Automatic backup trunking for voice over the internet

Details Automatic backup trunking for voice over the internet Automatic backup trunking for voice over the internet

1997-12-01

2002-05-14

Nguyen, Chau (Department: 2663)

Multiplex communications

Pathfinding or routing

Combined circuit switching and packet switching

Reexamination Certificate

active

06389005

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for routing a telephone call.
Voice communication over the internet is known. However, such communication typically requires that both parties be logged on to an internet provider, be running compatible voice communication software, and have the necessary hardware (e.g., microphone and speakers). Further, voice communication over the internet may degrade due to congestion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, there is provided a method for routing a telephone call, comprising the steps of: receiving a destination number (DN) for said call; based on said DN, determining whether a connection is possible through a computer network; where a computer network connection is possible, routing said call through said computer network; where a computer network connection is not possible, routing said call through a switched telephone network.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a call router for routing a telephone call, comprising: a receiver for receiving an outgoing call; a detector responsive to said receiver for detecting a destination for said call; a determiner responsive to said destination detector for determining whether or not a connection is possible through a computer network; a route initiator responsive to said determiner for initiating a route for said call through one of said computer network and a switched telephone network.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4996685 (1991-02-01), Farese et al.
patent: 5602846 (1997-02-01), Holmquist
patent: 5712907 (1998-01-01), Wegner et al.
patent: 5848143 (1998-12-01), Andrews et al.
patent: 5867494 (1999-02-01), Krishnaswamy et al.
patent: 6064653 (2000-05-01), Farris
patent: 2205731 (1998-11-01), None
patent: WO 97/27692 (1997-07-01), None
Bob Emmerson, International Bits, Internet Telephony, May 1997, XP-000770894, p. 1.*
Grün, Michael, and Hahn, Norbert, Wege aus dem DateNstau IP-Telefonie und die Verkehrsbedingungen im Internet, XP-000740475, 1998, pp 46-49.
Houghton, T.F. et al., A Packet Telephony Gateway for Public Network Operators, XP-000704453, Sep. 21, 1997, pp 35-44.
European Search Report for corresponding EP 98 30 8869, European Patent Office, Jul. 12, 2001, pp 1-2.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Automatic backup trunking for voice over the internet does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Automatic backup trunking for voice over the internet, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Automatic backup trunking for voice over the internet will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2914505