Patent ID: 6252954
Filing Date: 2001-06-26
Classification: H04M,H04Q

Abstract:
With respect to processing a communication, a method for delaying the ringing of a line until status of the communication with respect to the terminating equipment of the called party is determined when providing an advanced service, comprising:upon transmitting the communication to a first network element for forwarding to a forwarding number, starting a switch timer for a first predetermined time period relating to failure or acceptance of the communication at the first network element;upon receiving the communication at the first network element, starting an acceptance timer for a second predetermined time period, wherein the second predetermined time period is less than the first predetermined time period;during processing of the communication, determining the acceptance timer has expired; andin response to determining the acceptance timer has expired, accepting the communication at the first network element prior to expiration of the first predetermined time,whereby the acceptance of the communication at the first network element after the acceptance timer has expired, but before the expiration of the first predetermined time, avoids the failure of the communication at the first network element.