Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling users who request a map of a specified route to invoke a data session to see images of the key markers and a video session to see live views of key points along the route are disclosed. If traffic appears congested, the subscriber can request an alternative route from the network along with image and video sessions to verify the traffic conditions of the alternative route.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling users who request a map of a specified route to invoke a data session to see images of the key markers and a video session to see live views of key points along the route are disclosed. If traffic appears congested, the subscriber can request an alternative route from the network along with image and video sessions to verify the traffic conditions of the alternative route.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a method for determining the status of allocated phone numbers in a VoIP network by providing a tool to automatically determine whether allocated phone numbers are in service, deactivated, or waiting to be allocated phone numbers are disclosed. The present method enables access into service provisioning systems and their associated database regarding move, add, change, and disconnect operations to make this determination.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling users who request a map of a specified route to invoke a data session to see images of the key markers and a video session to see live views of key points along the route are disclosed. If traffic appears congested, the subscriber can request an alternative route from the network along with image and video sessions to verify the traffic conditions of the alternative route.
Abstract: A method and system for graphically displaying call signaling flows for a communications network is described. In one example, a call flow alarm indicating an improper call signaling flow for a call is received. A respective projected call signaling flow associated with the call is then obtained. Lastly, the improper call signaling flow and the respective projected call signaling flow are graphically displayed.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing service providers with a method for determining the best usage of the DSP resources are disclosed. In one embodiment, a network map of DSP resources is also presented so that a service provider may determine whether to use regional DSP resources that are located geographically closer to the edge network elements in a network or to use centralized DSP resources that are located geographically more distant.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a network provider to download routing profiles into an intelligent Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) device to enable the CPE to determine the best provider to route a particular call to are disclosed. The CPE determines the best provider based on criteria specified by the subscriber and the network provider and then sends the call to a specific IP address, that has been previously been downloaded and configured in the CPE, to reach a selected network provider.
Abstract: The present invention enables the network to provide enhanced processing of the media stream before and/or during the call establishment. In one embodiment, the network can use the Session Description Header information to provide service support such as mid call Dual Tone Multiple Frequency (DTMF) detection, transcoding, and media conversion within the network instead of between two intelligent endpoint devices.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a retailer to track shoppers by a customer's phone number are disclosed. When the customer reaches a purchase target, e.g., a predefined amount of money spent at the retailer, the present invention enables a trigger to place an outbound call to the customer to present a promotional announcement, e.g., inviting the customer to come into the store of the retailer and to receive a discount at the point of sale.
Abstract: The present invention enables an alert message and the display of calling party identity on all on-hook phones associated with an extension sharing the same phone number, when one phone is off-hook and in use. In one exemplary embodiment, this capability enables all other members of a household to receive information regarding an incoming call even when one phone is in use by another member.
Abstract: The present invention allows monitoring and the prevention of call storms in a communications network, e.g., a VoIP network. More specifically, the present invention enables a VoIP network to monitor the calling pattern, e.g., the number of calls within a period of time that occurs between the same endpoints. If the number of calls exceed a certain threshold, then these calls with the same endpoints will be terminated and an alarm notification will be sent, e.g., to a network operator.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a message set in a communications network are described. In one embodiment, a change in the communications network is initially detected. Communication between a customer premise equipment (CPE) and at least one border element in the communication network is subsequently established. Afterwards, a test suite is executed to simultaneously certify that a message set employing a plurality of protocols supported by the communication network is supported by the at least one border element.
Abstract: The present invention enables network providers to create peering arrangements with other providers that allow them to fail over to other networks in the event of a site failure. This invention would lower the cost to provide site diversity within a provider's network by allowing cost sharing between the provider's network and other networks. For example, when an Application Server (AS) in a network fails, the network provider can send a call to a partner's network and uses an AS in the partner's network to process the call request.
Abstract: The present invention enables equipment housed in unmanned facilities to be periodically scanned by remote systems for information regarding physical hardware and software configurations. The captured configurations can be compared against a reference configuration that represents the healthy state of the installed equipment. During outages, these captured configurations can be analyzed to determine possible root causes and resolutions for restoration.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a subscriber who is originating a call to a called party endpoint to specify call handling treatments when a busy or a no answer network condition is encountered when calling the called party endpoint with no subscribed network based voice mail service are disclosed. The subscriber, for example, can re-originate the call that is originally directed to a home phone number of the called party to a cellular phone number of the called party instead upon encountering a busy or no answer network condition.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for executing a call blocking function in a communications network is described. In one embodiment, monitoring data is received from at least one network component in the communications network. The monitoring data is then analyzed to determine a fraudulent index that is associated with at least one endpoint device number. In the event the fraudulent index exceeds a predefined threshold level, a call blocking function is executed on the at least one endpoint device number.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing trials and court proceedings to occur in a virtual manner using a one way video session and a two way voice session are disclosed. During the trials or court proceedings, the defendants and their testimony can be viewed by judges and jurors who remain in isolated rooms with their identities masked. Judges and attorneys can verbally intercede during the proceedings via a two way voice session but the video session for the duration of the trial is one way.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for blocking at least one pay-per-use feature in a communications network is described. In one embodiment, a request to initiate at least one pay-per-use feature from at least one endpoint device associated with a subscriber is received. A determination of whether a blocking function has been activated for the at least one pay-per-use feature is then made. Afterwards, the request to initiate the at least one pay-per-use feature is blocked if the blocking function is activated.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating the service logic displayed in a display frame using voice commands are disclosed. Specifically, a subscriber can provide voice-activated commands through a wired or wireless headset to manipulate available network service logic options, such as answering the call, redirecting the call, sending the call to voice mailbox, or sending a busy tone to the calling party etc, displayed within a frame on a video display device.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a network provider to provide a security server in a packet network, e.g., a VoIP network that allows a third party partner to interface an application server hosted in the third party's network with the VoIP network infrastructure are disclosed. The security server provides the appropriate level of network address translations, firewall support, content filtering, and validation for the third party application server.