Patent ID: 6125177
Filing Date: 2000-09-26
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
Apparatus for enhanced signaling and call routing in a first communications network that includes a local telephone central office having a POTS line communicating the domain of a first subscriber station with a first port in an access junction of the office, comprising in combination:a first signal path including first switching means for selectively communicating a second port of the access junction with a second communications network;a second signal path including second switching means for selectively communicating a third port of the access junction with a third communications network;control means interfacing the first and second switching means and responsive to predetermined incoming signals from the second and third networks and the subscriber station for selectively controlling the switching means to connect the station with respective ones of the first and second signal paths; andmeans for acknowledging a service activate signal having a maximum call suspension time received at the control means from the first subscriber station and enabling the second switching means to complete the second signal path between the third communications network and the first subscriber station in response thereto, the acknowledgement including a set of parameters comprising:a new controller identifier in the form of a new third network address allowing for scaleable networks;a new maximum call suspension time should the original subscriber-specified time exceed a currently allowable maximum; anddata session identification to be used for reconnection by the first subscriber station.