Patent ID: 7184527
Filing Date: 2007-02-27
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
1. A method for handling calls placed to a subscriber line that operates over a telephone network and that is associated with a plurality of directory numbers, comprising: retrieving from a database, registration information sent over a computer network, the registration information including a network address that is associated with a monitoring computer that accesses the computer network using a network connection that is independent of the subscriber line; detecting a telephone call to at least one of the plurality of directory numbers, therein enabling a user to monitor the plurality of directory numbers; in response to detecting the telephone call, sending an event descriptor to the network address; receiving an instruction indicating a call-handling option selected by the user; and handling the telephone call according to the call-handling option; wherein the network address comprises an Internet Protocol (IP) address that can vary as specified by the user of the monitoring computer.