Abstract: A method and system for controlling access to information stored in an information database includes an unbundled port service control point coupled to an unbundled port information database. A signal transfer point routes line information database, calling name information, and other queries from an originating network to the unbundled port service control point. The unbundled port information database stores an unbundled port identifier that includes a dialing number for an unbundled port and a service provider identifier. The unbundled port information database also stores an information service identifier that includes a location for the database storing the service provider's information and access rights to that information for various networks. The unbundled port service control point extracts the originating network identity from the query and determines access rights to the requested information based upon the access rights for the information as stored in the database.

Abstract: Intelligent network components, systems, and methods supporting public switch telephone network users equipped with data communications devices such as personal computers. An Intelligent Data Peripheral allows the exchange of data messages between PSTN users and the Intelligent Data Peripheral under the guidance of service logic residing in intelligent network Service Control Point systems. In general, the intelligent network services involving the use of an Intelligent Data Peripheral have similar call flows to services involving the use of a traditional Intelligent Peripheral. When the PSTN call originator attempts to establish a call, the Service Switching Point (intelligent network capable switch) under the guidance of the Service Control Point system routes the call to an Intelligent Data Peripheral. Then, the call originator interacts with the Intelligent Data Peripheral.

Abstract: Enhanced signaling and call routing is provided in a telephone communications network that includes a local telephone central office having a POTS line connection between a subscriber station and an access junction of the office. A voice path interfaces the access junction with a circuit switch for conventional dial-up voice call placement. Modem data calls, however, follow an access path from the junction as a physical switched connection terminated in layer 1 of a network data-switching matrix. The access path continues therefrom to a data switch which interfaces an Internet service provider. Interfacing the data and circuit switches, a network controller functions to selectively configure communications paths within the central office and between the office and network in response to commands originating at the subscriber station or incoming from other networks.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary systems and methods for provisioning network elements when providing local number portability services. In one exemplary method, local number portability subscription information which includes both ported global title translation data and location routing number data is entered into a single network element management system. Selective network elements which are in communication with the network element management system are then provisioned with the ported global translation data and the local routing number data based on logical network definitions stored in the network element management system.

Abstract: A system that processes telecommunications calls from a switch to provide call services. The system supports transactional and conversational protocols. For conversational protocols, call context is maintained at a service control point during call processing. Transactional and conversational messages are mapped to and from a generic message structure to simplify the input and output interfaces of supported service applications. Service control points comprise Communications Servers and Transaction Servers. Communications Servers are coupled by a WAN to provide distributed processing and enhance reliability and load balancing. A method processes conversational protocol messages while maintaining call context at a Communications Server. A method supports multiple-service calls by redirecting processing from one Service Application executing on an original service control point to another Service Application without communicating with the originating switch between services.

Abstract: A telephone call distribution system for determining destination for an incoming telephone call in a telephony network including a service control point (SCP) operates with a plurality of workstations each comprising a telephone coupled to the telephony network and a proximate computer station having a video display unit (PC/VDU), the PC/VDU connected to the SCP via a wide area network (WAN), and a personal router associated with each PC/VDU. The SCP broadcasts data pertaining to the incoming telephone call and a request for a destination to individual ones of the PC/VDUs via the WAN, and the personal routers negotiate a destination based on individual routing rules and the data pertaining to the call. At least one of the individual routers responds to the SCP with a destination for the call. In some instances the workstations are associated with a call center, and the call center may be CTI-enhanced.

Abstract: The invention is a system for providing virtual connections through an ATM interworking multiplexer on a call-by-call basis. A signaling processor receives signaling for a call and selects the virtual connection for the call. The signaling processor generates control messages that identify the selection and transfers the control messages to the ATM interworking multiplexer that accepted the access connection for the call. The multiplexer converts user information from the access connection into ATM cells for transmission over the virtual connection in accord with the control messages.

Abstract: A common channel signaling system interconnects two home location registers. A data administrator responds to a network operator request by sending commands to a first (originating) home location register to have subscriber data extracted and formatted for communication over the common channel signaling system. Prior to communication, the first home location register verifies a common channel signaling system functionality level of a second (destination) home location register. If verified, the communication is sent, unformatted, and the included subscriber data stored. A data network and service management access layer further interconnect the two home location registers. The data administrator responds to a generic network operator migration request by generating home location register specific commands instructing the first home location register to extract subscriber data for transfer over the data network and through the service management access layer to the second home location register for storage.

Abstract: A signaling path between a central office switch and a fixed radio access network terminal equipment supporting one or a plurality of subscriber handsets comprises a radio base station connection to the central office switch via a back haul transmission link, and communicates with the network terminal equipment via a wireless link operating in accordance with an air interface protocol e.g. such as described in International Standard Q931. In band service signals, e.g. of the Custom Local Area Special Services (CLASS) type, are issued by the central office switch on an in voice band channel and are stored at the radio base station whilst A party to B party call set up is effected over a digital signal path between the central office switch and the network terminal equipment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for routing calls from a communication carrier network to a customer. According to the method, setup signaling including a destination telephone number is received from the carrier network representative of a desired call connection. The destination telephone number and a carrier identifier are referred to a memory and a profile of the carrier network is retrieved therefrom. A routing identifier is retrieved from the profile based on the telephone number. Based upon the routing identifier, the call is routed to its destination.

Abstract: A method and system for providing answer supervision in a switched telephone network are described. The method involves monitoring signaling links in a common channel signaling system to track call progress. If a called number is determined to be suspect with respect to providing call answer indications, the system may route calls to monitored facilities which measure the commencement of payload traffic. When payload traffic is detected, a call answer message can be sent through the signaling network to initiate billing, or call release messages may be sent in each direction to cancel the call. Both inter-network and intra-network calls can be monitored to provide answer supervision and ensure that toll calls are properly billed in accordance with actual toll facility usage.

Abstract: AIN services include multiple SCP pairs, which can be expanded to meet increased demand. The expansion can occur without cessation in services by migrating records between SCP pairs while maintaining redundancy between the pairs. A centralized GTT maintains the GTTs distributed between multiple subsystems in the AIN system. Synchronization between mate SCPs within a pair occurs at high speed as the subscriber database is split into multiple files, each file having a separate synchronization process.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of informing a subscriber in a communication network about the charge for a desired connection, and a service control facility (SCP), a subscriber switching facility, a terminal (TA) and a communication network for carrying out this method. A subscriber signals a call request, which specifies the desired connection, to the communication network via the terminal (TA). The service control facility (SCP), or the subscriber switching facility, then determines tariff data (T) concerning the charge for a desired connection, independently of the establishment of the desired connection. Before the desired connection has been established, the tariff data (T) are sent to the terminal (TA), which displays the data as tariff data to the subscriber, by means of a display unit.

Abstract: A partitioned communication system includes a shared switch network system in communication with an Intelligent Network Processor (INP). A terminating Intelligent Communication Device (ICD) located outside the management and control of the network defines a boundary therebetween and permits multiple inter-dependant parts of the communication service to be distributed to increase functionality without modifying an existing network switch.

Abstract: An intelligent service peripheral device (28) includes a service intelligent unit (50) and a media processing unit (52). The service intelligence unit (50) has an intelligent service peripheral manager module (90) and a SS7 interface module (58). The SS7 interface module (58) receives service requests for a call from a service switching point (12) for processing by the intelligent service peripheral manager module (90). The intelligent service peripheral manager module (90) determines a routing package for the call based on the service request for transport to the service switching module (90) through the SS7 interface module (58). For service requests requiring special features, the intelligent service peripheral manager module (90) passes the request to a media processor manager module (92) within the media processing unit (52). The media processor manager module (92) establishes a connection between the originator of the call and a carrier interface module (94) within the media processing unit (52).

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for playing an announcement to a calling party that is placing a call in an anonymous manner to prompt the calling party to respond in a manner which causes a switch to make the call identifiable by the called party. The apparatus is operable to play the announcement if the called party is a subscriber to anonymous call rejection and has activated the feature and if the calling party is calling in an anonymous mode. If the calling party does not respond within a specified time period the call is blocked. Specified responses include verbal responses as well as key entries on the calling party phone. A typical specified time period is five seconds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a call attempt by employing an intelligent network. The method includes (a) processing the call attempt according to the originating half BCSM (O.sub.-- BCSM) at a first point (SSP.sub.-- A) having a service switching function (SSF), (b) resuming the processing of the call attempt according to the terminating half BCSM (T.sub.-- BCSM) at a second point (SSP.sub.-- B) with a service switching function (SSF), and (c) providing a service request from the processing that employs T.sub.-- BCSM to a point (SCP) having a service control function (SCF). In order to be able to offer versatile IN services to the called subscriber as well, the processing of the call attempt is returned to the point employing the O.sub.-- BCSM, and the processing is resumed according to the O.sub.-- BCSM.

Abstract: A method of providing number portability for the treatment of calls from a calling party to a specific number of a ported called party is disclosed. Once the dialed digits are received at a switching office serving the calling party, a determination is made of whether the call is a number that has been ported. If the number has been ported, the new routing information is obtained from an enhanced directory number table resident at the originating office. In the event that the originating office is unable to offer LRN service, information is obtained at an alternate office. Routing information is updated automatically and directly from a network Service Management System (SMS) to each telephone exchange.

Abstract: A method and a system for completing a voice connection between a first and second voice terminal in a switched telephone network (STN) are disclosed. The system includes a Virtual Switching Point (VSP) in a switched telephone network having a connection to a data network such as the Internet. Call requests are received by the VSP from the data network and processed by the VSP to establish a voice connection between a calling party which initiates the call requests and a called party number indicated in each call request message. The call request message may include a plurality of called party numbers and the VSP completes calls to each number in sequence without terminating the voice connection with the calling party, until an attempt to connect with each of the called numbers has been made or a call control option is exercised by the calling party. The call connections are established and controlled by the VSP using common channel signaling (CCS) messages.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system for processing POTS numbers in an SCP. A telecommunications switch receives the call and a set-up message for the call. The telecommunications switch then transmits a message to the SCP for the call. In response to the message, the SCP processes a POTS number to select a telecommunications switch and a connection for the call. The SCP then transmits a message to the switch that identifies the selected telecommunications switch and the selected connection. The telecommunications switch then extends the call in response to the message from the SCP. The telecommunications switch does not need to translate the POTS number or a Location Routing Number to extend the call.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for routing a telephone call according to the geographic location of the originating party. A subscriber with multiple network locations within a service territory may have all of their offices accessible to customers through a single publicized telephone number. The single telephone number may trigger advanced intelligent network technology. The network may ascertain the geographic location from which the call originates and accordingly, route the originating call to a subscriber's office which is located closest to the originating caller. Further, exception periods may be provided to enable subscribers to individualize their service by only routing to the closest satellite office at specified days, times, etc. The exception periods may also be employed to reroute calls intended for the closest satellite office to a predetermined location.

Abstract: A signal transfer point distributes a plurality of messages to a plurality of service control points in accordance with a distribution plan. The distribution plan includes each of the service control points. Each of the plurality of messages from the signal transfer point is distributed to a corresponding one of the plurality of service control points in accordance with the distribution plan.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for extending the directory number of a terminal. The invention allows service providers to provide a service which uses an existing subscriber directory number and effectively extends it to include one or more other directory numbers. To the subscriber, the terminals associated with the other directory numbers effectively look like virtual extensions. The method and system provide this flexibility without requiring any additional personal numbers being assigned to the subscriber. The subscriber can choose to have all incoming calls to a directory number (DN) of one of their existing terminals alert or ring one or more other terminals having a different DN. The terminals may for example be on the same network (e.g. all on the wireline network) or they may be on different networks (e.g. one on the wireline network and one on the wireless network).

Abstract: A telecommunications system combines the benefits provided by a public intelligent network and a customer premise equipment (CPE)-based private network to provide enhanced telecommunications services. The public intelligent network includes an IN service control element and an IN switching control element used to provide IN services following IN control procedures. The private telecommunications network includes a computer telephony integration (CTI) server providing CTI services following CTI control procedures. A network gateway is provided between the public and private networks. The network gateway establishes a service logic communication between the IN service control element and the CTI server and permits, for example, the CTI server to request a service is from the IN service control element. Events related to the requested service are returned via the network gateway.

Abstract: A bridge connection is made between interfaces on physically distinct telecommunication servers such that the two ends of the bridge can be used to connect existing calls that are terminated on each of the servers. To provide the bridge connection, a call using a standard outgoing T1 trunk on one of the servers is made through the public switched telephone network (PSTN) to an incoming T1 trunk on the other server. The servers reserve a special directory number for such calls. When a bridge connection is required one of the servers is queried for its special directory number. The other server is then instructed to make a call to that number. When the called server recognizes the incoming call as using its special number, it answers the call. The calling server then outpulses information needed by the called server to associate the bridge connection with the pending action. In this manner, calls terminating on distinct servers can be connected without the need for additional hardware.

Abstract: In a data access transport service call setup from the Public Switched Telephony Network (PSTN) requires efficient utilization of PSTN resources and signalling infrastructure. A system is disclosed for interworking the PSTN Common Channel Signalling System Number 7 (CCS7) and Internet Protocol (IP) based data networks call setup protocols. The system provides efficient control of network-based signalling and control resources in support of PSTN originated IP-based data calls and services interworking between IP-based networks and other telecommunications networks. An architecture is provided allowing a flexible implementation and distribution of the interworking functions, including functional distribution between an CCS7 interworking function, network controller, Network Access Server, and existing telecommunications network interfaces.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for identifying on-line access calls in a network switch. The switch determines which calls are to an on-line service provider, usually an Internet service provider or ISP. The switch then determines if the service provider has enough ports available to handle the call, and if the connection to a dedicated data network has enough capacity. The call can then be handled as an on-line access call and routed accordingly. The initial determination as to whether the call is an on-line access call can be made by analyzing information received when the call is initiated such as the called party number digits or by a query initiated by an advanced intelligent network (AIN) trigger.

Abstract: A signaling network gateway device (12) is provided for use in a signaling network (10), such as a Signaling System 7 signaling network. The signaling network gateway device (12) includes a protocol interface unit, a signaling transport unit, and a signaling gateway control unit (58). The protocol interface unit converts signaling information between a first format and a second format and exchanges signaling information in the second format with a user access element, such as a digital loop carrier (26), of the signaling network (10). The protocol interface unit may include any number of individual protocol interface units such as an ISDN protocol interface unit (50), a future protocol interface unit (52), a TAPI/TSAPI protocol interface unit (54), and an SS7 protocol interface unit (56).

Abstract: A call control processing system in an intelligent network providing a service to a subscriber terminal of a user when the user requests a service such as a conference call. The call control processing system has an internal primitive unit for managing the physical requirements of the subscriber terminal in response to a number allocated to the call and requests a concept generating and managing unit to execute the service request processing. The concept generating and managing unit generates and manages a concept independent of the physical condition, such as a concept expressing a path between the service switching point and the service control point and a concept for connecting more than two paths and transmitting a message based on the concept through a telephone signal network to the service control point.

Abstract: In order to relieve the loading of a service control point SCP in a telecommunications signalling network, query messages addressed to the SCP are intercepted prior to receipt by the SCP. These intercepted query messages are examined and response data generated, at least for certain query types. For a query message for which response data is generated, the query message is replaced by a response message addressed to the querying entity. The response message is then forwarded on in the same sense as the received query message. In a preferred implementation, the forwarded response message will next be received by a signalling transfer point STP and be directed back to the querying entity.

Abstract: A telecommunications system incorporates a switch based private network having a transparent network signalling system and having a plurality of nodes interfacing each via a switch with an intelligent public network. The public network incorporates a service control point having associated therewith a database containing destination addresses corresponding to call numbers received from the private network. The database provides routing data for call independent signalling information in response to requests from a node on behalf of a private service provided to a user of that node and from a public network switch on behalf of a private service provided to a directly connected user of that switch.

Abstract: According to the present invention, intelligent call routing and call return capabilities are provided in an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) or AIN-type network environment. The intelligent call routing features of the present invention may be utilized for routing service calls to an appropriate service or control center (e.g., a Poison Control Answering Point (PCAP)), in accordance with the location of the calling party and one or more routing options. For example, the Number Plan Area (NPA) and Central Office Code (NXX) of the calling party's telephone number may be analyzed in order to determine where to route the call. In addition, other routing features may be provided to facilitate handling of the call. For instance, calls may be routed according to the time-of-day and/or day-of-week, and recorded announcements may be provided to indicate when a particular service call cannot be completed.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the operational status of a network element in an advanced intelligent network is provided. Custom telecommunications services, such as a call forwarding service, are processed by routing a call to a network element, such as a service circuit node, that processes the call and provides the custom telecommunications service. When the network element or application software resident at that network element fails, calls routed to that network element may be mishandled. The method and system of the present invention utilize advanced intelligent network services to monitor a desired network element prior to routing a call to that network element for custom telecommunications service. A heartbeat message is utilized between a monitored network element and a monitoring network element. The method and system reduce network element downtime by alerting maintenance personnel of network element or application software failure.

Abstract: A system which permits regional bell operating companies (RBOCs) and other telephone service providers to offer service to high usage customers (such as Internet service providers for example) without adversely and appreciably degrading the telephone service of other customers served by the same central office. The system provides D4 formatted DS1 signals to the high usage customers. The system also allows data to be transmitted to and from the high usage customers at the maximum possible line rate. Finally, the system permits the high usage customers to test individual lines or numbers within a hunt group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to data communication networks. In particular, the present invention relates to a procedure and a system for ensuring successful emergency communication in a data communication network in which the terminal devices (4a, 4c) are connected to the local exchange via an access node (3) consistent with the V5 standard. In the procedure of the invention, in the event of a failure of the V5 interface used by a subscriber, the subscriber's emergency traffic is directed to emergency lines created locally in the access node. The emergency line is optionally connected to a specified location, such as the teleoperator's customer service.

Abstract: A method of announcing to a calling party in an originating system in a radio telecommunications network that a called party in a serving system is not available. The method begins by sending a Routing Request (RoutReq) Invoke message from the originating system to the serving system. The RoutReq Invoke message includes a Transaction Capabilities parameter indicating that the originating system is capable of generating announcements. The serving system then determines that the called party is not available. This is followed by sending a Redirection Request (RedReq) Invoke message from the serving system to the originating system. The RedReq Invoke message includes an Announcement List parameter requesting the originating system to provide an announcement to the calling party, and may include a Preferred Language parameter. The RedReq Invoke message also includes an Allow Transfer to Number parameter if the called party subscribes to services requiring service logic support.

Abstract: A voice mail system is provided in a CDMA wireless telephone system in which a base station controller (BSC) stores, in a encoded format, voice data transmitted by a wireless telephone to a receiving telephone, either wireless or fixed telephone, when the receiving telephone does not "pick up". Also, the base station controller encodes and then stores voice data that is transmitted by a fixed telephone to a wireless telephone when the wireless telephone does not "pick up". In either case, to retrieve voice mail the intended recipient can access the voice mail from a fixed telephone, in which case the voice mail is decoded at the BSC and then sent to the fixed telephone via a landline. Alternatively, the intended recipient can access the voice mail from a wireless telephone in the system, in which case the voice mail is not decoded at the BSC, but is transmitted directly to the wireless telephone, where the message is decoded.

Abstract: A called number processing system transforms called/dialed telephone numbers into a unique global routing number. In the process called numbers are analyzed and based on the called/dialed number a Regional Administration Code is allocated and the dialed global number is translated into a global subscriber number. The global subscriber number is translated into a local subscriber number at the last international processing point.

Abstract: An intelligent peripheral (IP) (3) in a telecommunications network is operated under the control of a service control point (SCP) (5). Control messages conforming to a standard control protocol, which may be INAP--the Intelligent Network Application Protocol, are passed from the SCP to the IP which then executes a predetermined function. Some of the control messages include a field identifying the messages as relating to an additional function not provided for in the standard protocol. In response to such a message the IP executes the relevant additional function instead of one of the standard functions.

Abstract: A telecommunications network (10) comprises a set of service provider/operator domains (20), including mobile telecommunications domains (20A-20C). A call-originating domain (20F) accesses a mobile subscriber number portability database (30F) to obtain the address of the gateway node (GMSC) of the telecommunications domain which currently serves a called mobile subscriber having a mobile station (70), and optionally the address of the home location register (HLR) of the called mobile subscriber. The address of the gateway node obtained from the database (and optionally the address of the home location register) are included along with the directory number (MSISDN) or IMSI of the called mobile subscriber in a routing message for completing the call. When changing service providers (e.g., changing to a new domain), the mobile subscriber number portability database is updated to reflect the change.

Abstract: A voice mail system includes SS7 signaling capabilities to communicate on a telephone signaling network. The voice mail system uses those capabilities to obtain routing information, for sending a recorded message to a destination mail system, by sending a query message to either a destination central office storing called party profile information or an intelligent signaling transfer point (ISTP) storing the called party profile information. The voice mail system records a voice mail message from a subscriber, and collects a destination telephone number indicating the intended recipient of the recorded message. The voice mail system generates a query message, and receives a response message via the signaling network from a non-AIN database, such as the destination central office or the ISTP.

Abstract: This invention relates to an intelligent peripheral (IP) for connecting to a telephone network and providing added capabilities to the network. More particularly the invention relates to programmable suppression of call answer supervision by an intelligent peripheral or a voice recognition unit in a telephone network. The method comprises the steps of: the peripheral device receiving a call setup message from a network switch when a call is being initiated. The IP, on receipt of the call setup signal, suppresses the normal answer signal output and instead outputs a progress signal to the network switch. For an ISDN network the progress signal is a Progress Indicator PI=08 signal.

Abstract: A system and method of providing CCBS services over GVNS. In a network service with routing code recalculation, a supplementary subscriber service involves an interaction between two subscribers. Knowledge of a subscriber access code, used in a called subscriber local remote exchange, is required in a calling subscriber local exchange. A subscriber access code is generated by modification of a called subscriber routing code, used by the calling subscriber local exchange. The modification occurs in a transit node of the network service. An interworking problem is then overcome by providing a relay CCBS application service element (CCBS-ASE), in a GVNS transit node, and arranging for end-to-end signaling to be replaced by two TC dialogs, one being the calling parties LE and the relay CCBS-ASE and the other between the called parties LE in the relay CCBS-ASE.

Abstract: A method for prohibiting the continual routing of signaling messages among independent signaling networks requires including signature data in a called party identification field of each signaling message. Subsequent receipt of a signaling message in which the signature data in the called party identification field is recognized as being indigenous to the signaling network results in discarding the signaling message.

Abstract: A partitioned communication system includes a shared switch network system, an Intelligent Network Processor (INP) located within the management and control of the shared switch network system, and a terminating communication system located outside the management and control of the shared switch network. The terminating communication system further includes an Intelligent Communication Device (ICD), and a portable hardware/software device in communication with the ICD for implementing partitioned communications services.

Abstract: A system and method for suppressing redundant database queries between two switching points in a telecommunications system, where the switching points are unable to utilize the ISUP communications protocol. The system and method are implemented by using a parameter of the communications protocol to indicate whether a database query has been performed. When the receiving switch receives the information, the switch is suppressed from performing a redundant database query by the parameter of the communications protocol.

Abstract: A method of providing number portability for the treatment of calls from a calling party to a specific number of a called party is disclosed. An Initial Address Message (IAM) containing the calling and called party's numbers to enable said call to reach said terminating office is forwarded from an originating office to a terminating office. Once the IAM is received at the terminating office, a determination of whether the call is directed to a portable number is made. If the call is directed to a portable number, a release message containing an indication that the called party number is a portable number is forwarded from the terminating office to the originating office. Once the release message is received at the originating office, a TCAP query is launched from the originating office to an SCP if said release message contains an indication that the called party number is a portable number. At the SCP, the called party number is translated to obtain new routing information.

Abstract: A method of processing transaction capabilities application part information in an intelligent network includes transmitting transaction capabilities application information from a first node in the intelligent network to a second node in the intelligent network and providing a transaction capabilities application part message definition having a plurality of messages and parameters defining a parameter structure for transaction capabilities application part communication. The method also includes accessing the transaction capabilities application part message definition to determine the parameter structure for the provided transaction capabilities application part information and, in response to the content of the transaction capabilities application part information and the parameter structure, executing an executable algorithm operable to process transaction capabilities application part messages having the parameter structure defined by the transaction capabilities application part definition.

Abstract: A call control system can cope with a plurality of exchanges that support call control messages issued in accordance with different protocols. The call control system for use in a subscriber transmission device is located along a transmission path between a plurality of subscribers and a plurality of exchanges. The call control system includes call control message terminal sections, each of which is provided for each of the protocols that are supported by the exchanges for terminating a data link for sending and receiving a call control message to and from a corresponding exchange. A call change data processor is provided in the system for detecting a call and a clearance by a subscriber, and for requesting the call control message terminal section, which supports a protocol that corresponds to a protocol of an exchange to which is connected to the subscriber, to transmit the detected contents to the exchange that supports the protocol.

Abstract: In a video telephony system, a coaxial cable network, which is preferably a part of an existing cable television system, provides a local link for the transmission of the video telephone signals between each originating and destination location and a respective "head end" located on the cable company premises. Each of the head ends is connected to a "point of presence" of a telephone interexchange carrier so that a connection between pairs of head ends, and thus between a pair of video telephone locations, can be made via a switched digital network maintained by the carrier. Certain of originating and destination locations comprise a standard television set, serving as the audio/video display, and a consumer-type camera or camcorder, serving as the audio/video source. Others of the originating and destination locations comprise ISDN video telephones which are connected to the various points of presence of the interexchange carrier via local exchange carrier telephone networks.