Patent ID: 6359979
Filing Date: 2002-03-19
Classification: H04Q

Abstract:
In a telephone network having a plurality of intercoupled switches, a method for routing a call comprising:receiving a call from a terminal coupled to a first switch of the plurality of switches, the call intended for a terminal coupled to a second switch of the plurality of switches; attempting and failing to route the call along a high usage route and each of a plurality of previously identified fixed tandem routes from the first switch to the second switch; attempting and failing to determine an alternate tandem route from the first switch to the second switch that is serviced solely by the telephone network; determining an alternate tandem route that is serviced jointly by the telephone network and a telephone network operated by another carrier, wherein determining the alternate tandem route further comprises receiving and considering loading information from the another carrier; and directing the first switch to route the call along the alternate tandem route to the second switch.