Abstract: A method and apparatus for reserving an appointment in a communications network is described. In one embodiment, a request is received from a caller to schedule an appointment with an enterprise customer, wherein the request is processed in accordance with a media server in the communications network. A scheduling calendar is then accessed. Afterwards, the appointment is reserved with one of a plurality available appointment time slots.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reserving an appointment in a communications network is described. In one embodiment, a request is received from a caller to schedule an appointment with an enterprise customer, wherein the request is processed in accordance with a media server in the communications network. A scheduling calendar is then accessed. Afterwards, the appointment is reserved with one of a plurality available appointment time slots.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a tool to collect alerting information of network disruptions across access networks external to a packet network, e.g., a VoIP network, is disclosed. By monitoring the status of external access networks, service disruptions in the VoIP network that can be potentially caused by such access networks can be anticipated, prevented, diagnosed and/or resolved rapidly.

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 configuring at least one component of a plurality of components in a communications network are described. In one embodiment, the at least one component is selected from a plurality of components, wherein the plurality of components is situated at a common location, such as server farm. Afterwards, the at least one component is configured to predominantly support a first network function that is a high availability function, while it is also configured to support at least a second network function with only a limited portion (e.g., a low percentage) of its total processing resources.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for routing an incoming call to at least one network endpoint in a communication network. Specifically, the method comprises identifying at least one registered network endpoint associated with a user in response to an incoming call destined for the user, obtaining presence information associated with at least one active network endpoint from the at least one registered network endpoint, and routing the incoming call towards the at least one active network endpoint using the presence information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling the creation of customer specified service logic are disclosed. The method enables a service provider to define a plurality of pre-built blocks of service logic for constructing basic and advanced telephone services, to enable the customer to use the pre-built blocks to construct the service logic, to receive the service logic from the customer, to verify the accuracy and/or completeness of the service logic and to activate the service. This flexible approach allows a customer to select the exact package of services that the customer wishes to receive. The selected services match exactly the customer's need and allow the service provider to remain competitive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling broadband access providers to use the subscriber service address associated with the Media Access Control (MAC) address and the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the subscriber's Digital Subscriber Loop (DSL) modem or cable modem as the service address that is sent to the appropriate Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) are disclosed. The present method enables a mapping between a subscriber's VoIP telephone number, broadband access modem MAC and IP addresses, and the subscriber's registered broadband service address to determine the correct PSAP to route an E911 call to.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing integrated network and operations control for a converged communications network providing all service types on a common architecture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling providers of PSTN toll free services to stagger simultaneous transmission of call setup signaling messages into an IP based teleconference bridge, supported by a VoIP network, by suspending a subset of calls and placing them on hold while placing other calls to be connected to the conference bridge are disclosed. The PSTN network can stagger calls by limiting the number of call setup signaling messages to be sent to the VoIP network within a predefined period of time interval and spread all the calls over multiple of such predefined periods. Prerecorded announcements or music can be played while the calls that have been placed on hold are in queue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a network provider to instantly assign a virtual number to a subscriber to use until their primary number is successfully ported to the VoIP network is disclosed. For example, a virtual number can be a phone number for callers outside a subscriber's local calling area to call the subscriber for the price of a local call if the subscriber chooses a virtual phone number in their local calling area. After the porting of the primary number is successful, the user can be reached by either having callers directly dial the primary number or the previously assigned virtual number. The subscriber can continue to use both phone numbers or choose to disconnect the virtual number and only use the successfully ported primary number.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a signaling message to be sent in response to an emergency call, e.g., an E911 call, set up message to provide information as to whether or not the E911 call has been successfully completed are disclosed. An indicator of a failed call setup will trigger the call to be re-originated transparently to an emergency center where live operators can handle the call on a 24hours/day basis. In one embodiment, an emergency center is a call center that is operated by a network provider or a third party provider to support emergency calls when a PSAP cannot be reached by a caller for various reasons. The emergency center is capable forwarding a call to the appropriate PSAP for call termination on behalf of the E911 caller.