Abstract: A method of operating a virtual private network includes the steps of: (a) dialing a custom number; (b) receiving the custom number at a switch (20) of a first carrier; (c) routing the call to a switch (18) of a second carrier based on having received the custom number; and (d) when the call to the switch (18) of the second carrier includes a plain old telephone number translation of the customer number, routing the call over the second carrier to a service switching point (26) of a third carrier.

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: 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: 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: 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: All calls addressed to a subscriber are forwarded by the subscriber's routing autonomy exchange to a service server connected to the exchange. If a service provided by the service server necessitates a call to the subscriber, a call from the service server is routed to a virtual subscriber terminal which is connected to the exchange. All calls which are addressed to the virtual subscriber terminal, are forwarded to the subscriber by the exchange or the virtual subscriber terminal. The service server can therefore offer the subscriber a plurality of new services.

Abstract: The multiple location, communications network is provided as an overlay application to, for example, one or more private networks. The network adds increased flexibility to an existing private network system by adding additional features, e.g., abbreviated dialing plans, function number dialing, automatic selection of routing, centralized access to private and public network facilities, outgoing call screening, and work-at-home functionality, that may not be currently available to the private network subscriber. Further, the network overlay application of the present invention is adapted to maintain and not disturb the subscriber's current service or the existing private network.

Abstract: In a regional telephone network system offering centrex services, a closed user group is distributed as subgroups to several different telephone exchanges. According to the invention, the management of user groups can be implemented in such a way that a table-type subscriber database is stored in each exchange with subscribers of at least one closed user group. The database is associated with this user group and contains all information necessary for implementing centrex services so that when the call control of the exchange detects on the basis of the subscriber data that the subscriber belongs to the closed user group, it utilizes the subscriber database when establishing a call.

Abstract: A first computer workstation 10 includes a voice response unit for interfacing to a telephone network. The first computer workstation is attached by a communications link 18 to a second computer workstation 20, which includes a server to perform a particular voice processing function, such as text to speech, voice recognition, FAX-back, and so on. For inbound applications the first computer workstation forwards the incoming signal over the communications link to the server on the second computer workstation for real-time processing, whilst for outbound applications, the reverse process occurs.