Search Patents
  • Method and apparatus for access to dialing plans for users of distinct enterprise networks
    Patent number: 7609830
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for processing a call request from a first enterprise customer network to a second enterprise customer network using at least one dialing plan. Specifically, the method comprises receiving at least one dialing plan request from a first network endpoint in the first enterprise customer network for accessing a second network endpoint in the second enterprise customer network, retrieving at least one dialing plan mapping in response to the at least one dialing plan request, and responding to the at least one dialing plan request using the at least one dialing plan mapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Corporation
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for monitoring client software usage in end user device
    Patent number: 9014053
    Abstract: The present invention enables a capability for packet-switched network service providers, e.g., VoIP network service providers, to monitor the CPE application usage of their subscriber to ensure that changes to the network do not interfere with these applications and to potentially provide changes to the network to enhance these premise based applications. Monitoring software will be installed in the CPE to monitor upgrades and features installed by the end users so that any potential impact to these applied applications can be assessed before a VoIP network upgrade is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for monitoring end-to-end performance in a network
    Patent number: 7599359
    Abstract: The present invention enables edge components, such as Border Elements, of the service provider's network to capture performance data on all endpoints connected to them including registered devices (e.g., CPE gateways, IP phones, and terminal adaptors) and access links. The present invention enables the performance data to be sent to a centralized repository that consolidates information across the entire network, analyzes it, and segments it with respect to location of events that cause defects in calls. The performance data can then be graphically mapped into predefined network segmentations to enable faster identification and resolution of network problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for monitoring blocked calls in a communication network
    Patent number: 8699681
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring a communication network is described. In one example, call detail record data generated by network elements in the communication network is parsed to identify occurrence of a plurality of blocked calls over a time period. A plurality of consolidated call detail records for the plurality of blocked calls are respectively generated from the call detail record data. Each of the plurality of consolidated call detail records includes an originating telephone number. The originating telephone number of each of the plurality of consolidated call detail records is then processed to identify unique originating telephone numbers for the plurality of blocked calls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for providing information associated with embedded hyperlinked images
    Patent number: 8625754
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing a network provider to embed hyperlinks within streaming video contents that will enable users to click on an embedded hyperlinked image to obtain more information related to the streaming video contents are disclosed. For example, someone watching a tennis match can click on the hyperlinked image corresponding to one of the players and receive a frame of data about his or her recent performance, or someone watching the news can click on a hyperlinked image of a segment of a world map and receive a frame of data about current events occurring in a particular region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P. via a transfer from AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for promoting enhanced service options in communication networks
    Patent number: 8731164
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling packet network service providers, e.g., a VoIP network service providers, to collect information on the feature usage of their subscribers and spontaneously offer them the opportunity to subscribe to enhanced service features based on their existing feature usage patterns is disclosed. For example, users who accumulate a lot of voice mail can be offered a locate me feature, those who frequently use Do-Not-Disturb features can be offered an instant messaging application, and those who engage in three way conference calls can be offered a personal conferencing service that provides up to 10 conference legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EVALUATING COMPONENT COSTS IN A COMMUNICATION NETWORK
    Publication number: 20100103838
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for calculating a cost index in a communication network. In one embodiment, a plurality of first cost factors associated with a first set of network elements is obtained. Subsequently, a plurality of second cost factors associated with a second set of network elements is obtained. A first cost index is then determined based on the plurality of first cost factors associated with the first set of network elements. Similarly, a second cost index is determined based on the plurality of second cost factors associated with the second set of network elements. Afterwards, the first cost index is compared to the second cost index to determine a point in time when a service provider should minimize new investment in the first set of network elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: MARIAN CROAK, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for re-routing calls in a packet network during failures
    Publication number: 20060215543
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for re-routing a call in a packet network during failures is described. In one example, a failure condition is detected for a destination endpoint for the call. At least one alternative endpoint address is identified from an alternative routing plan registered with the packet network in response to the failure condition. For example, various alternative routing plans may be registered with the packet network and stored in a database. Each of the alternative routing plans may include alternative endpoint address data for a plurality of endpoint devices. The database may be queried using the destination endpoint as an index value and the at least one alternative endpoint address may be retrieved. The call is then routed to the at least one alternative endpoint address.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Publication date: September 28, 2006
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for providing E911 services via network announcements
    Publication number: 20070201433
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing emergency services, e.g., E911 services, for nomadic users by utilizing network announcements to remind customers to update location information used to provide services on packet networks, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Service over Internet Protocol (SoIP) networks, are disclosed. For example, the method enables the VoIP or SoIP service provider to detect a change in the IP address associated with either the broadband modem or the router through which a terminal adaptor is used to access services when a customer is logging on from a new location. In turn, the method sends a reminder network announcement message to the terminal adaptor, e.g., to be played when the terminal adaptor goes off-hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for providing end-to-end call completion status
    Patent number: 8254540
    Abstract: The present invention enables a method for following the state of a call and generating defects as function of call completion success as opposed to discrete events that happen at individual network elements during the call. In one embodiment, the invention uses Call Detail Records (CDR) to analyze the end-to-end completion status to measure per call basis defects instead of using defect codes generated by network elements on a per equipment basis. CDR is data associated with a telephone call, including the calling and the called numbers, the date and timestamp, the duration, the call setup delay, and the final handling code of the telephone call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for providing end-to-end call completion status
    Patent number: 8520816
    Abstract: The present invention enables a method for following the state of a call and generating defects as function of call completion success as opposed to discrete events that happen at individual network elements during the call. In one embodiment, the invention uses Call Detail Records (CDR) to analyze the end-to-end completion status to measure per call basis defects instead of using defect codes generated by network elements on a per equipment basis. CDR is data associated with a telephone call, including the calling and the called numbers, the date and timestamp, the duration, the call setup delay, and the final handling code of the telephone call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for selecting network resources according to service subscription information
    Patent number: 7948965
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for providing at least one service. Specifically, the method comprises obtaining at least one connection request associated with at least one user, determining the at least one service subscribed to by the at least one user where the at least one service comprises at least one service attribute and the at least one service attribute identifies at least one border element capable of supporting the at least one service, selecting the at least one border element according to the at least one service attribute, and responding to the at least one connection request using the at least one border element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for dynamically adjusting broadband access bandwidth
    Patent number: 7974292
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a method to enable subscribers of broadband access services, such as Digital Subscriber Loop based or Cable based broadband access services, to dynamically reconfigure their access arrangements as a function of the application they invoke are disclosed. Subscribers that subscribe to a basic amount of bandwidth can dynamically increase their bandwidth allocation when they invoke a voice or video application by simply requesting the application. The present invention provides a method for broadband service providers to dynamically adjust access bandwidth allocation for subscribers by detecting signaling messages, such as application request setup messages and disconnect messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for providing a voice session with a commercial advertiser during a video session
    Patent number: 8867525
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling service providers to offer businesses to advertise using commercials over streaming video contents to interact with interested consumers on a real time basis are disclosed. For example, the present method enables an advertiser to display phone numbers, e.g., toll free numbers, that the user can activate to participate in real time voice communication with the advertiser. This voice session can take place in an independent voice only session indicated in a separate display frame from the video session display frame on a television monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for evaluating network operation costs
    Patent number: 7664039
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for calculating a cost index in a communication network are described. In one embodiment, a plurality of cost factors associated with a first network operation mode is obtained. A plurality of second cost factors associated with a second network operation mode is subsequently obtained. A first cost index is then determined based on the plurality of cost factors associated with the first network operation mode. Likewise, a second cost index is determined based on the plurality of cost factors associated with the second network operation mode. Afterwards, the first cost index is compared to the second cost index to determine whether a recommendation for an implementation of the second operation mode is warranted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING E911 SERVICES VIA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS
    Publication number: 20100098062
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing emergency services, e.g., E911 services, for nomadic users by utilizing network announcements to remind customers to update location information used to provide services on packet networks, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Service over Internet Protocol (SoIP) networks, are disclosed. For example, the method enables the VoIP or SoIP service provider to detect a change in the IP address associated with either the broadband modem or the router through which a terminal adaptor is used to access services when a customer is logging on from a new location. In turn, the method sends a reminder network announcement message to the terminal adaptor, e.g., to be played when the terminal adaptor goes off-hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: MARIAN CROAK, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENABLING COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANCE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT SERVICES
    Publication number: 20100074425
    Abstract: The present invention enables packet-switched network providers, e.g., VoIP network providers, to use commonly deployed components and capabilities to support surveillance services, e.g., CALEA services. Specifically, signaling and media streams that flow through Border Elements can be forked and simultaneously redirected to a surveillance server, a CALEA Server in addition to the terminating endpoint. Additionally, a Media Server (MS) can unobtrusively join a third leg to a communication media path between the CALEA Server and the two, calling party and called party, endpoints. A CALEA Server provides the ability to identify and collect content of voice telephone calls traversing the VoIP Network, as mandated by the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for validating commands for VOIP network components
    Patent number: 8705401
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for validating at least one command. Specifically, the method comprises receiving the at least one command, wherein the at least one command is associated with at least one command source, processing the at least one command for determining at least one network component for which the at least one command is destined, and validating the at least one command according to at least one attribute, wherein the at least one attribute is associated with at least one of the at least one network component, the at least one command source, and the at least one command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING DYNAMIC INTERNATIONAL CALLING RATES
    Publication number: 20120188913
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling VoIP service providers to dynamically adjust international calling rates as a function of adjustments made with partner carrier arrangements that VoIP service providers put in place are disclosed. Thus VoIP service providers can pass on savings, if the new calling rate is lower than the old calling rate, to their subscribers in order to enhance the loyalty of existing subscribers. Instead of having subscribers to call into customer service centers to take advantage of these new lower international calling rates, the new calling rates will be updated dynamically and immediately for subscribers without these subscribers having to call in to request their billing rates to match the new calling rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for establishing a call in a packet network
    Publication number: 20060227763
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for establishing a call in a packet network is described. In one example, a first call is received to a virtual phone number. At least one voice command is received in response to the first call. A requested phone number is identified in response to the at least one voice command. A second call to the requested phone number is initiated. For example, voicemail data may be provided in response to the at least one voice command and the requested number may be associated with an originator of a voicemail message in the voicemail data. The voicemail message may be scanned using a voice recognition process to obtain the requested number. In another example, personal contact data associated with the virtual phone number and registered with the packet network may be parsed to obtain the requested phone number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Publication date: October 12, 2006
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
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