Abstract: In a telecommunication network, a switching system routes a call to a service platform. The service platform transfers a prompt message over the call, collects caller-entered information from a caller over the call in response to the prompt message, and transfers the caller-entered information to a call processing system. The call processing system transfers the caller-entered information to a destination processor, processes a destination routing code from the destination processor to determine a destination routing instruction, and transfers the destination routing instruction to the switching system. The switching system routes the call to a destination in response to the destination routing instruction.

Abstract: Conserving call logic during handoff may be provided. First, a call may be received at a first server. Next, the first server may determine that it cannot handle the call. Then the call may be transferred by the first server to a second server with enough information so that the second server can take up the call where the first server left off. Transferring the call to the second server with enough information so that the second server can take the call up where the first server left off may comprise placing the information in a REFERRED-BY header and sending the REFERRED-BY header to the second server.

Abstract: A telecommunications node (e.g., signalling transfer point) and method are described herein that implement a synthetic GTT transformation function which allows a direct address SCCP message received from a legacy switch to be transformed into a GTA SCCP message that can be propagated to another switch (located in the same network or in a different network) which requires the use of a GTT functionality. In turn, the telecommunications node and method can also provide the reverse capability as a SCCP message comes back to the legacy switch.

Abstract: A multimedia terminal adapter (MTA) electronically connected to a call management server and phone sets configured in at least two different networks, includes a receiving module and a control module. The control module drives the phone sets configured in the at least two different networks to ring when the receiving module receives a call from the call management server, receives an off-hook signal from one of the phone set configured in a network, controls other phone sets configured in other networks to stop ringing, and sends the off-hook signal and Internet protocol (IP) port information of the off-hook phone set to the call management server.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for establishing a connection to a terminal device, wherein a user capability information defining supported types of information streams is set in a compatibility information element within an outband signaling message, and a capability negotiation is performed by transmitting said outband signaling message via an outband control channel. The code or user capability information may be set at the terminal device or at an intermediate network element based on a subscriber profile information obtained from a subscriber database. Thereby, the user capability, such as a multimedia session composition, can be already negotiated or handled during the outband call setup phase, and a corresponding inband negotiation can be avoided.

Abstract: Disclosed are an opened network connection control method, an opened network connection control system, a connection control unit and a recording medium, which allow only terminal units capable of securing security to be connected to an opened network, thereby improving the security level. The connection control unit acquires connection history information held by the terminal unit which has sent a request for connection to the opened network to a central unit, and assigns a logic identifier to the terminal unit and connects the terminal unit to the opened network when the contents of the acquired connection history information coincide with the contents of connection condition information record.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for managing and selectively distributing routing information in a routing node are disclosed. In one implementation, a method for selectively distributing routing information in a routing node includes organizing internal signaling resources are organized so as to facilitate the efficient mapping of signaling system 7 (SS7) message transfer part (MTP) signaling protocol attributes to Internet protocol (IP)-based signaling resources. A routing status information sharing hierarchy is defined, which enables routing status information to be efficiently shared among members of a signaling mateset group. Members of a signaling mateset replicate and distribute SS7 MTP network management information across non-MTP signaling connections, such as IP connections.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are disclosed for triggering SIP nodes to include SS7 routing information in response messages including information requested by SS7 nodes. A message having SS7 routing information is received from a remote SS7 node. A corresponding SIP message is generated that includes the SS7 routing information and a parameter for triggering the SIP node to include the routing information in a response message. The corresponding SIP message is forwarded to a remote SIP node.

Abstract: Methods and systems for load sharing signaling messages at the MTP level are disclosed. When a signaling message is received, it is determined whether the signaling message includes a routing indication indicating route-on-point-code-subsystem-number. If the routing indicator indicates route-on-point-code-subsystem-number, it is determined whether the signaling message belongs to an MTP level 3 load sharing group. If the signaling message belongs to an MTP level 3 load sharing group, the signaling message may be routed to any of the point codes in the MTP level 3 load sharing group. Routing the signaling message to a point code in the MTP level 3 load sharing group may include replacing the destination point code in the signaling message with the destination point code of the node to which the signaling message is to be routed. Once the point code has been replaced, the signaling message is routed to the destination associated with the point code.

Abstract: Applying services to calls involving subscribers to a telephony services provider includes receiving an indication of a call placed to or from a first call participant. The indication is received by a telephony services provider over a first signaling path of the call that is established between the telephony services provider and a first telephony proxy server that is controlled by a telephony infrastructure provider. Control signals configured to affect a voice path of the call that is established between the first telephony proxy server and a second telephony proxy server also controlled by the telephony infrastructure provider but associated with a second call participant are identified. The identified control signals are sent to the first telephony proxy server over the first signaling path and to the second telephony proxy server over a second signaling path that is established between the telephony services provider and the second telephony proxy server.

Abstract: A system for providing services in a communications network includes a service processing function, a universal directory function, and a nodal resource manager. The service processing function receives service requests, formulates requests for interworking functions based upon service requests, and formulates resource requests based upon service requests and interworking functions. The universal directory function receives addresses from the service processing function and returns interworking functions based upon addresses. The nodal resource manager receives resource requests and allocates resources to the service processing function in response to resource requests. The nodal resource manager maintains a resource database that includes an entry corresponding to each network resource managed by the nodal resource manager.

Abstract: A system and a method in a wireless network utilizing session initiation protocol (SIP) for call control. The SIP payload (SDP) contains a list of voice codecs to coordinate the selection of voice bearer resources (between a calling party and a called party) such that the number of transcoders in the voice bearer path is minimized. An additional aspect of the embodiment of the present invention includes a serving MSCe that is operable to determine whether to initiate or discontinue ringback to the calling party. If ring back is to be initiated, ringback can be initiated from a Serving MGW controlled by the serving MSCe. The call negotiation process according to the described embodiment of the invention eliminates the requirement for any transcoding in specific situations to result in the number of transcoders used in the voice bearer path to be reduced to 0 (TrFO, Transcoder Free Operation) or to 1 (RTO, remote transmitter operation).

Abstract: In a call transfer of a call there is an original calling network device, an original recipient of the call, and a transferee of the call. Systems, network devices, and methods are provided for delivering local call transfer 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 transferee by providing local call transfer functionality. There is no requirement for central processing equipment used to provide local call transfer functionality for transferring calls.

Abstract: A local area network (60) within a residence or other building, including both wired (5) and non-wired segments (53). The wired segments are based on new or existing wires (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e) in the building, wherein access to the wires is provided by means of outlets (61a, 61d), such as a telephone system, electrical power distribution system, or cable television wiring system. The non-wired segments are based on communication using propagated waves such as radio, sound, or light (e.g. infrared). The wired and non-wired segments interface in the outlet, using a module (50) that serves as mediator between the segments. The module can be integrated into the outlet, partially housed in the outlet, or attached externally to the outlet. Such a network allows for integrated communication of data units (24b) connected by wires and data units (24a, 24d) connected without wires.

Abstract: A local area network (60) within a residence or other building, including both wired (5) and non-wired segments (53). The wired segments are based on new or existing wires (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e) in the building, wherein access to the wires is provided by means of outlets (61a, 61d), such as a telephone system, electrical power distribution system, or cable television wiring system. The non-wired segments are based on communication using propagated waves such as radio, sound, or light (e.g. infrared). The wired and non-wired segments interface in the outlet, using a module (50) that serves as mediator between the segments. The module can be integrated into the outlet, partially housed in the outlet, or attached externally to the outlet. Such a network allows for integrated communication of data units (24b) connected by wires and data units (24a, 24d) connected without wires.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product thereof for enabling an Internet extension to ring a conventional extension are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an SIP proxy and an RTP relay. The SIP proxy receives a calling request from the Internet extension, substitutes an exchange number for a conventional extension number comprised in the calling request, and transmits the substituted calling request to a gateway, so that the substituted calling request can be transmitted to a voice automatic machine via a telephone exchange. The RTP relay transmits the conventional extension number in DTMF format to the gateway. Thus, this invention enables the Internet extension to ring the conventional extension with lower hardware costs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a visual and cross-platform method and device for configuring both low level processes and high level functions which may be carried out by a phone switch. In methods of the invention, this is accomplished by providing to a user icons representative of the high level functions and, as needed, icons representative of low level processes. The results of the user arrangement of the provided icons allow a script to be written which may be used to program a phone switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for exchanging configuration information within a call center system between a central server and a plurality of dissimilar contact centers. The method includes the steps of the central server monitoring an contact center of the plurality of dissimilar contact centers for a configuration change message and converting the configuration change between a format of the central server and a format of a subscribing contact center of the plurality of contact centers, where the subscribing contact center is different than the monitored contact center.

Abstract: A method of signalling in an AIN, in which in an SSP, the initial message of a new transaction is addressed to a Service Global Title (SGT). The SSP translates that SGT to a first address of the first choice SCP. The SCP responds with an acknowledgement message which has a second address of the SCP as its source address, and includes the Nodal Global Title (NGT) of that SCP. The SSP sends subsequent messages for that transaction addressed to that NGT, and the SSP translates that NGT to the second address of the SCP. When the SCP is taken out of service, the first address is made unavailable, so the SSP sends new initial messages to the second choice SCP, but subsequent messages for existing transactions may still be sent to the second address of the first choice SCP. When all existing transactions have ceased, the SCP is taken out of service.

Abstract: Service resource items for use in call setup in a telephone system are held on servers that are connected to a computer network which is logically distinct from the telephone system infrastructure; this computer network may, for example, make use of the Internet. Each service item is locatable on the network at a corresponding URI and is associated with a particular telephone number. A mapping is provided between telephone numbers and the URIs of associated service resource items. When it is desired to access a service resource item associated with a particular telephone number, this mapping is used to retrieve the corresponding URI which is then used to access the desired service resource item.

Abstract: A communications management network for managing subscribers' communication sessions. The management network includes multiple sets of session management modules or servers (e.g., Intelligent Service Control Points), a services hub and a data warehouse. The network may also include a gateway for routing text messages. Each set of session management modules includes a plurality of modules, and each subscriber is assigned to one set of modules with one of the modules as a primary and another as a secondary or backup. Subscribers are grouped according to geographical area (e.g., by zip code, by area code), service area or other criteria, and all subscribers within a group are assigned to the same primary and secondary modules. Management of subscribers' communication sessions is load balanced by reassigning groups of subscribers to different sets of session management modules. Each module tracks account statuses (e.g., prepaid services balances) for its assigned subscribers.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a plurality of requests for multi-media services received at a call control element (CCE) defined on the system from a calling communication device. The system includes a Network Routing Element, a Service Broker (SB), at least a primary media severs (MS) and at least a secondary MS, a plurality of application servers (ASs) and a plurality of border elements, all of which are coupled to the CCE. The SB is adapted to receive a plurality of requests including parameters for requesting multi-media services, via the CCE, and to selectively redirect the requests to one or more ASs for providing feature processing for the requests. The ASs can instruct either the primary MS or secondary MS, via the CCE, to form a preliminary interactive communication path with the calling communication device for collecting caller-entered data, which can be validated prior to providing the feature processing.

Abstract: In a system having a switching device in a first location, and an extending device in a second location, a method of providing a communications link between (i) a first phone associated with the extending device and (ii) a second phone local to the second location and not associated with the extending device includes analyzing parameters associated with the first phone and the second phone so as to determine that the first phone and the second phone are local to the second location. The method further includes separating signaling data associated with the communications link from voice traffic associated with the communications link. The method further includes directing the signaling data through the switching device via an extension link between the switching device and the extending device, and directing the voice traffic between the first phone and the second phone.

Abstract: The flexible through-connection process, operational in a Mobile Switch Center, that provides support for allowing the call routing processor of the Mobile Switch Center to independently perform a through-connection/switch-connection based on different types of calls so that the Mobile Switch Center can make a through-connection at different stages of the outgoing call leg. In operation, the present flexible through-connection process includes in the call control processor of the switching system a new parameter in the existing inter-process message which is sent to the call routing processor at call setup time. The values supported for this new parameter will be pre-defined in the Mobile Switch Center and used by the call routing processor to determine when to perform through-connection/switch-connection for an outgoing call leg.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, there are provided a method, system and apparatus for joining a communication session. A method comprises receiving from a first communication device an indication of a desire of the first communication device to establish a communication session; the first communication device having been associated with a device group comprising the first communication device and at least one second communication device. The method further comprises determining if there exists an active communication session with the at least one second communication device. The method further comprises, responsive to existence of the active communication session, causing the first communication device to join the active communication session.

Abstract: A communication network comprising a first node and a second node. The first node is configured to transfer a first control message for a call having an inbound call path and an outbound call path wherein the first control message indicates a release request. The second node is configured to receive the first control message from the first node and process the first control message to determine if the second node has two legs of the inbound call path. If the second node has two legs of the inbound call path, a second control message is transferred to a third node in the outbound call path wherein the second control message indicates the release request.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for early media connection proxying are disclosed. According to one method, a call setup signaling message is received for establishing a call between a calling entity and a called entity. Based on at least one parameter in the call setup signaling message, it is determined whether an early media connection is required for the call. It is also determined whether early media connection proxying is required for the call. In response to determining that an early media connection and early media connection proxying are required for the call, signaling is performed on behalf of a network entity to establish an early media connection for the call.

Abstract: A system for service control and operations for a telecommunications network. In particular, an architecture and method for a service control and operations element system. The system communicates with a plurality of interconnected telecommunications network elements via a switching and signaling subsystem. The system provides and controls the various functions of the telecommunications network, such as call processing and routing, automatic fault detection and correction, providing services to customers in an interactive manner, fraud detection and control, identification of patterns of abuse of the network, collecting data regarding call activity at each network element, and producing a record of each call placed within the network.

Abstract: A computer-based distributed private branch exchange (PBX). Preferred embodiments route calls and perform other functions of a PBX as well as performing services not commonly available on a PBX, such as Internet telephony. In one embodiment, the invention control and operations is distributed among several computers or Personal Computers (PCs) on a computer network.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for implementing Wide Area Centrex (WAC), wherein the long number and short number corresponding relationship of the WAC users is set and saved. The method includes: routing the call initiated by a user to a soft-switch; receiving by the soft-switch the call information the calling user sends; after determining that the calling user is a WAC user based on the calling number, the soft-switch determining the route to the called user based on the call information and completing the call. The WAC, covering the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)/Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) user and the Next Generation Network (NGN) user of different physical networks, can be implemented by using the method of the present invention without any software or hardware change to the switches in the existing network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for categorizing and mapping telecommunication services are provided. In this regard, a representative system in a communication, media, and entertainment (CME) environment, among others, includes at least one service provider that is a part of the CME environment. The service provider includes a computing device having a processing device that facilitates execution of programs stored in the computing device, and memory that is electrically coupled to the processing device. The memory is configured to store the programs that include a taxonomy manager, the taxonomy manager being configured to identify entities of a communication, media and entertainment environment (CME). The CME environment includes at least one service provider having multiple telecommunication platforms. The entities are associated with the multiple telecommunication platforms.

Abstract: A communications management network for managing subscribers' communication sessions. The management network includes multiple sets of session management modules or servers (e.g., Intelligent Service Control Points), a services hub and a data warehouse. The network may also include a gateway for routing text messages. Each set of session management modules includes a plurality of modules, and each subscriber is assigned to one set of modules with one of the modules as a primary and another as a secondary or backup. Subscribers are grouped according to geographical area (e.g., by zip code, by area code), service area or other criteria, and all subscribers within a group are assigned to the same primary and secondary modules. Management of subscribers' communication sessions is load balanced by reassigning groups of subscribers to different sets of session management modules. Each module tracks account statuses (e.g., prepaid services balances) for its assigned subscribers.

Abstract: An application server system is provided having a core engine connecting one or more protocol providers to one or more applications. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more applications run on a respective one or more virtual machines having their own execution threads. A thread pool may be used to spawn instances of applications or scripts. Preferably, the core engine, the protocol providers, and each of the one or more virtual machines run in separate AppDomains. In another embodiment, a visual designer is provided preferably having XML conversion capability and interactive debug capability.

Abstract: A duplicate point code routing node is capable of routing messages to nodes having the same point code but being located in different national networks. The duplicate point code routing node associates a group code with received messages and uses the group code to route the messages to the appropriate national network. The group code may be determined based on the link or linkset from which a message is received or from the message itself.

Abstract: System and methods for alleviating the signaling system number 7 (SS7) network by routing WNP data queries for a number's Service Provider ID (SPID) from the SS7 network to a database that resides within the IP network and processed therein for many applications, including inter-carrier SMS and MMS. The WNP data is maintained by the carrier internally, and the query is an IP query for a Service Provider ID (SPID). The system includes an intelligent routing server connected to a messaging service center. The intelligent routing server determines: (i) if the originator subscriber is a valid user of a particular service; and (2) whether the remote receiver is one of its own carrier subscribers. If it is determined that the remote receiver is one of the carriers own subscriber's service provider, then the intelligent routing server routes the SMS to an appropriate messaging service center for delivery of the message to the remote receiver.

Abstract: The physical layer session resource broker (PHY SRB) according to the invention receives request from application servers (VOD SERVER, TV BRDCST SERVER, GAME SERVER, WEB SERVER) which are translated into physical layer parameter values. The physical layer parameter values are imposed on the access nodes (DSLAM) by the physical layer session resource broker (PHY SRB).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for selecting a service provider on a per-call basis A service provider is selected for a given call by receiving the given call from a caller; obtaining user preferences of the caller for the given call; matching the obtained user preferences to one or more capabilities of a plurality of available service providers; selecting a service provider for the given call based on the matching; and providing signaling to connect the caller and selected service provider The user preferences comprise can be default user preferences obtained from a database, preferences indicated by the caller as a part of the given call or a combination thereof Logging and report features are also disclosed

Abstract: A method and a signaling node for reducing signaling during call setup in a communication network. The signaling node is an intermediate node on a signaling path between an origination node and a destination node. When a call setup delay is experienced, the intermediate node receives a first excessive delay indication signal from the destination node and forwards the signal to the origination node. A timer for supervising excessive delay indication signals is then started in the intermediate node. Prior to expiration of the timer, additional excessive delay indication signals received from the destination node are not forwarded. After expiration of the timer, the intermediate node sends a single excessive delay indication signal to the origination node.

Abstract: A Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message adapted for use by a multi-media services provider system to form a multi-media communication path between at least a calling communication device adapted to operate using a first protocol (e.g. SIP) and at least a destination communication device adapted to operate using a second protocol, such as Integrated Services Digital Network User Part (ISUP). The SIP message includes a header region having a number of header fields, a first body region having Session Description Protocol (SDP) information related to the calling communication device and a second body region having ISUP related addressing information associated with the destination communication device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for partially releasing an appliance from a private branch exchange are shown and described. The method can include issuing a path replacement command to the private branch exchange, receiving a facility message from the private branch exchange destined for one end-point of a communications session, and transmitting the received facility message to another end-point of the communications session.

Abstract: A method is described for operating a signalling gateway comprising determining information enabling an application server to identify a signalling gateway process to which to direct a message destined for a particular point code and making said information available to the application server. In preferred embodiments, the information takes the form of a routing table that serves to distribute signalling gateway process identifiers over possible SLS values by, for instance, mapping process instance identifiers to possible SLS values for messages sent by the application server. By allowing the application server processes the possibility to determine to which signalling gateway process each message should be directed, retransmission of messages within the signalling gateway can be avoided.

Abstract: A packet-based, hierarchical communication system, arranged in a spanning tree configuration, is described in which wired and wireless communication networks exhibiting substantially different characteristics are employed in an overall scheme to link portable or mobile computing devices. The network accommodates real time voice transmission both through dedicated, scheduled bandwidth and through a packet-based routing within the confines and constraints of a data network. Conversion and call processing circuitry is also disclosed which enables access devices and personal computers to adapt voice information between analog voice stream and digital voice packet formats as proves necessary. Routing pathways include wireless spanning tree networks, wide area networks, telephone switching networks, internet, etc., in a manner virtually transparent to the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems for signaling connection control part (SCCP) loop detection and prevention are disclosed. A signal transfer point (STP) receives a message and performs global title translation (GTT) for the message. The STP compares the originating point code (OPC) in the signaling message with the post-GTT destination point code (DPC) in the message. If the incoming message OPC matches the post-GTT DPC, SCCP looping is detected and the message is discarded. If the incoming message OPC does not match the post-GTT DPC, the STP may correlate the incoming message OPC or the DPC to one or more additional point codes to identify the presence of SCCP looping.

Abstract: A controller requests a gateway to release a call. The gateway then disconnects and communicates the disconnect to at least one additional network node along the end-to-end connection on the resource control level. In the case of a high level recovery of a controller a temporally close stop of charging of disconnected connections is effected without the controller signaling it.

Abstract: A switch for use in a telecommunication network is provided that includes a plurality of call control agent functions and a call control function. At least two of the call control agent functions are associated with different signaling protocols. The signaling protocols define a plurality of signaling control primitives. The call control function is operable to control routing of telephone calls through the switch. The call control function is accessed using an application programming interface (API). The API includes a plurality of classes defining objects representing the signaling control primitives.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for improving a communication success rate in a simultaneous call trial between subscribers in a mobile communication system. The method includes receiving by a second subscriber network an IAM message from a first subscriber network when a first subscriber tries a call to a second subscriber; determining by the second subscriber network whether the second subscriber has requested a termination to the first subscriber, after receiving the IAM; aborting by the second subscriber network an originating call trial of the second subscriber when the second subscriber has requested the termination; trying by the second subscriber network a page to the second subscriber after aborting the originating call trial; and setting a call between the first subscriber and the second subscriber by the first subscriber network and the second subscriber network, after succeeding in paging the second subscriber.

Abstract: A method of an embodiment may include receiving a request for a toll free priority call from a caller, verifying authorization of a caller for priority service, translating a caller provided number to a routable destination number, and routing the toll free priority call with priority to the routable destination number.

Abstract: There is described a method of sending CTI messages in a communications system. The method comprises assigning to each of a plurality of CTI messages a priority indicator selected from a plurality of different priority indicators, sending the plurality of CTI messages from a queue formed by the CTI messages such that the time interval between two messages sent from the queue depends upon the priority indicator assigned to the first of the two messages to be sent, whereby the time interval between messages being sent from the queue may vary.

Abstract: An apparatus including a private branch exchange (PBX) switch, a residential gateway to receive channel associated signals (CAS) from the PBX switch, and a programmable CAS module to convert the CAS signals into internet protocol (IP) signals is disclosed.