Patent ID: 7017050
Filing Date: 2006-03-21
Classification: H04L,H04M

Abstract:
1. A method for authorizing and routing a telephone communication with a clearinghouse server between a source Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) device and a destination VoIP device, comprising the steps of: assigning one or more source VoIP devices to a group; receiving an authorization request from a source VoIP device; determining if the source VoIP device is assigned to the group; determining a communication route for completing a communication originating at the source VoIP device; identifying one or more destination VoIP devices available to complete the telephone communication based on the group in which the source VoIP device is assigned; balancing use of the one or more destination VoIP devices with the clearinghouse server by: selecting a destination VoIP device front the list; and completing the telephone communication with the selected destination VoIP device.