Patent ID: 6373817
Filing Date: 2002-04-16
Classification: H04L,H04M

Abstract:
A method of providing alternate routing for a variable bit rate communication between a first terminal and a distant terminal to a broadband subscriber at the first terminal, the variable bit rate communication being a multimedia communication requiring an audio speaker and a video display and related to the degree of utilization of a plurality of different networks, the different networks comprising at least a packet switched network and a circuit-switched network, the method comprising the steps of: i) receiving a multimedia communication at a first terminal and ii) if the called party is not at a premises where the first terminal is located and the called party has authorized chasing service, setting a chasing data bit representing that the called party was not at a primary location and iii) alerting the calling party that the called party is not at the primary location and offering one of messaging service or chasing service to the calling party for the multimedia communication if the chasing data bit is set.