Search Patents
  • Method and apparatus for providing end-to-end call completion status
    Patent number: 8983046
    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 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for registering multiple phone numbers associated with a frequently called party
    Patent number: 7839992
    Abstract: The present invention enables the calling party to register multiple addresses of frequently called parties with a packet-switched network service provider, e.g., a VoIP network service provider, and have the network dials through the numbers on behalf of the calling party until the called party is reached or the list of available phone numbers has been exhausted. Optionally, the network can intersperse each call by asking the calling party if he or she wants to dial a particular phone number of the called party from the list of available phone numbers, and the network can dial the selected phone number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    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: 20070177508
    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: January 31, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for monitoring client software usage in end user device
    Patent number: 8457108
    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: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENABLING COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANCE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT SERVICES
    Publication number: 20130003614
    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: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: MARIAN CROAK, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for integrating video and instant messaging application sessions
    Patent number: 8611258
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling service providers to offer video services while enabling users to engage in an instant messaging session in a separate display frame on a video display device, such as a television, are disclosed. Specifically, a user can request the network to activate and display a video session, such as a movie. The user can invite one or more other users to participate in the video session. As other users accept to participate in the video session, the network can activate another session that enables the participants to communicate with each other via instant messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for activating alternative virtual private network protocols
    Publication number: 20070074283
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling enterprise customers to detect VPN protocol blocking by access network providers and provides client VPN software with instructions to activate another VPN protocol such as Secure Socket Layer (SSL) that is less likely to be blocked by their provider are disclosed. For instance, if the access network provider blocks the IPSec VPN protocol, the client VPN software will switch to an alternative VPN protocol, such as Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP), or Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), to connect to the VoIP network. The SSL, L2TP, and PPTP protocols are all VPN protocols designed to enable encrypted and authenticated communications across the public Internet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EVALUATING COMPONENT COSTS IN A COMMUNICATION NETWORK
    Publication number: 20120327788
    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: September 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for providing a web session with a commercial advertiser
    Patent number: 8799976
    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. Specifically, users who request a video session from the network may be exposed to commercial content while viewing the video content via a television monitor. The present method enables advertisers to display hyperlinks of their web sites to allow users to click on these hyperlinks using a pointer device to activate a web session. The web session would allow users to order products and services or obtain more information from the advertiser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for monitoring shifts in call patterns
    Patent number: 8837695
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring pattern shifts in call patterns, e.g., call volumes and/or feature usage in a packet network, e.g., a VoIP network is disclosed. The present method collects performance data over a set period of time and constantly compares each periodic sample with the previous periodic sample on a rolling window basis. Changes of a pre-defined percentage threshold, e.g., approximately 30%, or more in a current sampled period are alarmed and monitored to preclude potential service disruptions. In one embodiment, upon receipt of these alarms, network elements that are vulnerable to discontinuities due to overload can be automatically reset or cleared of hung processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USING A SINGLE LOCAL PHONE NUMBER FOR ROUTING OUT OF AREA PHONE NUMBERS
    Publication number: 20100020793
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a single shadow number to be associated with one or more out of area phone numbers that have registered service addresses in the same local area. For instance, if multiple subscribers with service addresses within the same local calling area choose to use out of area phone numbers, these multiple out of area phone numbers will all be associated with a single shadow phone number that is local within the local calling area. In one embodiment, when a subscriber using an out of area phone number places an E911 call, the out of area phone number as well as the associated shadow number will be sent to the E911 PSAP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for providing E911 services via network announcements
    Patent number: 7664106
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for dynamically establishing links between IP private branch exchanges
    Publication number: 20070070981
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a packet network provider, e.g., a VoIP network provider to provide virtual tie lines that give enterprise users of IP PBXs dedicated bandwidth on an as-need basis are disclosed. The present method defines a structure for creating signaling messages from the IP PBX to the edge of the provider's network that request the immediate use of dedicated paths for creating voice paths for intra enterprise users across a wide area network. Once these dedicated paths are established, the subscribers enjoy the same quality of service that is provided by dedicated tie lines. When the established tie lines are no longer in use or needed, they will be released and hence provides cost savings to the subscribers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for routing a call in a packet-switched network
    Patent number: 7733847
    Abstract: Method and system for establishing a call to a communication device in a packet-switched communication network is described. In one example, the system receives a call from a calling device at a server in a packet-switched communication network, where the call is a request for assistance pertaining to a technical field. The system then identifies at least one specific user from a plurality of specific users based on whether the specific user(s) is an expertise in the technical field in question. The system subsequently identifies at least one activated endpoint device from a plurality of activated endpoint devices that are associated with the previously identified specific user(s). Lastly, the system routes the call to the identified endpoint device(s) belonging to the specified user(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for introducing a delay during a call setup in a communication network
    Patent number: 7613113
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a capability for placing a slight delay in processing call setup and termination signaling messages in conferencing applications so that the call processing rate requirement on a Call Control Element (CCE) is lowered. For example, allowing conferencing participants of a conference call to join a conference bridge over a 90 second period will significantly improve the processing load on the CCE than allowing them to join in over a 30 second period. In one embodiment, the present invention introduces a configurable delay in the processing of signaling messages for call setups and terminations for high volume calls onto conference bridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING DYNAMIC INTERNATIONAL CALLING RATES
    Publication number: 20140036731
    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: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for evaluating component costs in a communication network
    Patent number: 7664038
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for enabling communications assistance for law enforcement act services
    Patent number: 7626980
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for enabling local survivability during network disruptions
    Publication number: 20060251052
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a network-based solution for enterprise customers that is integrated with premise-based equipment is disclosed. The premise-based solution can be quickly enabled in the event that the primary network, e.g., VoIP network, connectivity is lost. The premise-based equipment, e.g. a VoIP switch, can be minimally configured and equipped to play the role of a hot standby proxy for network based VoIP services if connection to the primary VoIP network is lost. Intelligent services typically accessed in network based VoIP services can be enabled on the premise equipment and VoIP gateways to an alternate network, e.g., a WAN or a PSTN, can be activated. Network operators can remotely activate this equipment on behalf of the enterprise customer until the primary network connection is restored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • ACCESS INDEPENDENT COMMON ARCHITECTURE FOR REAL-TIME COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES FOR NETWORKING ENVIRONMENTS
    Publication number: 20080056243
    Abstract: An access architecture for real-time communications is described. The architecture includes an inter-architecture network utilizing a single protocol, a plurality of border elements in communication with the inter-architecture network and with an external network, and one or more call control elements in communication with said inter-architecture network. The external network utilizes any of a variety of known networking technologies and protocols. The inter-architecture network utilizes a single protocol such as SIP. The present architecture provides a single common infrastructure for offering real-time communications services independent of call control protocols and networking technologies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Radhika Roy, Siroos Afshar, Marian Croak, Enrique Cuevas, Alireza Faryar, Steve Fisher, Samuel Glazer, Barbara Kittredge, Karen McGregor-Barnes, Magda Nassar, Larry Russell
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