Patent ID: 7444407
Filing Date: 2008-10-28
Classification: H04L,H04M

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for providing clearinghouse services to a client device in an Internet Protocol (IP) telephony system, comprising the steps of: transmitting an IP telephony communication session set-up request for an IP telephony communication session to a proxy server from a client application operating on the client device, the client device and the proxy server coupled to an IP network; transmitting an authorization request from the proxy server to a clearinghouse service running on a service point coupled to the IP network, the clearinghouse service being accessible only by the proxy server and one or more gateways; generating an authorization response with the clearinghouse service running on the service point; transmitting an authorization response from the service point to the proxy server via the IP network, the authorization response comprising the identity of one or more terminating gateways coupled to the IP network and available to complete the IP telephony communication session, and an electronic authorization token generated by the clearinghouse service for each identified terminating gateway, the terminating gateways operating independently and without direct access by the proxy server such that the proxy server gains access to a terminating gateway only with the electronic authorization token; selecting one of the terminating gateways with the proxy server to complete the IP telephony communication session; transmitting via the proxy server the communication session set-up request to the selected terminating gateway via the IP network, the communication session set-up request comprising the electronic authorization token; and establishing the IP telephony communication session via the selected terminating gateway with the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).