Abstract: The present invention is directed to the coordination of a voicemail response (e.g., away message) with calendar scheduling. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: receiving a phone call; forwarding the phone call to a voicemail system; determining a phone number associated with the phone call; determining a calendar entry for a current time; and generating a voicemail response based on the phone number and the calendar entry.

Abstract: When a call offer is received by a telecommunications peering network destined for a telephone number maintained within a peering database, the telecommunications peering network attempts to route the call directly to the peering partner telecommunications (e.g., broadband, voice over internet protocol, etc.) equipment. If the route fails with a corresponding destination unreachable failure code, the telecommunications peering network can attempt to determine whether or not the telephone number has been ported to a different provider. If the telecommunications peering network determines that the telephone number has been ported, the telecommunications peering network removes the telephone number from the peering database.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a telephone exchange apparatus includes a plurality of processors whose connect communication lines differing in communication protocol from one another, a memory which stores a plurality of items of protocol unique information to process communication signals corresponding to the plurality of processors, a communication controller which is connected to the plurality of processors via control buses with smaller transmission capacities than those of the plurality of communication lines and reads the corresponding-protocol unique information from the memory based on notified protocol identification information and makes the corresponding processor execute signal processing by the protocol unique information, and a call controller which notifies protocol identification information corresponding to a communication line to be added to the communication controller, when a setting request for a call is issued.

Abstract: A mobile platform is equipped with a broadcast signal receiver to receive a broadcast signal and with a two-way wireless communications device. Messages within the broadcast signal are received. Other messages between the communications source and the mobile platform are wirelessly communicated via the two-way wireless communications device.

Abstract: In a telephony call management system, a method of distributing calls among a plurality of packet-based load balancing resources can include receiving over a telephony channel a call request specifying call information, comparing the call information with selection criteria to select one of the plurality of packet-based load balancing resources, and querying the selected packet-based load balancing resource to resolve the call request. A response from the selected packet-based load balancing resource can be received which indicates whether the call request can be resolved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for setting multiple paths between wireless nodes of an ad-hoc network including a source node, a relay node and a destination node that receives a message from the source node via the relay node. The multi-path setting method and apparatus includes receiving previous hop address information, and determining whether a wireless node that receives the previous hop address information is included in an insulating region, based on the previous hop address information.

Abstract: A system and method for servicing a caller at a contact center includes a plurality of call centers, each including an automatic call distributor (ACD), and an emergency response system that issues an emergency notification signal to the ACD of a call center in response to an emergency condition affecting the call center. In response, the ACD of the call center informs callers of the emergency condition, and then performs a bulk transfer of each of the active calls from the call center to one or more other call centers. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A dynamic contact routing system includes establishing a plurality of service provider accounts. The service providers submit bids for a per-contact charge. A contact list is created wherein the service providers are ranked from the highest bidder to the lowest bidder. A contact received from a potential customer is routed to the highest ranked bidder service provider on the contact list. If the contact is not responded to or rejected, the contact is rerouted to the next highest ranked service provider on the contact list. The service provider's account who has received the contact is charged the pre-contact amount by that service provider.

Abstract: A call processing method is disclosed. A first station initiates a call to a second station. Call information associated with the initiated call is evaluated by comparing the call information with information in a fraud database. Completion of the call is prevented if the evaluation results in a finding of fraud. If the evaluation results in no finding of fraud, the call is completed to the second station via a routing path obtained from a routing database. If the call being completed is deemed to be a call of interest, the routing path obtained from the routing database for completing the call is stored.

Abstract: Methods and systems relating to a communication in an Advanced Intelligent Network from a caller to a subscriber's directory number where the communication has been terminated to a voice mail system (VMS) instead having been terminated to the subscriber's directory number. The methods and systems transfer the communication from the VMS so the VMS is no longer involved in the communication. A message indicating a release of the communication by the VMS is generated. The message also indicates an action to be taken regarding the communication such as a transfer to a different number. The action and related information may be provided in a remote operations parameter of a GR-1129 message. In response, directions are provided to carry-out the action. As a result, the communication is released from the VMS, and is acted upon without further involvement of the VMS.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for call routing from a wired telephone switch. A virtual number may be registered with a database of the wired telephone switch for call routing. Outgoing calls are routed from a standard telephone utilizing the virtual number. The virtual number is unregistered to disable the call routing from the standard telephone.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for routing query messages associated with prepaid subscribers in a number portability environment are disclosed. One method may include sending a registration message to an HLR. At the HLR, the ID or address of an STP is inserted as the prepaid SCP ID in a registration response message. The registration response message is sent to the MSC/VLR that originated the registration message. This action forces the VLR to send prepaid query messages to the STP, rather than to the prepaid SCP. When the STP receives a query message relating to call originating from the prepaid subscriber, the STP performs a number portability database lookup and determines the routing number corresponding to the called subscriber and the prepaid SCP corresponding to the calling subscriber. The STP then routes the query message to the appropriate prepaid SCP.

Abstract: To route calls in a wireless network in which an NPA split has been implemented, an intelligent router mediates NPA mismatches by modifying requests for routing information according to a rule set based on the update status of the HLR or other network element to which the routing requests are directed. According to whether the intended network element has been updated to recognize a new NPA in the directory number, the appropriate version of the directory number is included in the routing request, regardless of whether the old or the new version of the directory was actually dialed. In some embodiments, the intelligent router first modifies the routing request to include the new version of the directory number, and upon receiving an error from the intended element, resends the request with the old version. Receiving an error may prompt the intelligent router to trigger an update of the intended element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a way to associate multimedia clients with telephony devices and create multimedia sessions related to a voice connection between the telephony devices. The telephony devices may be part of a public network or an enterprise network associated with a PBX. Further, calls can be routed in part over packet-switched and circuit-switched networks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring connectivity at a hub having a plurality of subscriber lines from a plurality of subscriber premises and a plurality of feeder lines from a central office. The hub provides connectivity between the plurality of subscriber premises and the central office. The method and apparatus include categorizing the plurality of subscriber lines into a plurality of groups based on penetration rates and churn rates of the plurality subscriber lines. Each group of subscriber lines are connected to feeder lines based on the penetration and churn rates for POTS and/or DSL services. Subscriber line groups with high penetration rates and high/low churn rates are coupled directly to feeder lines. Subscriber line groups with low penetration rates and high/low churn rates are terminated at the hub. Subscriber lines with an intermediate penetration rate are candidates for being connected to the feeder lines via an automatic switch.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing calendar based routing of communications. Methods include receiving a communication from a sending party to a receiving party, the communication including a communication type. A current calendar entry type for the receiving party is retrieved in response to receiving the communication. A destination for the communication is determined. The destination is responsive to the communication type and to the current calendar entry type. The communication is transmitted to the destination.

Abstract: A method of controlling a local process that forms part of a first processing entity, where the first processing entity maintains a plurality of associations with a plurality of remote processes in a second processing entity, comprises receiving a failure message from a remote process indicating a fault affecting an association linking the local process with that remote process; queueing data messages destined for that remote process; controlling the transmission of an acknowledgement of the failure message so that data messages pending on the association are received at that remote process before the acknowledgment of the failure message; and initiating a traffic diversion to set up an alternate path between the first processing entity and the second processing entity for queued data messages.

Abstract: A route manager queries a new network element to identify egress routes coupled to the network element and to identify external nodes coupled to the egress routes. The route manager queries a database with identifiers for the external nodes to identify associated telephone numbers. For each telephone number associated with an external node, the route manager associates the telephone number with the egress routes coupled to the external node and with the new network element. The route manager receives a call request to one of the telephone numbers, and in response, selects the new network element and one of the egress routes associated with the telephone number.

Abstract: Called party information is provided during survivable processor mode operation of a branch included in a distributed private branch exchange communication system for support of features that require information identifying the called party. More particularly, a coverage path for use during survivable processor operation is enabled that establishes contact with an extension or coverage point over the public switched telephony network such that operation of system appears normal to a caller. Furthermore, for a given coverage point, the same coverage path can be used for a number of extensions, reducing administrative burden.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for remote establishment of a call from a first device to a second device. In said methods and systems the information is retrieved from the first device regarding the second device along with information associating the user with a device associated with the user. The call is then transferred to a switch associated with the user's device. The switch then forwards the call to the second device.

Abstract: A system and method of serving text-based data messages to a caller identification (caller ID) system in a telecommunications network environment may overwrite source-specific information in a selected data packet header field with text-based message data. A protocol translator may enable text data to be served to a caller ID system used in conjunction with a plain old telephone service (POTS) telephone as well as with a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) device. Text messages addressed and routed to a caller ID enabled device may be displayed on the caller ID display.

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 method for processing a communication between a first party and a second party is disclosed. A communication is received from the first party, the communication having first party information, and second party information. An entry in a database is identified that matches at least one of the first party information and the second party information and for which a predetermined rule is satisfied. A telephone number associated with the matching database entry is selected. The selected telephone number is transmitted to the second party.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed that enables a voice call to be initiated on the Public Switched Telephone Network and directed to a VoIP telephone on the Internet without the association of a unique telephone number to the VoIP telephone. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a user who has a PSTN wireline telephone or a PSTN cell phone associates his or her VoIP telephone with the telephone number of the PSTN wireline telephone or the PSTN cell phone or with both numbers. In other words, the VoIP telephone is not assigned its own telephone number but shares the telephone number of the PSTN telephones of its owner.

Abstract: A method provides callback services in a communications system to a first party from a second party. The method includes supplying the second party with a telephone number of the first party in a first format. The method also includes selecting a numbering plan out of plurality of numbering plans based on at least one of the country and network where the second party is located. The method also includes converting the telephone number from the first format to a second format using the selected numbering plan.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for call routing from a wired telephone switch. A wireless device is registered with a database of the wired telephone switch. Incoming wireless calls destined for the wireless device are routed to a standard telephone. The wireless device is unregistered to disable the call routing to the standard telephone.

Abstract: By using letters, this invention provides telephone numbers that contain the actual initials or name of the recipient. With business subscribers, each company's stock marker ticker symbol is their telephone number, such as ‘GE’ for General Electric. With most individual accounts, the telephone number consists of the subscriber's initials plus date of birth. Custom programming routes a call with the simple dialing input of only the recipient's initials or name. Only one well-defined area code is needed per State, such as ‘AZ’ for Arizona. The same number is used for landline, facsimile, internet, and cellular connections.

Abstract: This invention provides the ability to load balance calls in a communications network using a certain criterion, such as a user-specified call priority, or the call service category. The method is applied when selecting a route for a new call or for re-balancing the calls across a network. When the user-specified call priority is used, the aggregated number of calls with the same priority or service category is calculated for all possible routes the new call may use. The aggregated number of calls is then divided by the number of hops in the respective routes; the route with the smallest ratio is selected for the new call. Re-balancing is performed by re-routing the calls in such a way as to obtain a similar number of calls of the same priority, or service category along all possible routes.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting IP route failure using a request-reply protocol, such as address resolution protocol (ARP), and for dynamically re-routing VoIP sessions in a VoIP device in response to failure of an IP route are disclosed. A plurality of IP routes are established between a first VoIP device and a second VoIP device. VoIP sessions are assigned to the IP routes. ARP is used to detect a failure of an IP route. In response to detecting a failure of at least one IP route, VoIP sessions are rerouted from the failed IP route to an alternate IP route.

Abstract: A method and system of routing calls. In a particular embodiment, the method includes prompting a caller of a call for caller information with a first system. The first system has a first interface characteristic. The method further includes selecting a destination for the call based on the caller information. The destination has a second interface characteristic. The method also includes identifying a call interface characteristic change based on a difference between the first characteristic and the second characteristic, and advising the caller of the call interface characteristic change prior to routing the call.

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: The invention relates to a method and system for providing mobile based services for hotel PBX having an external number assigned which includes the steps of providing each hotel room which provides the mobile based service with at least one mobile station comprising a SIM, each SIM storing a different IMSI number; assigning a VPN to the hotel; assigning each IMSI number of each mobile station to a different MSISDN that can only be used internally in the MNO network and that cannot be dialed from other telephones; and assigning each MSISDN to a different extension number that can be used as a room extension number and that corresponds to the VPN number of the VPN of the hotel. The invention is advantageous in that it solves problems of prior art systems by making use of a mobile PBX, so that every hotel will have its own VPN numbers that can be used as room extensions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a network element in a telecommunications system. The telecommunications system comprises at least two telecommunications networks and means for providing number portability service between the networks and also supplementary telecommunications services. The method comprises the steps of initiating a set-up procedure for communications between two stations, sending an enquiry to the number portability service, determining if the called station is a ported station, and informing the supplementary telecommunications service of the results of said determination before initiating an use of said supplementary telecommunications service.

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: There is disclosed a method of routing a call in a communication system, comprising: defining a set of availability modes for at least one user, each mode including at least one identifier identifying at least one originating telephone number; defining a routing rule for each of said modes; and routing a call for the at least one user in dependence upon the routing rule associated with an active availability mode of the user and the originating telephone number of the call.

Abstract: A method for providing supplementary services in a packet voice network. The method includes the steps of receiving a list of information elements from a sending station and then inserting the list into a call control message. The message is inserted in such a manner as to ensure that any supplementary services information included in the information elements is preserved. In addition locally significant messages are included in a globally significant message so any supplementary services information in the locally significant messages is preserved. After the supplementary services information is preserved, the messages are sent to a receiving station. A network device operable to provide this functionality is also discussed.

Abstract: Directory services schema for telephone call management. The schema facilitates the development of call routing rules as one or more instances of one or more classes. Once created, the rules can be propagated to all other director services servers, and any subsequent updates and system changes are readily propagated to maintain optimum call system management. The rules can be stored in a routing table allowing administrators to define phone routes for various scenarios. System hardware/software changes can be managed using distinguished names and automatically propagated (or replicated) to the other directory services servers on an enterprise network. The architecture includes a schema component for generating a directory services schema, and a call routing component that routes telephone calls according to call routing rules defined by the directory services schema. The rules can be processed in combination with policies of usage attributes and phone number patterns/ranges to manage call routing.

Abstract: A method of debugging a telephone call can include, using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) formatted messages, initiating a debug session between a debugger and a call server for a telephone call established over at least a portion of a packet-switched network. A debug function can be invoked within the call server as specified by a SIP formatted message originating from the debugger. The method further can include determining fault information pertaining to the telephone call using the debug function and sending a SIP formatted response from the call server to the debugger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for call diversion in a telecommunication network, comprising a data network (1), a voice network (2), for the transmission of speech, a network server (7), for the speech network (2) and a management server (6), for the data network (1). According to the invention, the management server is interrogated about the state of a call from the user terminal (8) to the data network (1) and where an error in said call occurs a call transfer to a stored address is carried out by the network server (7).

Abstract: A method and apparatus route telecommunication calls in a communication system based on media type by detecting a requirement for a special media type for a telecommunication call; and selecting a subset of a plurality of gateways wherein only the subset of gateways is capable of providing communication for the special media type.

Abstract: This invention provides the ability to load balance calls in a communications network using a certain criterion, such as a user-specified call priority, or the call class of service. The method is applied when selecting a route for a new call or for re-balancing the calls across a network. When the user-specified call priority is used, the aggregated number of calls with the same priority or class of service is calculated for all possible routes the new call may use. The aggregated number of calls is then divided by the number of hops in the respective routes; the route with the smallest ratio is selected for the new call. Re-balancing is performed by re-routing the calls in such a way as to obtain a similar number of calls of the same priority, or class of service, along all possible routes.

Abstract: A telecommunications system includes a network; a telephony client operably coupled to the network and configured to maintain a list of contact telephone numbers; a telephony server operably coupled to the network and including an automatic advance sequence service including means for sequentially calling a contact on said list at one or more numbers associated with the contact and if the call is completed at one of the one or more numbers, continuing to call the remaining ones of the one or more numbers in sequence.

Abstract: A method for re-querying for routing information is disclosed. The method transmits an initial admission query to a gatekeeper or a request for routing information and receives an admission confirmation or routing information response with a destination address. The method then tries to establish a connection with the destination address. Upon reception of a call failure message including a failure cause, the method, optionally, increments a counter and transmits a re-query to the gatekeeper or other routing entity, and the re-query includes the failure cause and, optionally, a value of the query counter.

Abstract: A menu routing service routes calls made to a customer's toll-free number according to customized routing instructions, including instructions for routing calls originating in a non-domestic country. An international gateway receives a call to the toll-free number and populates a portion of a calling party number field with data indicating that the call originated in a non-domestic country. A network switch receives the call from the gateway based on at least an identification of a carrier associated with the toll-free number. A customized routing service platform receives the call and the non-domestic call origination data from the network switch. The platform determines a destination number based on the non-domestic call origination data and routing instructions received from a web server, accessible by the customer via a packet switched data network. The platform forwards the destination number to the network switch for routing the call to the destination number.

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 present invention provides a method and system for automatically auditing code routing instructions on switches in a telecommunication network. Code routing information is retrieved from at least one source containing code routing information. Based on the retrieved code routing information, the correct code routing instructions for a switch are automatically determined. The actual code routing instructions programmed on the switch are retrieved and discrepancies between the actual code routing instructions retrieved from the switch and the determined correct code routing instructions are identified.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating targeted marketing over a telecommunications network that includes a central controller which receives a data request from an originating party to a terminating party. The identity of the terminating party is established and targeted marketing material, for example, a coupon for the terminating party or a competitor of the terminating party, is offered to the originating party.

Abstract: A dual mode user terminal for a calling party can make calls over both a conventional cellular network and a packet data network using VoIP protocols. If the called party is not available to receive a VoIP call over the packet data network, the user terminal for the calling party can request a third party user terminal available on the packet data network to relay the call between the calling party and the called party.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering digital subscriber line (DSL) service to a subscriber. In a telecommunications network, the signal passing through a protector field is diverted to a cross connect block that can be selectively configured to establish a communication route between the cross connect block and a splitter selectively receiving a DSL signal. The combined signal is then placed back upon the network by the cross connect block, which directs the combined signal back to the protector field.

Abstract: An inbound traffic allocation module is configured to store, in a database, data received from a plurality of site-services, and to determine a route capacity based at least in part on the received data, data received from each of the site-services including data related to at least one of a health and a busyness of the site-service. A traffic manager module is configured to retrieve the data from the site-services and to provide the data to the inbound traffic allocation module. A service selection engine module is configured to receive a request to route a call, and to route the call to one of the site-services based at least in part on the route capacity associated with the site-service.