Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing transaction data in a packet network is described. In one embodiment, at least one routed call is received. Transaction data is subsequently obtained from the at least one routed call. In turn, the transaction data is provided to an entity (e.g., a business or store) associated locally to the at least one routed call.

Abstract: The present invention enables a capability for automatically porting the telephone number of the original VoIP endpoint device to the user's new VoIP endpoint device by re-associating the original telephone number with the MAC address of the new IP endpoint device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing transaction data in a packet network is described. In one embodiment, at least one routed call is received. Transaction data is subsequently obtained from the at least one routed call. In turn, the transaction data is provided to an entity (e.g., a business or store) associated locally to the at least one routed call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a user to signal to the network that a call to be initiated or a call that is in progress needs to occur in a peer-to-peer relationship with the terminating endpoint. The network will then remove itself from the call signaling and media path and direct the signaling and media communication to occur directly between the two endpoints.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling an edge component, e.g., a Border Element (BE), on a packet network to be endpoint aware is disclosed. Information contained in the BE regarding the endpoint enables it to consult stored protocol configurations that facilitate the dynamic resolution of interworking issues and adjust for service differences in endpoint support based on dynamic protocol interworking resolution.

Abstract: The present invention enables a network to detect electrical interference caused by cellular phones and correct the problem by playing a network announcement to the network operator if the interference reaches a certain threshold level. In turn, the network operator will notify participants of the conference call of the interference and ask them to change the location of their cellular phones.

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 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: A method and apparatus for utilizing a tiered flat rate pricing structure for at least one call in a packet network is described. In one embodiment, at least one call is serviced by a call control element. The at least one call is then accounted by associating the call(s) to a billing structure that includes at least three categories, wherein a first category comprises an on-net call-type category, a second category comprises an off-net domestic call-type category, and a third category comprises an off-net international call-type category.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling service providers to support video services by creating a display frame, such as a picture-in-picture display frame, on an active video display device, such as a television (TV), when an incoming call is received are disclosed. The calling party identification and the service logic to manipulate the call are displayed within the display frame. The network can provide service logic functions such as, but are not limited to, answering the call, sending to call to voice mailbox, providing a busy tone to the calling party, and forwarding the call to another SoIP endpoint.

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.

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: Method and apparatus for managing call requests in a communication network is described. In one example, a call request for a public identifier associated with a recipient party is received from an originating device. A set of approved calling party identifiers associated with the public identifier is identified. A calling party identifier associated with the originating device is compared with the set of approved calling party identifiers. If the calling party is approved, then: a private identifier for a recipient device is selected based on the calling party identifier, and the call request is routed to the recipient device using the private identifier. If the calling party is not approved, then: a call handling treatment associated with the public identifier may be identified, and the call request may be handled in accordance with the calling handling treatment.

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.