Patent ID: 6522735
Filing Date: 2003-02-18
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
A method of facilitating selection of communications services in a communications service bidding exchange affiliated with a plurality of hubs interconnected via network segments and adapted to selectively route communications traffic in accordance with bidding exchange transactions, the method comprising:receiving buyer information associated with a potential buyer and bearing on a desired network service; determining a set of hubs from the plurality of hubs and a plurality of network paths for interconnecting the set of hubs in accordance with the buyer information, wherein each potential network path comprises at least one said network segment; and identifying at least one preferred network path from the plurality of potential network paths for interconnecting the set of hubs based at least in part on the buyer information; wherein identifying comprises providing information supporting selection of at least one individual network segment to form at least part of the preferred network path, such that the potential buyer can select the at least one individual network segment; receiving selection information for the at least one individual network segment; and forming the preferred network path based at least in party on the at least one individual network segment; wherein the information supporting selection of the at least one individual network segment allows the potential buyer to interactively select at least a portion of the preferred network path; and wherein the set of hubs and the at least one preferred network pat identified are capable of providing the desired network service.