Abstract: The present invention is directed to a telephony system that includes a first network and a second network. The system includes a first network call control system configured to provide intelligent network control services to the first network. The first network call control system is also configured to store intelligent network control data corresponding to the intelligent network control services. A second network call control system is configured to provide control services to the second network. A secure channel couples the first network call control system to the second network call control system. The secure channel is configured to securely transmit intelligent network control data from the first network call control system to the second network call control system. As a result, the second network call control system provides the intelligent network control services to the second network.

Abstract: A system and method for accessing a wireless network from a handset connected to a public wiring network are described. A request to establish a communication is received from a user interface. A connection path is determined for the communication based on an identification parameter of the communication. Finally, the communication is transmitted along the connection path.

Abstract: A device for making telephone calls receives input data defining a call destination. The device generates a request message which is output to a control center, a response message then being received from the control center identifying a preferred route for routing the call to the call destination. The routing information is utilized by the device in initiating communication with the call destination. Typically the input data is a telephone number and the dialing means initiates communication using a modified telephone number which may include a prefix obtained from routing data contained in the response message. Response messages may be stored in a cache memory to reduce the need for request messages. The device may be a mobile telephone operating in a cellular telecommunications network or may be a landline device such as telephone or facsimile machine.

Abstract: A method for routing emergency calls is provided for emergency calls placed over a packet-switched network (310) from a Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) (110) at a remote location (100). The method includes: registering the CPE (110) with a home Internet Service Provider (ISP) (260) through a remote ISP (130) that is providing the CPE (110) access to the packet-switched network (310); determining that the CPE is at a remote location (100); obtaining a local Internet Protocol (IP) address that corresponds to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) (170) serving the remote location (100); routing non-emergency calls to the home ISP (260) for call processing; and, handling emergency calls locally at the remote ISP (130) in accordance with the obtained local IP address.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Universal Signaling Point (USP) that acts as a liaison between a call signaling network and a number of switching entities, which support lines, trunks, or a combination thereof. During a transition of the lines or trunks from a donor entity to a host entity, call signaling between the host and donor entities and the SS7 network is routed through the USP. When transitioning the lines or trunks from the donor entity to the host entity, call signaling messages intended for the donor entity are routed to either the donor or host entity, whichever actually supports the lines or trunks. The USP is provided information indicative of whether a line or trunk has been transitioned to the host entity. The USP can compare information provided in the call signaling message with the transition information and route the message to the appropriate donor or host entity.

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: 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: The present invention is directed to a telecommunications system 100 for routing a contact to a selected address, comprising (a) an input for receiving a contact message comprising a source address and a destination address of a subscriber communication device 116 associated with a subscriber and (b) mobility agent 160 for determining whether or not the source address in the contact message corresponds to a proxy server 128 and, when the source address corresponds to a proxy server 128, causing the contact not to be routed to a selected address and, when the source address does not correspond to a proxy server 128, causing the contact to be routed to the selected address.

Abstract: An apparatus (40) and method for switching a customer-premises telephone line (36) between a plurality of local telephone networks (35). The local telephone networks may have different electrical and operational characteristics. Using less than 100 micro-amperes of current from the telephone networks, the apparatus (40) requires no external power and performs its tasks without interfering with the normal operation of the telephone networks including test equipment, terminal equipment, data transmission on the telephone line and test equipment. The method involves monitoring electrical signals on both local telephone networks (35) and using this information to assign a weight to each network. The customer-premises telephone line (36) is switched to the telephone network having the highest weight.

Abstract: A phone call is selectively routed to a public switched telephone network or to a packet switched network based on a called number to which the phone call is directed. A phone call may be made as a Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol call through, for example, the Internet except when a user dials an emergency number, in which case the call is made to the public switched telephone network.

Abstract: A call is routed to a wireless mobile station from a wireline network while bypassing a host mobile switching center (MSC) of the mobile station when the mobile station is registered at an MSC other than the host MSC. In particular, a service control point (SCP) in the wireline network receives a query from a tandem switch, associated with a trunk group of the host MSC, in response to an attempted termination of the call at the trunk group. Based on information from the query, the SCP retrieves registration data from a home location register of the host MSC, using IS-41 signaling. When the registration data indicates that the mobile station is registered at the alternate MSC, the SCP instructs the tandem switch to route the call directly to a trunk group of the alternate MSC, i.e., without passing through the host MSC.

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: An exchange node operable to establish a backward connection comprising part of a call session, the exchange node being operable, on the occurrence of a fault in a backward direction of the exchange to transmit a pivot request to a pivot node in a backward direction of the fault, the pivot request comprising a redirection request, a call identifier, and instructions to establish a return connection between the pivot node and a nominated node.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement are specified for setting up and clearing communications links via a private branch exchange. The transport network for transporting the communication data is preferably in the form of an ATM network or IP network, and is controlled by a separate control network, separated from it. The advantage is that the two networks are independent of one another, and that broadband communications requirements can be satisfied easily by a modular expansion capability. The central control configuration allows already existing central databases relating to subscribers to be used, and likewise allows connection-related service feature control systems still to be used.

Abstract: A method of routing calls in a communication system. A call is received from an originating network in the communication system. The identity of the originating network is determined, and the call is routed in the communication system based on the identity of the originating network.

Abstract: A system to be used in fixed and mobile telephone networks, based on telephone set types (1), (3) and (8) that have the capacity of storing in a memory (21) a number of carrier identification codes organized in table form (36) and of performing the automatic selection of the least cost carrier to route a call initiated by the user. Such telephone sets also capable of connecting periodically and automatically to an information provider (6) that contains a users database (9) and a tariffs database (10), both permanently updated, for the purpose of keeping updated the information stored in memory (21). All the processing to determinate the least cost route is performed at the information provider (6) and information is sent to the user's telephone set (1), (3) and (8) on demand.

Abstract: To select routing of communications in a network with a plurality of paths between a first location and a second location, a routing choice is determined from among the plurality of paths based at least in part upon at least one of a communication-success amount of monetary relevance for each of the plurality of paths and a communication-failure amount of monetary relevance for each of the plurality of paths, and further upon at least one of a likelihood of successfully completing communication for each of the plurality of paths and a likelihood of failing to complete communication for each of the plurality of paths. At least one routing device is informed of the determined routing choice, whereby the routing device can select routing information for routing the data between the first location and the second location based on the determined routing choice.

Abstract: At least one queue is provided per current branch pattern in a network node. In this way, a queue can be jointly used for a plurality of distribution compartments which are imaged onto the same branch pattern in said node. Arriving packets are differentiated according to the particular distribution compartment to which they belong (i.e. not according to a particular flow to which they belong inside the distribution compartment). They are then inserted into a corresponding queue accordingly. Said queues are used by the ports belonging to each branch pattern. As soon as a port is free, it selects the next queue to use. The selection thus begins in sufficient time to ensure that no gaps appear on the outgoing line from said port. If a port uses a plurality (in this case fully or partially overlapping) of branch patterns, a search is then carried out for non-empty queues in all of that branch patterns, during the selection.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring calls routed to a telephone network-based voice mail system. When a subscriber receives a telephone call, a determination is made as to whether the call should be routed to the voice mail system. If call monitoring services are activated, a three-way communication is set up between the calling party, the voice mail system and the subscriber. The subscriber is bridged into the call on a listen-only basis, but upon command by the subscriber, the subscriber may answer the call.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a telecommunications system and method for providing a plurality of services, the services providing control for communication via the telecommunications system. The system comprises a switching point for triggering one or more services of said plurality of services for a communication. Each of the services may reserve at least one control characteristic. A service manager connected to the switching point is arranged to determine if at least two services can be provided for the communication based on information relating to control characteristics of said at least two services. A new service can be started only if the control characteristics it requires are not reserved by a previously invoked service. A service manager for use in a telecommunication system for managing the plurality of services is also disclosed.

Abstract: A failsafe configuration for alternative network telephony is disclosed. An indication as to whether an alternative network telephony call processing system is available to process calls from an associated piece of telephone equipment is received automatically and transparently to a user of the telephone equipment. Calls placed from the telephone equipment at a time when the alternative network telephony call processing system is available to process calls are processed via alternative network telephony. Calls placed from the telephone equipment at a time when the alternative network telephony call processing system is not available to process calls are processed via the public switched telephone network (PSTN).

Abstract: A new service destination determination switching system is provided for a telecommunications environment in which a called party has discontinued an old service destination and obtained a new service destination. The new service destination determination switching system is used to obtain the new service destination when a calling party places a call to the old service destination. The switching system includes a hub switch that receives a rerouted call from an old service destination switch. The hub switch corresponds to a routing number prefix used to reroute calls from the old service destination switch to the hub switch. The routing number prefix causes the hub switch to initiate a trigger to a network platform that obtains the new service destination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing bifurcated voice and signaling traffic over a cable telephony architecture by segregating signaling traffic and voice traffic and transmitting the respective traffic over two different mediums to a controller to establish a phone call.

Abstract: A system and apparatus within a communications server for intercepting supplemental service requests to a communications network and ensuring redirection to correct network party and optimal resource usage when redirecting a call over the network. The optimization system includes a database and database server software. A device/trunk handler is used to interface signalling channels to the optimization system. A monitoring and statistics unit monitors the signalling channels. The server software is responsive to the monitoring and statistics unit and selects the routing of the supplementary service through the appropriate server(s) in the network.

Abstract: A cross-connect switch (16) for implementing local number portability between a current local service provider originating switch (14) and a desired local service provider ported switch (18). The cross-connect switch (16) is connected in a line associated with a subscriber's directory number between the originating switch (14) and a main distribution frame (12) to establish a first active communication channel. The cross-connect switch (16) is also connected in-line between the ported switch (18) and the main distribution frame (12) to establish a second inactive communication channel. The cross-connect switch (16) is signaled to automatically deactivate the first communication channel and activate the second communication channel thereby routing communications associated with said subscriber's directory number to the ported switch (18).

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 for providing voicemail services includes a network device that receives voicemail messages intended for subscribers. The subscribers may be associated with a number of different local telephone service providers. The network device also stores the voicemail messages for later retrieval by the subscribers.

Abstract: The event driven multi-media communication management system comprises a controller that interfaces with a plurality of communication space stations and with one or more communication medium service providers. The communication space station is a modular device that includes a platform, a voice system for providing an audio user interface, and a docking bay for coupling with a subscriber device. The controller accesses a subscriber contact directory that is associated with the subscriber device, communicates content messages representing at least a portion of the subscriber contact directory to the subscriber station, receives control messages representing subscriber selection of a contact, and establishes a communication channel in accordance with the selected subscriber communication information.

Abstract: In a service control point (SCP) having logic normally dictating that a call destined to a called party should be routed instead to a service node for handling, a method includes making a determination that the service node has become unavailable. The method thereafter includes receiving, into the SCP, a signal from a switch, the signal indicating that the switch has received a request to set up a call to the called party. In view of the determination that the service node has become unavailable, the method then includes the SCP instructing the switch to treat the first call in a manner other than routing the call to the service node.

Abstract: Cascading network apparatus, such as a validator, a transformer and a switch, or combination thereof, as example.

Abstract: In a telecommunication system, adapted to provide subscriber related services, a layered architecture including on a service layer a network side service executor and a user terminal service handler is employed. A call is triggered through a user interface provided by the service handler, which conveys a call set-up request and information to the service executor. The service executor communicates directly with a corresponding service executor at a service layer of a destination system and exchanges service information to detect a service interaction problem. A requested call can be established by other signalling and media handler functions when no essential service interaction problem is detected.

Abstract: Selecting the optimum service provider for each telephone call made so as to minimize the cost of each call. Each of the service providers is likely to be charging fees for calls at different rates determined by the measures of different sets of predetermined calling conditions that the provider sets up. An implementation for initiating a telephone call from the calling station to a selected receiving station, determining the measures of the predetermined calling conditions, determining the optimum service provider charging the minimum fee for the telephone call based on the determined measures of said service provider's set of predetermined calling conditions and routing the initiated telephone call to said receiving station through said optimum service provider.

Abstract: A call establishment method and corresponding communications terminal for a trunked radio network such as TETRA (708, 709) to establish a call from one network (700) to another network (711, 712, 730, 741) through a gateway (701, 713, 733, 740). A target telephone number is dialled at the calling communications terminal storing unique associations between telephone numbers and call types. Alternatively the call type is requested from a user of the calling communications terminal in case no call type is stored with the target telephone number. The gateway (701, 713, 733, 740) through which the target telephone number can be reached is then selected on the basis of the call type.

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: In a telecommunications network having switching points (such as SSPs and/or MSCs) controlled by a control point (such as an SCP), the switching points are provisioned to send messages to the control point when they encounter trigger conditions during processing of a call to a called station that has a forward-to number. When the control point receives the messages, it determines whether a loop condition exists, i.e., whether the call has already been forwarded from the forward-to number. If the control point determines that a loop condition exists, the control point instructs the switching point so as not to forward the call to the forward-to number.

Abstract: A system and method for host signaling processing that allows multiple SS7 applications to have visibility to the SS7 network traffic and the ability to control the SS7 network traffic. The applications residing on the platform have visibility to the SS7 traffic flowing through the Intelligent Communications Point (ICP) Platform, ability to control and modify the traffic and the ability to inject new SS7 traffic onto the SS7 links. The ICP platform will provide basic services that applications can use including Logging Data, Process Events, Inter Process Communication Services, and an interface to the Intelligent Communications Manager which provides a graphical user interface to manage the ICP. In addition to these services, the ICP Platform will provide basic traffic metering and measurement, bookkeeping statistics, and a failsafe mechanism for the SS7 links.

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

Abstract: Dynamic adaptation of connection-oriented networks is introduced wherein, once congestion is encountered, dynamic adaptation steps may be performed. Four adaptation steps are proposed for reacting to various network congestion scenarios. It is further recommended that the steps are performed in a particular order such that the higher severity and longer sustentation of the network congestion the more strict step is performed to alleviate the network congestion. At a switch in the connection-oriented network, utilization of a trunk carried on a link connected to the switch is monitored and, if said utilization of said trunk exceeds a first threshold, a first degree of adaptation is initialized wherein use of the trunk by further connections is prevented. Subsequent degrees of adaptation are triggered when high utilization continues and surpasses higher thresholds. The subsequent degrees of adaptation involve rerouting connections that make use of the trunk.

Abstract: Method, system, converter and switch for communication in asynchronous transmission mode (ATM) between a source end station (13) and a destination end station (14) by means of information cells and data cells following the information cells, the information cells representing a signalling message containing an information element (IE) which contains an indication of a requested kind of traffic contract (ATC) for, in accordance therewith, processing the data cells.

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

Abstract: A dial plan for a gateway in a packet based voice system provides call re-direct functionality to the system. The dial plan allows a gateway to process all incoming and outgoing calls for an enterprise, thereby minimizing required interface with an existing PBX. The dial plan identifies a given call as an incoming call from a data network, an incoming call from the PSTN, or an outgoing call from the PBX at an enterprise. The dial plan further identifies a desired route for transmitting the call to a desired destination. If the desired route is over a data network, the dial plan tests the route to determine its availability, and if it is not available determines an alternate re-direct route over the PSTN.

Abstract: A call management method is provided for giving notification of calls unanswered at a destination telephone number and real-time management options for the unanswered call. When control of a call is passed to a call management server (50), notification of an incoming call is sent to a subscriber associated with a destination telephone (22). Incoming call notification is provided via a wireless data messaging terminal (28) and includes information about the incoming call. The subscriber provides instructions in real-time for routing the incoming call.

Abstract: A method of routing a telephone call includes receiving an indication, at a handset device 112, to initiate a telephone call. It is then determined, preferably by the handset device 112, whether the telephone call is an emergency services telephone call. If the telephone call is not an emergency services telephone call, it is routed to a proxy server 134. On the other hand, if the telephone call is an emergency services telephone call, it is routed to a local gateway 116 without first accessing the proxy server 134.

Abstract: A call management technique implemented using a call routing engine is disclosed. In the technique, local (e.g., ACD) switching resources and a public network are controlled as a single virtual switch for purposes of implementing call processing features.

Abstract: A method for routing calls in a telecommunication system includes detecting data for a call from a calling party to a called party, providing a menu of options to the calling party and routing the call in accordance with information about the calling party, information about the called party or a menu selection.

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

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

Abstract: A system and method for electronically exchanging information related to telecommunication services includes separating data representing the information to be exchanged into predefined segments corresponding to telecommunication services, associating a segment identification code with each segment, and grouping each segment identification code with corresponding data. The system and method also include concatenating the segment identification codes and associated data according to a predefined sequence to form an electronic transaction and transmitting the electronic message to a telecommunications wholesaler or reseller. Preferably, the information is exchanged over a TCP/IP connection in an interactive, transaction-based exchange.

Abstract: A system and associated method receive, from a local telecommunications network, a call from a first number, to a second number associated with an individual or subscriber. The system and method locally store at least the second number, and initiate a dial-up call to a central telecommunication server or a dialed-up network via the local telecommunications network. The system and method then transfer at least the second number to the central telecommunications server via the dial-up call over the dial-up network. The dial-up network can be a 1-800 network, long distance network, or other network.