telephone to an alternative destination, such as a voice mail system or another user telephone. An incoming call directed toward the called user telephone is received at an exchange. The exchange routes the call to the called user telephone and monitors the call to determine if the called user telephone answers the call within a predetermined period. If not, the exchange reroutes the call to the alternative destination. Subsequently, a request is received to retrieve the rerouted call for connection with the originally called user telephone. In response, the exchange connects the call with the originally called user telephone.

Abstract: A telephone call control system includes a database containing user identifiers and call control limitations assigned to the user identifiers. Call control limitations may include budgetary, time, geographic (e.g., area code or city and/or country codes), and other limitations to a call. A telephone line is subscribed to the system, and users of the line are provided user identifiers which may have one or more of the call control limitations. When making an outgoing call, the telephone network queries the database and determine whether the telephone line is subscribed. If the telephone is subscribed, the telephone network communicates with a server which requests the user to enter the user's identifier, e.g., a dialing code or voice print. It is then determined which, if any, call control limitations, are placed upon the user and whether and for how long the call can be connected.

Abstract: To avoid searching for objects that are not effectively configured and therefore to mitigate connectivity and system failure, an intermediate routing object index (100, 103) is created to each and every object in a system (36). In a telecommunications system, for example, an object is only operational at a node (10, 30-34), such as a switch, upon receipt of all necessary configuration messages (102) from an overall system controller (12) responsible for overseeing operation of the node (10, 30-34) and the set-up of a connection. The routing object index stores (103, 108) an indication of the receipt of the necessary configuration messages and so provides a direct indication of whether the object exists and whether it is effectively configured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing access device input format independent translations and route selection for telephony calls. A call request is received, the call request comprising input information being for a telephony call. At least one call attributes is then determined from the input information and a routing policy request is transmitted to query a route database. Responsive to the routing policy request a routing policy response is received, the response comprising at least one routing parameter. The at least one routing parameter is used to influence call set up. Route selection is therefore not constrained by the service request input format.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internet-aided method of setting up a telephone call.

Abstract: A method of operating a telecommunications network includes, in one embodiment, detecting a call at an originating switch of the telecommunications network and, when a destination for the call matches a predetermined destination, routing the call on designated data trunks. When traffic on the designated data trunks exceeds a capacity threshold, the method further includes routing the call to a terminating switch using interoffice trunks and completing the call to the destination from the terminating switch.

Abstract: A point-of-presence (POP) call center system capable of answering, servicing, queuing and routing of calls at local points of presence to reduce communications costs and enhance operational efficiency for toll-free inbound call centers. The POP call center system includes a set of point-of-presence call center gateways distributed at points of presence close to the point of call origination.

Abstract: A local routing system is provided for selectively routing traffic in a telecommunications network according to a local service provider's preferences. The local service provider provides service for telephone lines acquired from a local exchange carrier. The telecommunications network supports an originator subscribing to the local service provider. The originator initiates a trigger when originating a call to a destination by dialing a number. The local routing system includes a classifier, a determiner, and a router. The classifier analyzes the dialed number and categorizes the call into one of several predetermined classes of traffic. The determiner determines whether the local service provider has a routing preference for the class of traffic into which the classifier has placed the call.

Abstract: In a call center where information assistance calls are received, an operator may provide different services to a customer in each call. Such services may include, e.g., searches for a desired telephone number, regional restaurant, etc. Thus, multiple events, e.g., the telephone number and regional restaurant search events, may occur during the same information assistance call. In accordance with the invention, an event monitor server is connected to different clients in the center which generate records concerning the events occurring during the call. The server is used to collect such event records from the clients. The collected records are transmitted through a communications network to a remote computer for their analysis. To effectively utilize the limited bandwidth of the communications network, the event monitor server may compress the data in the event records before its transmission.

Abstract: A system and method for managing, switching, and reconfiguring physical connections of telecommunications services that provides improved cost and timeliness.

Abstract: A system and method for managing, switching, and reconfiguring physical connections of telecommunications services that provides improved cost and timeliness.

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: Method and system are provided for efficient telephone number portability within a geographically dispersed telephony and the like switching system, wherein ported telephone numbers, when dialled and found non-existent at their number-inherent destination, a “Release Treatment” with a trigger (automatic flexible routing) searches in a database from the originating switching node or office, whereupon their new network node address is directly connected to following normal routing procedures; thus permitting realistically affordable telephone number portability, particularly local number portability (LNP).

Abstract: A telecommunications network system and method is presented incorporating a distributed feature composition (DFC) architecture, offering new technology for feature specification and composition. In the network architecture of the invention, customer calls are processed by dynamically assembled configurations of filter-like components: each component implements an applicable feature, and communicates with its neighbors by featureless internal calls that are connected by the underlying architectural substrate. Features are coherently accumulated, and the problem of feature interaction is rendered much more tractable.

Abstract: A “high availability” telephony/messaging system includes a first host comprising a first telephony application, a second host comprising a second telephony application, and a TSP for routing calls on a plurality of telephone circuits to the first and second hosts, for processing by one of the first and second applications. An Inter-System Call Transfer process permits a call routed to an application on one host to be transferred to an application on another host. Therefore, a call routed to a host that is unable to process the call can be redirected to another host that is able to process the call.

Abstract: In the routing method and apparatus a second routing attempt via an alternate path from an originating node is implemented for a call given an unsuccessful routing attempt via a preferred route, i.e. the call is offered a further alternate path to the destination node. The evaluation of the effectiveness of the rerouting is updated at each call per traffic relationship (originating/destination node pair), using an evaluation storing device. A decision is made based on the evaluation as to whether the rerouting for this traffic relationship is to be maintained or throttled for following calls.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for making least-cost non-local telephone calls. In accordance with this method, an identification code of a customer and a plurality of carrier codes associated with the identification code are stored in a memory which is accessible by a computer at a universal exchange. Each carrier code identifies a respective one of a plurality of telephone call carriers. Subsequent to the storing step, the universal exchange receives the customer identification code and a destination telephone number by means of a telephone call from the customer. The computer at the universal exchange processes the destination telephone number and the plurality of carrier codes corresponding to the customer identification code in accordance with respective rate schedules for those carriers and a least-cost routing algorithm, thereby determining a least-cost carrier for connecting the customer to the station identified by the destination telephone number.

Abstract: In a telecommunication system comprising a telephone exchange (LE), an access node (AN) connected to the telephone exchange via a standard V5 interface and a data network (DN), a procedure for setting up a direct data connection between the access node and the data network from a terminal device. According to the invention, a data network subscriber is created in the access node (AN), and when the data network subscriber starts call setup, this is not signalled to the local exchange (LE) according to the normal V5 practice. The data network subscriber's call setup request is handled locally in the access node, where also a dial tone is generated for the data network subscriber. A data connection between the data network subscriber and the data network is set up directly from the access node on the basis of the dialing given by the data network subscriber.

Abstract: The alternate destination redirection (ADR) feature (102) of telephone switching systems (101) or an equivalent is used to implement a “post-route” routing architecture having the benefits of a “pre-route” routing architecture in a network ACD (FIG. 1). The ADR feature is administered in the network (100) for individual ACD systems and individual call types at each ACD system to identify another ACD system as an alternative destination for calls of the individual call type rejected by the individual ACD system. The network distributes (302) calls to the plurality of ACD systems (110-112) on a basis (e.g., fixed percentage, round-robin) that does not require the network to know the status of the individual ACD systems. Upon having a call of an individual type routed thereto, an individual ACD system checks (304) the status of the ACD system that is administered as the alternative destination for its rejected calls of the individual type.

Abstract: A method provides that an initiating message is sent from a first service switching unit to a service control unit assigned to a supplementary service. In the service control unit there then takes place a comparison of a protocol supported by the first switching unit with a protocol necessary for the requested supplementary service. According to the result of the comparison, a second service switching unit, which can support the protocol necessary for the requested supplementary service, is determined, and a rerouting to the service switching unit is initiated.

Abstract: Apparatus, and accompanying methods for use therein, for a telephony gateway intended for use, e.g., paired use, at opposite ends of a data network connection, in conjunction with at each end, e.g., a private branch exchange (PBX) for automatically routing telephone calls, e.g., voice, data and facsimile, between two peer PBXs over either a public switched telephone network (PSTN) or a data network, based on, among other aspects, cost considerations for handling each such call and called directory numbers, monitoring quality of service (QoS) then provided through the data network and switching (“auto-switching”) such calls back and forth between the PSTN and the data network, as needed, in response to dynamic changes in the QoS such that the call is carried over a connection then providing a sufficient QoS. To support auto-switching, the apparatus embeds, using call independent signaling, certain call-specific information, as non-standard data, within various conventional H.