Abstract: A method, system, and computer program for routing an outgoing communication in real time is presented. A communication is received from a caller to an intended receiving wireless telecommunication device. In response to the communication failing to connect to the intended receiving wireless telecommunication device, scan of other alternate telecommunication devices is initiated to determine if other communication devices are available for receiving a re-route of the original communication. If an alternate telecommunication device is available to receive the communication, then the communication is rerouted to the preferred alternate telecommunication device based on the alternate telecommunication device being a mutual contact of the contact list of the caller telecommunication device and the mapping profile of the intended receiving telecommunication device.

Abstract: A method of initiating a telecommunication session for a communication device include submitting to one or more telecommunication carriers a proposal for a telecommunication session, receiving from at least one of the one or more of telecommunication carriers a bid to carry the telecommunications session, and automatically selecting one of the telecommunications carriers from the carriers submitting a bid, and initiating the telecommunication session through the selected telecommunication carrier.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of telecommunications. More particularly, to an apparatus that would allow callers to time-share telephone, telecommunication or communication lines in order to truthfully vary the telephone line from which they are calling parties through the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN). The system would allow customers to manage the identity of their calls in ways that would maximize the probability that a called party would answer.

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

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for implementing a Multimedia Ring Back Tone (MRBT) service are provided. The method includes: receiving a call request originated by a calling terminal; parsing a tone playing policy specifying whether to play a caller tone or a callee tone or whether to filter a tone; performing caller tone media negotiation or callee tone media negotiation, or performing no tone negotiation according to the parsing result; and playing the caller tone or the callee tone to the caller, or playing no tone. With the technical solution of the present invention, the caller tone service can be implemented in the IMS domain. Whether a caller tone or a callee tone is played to the caller is determined according to a preset policy. Furthermore, the tone filtering service is also implemented. This gives a user freedom in experiencing the MRBT service.

Abstract: A system and method to select and retrieve contact center transactions from a set of transactions stored in a queuing mechanism. The system includes an interactive voice response system configured to accept at least one call and dynamically populate a web form with call data associated with the at least one call. The system also includes a queuing engine configured to allow a call agent to access the call data prior to the at least one call being connected to the call agent.

Abstract: A call processing method, a call processing system and call processing equipment of a same number service are disclosed. The method includes: receiving a call which is initiated by a calling client and carries an initial called number, and sending a message of the called number with a same number service characteristic to first switching equipment in an IP network when the initial called number is a number of the same number service; and receiving a call request initiated by the first switching equipment, starting same number service processing of the initial called number according to the message carried in the call request, and calling a same number terminal corresponding to the initial called number. The embodiment of the invention helps realize the same number service between a SIP intelligent terminal in the IP network and ordinary terminals in other communication networks.

Abstract: A method for allocating a call batch that includes a plurality of calls, to one out of a possible “n” providers for near simultaneous transmission by the one provider to a plurality of recipients, wherein each of the “n” providers has an overall capacity and a current level of use. In particular, the method comprises computing the potential free capacity of each provider by subtracting the call batch size from the actual capacity, and dividing the potential free capacity by the overall capacity to determine the proportion potential free capacity; and allocating the call batch to the provider having the largest proportion potential free capacity.

Abstract: In a communication network, a call processing system receives signaling for a call indicating a called number. The system processes the called number to determine a single-network identifier associated with the called number. The system processes the single-network identifier to determine if the single-network identifier identifies an affiliated network that is affiliated with the communication network. If the single-network identifier identifies the affiliated network, then the system selects a double-network identifier indicating both the communication network and the affiliated network. The system transfers response signaling that includes the double-network identifier.

Abstract: A method of initiating a telecommunication session for a communication device include submitting to one or more telecommunication carriers a proposal for a telecommunication session, receiving from at least one of the one or more of telecommunication carriers a bid to carry the telecommunications session, and automatically selecting one of the telecommunications carriers from the carriers submitting a bid, and initiating the telecommunication session through the selected telecommunication carrier.

Abstract: A call is processed by examining a nature of address indicator in a signaling message associated with the call and allowing the call to complete in a jurisdiction associated with a national nature of address indicator if the nature of address indicator is international. A call is also processed by examining a nature of address indicator in a signaling message associated with the call. A number of digits associated with a calling party number in the signaling message is determined and the call is allowed to complete if the nature of address indicator is national and the number of digits associated with the calling party number exceeds ten.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the cost of long distance phone calls is disclosed. Accordingly, an originating phone network is operatively connected to a first intermediate point, and a receiving phone network is operatively connected to a second intermediate point. Each intermediate point is operatively connected to communicate via a data network. Users on the originating and destination phone networks may communicate based on virtual numbers. The virtual number is preferably within the local calling area of the originating phone network. The first and second intermediate points route calls to any geographic location, regardless of distance, over the data network based on the virtual number. This provides the advantage of allowing a user on the originating phone network to access a user at a distant location for a price that is substantially similar to the price of a local call.

Abstract: A process for dynamic routing of customer contacts to service providers includes establishing accounts in a service provider contact system for a plurality of service providers. The plurality of service providers are permitted to bid against one another for providing goods and/or services to a customer. A contact list is created of service providers ranked from a lowest bidder service provider to a highest bidder service provider. A contact is received from a customer and routed from the customer to the lowest bidder service provider on the contact list. The service provider account receiving the contact and fulfilling the transaction is credited the amount bid by the service provider.

Abstract: A method and system (10) is provided for making a domestic or international long distance call through the dialing of a local number. The system includes a telephone which is connected to a traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (13) which is coupled to a softswitch (15). The system also includes a data switch (18), a session border controller (19), a prepaid database (20), a series of call processors (22), and a web interface (23). The session border controller is coupled to an outgoing call connection through the public internet (24). The softswitch provides local access numbers (31) that callers will use to get into the system. The system and method combines the user's telephone number (37) with the local access number to generate a unique sequence (39) which is then found in the database and correlated to a desired long distance number 36 to which the caller is ultimately connected.

Abstract: A one number, multi-application, intelligent call processing system provides service benefits to a caller, a servicing location and/or a vanity number advertiser during a call, parallel to the call and/or post call in an integrated common architecture. The system utilizes VRU technology in conjunction with the national telecommunications network connected via Computer Telephone Integration (CTI) to a virtual telephone number database containing a nationwide master list of telephone numbers with attribute data items associated by Spatial Key linkage to each telephone number. The process of the invention is initiated by a caller dialing a selected telephone number to request information and/or services. Based on the number dialed, a caller or network provided ten-digit telephone number and VRU prompted for and received caller input, the system retrieves the application requested data from the virtual telephone number database and provides it to the network.

Abstract: A method and system is provided wherein routing information is obtained from previously cached information or from a gatekeeper. An originating gateway in a network receives a request for a connection and determines whether pertinent routing information is cached. If available, the cached routing is used to attempt to establish a connection. If no previously established routing is available, the originating gateway requests preferred routing from a gatekeeper, including prioritized selections of terminating gateways through which to make a connection to a designated call recipient.

Abstract: A system and method for equal access over a wireline and/or wireless packet-switched network including a receiver to receive, from a requestor, a request for equal access to a service provider, and a processor to present one or more equal access criteria to be satisfied by the requestor, and in the event the one or more equal access criteria are satisfied by the requestor, to allow, to the requestor, equal access over a wireline and/or wireless packet-switched network to the service provider.

Abstract: A method of accessing a plurality of features of a second telecommunication system from a first telecommunication system includes receiving a telephone call on the second telecommunication system from a first device having a first telephone number and determining whether the first telephone number is a stored authorized number. The method further includes determining if the first telephone number is a stored authorized number, and providing access to the plurality of features if it is.

Abstract: A method of initiating a telecommunication session for a communication device include submitting to one or more telecommunication carriers a proposal for a telecommunication session, receiving from at least one of the one or more of telecommunication carriers a bid to carry the telecommunications session, and automatically selecting one of the telecommunications carriers from the carriers submitting a bid, and initiating the telecommunication session through the selected telecommunication carrier.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein may be incorporated into a “service marketplace” system that matches users with potential information or service providers and establishes a real-time communications connection between the user and a selected information provider. In one embodiment, an alternate is selected for the user when the service provider that the user is trying to connect with cannot be reached. In an alternative embodiment, the alternates can be used in conjunction with the service provider that does connect with the user in order to provide a second opinion or possibly deeper background information. In one embodiment, the service providers can either be a live person at the other end of the connection or a recording.

Abstract: A system manages the operations of an integrated communications provider. One aspect of the system is a work flow engine. The work flow engine decomposes the service model into sub-model components based upon whether crossing of plural networks is appropriate to provide requested telecommunication services and which service providers are available to provide service consistent with the location of the customer. The work flow engine also creates a telecommunications design from the sub-model components based on order rules of the service providers. The system automatically retrieves customer service records and preparing sales proposals based on those records. The system includes a gateway to incumbent local exchange carriers and trading partner service providers.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method includes determining a customer service plan identifier from information associated with a received call, determining a route plan associated with the identified customer service plan, and routing the call on a trunk group identified in the determined route plan. The method may further include determining a jurisdiction of the call based on a dialed number identified in the call, determining a local routing number (LRN) associated with the call, and using a portion of the LRN to determine the trunk group. An embodiment of a system includes a switch operable to select a route for routing a call received on an ingress trunk associated with a customer that subscribes to a service plan, wherein the switch is further operable to select the route based on the service plan subscribed to by the customer associated with the ingress trunk.

Abstract: The present invention enables retailers who use toll free services provided by a VoIP network service provider to obtain peering arrangements with international and domestic VoIP carriers to originate, terminate, and bridge multiple call legs among global locations across peering partner carriers.

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 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: An embodiment of a method includes determining a customer service plan identifier from information associated with a received call, determining a route plan associated with the identified customer service plan, and routing the call on a trunk group identified in the determined route plan. The method may further include determining a jurisdiction of the call based on a dialed number identified in the call, determining a local routing number (LRN) associated with the call, and using a portion of the LRN to determine the trunk group. An embodiment of a system includes a switch operable to select a route for routing a call received on an ingress trunk associated with a customer that subscribes to a service plan, wherein the switch is further operable to select the route based on the service plan subscribed to by the customer associated with the ingress trunk.

Abstract: Methods of managing media server resources that may be used for VoIP calls are disclosed. In an embodiment, a media server resource broker receives a request for a set of media server resources from an application server. The media server resource broker determines the service request should be handled by a first media server based on the type of request and the availability of the first media server and provides the address of the first media server to the application server. The media server resource broker updates records regarding an assignment level of the first media servers to reflect the most recent request. When the call is complete and the resources become idle, the media server resource broker can update the assignment level to reflect the increase in availability of resources in the first media server.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for facilitating emergency services via packet networks. Emergency service providers will implement emergency proxies to ensure that proper call setup requests for emergency services are forwarded to the appropriate entities, even if those entities are in overload conditions. The emergency proxies may authenticate and filter call setup requests to ensure that only proper call setup requests are forwarded to help prevent such overload conditions. The emergency proxies may operate solely in a packet network, as well as at the interface between a packet network and a circuit-switched network to assist in call setup requests originating from either the packet network or the circuit-switched network.

Abstract: A technique for providing a flexible approach to generating and signaling tones, such as call progress tones, in a communications network is described. Parameters associated with tones generated and signaled in a communication network are dynamically configured. A tone to be generated and signaled onto the network is specified in a request that identifies the tone. Parameters associated with the specified tone are identified. The information representing the tone is then generated in accordance with the identified parameters and signaled onto the communications network.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for migrating telephone service. An order is received to migrate telephone service to a competitive local exchange carrier for at least one telephone line assigned to a customer. An account is created for the order. At least one sub-account associated with the account may be created. Each sub-account may be associated with a different combination of a local exchange carrier, from which the telephone service is being migrated, and a billing telephone number. A first telephone migration order may be generated and sent for migrating at least one telephone line associated with a first combination of a local exchange carrier and a billing telephone number.

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

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

Abstract: A 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 system for inter-enterprise telephony communications includes a central brokerage device that can receive a packet encoding a dialed telephone identifier generated by a first telephony device located in the first enterprise network, where the dialed telephone identifier is associated with a second telephony device located in a second enterprise network. The central brokerage device can also identify a network address of the second enterprise network using connectivity information if the dialed telephone identifier matches resolution information. The system also includes the first enterprise network, which can establish an encrypted communication link with the second enterprise network through a packet-based network using the identified network address if the dialed telephone identifier matches the resolution information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the cost of long distance phone calls is disclosed. Accordingly, an originating phone network is operatively connected to a first intermediate point, and a receiving phone network is operatively connected to a second intermediate point. Each intermediate point is operatively connected to communicate via a data network. Users on the originating and destination phone networks may communicate based on virtual numbers. The virtual number is preferably within the local calling area of the originating phone network. The first and second intermediate points route calls to any geographic location, regardless of distance, over the data network based on the virtual number. This provides the advantage of allowing a user on the originating phone network to access a user at a distant location for a price that is substantially similar to the price of a local call.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pooling a plurality of telecommunication users into groups is disclosed. One method includes ranking the telecommunication users in an order based on a usage parameter. The usage parameter, for example, may be the average service usage time per billing period. Once ranked, the telecommunication users are pooled into at least two groups, each group comprising at least one telecommunication user within a range of ranks. The method may further include calculating estimated costs for the users to use cost-effective rate plans selected from a group of available rate plans and re-pooling the users into other possible combinations to determine the most cost-effective pooling combination and respective rate plans.

Abstract: Methods of controlling media server resources in a VoIP network are disclosed. In an embodiment, an IP node provides a service request. An application server receives the service request and sends a request for media server resources to a media server resource broker. The media server resource broker determines that the request should be handled by a first media server. The media server resource broker queries the first media server to obtain an IP address and port number for use in establishing a call between the IP node and the first media server. The media server resource broker then provides a signal to the IP Node so that it can establishing the call with the appropriate port on the media server. In an embodiment, the media server resource broker updates a database module that tracks assignment levels of the first media server so as to reflect the most recent request, thus decreasing the number of ports available for the first media server.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a plurality of separate Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) call sessions for a single Directory Number (DN). The method includes associating a plurality of IP addresses with a single DN, communicating the association to a Switching Center responsible for routing calls between the DN and the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), determining that an existing VOIP call session associated with the DN is in progress, and creating another separate simultaneous VOIP call session for the DN. A communications system includes a switching center receiving an association between a plurality of IP addresses and a single DN for providing a plurality of separate simultaneous VOIP call sessions for the DN.

Abstract: A service tender node functions as an intermediary between subscribers and adjunct telecommunications services from multiple service providers to facilitate negotiation of services in real-time. The service tender node includes an index of services which is maintained and employed to search for applicable services in response to a tender request generated by a subscriber. Records in the index are described with an adaptive service definition which includes standard parameters and subjective parameters. The standard parameters identify types of service pursuant to telecommunications industry standards. The subjective parameters may be specified by individual service providers in order to differentiate their services within the service type defined by the standard parameters. Services generated from a search of the index pursuant to the standard parameters may be further sorted and filtered according to a comparison between a subscriber profile and the subjective parameters.

Abstract: A forwarding telephone number in a programmable telephone number list associated with a called number is dialed in response to a busy or no answer signal at the called number. The programmable telephone number table may include preferred caller telephone numbers. The system and method may be may be implemented on an AIN based wire line system.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to video communication networks and more specifically to a method for interworking between a number of video communication terminals, to a video communication system, and to a video interactive gateway unit. The solution according to the present invention makes it possible to interwork between different terminals e.g. between a low bit-rate multimedia terminal and a packet based multimedia terminal.

Abstract: The invention helps solve problems with technology that detects international calls. When an international call is detected a database is queried. Dependent on the results of the database query, present conditions based up on criteria, the call is either routed using international routing or the call is routed using an internet protocol (IP) gateway.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, a computer-implemented method for establishing multiple communication channels between a service provider and a consumer includes establishing a text based communication between the consumer and the service provider over the Internet. The method also includes receiving, at a central system, a first telephone number provided by the consumer via a first user interface and a second telephone number provided by the service provider via a second user interface. The method also includes calling, from the central system, the first telephone number and the second telephone number and bridging the calls between the central system and the first telephone number and the central system and the second telephone number to establish a communication channel between the service provider and the consumer.

Abstract: A method for determining a regime to be applied to a connection in a communication system by means of which connections may be made to terminals associated with any of a plurality of operators, each terminal being addressable by means of a subscriber identity formatted to include a first field and a second field, the first field being, for at least some of the subscriber identities indicative of the operator with which a respective subscriber identity is associated, the method comprising: transmitting to an operator determination function of the network a first message requesting a regime for a connection and including a subscriber identity field comprising an indication of the subscriber identity of the terminal that is to terminate the connection; receiving the first message at the operator determination function; determining by means of the operator determination function the operator to which the subscriber identity of the terminal that is to terminate the connection is assigned, and content of the first

Abstract: A methodology for optimizing the access charges paid by a long distance carrier involves the use of a “sizing” operation to determine the optimal balance between direct trunks and access tandems (on a per LATA basis) so as to provide minimal access charges. Once the sizing has been completed, a mixed integer program is used to find the optimal MUX assignments for each LATA. The sizing operation is then re-visited, based on the MUX assignments, to determine if adjustments are required to reduce costs. Any changes in the sizing are then reviewed in the MUX assignment mixed integer program. The end result is a definition of the quantity of direct trunks, access tandem trunks and overflow minutes-of-use charges for each end office, as well as the number of high capacity facilities required for each MUX.

Abstract: Re-distribution servers are installed at the branch points of a network for distributing streaming data, and route costs between two re-distribution servers are collected. Then, a distribution route tree from a source to a plurality of clients is automatically generated based on the cost information.

Abstract: A communication network element determines a service provider's routing preference for routing communications and routes these communications from an originating connection address to a destination connection address over a network. The communication network element includes a receiver configured to receive a signal, which comprises the originating connection address and the destination connection address. The communication network element also includes a processor that determines the service provider associated with at least one of the originating connection address and the destination connection address of the received signal. The processor also determines the routing preference associated with the service provider using routing data.

Abstract: A network for providing a telecommunications service with automatic speech recognition to a telecommunications user, including a switch in communication with a telecommunications device associated with the telecommunications user for detecting a terminating trigger specific to the telecommunications service in response to an incoming communication to the telecommunications device from a calling party, and an intelligent resource server in communication with the switch for receiving the incoming communication from the switch, for placing an outgoing communication to the telecommunications device via the switch, the outgoing communication including an audible message identifying the calling party, and for automatically recognizing a predetermined keyword spoken by the telecommunications user in response to the outgoing communication.