MXPA00012574A - Closed user network billing - Google Patents

Abstract

An Internet Protocol Telephony Network and public switched telephone network, in which closed user groups may be dynamically defined and modified to take advantage of special billing within the closed user groups. Abbreviated dialing within the closed user groups may also be used to make dialing more convenient. The closed user groups may include members anywhere in a global network, and may take advantage of the special billing, regardless of whether the members are located in different states and/or countries.

Description

PERSONAL NETWORK OF THE USER (CLOSED NETWORK OF USERS) PÜN / CUN FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to communication between users in various communication systems, and more particularly, to provide a broadband communication system including an Internet Protocol Telephony Network and a public switched telephone network. .

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The current voice telephony networks consist of a network built around circuit breakers, terminal offices, a payment network, tandem switches, and twisted cables. These voice networks are referred to as public switched telephone network (PSTN) or old common telephone service (POTS). Due to the bandwidth limitations of the old common telephone services (POTS), there is an inherent inability to efficiently integrate multiple types of media such as telephony, data communication for personal computers (PC), and television broadcasts. (TV) Consequently, a broadband architecture is required. This new Ref. 124160 architecture results in a new array of user services.

There is also a need to provide improved flexible billing plans in a telephony network. For example, telephony service providers may wish to provide subscribers with unique telephone rate plans based on the calls most frequented by users or based on the preferences of users. While conventional telephone systems offer billing plans designed according to the customer, they are often of limited practical use because typically they are not dynamically flexible. It would be desirable for them to be able to select from different billing plans on the fly, as well as to automatically adjust the billing plans for changing circumstances.

It will also be desirable to provide subscribers with the ability to contact one or more other particular subscribers in a more direct manner than via a conventional telephone call. While conventional telephony systems offer dedicated links such as dedicated IT links between groups of subscribers, such dedicated links are expensive and require that a large amount of broadband be reserved for use at any time by the groups of subscribers that rent the services. Ti links. It could be more efficient to be able to provide such a direct link between subscribers without having to pre-reserve a physical link and / or network bandwidth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Aspects of the invention include providing bandwidth access capabilities or improving services to be used in conjunction with a packaged network such as a system infrastructure based on Internet Protocol (IP).

Other aspects of the invention include providing one or more of the following either individually, or in any combination or sub-combination: a new bandwidth architecture network bandwidth capabilities, including local access; and improved services to be used in conjunction with a packaged network such as a system infrastructure based on Internet Protocol (IP).

For example, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, systems and methods can provide special billing for closed user groups. The membership of the closed user groups can be defined by the member or members of the closed user groups and / or by means of sources external to the closed user groups and / or the network. External sources may periodically update the membership of closed user groups depending on the membership of, for example, organizations external to and / or independent of the network. One advantage of calling among a closed group of users is that the network can bill a certain call at a different rate than a rate that could be used if the calling group were not a member of the closed user group.

Another aspect of the invention provides abbreviated dialing among a closed group of users. When using abbreviated dialing, a calling member of the closed user group does not need to dial the full directory number of the member being called. Instead the calling member only dials a short abbreviated number that identifies the called member from among the closed user group. If the dialed digits are abbreviated, the network can determine if the calling member is a member of a closed user group. If the calling member is a member, then the network determines the identity of the called member based on the abbreviated digits dialed. The network can establish a call between the calling party and the called party. The network may also bill a call at a different rate from the rate that would be used if the calling member were not a member of the closed user group.

Although the invention has been defined using the appended claims, these claims are exemplary and do not limit the extent to which the invention is intended to include one or more elements of the apparatus and methods described herein and in the applications incorporated by reference into any combination or sub-combination. Accordingly, there are any number of alternative combinations to define the invention, which incorporates one or more elements of the specification (including drawings, claims, and applications incorporated by reference) into cu. qiier combination or subcombination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a broadband network (e.g., an IP broadband-based network) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of aspects of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a centralized control (IP central station) in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a local control apparatus (broadband residential gate) in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a detailed schematic representation of an example mode of the broadband network shown in Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a signal flow diagram illustrating an out-of-network in-network call in accordance with a preferred method of operation of the broadband network shown in Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an in-network to in-network call in accordance with a preferred method of operation of the broadband network shown in Figure 1.

Figure 7 shows a flow diagram of an example mode of steps that can be involved in providing the CUG service in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a flow diagram of another example embodiment of steps that can be involved in providing the CUG service in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Figure 9A illustrates an exemplary mode of the output of a screen and an interface in a CPE of a subscriber that can be used in connection with the use of the CUG service in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Figure 9B illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the output of a screen and interface in a CPE of a subscriber that can be used in connection with the provisioning of the CUG service in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a flow diagram of an example embodiment of steps that can be involved in providing intercom call service in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A new system for broadband access and applications is provided. Unless otherwise stated in the appended claims, the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described in this section but is applicable to other integrated multimedia communication systems.

I. Generalities on the Integrated Communication System With reference to Figure 1, an example mode of a broadband network 1. Generally the broadband network provides interconnection between numerous customer locations using various interconnect architectures including the Internet Protocol (IP) based network, several existing systems (legacy systems) such as the public switched telephone network (PSTN), ATM networks, the Internet, signaling networks, as well as other systems. The broadband network provides versatile intelligent conduits that can carry, for example, Internet Protocol (IP) telephony or multimedia signals at the client's boundaries on, for example, the public switched telephone network, the Internet, or Internet networks. wireless communication.

Again with reference to Figure 1, the broadband network 1 may include one or more units of equipment at the boundaries of the client (CPE) 102. The equipment at the boundaries of the client 102 may be configured in various ways. In one example, the equipment on the boundaries of the client 102 may include one or more devices such as residential broadband gates (BRG) 300. Although the residential broadband gate is preferably arranged in a residence by various aspects of the invention, in the example modalities, it can also be arranged in a business or in another location. Residential broadband gate 300 can be configured in various ways to provide one or more interfaces to other devices in the equipment at client boundaries 102 such as televisions (TV), personal computers (PC), telephones of old common telephone systems (POTS), videophones, and other devices. For example, the residential broadband gate 300 can provide one or more telephone port connections (eg, old common telephone system), Ethernet connections, coaxial connections, fiber-distributed data interface (FDDI) connections, wireless local area network (LAN), firewire connections, and / or other connections to numerous devices such as old simple telephones, IP-based telephones, television converters, for example cable television (CATV) apparatuses, televisions, digital televisions , high definition televisions (HDTV), videophones, and other devices. In the exemplary embodiments, the residential broadband gate 300 can support communications between any of the aforementioned devices in calls at internal boundaries and / or calls at external boundaries. In addition, when residential broadband gate 300 is used in a business environment, it can function as a private branch exchange or key type telephone system.

In Figure 1, the broadband residential gate 300 is illustrated as a simple physical device. This configuration is appropriate where the centralization of maintenance and control is desired. Alternatively, the residential broadband gate 300 may be separated into more than one physical device allowing the functionality to be distributed to numerous different physical locations at the client's boundaries and / or broadband network 1. However, in several embodiments, they have a residential broadband gate 300 located in a single location that provides ease of maintenance, control, and reconfiguration as well as a reduction in cost due to shared functionality. For example, the residential broadband gateway can be configured to provide the necessary strength to allow each of the devices on the customer's edge to operate within the broadband network 1. For example, the Analog voice can be converted to digital data and packaged for transmission in an appropriate output protocol such as an Internet Protocol (IP).

In the exemplary embodiments, the residential broadband gate 300 can operate to connect devices in the equipment at the boundaries of the client 102 with the rest of the broadband network 1 using any appropriate broadband communication mechanism. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the broadband residential gateway uses a hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 to connect the residential broadband gate 300 with the rest of the broadband network 1. The hybrid fiber-coaxial 112 may be preferred in various modes over other broadband communication mechanisms due to the large number of households normally connected with cable networks, the capacity for shared access, and the ability for asymmetric data access speeds that allow that large amounts of data are distributed to the various devices in the equipment at the boundaries of the customer 112. The hybrid fiber-coax plant 112 may include coaxial cable and / or fiber optic networks in any appropriate combination. The hybrid fiber-coaxial plant can provide an intelligent broadband conduit between the residential broadband gate 300 and a gate such as the terminal head concentrator (HEH) 115. The terminal head concentrator 115 can be configured in various ways to providing various services and / or interconnections with the rest of the broadband network 1. For example, the terminal head concentrator 115 can provide an interconnection point for gathering and adding external services (eg, off-air and satellite video, voice of public switched telephone network, multimedia messages, and Internet data) for distribution to and from the hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112. With respect to telephony and multimedia call, the terminal head concentrator 115 can operate as an intelligent conduit for the connection and communication between the hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 and external networks such as an IP 120 network and / or an ATM network / frame transmitter / packet transmitter 185.

The broadband network 1 may include any number of interconnected terminal head concentrators 115, IP networks 120, and / or ATM networks 185. In addition, the IP network 120 and / or ATM network 185 may be connected to one or more other networks and devices such as: (1) external networks including a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 170, a signaling system network 7 (SS7) 170, an Internet 180, and / or a wireless network 144; (2) several components including one or more private branch exchanges 146, terminals 142, including computers and wireless devices, and / or one or more single 300 broadband residential gates; (3) one or more administration center 155; (4) one or more secure network management data networks 190 such as a network operations center (NOC); (5) one or more billing systems 195 such as OSS; and / or (6) one or more centralized control centers as referred to a central IP 200 station.

The IP network 120 and / or ATM network 185 may include one or more routers and / or other devices for routing, for example, telephone calls, multimedia calls, signaling messages, administrative messages, programming messages and / or data of computer among the various devices in the broadband network 1 such as the terminal head concentrator 115, the public switched telephone network 160, the private branch exchange (PBX) 146, as well as the other devices discussed above. In preferred embodiments, the information traveling on the IP network 120 can be packaged and formatted in accordance with one of the Internet protocols. Internet network 120 may also include gates to interface with the various other networks, and / or devices. For example, the gates can be distributed at the edge of the IP network where the IP network interfaces with the other devices or networks. Alternatively, the networks that interface the central IP 200 station with, for example, the Internet 180, the public switched telephone network (PSTN), the signaling system 7 (SS7) 170, the wireless networks 144, the networks of ATM / raster / packet transmission 185 may be provided at the IP 200 central station, or both in the IP 120 network and in the IP 200 central station, and / or partially distributed between the IP 120 network and the central station of IP 200. Where the gates are separated by means of the IP 200 network, an appropriate transport protocol can be used to logically connect the IP 200 central station to the particular gate.

The central station (s) 200 may (e) be connected to, for example, one or more IP 120 networks, ATM 185 networks, secure management data networks 190, and / or administration centers 155 The IP 200 central station can be configured in several ways to include one or more servers and / or one or more gates. In the example modalities, the servers and gateways provide the intelligence and traffic management capabilities to allow information, for example, IP telephony signals, to travel through the broadband network 1. For example, the station central 200 can be configured to handle the transfer of voice information from the public switched telephone network 160, through the IP 120 network, and inside and outside of one or more devices such as those connected to a residential broadband gate 300 The central IP station can be configured to store various control and system information such as location, address, and / or configurations of one or more residential broadband gates 300, as well as routing and call set-up information.

In the exemplary embodiments, one or more administration centers 155 may connect to the IP 120 network and provide billing and portability management of the local directory number. The local number portability can be managed by one or more Local Service Management Systems (LSMS) which can be included in the administration center 155 and / or IP 200 central station. In addition, the Secure Management Data Network 190 can include also a mechanism for the transfer of various information such as billing, call tracking, and / or provisioning of customer service. Various existing systems may be used to provide this information such as existing billing systems (OSS) 195 and / or one or more network operations centers (NOCs). The network operations centers can be included in the administration center 155, the IP central station 200, and / or the billing system 195. The network operations center (NOC) can be configured in several ways to include a server translation to allow communications with the various disparate entities (for example, legacy systems) in the broadband network 1.

The IP network 120 and / or the ATM network 185 illustrated in Figure 1 may include one or many sub-networks. Each of the subnets can include its own IP 200 central station in a distributed configuration, with some replication of routing data through all the central IP stations or each subnet can be connected to a centralized IP central station 200. In where the IP network 120 includes one or more sub-networks, each sub-network can be connected to multiple terminal head concentrators 115. In addition, each terminal head hub 115 can be connected to multiple coaxial-fiber hybrid plants 112, and each hybrid fiber plant -coaxial 112 can be connected to multiple pieces of equipment at customer boundaries 102 and / or 300 broadband residential gates. The IP 120 network provides an interconnected broadband network which can be used to transport and route information packaged to and from various geographic locations and can be used on a national or international basis. In addition, the IP network 120 and / or ATM network 185 can use private network facilities and / or can be provisioned over a shared network such as the Internet.

The IP 200 central station can be configured to provide connectivity for the residential broadband gate 300 to l? Internet 180 (for example, the World Wide Web (www)), as well as connectivity to other external networks such as the public switched telephone network 160 and the signaling system 7 (SS7) 170 for terminal voice -a-terminal, multimedia, and data applications, for example voice in IP telephony. IP packets that travel through the IP network provide priority in such a way thatFor example, voice packets have been given priority over data packets to maintain certain VoIP telephony QoS requirements and a leased line concept for packet traffic that may have a higher priority still. However, the system is sufficiently flexible so that the priority can be dynamically altered according to customer preferences, variable billing rates, traffic patterns, and / or congestion.

A. Central Internet Protocol Station With reference to Figure 2, the IP 200 central station can be configured in various ways. In the preferred embodiments, it can be configured to ensure seamless integration of the IP-based communication system including the IP network 120 with the public switched telephone network 160, the signaling system network 7 (SS7) 170, and the Internet 180, in such a way that the packaged data, for example, voice calls and information data, are appropriately transferred between the residential broadband gate 300, the public switched telephone network 160 and / or the Internet 180. In one embodiment, the plant hybrid fiber-coaxial 112, the terminal head concentrator 115, and the IP 120 network, provide a virtual signaling conduit for voice and packaged data that can, with the coordination of the IP 200 central station, be provided in the format suitable between the residential broadband gate 300 and the public switched telephone network 160 and / or the Internet 180.

Again with reference to Figure 2, the IP 200 central station can include a central router 200, for example, a one gigabit switch, which can be used to interconnect several servers and gates contained in the IP 200 central station. The router central 210 provides for example Ethernet switching and aggregate traffic between servers, gateways and the IP network 120 and / or backbone ATM 185. In an example embodiment, the central router 210 provides high speed, non-blocked IP and switching and routing of IP Multicast Layer 3. The IP 200 central station may include one or more of the following servers: the least expensive server (LCS) 255, the time of day (TOD) server 212, the dynamic guest control protocol (DHCP) server, the trivial file transfer protocol (TFTP) server, and the domain name service server (DNS) 214, the system management server (SM) 216, the call management server (CM) 218, the service announcement server (AS) 220, multimedia server (MS) 222, and / or conference server (CS) 224. As illustrated in Figure 2, the servers can be separate servers, for example, the call management server 218, or it can be incorporated into a single server. In the example mode, the dynamic guest control protocol server 131, the trivial file transfer protocol server 132, and the domain name service server 214, each is incorporated into a single server installation. Each server in the IP 200 central station can include computers, storage devices, and specialized software for the implementation of particular predefined functions associated with each server. In this way, the servers in the central IP station can be provided as a main server and one or more backup servers to provide redundant processing capabilities. Similarly, the router can be implemented as a main router and a backup router with similar routing functionality.

The IP 200 central station may also include, for example, one or more of the following gates: element management gate (EMG) 238, an accounting gateway (AG) 240, an Internet gate (Guest) (IG) 236, a signaling system gate 7 (SS7)) (SG) 234, a voice gate (VG) 232, and / or a multimedia gateway (MG) 230. The IP 200 central station may use one or more of these gates to provide centralized system intelligence and voice control and / or data IP packets.

In exemplary embodiments, the dynamic host control protocol server and the domain name service server 214 can operate to dynamically assign IP address devices on the equipment at the boundaries of the client 102. Where a dynamic IP allocation scheme, the team at the client's boundaries can be provided with one or several dynamic IP assignments when it is initially activated, and / or at the start of each active secession. Where an IP address is assigned when the device is initially activated, it may be desirable to assign a simple IP address to a simple residential broadband gateway and assign a port address to devices connected to the residential broadband gateway 300. In other embodiments, an individual IP address may be assigned to each device connected to the residential gateway of broadband 300. For example, the residential broadband gateway may include and / or connect with one or more cable modems, IP telephones , telephones of old simple telephone systems, computers, wireless devices, CATV converters, videophones, and / or other devices to which each can assign a unique static and / or dynamic IP address and / or a port of one of these IP addresses. The particular protocol for the assignment of IP addresses and / or ports can be specified using protocols defined in the dynamic guest control protocol server 214. In the example modes, the dynamic guest control protocol and the DN 214 server they can be configured to assign IP addresses available from address sources based, for example, on the identity or type of device required, the amount of usage expected by the requisite device, and / or the predefined allocation protocols defined in the control protocol dynamic host and server DN 214. In centralized modes, it will be desirable to configure the call manager (CM) 218 to provide sufficient information such that the domain name service server 214 can distinguish between static IP devices, IP devices dynamic devices, registered devices, non-registered devices, and registered devices that they have been assigned to a particular kind of service, for example, data versus telephony, supplied, versus not supplied, etc.

The Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) server 214 can be configured to transfer certain information to / from one or more residential broadband 300 gates. L * - the example modes, the trivial file transfer protocol server provides Data configuration information on Cable Service Interface Specifications (DOCSIS) containing QoS parameters and other information required for residential broadband gate 300 to operate optimally.

The time-of-day (TOD) server 212 may include an appropriate facility for maintaining a real-time clock such as a time server in accordance with RFC868. In the exemplary embodiments, the time-of-day server 212 provides system messages and / or responses to system requests that contain a coordinated time, for example universal coordinated time (UCT). The universal coordinated time may be used by any of the servers and / or devices in the broadband network 1. For example, the residential broadband gate 300 may use the universal coordinated time to calculate the local time for error registers of marking of time.

The system management server (SM) 216 may include responsibility for the overall operational status and operation of components of the broadband network 1, even on its own or in combination with other system management servers 216. The server system management (SM) 216 can be configured in various ways to provide monitoring and administrative functions for devices in the broadband network 1. For example, the system management server 216 can be configured to provide management of several basic functions data, buffer memory functions, and utility software functions in the broadband network 1. Software management includes, for example, version control, generic control, and / or module control.

The lowest cost server (LCS) 255 can be configured in several ways to allow the system to determine the lowest cost routing of telephone and data transmission through the network. The lower cost server 255 can also provide capacity of one or more residential broadband gateway users to select, for example, cost and Quality of Service (QoS).

The service announcement server (AS) 220 can be configured in several ways. In the example modes, you can store and send announcements to specified destinations and / or to all destinations based on instructions received for example, by the call management server (CM) 218. The announcement server 220 receives, for example, Protocol Media Gate Control (MGCP) or subsequent signaling (eg, H.GCP - an ITU Gate Control Protocol standard) of call manager control messages 218, and sends announcements to one or more gateways voice (VG) 232 and / or one or more residential broadband 300 gates (e.g., using Real Time Protocol (RTP) packets). The ad server 220 may send an announcement once, a predetermined number of times, or in a continuous cycle. The ad server 220 can detect when a telephone or other device has been taken offline and executes an advertisement or other advertisement for the user. Where a user has registered for an advertising plan whereby telephone rates are reduced in return to the utility generated by advertising by means of the advertisements, the advertisement server 220 can be used to track the number of individuals with an income particular, age, or other profile that listens to the advertisement. The ad server 220 can respond to device requirements of individual systems such as the residential broadband gates 300 and / or under control, for example, of the call manager 218. Where the ad server is under the control of the 218 calls, the call manager can be configured to control various operating parameters of the ad server. For example, the call manager 218 may request that certain announcements be sent once, a specified number of times, or in a continuous cycle.

Even in additional modalities, advertisements may be generated anywhere in the broadband network 1, stored as files, and distributed to one or more ad servers via a file transfer protocol such as the trivial file server 214 using one or more file transfer protocols. In various embodiments, it is desirable to store advertisements in an appropriate encoding format (e.g., G.711 or G.729) in the Advertiser Server. The advertisement may have an audio component and / or an audio / video component. The audio / video component may be stored using a combination of a coding format (e.g., G.711) and / or a standard file format such as wave format (WAV), MPEG, and other appropriate formats.

In an example operation method, a user picks up a telephone which sends a signal to the call manager 218. Subsequently, the call manager 218 can establish a connection to the advertisement server 220 and execute one or more recorded announcements and / or default (hypertext and / or audio). Signaling tones such as a busy signal can be executed by residential gateway 300 broadband or call manager 218, but Special Information Tones (SIT) and / or messages can also be included as part of a file of announcement. In this way, the user experience is improved in such a way that the user receives a busy message and / or a hypertext announcement providing one or several options to contact the called group. The ad server 220 may have information entered by a user using, for example, a residential broadband gateway to provide additional information to the called group. Additional information may include the ability to leave a message, write a note of conversation, page the called group, interfere with the call, and / or other user capabilities or defined system call handling.

The ad server 220 can also be programmed with several system messages such as an announcement indicating that a dialed number is incorrect or that the call was not executed as marked, that the lines are busy, that all lines between two countries are currently occupied, that the called group has changed numbers, that the telephone of the called groups has been disconnected, that one or more system errors have occurred, and / or other announcement messages.

The call manager (CM) 218 can be configured in several ways. In the exemplary embodiments, the call manager 218 provides a centralized call control center to support the establishment and deactivation of the call in the broadband network 1. The call manager 218 can be configured to include trunk information maintenance and of line, maintenance of call status for the duration of a call, and / or execution of user service features. The call manager 218 may also provide call processing functions such as a standardized call model for the processing of various voice connections such as voice in IP calls. In the example modalities, a standardized "open" model can be used which supports standardized application programming interfaces (APIs) to provide transport services and other user functions such as calling cards. An open application programming interface and a call setup interface in the call manager can allow third party applications to be loaded into the call manager 218 and the residential broadband gate 300. This will facilitate the development of applications of third parties to improve the functionality of the components in the broadband network 1. For example, third parties and -: sellers of equipment can manufacture several residential floodgates broadband 300 for use in the broadband network 1 by writing applications to support the call manager's open call model 218. The call manager 218 and / or the residential broadband gate 300 can also be configured to execute and / or accepting commands from a standardized script creation language that can generate instructions for the call manager 218 and / or residential broadband gate 300 to execute various functions. The script creation functionality can include the ability to execute a complete call model including interfaces for signaling system 7 (SS7170, the public switched telephone network 160, the IP network 120, the ATM / frame / packet transmission network 185, and / or other functions for example, in the central station a IP 200 such as the multimedia server 222, the advertisement server 220, the system management server 216, the conference server 224, the time of day server 212, the least expensive server 225, and / or the domain name server 214.

The call manager 218 can also be configured to maintain the call status for each call it handles (eg, a voice in an IP call) and respond to system events created for example, by gateway control protocol messages. multimedia (MGCP) and / or messages from the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISUP) user for signaling system protocol 7 (SS7) that may occur during the processing of a call. The example events handled by the call manager 218 include status changes, call characteristic changes / call feature activation events, changes in the status of lines and trunks, and / or error conditions. In addition, the call manager 218 can interact with devices connected to a single circuit in the public switched telephone network 160 and / or to another device connected to a residential broadband gate 300 port. In this way, new devices can be added to the infrastructure and operate using the open call model contained in the call manager 218.

The call manager 218 may also include storage for the subscriber and network configuration, a cache server to more quickly access the frequently used data, a router machine to select an appropriate routing algorithm (eg, lower cost routing) , and / or a service agent that provides the data and logic for specific services. In addition, the call manager 218 may include an authentication server (AC) 245 that provides authentication to various devices, objects, packets and users in the integrated multimedia system. In this way, a user can verify the identity of the group calling or being called.

The call manager 218 can interact with the signaling gateway (SG) 234, the accounting gateway (AG) 240, the element management gateway (EMG) 238, the voice gate (VG) 232, and the multimedia gateway (MG) 230 using any appropriate protocol such as the IP and an interconnection mechanism such as the central router 210. In a preferred embodiment, the manager 218 can be configured to use signaling messages such as: a) ISUP messages over an Architecture Interface Common Object Agent (COBRA) towards and / or from a signaling gateway 234, b) MGCP, SIP - simple Internet protocol , H.GCP, and / or other appropriate control messages to and / or from the ad server 220, c) call event records in Radio format modified to the accounting gateway 240,) Radio control messages (or Improved Radio or compatible protocol) to and / or from the voice gate 232 and / or residential broadband gates 300, and e) signaling network management protocol (SNMP) messages to and / or from the management gate of item 238.

The call manager 218 can incorporate one or more databases. For example, the call manager may include information from databases such as (1) a resource database that provides an identification of which resources are connected to the broadband network 1 in its normal state; (2) a trunk / gate database that indicates which gate serves which circuits in a trunk; (3) a customer database that indicates whether a call is authorized, identifies which services a line supports, and determines whether a telephone number is activated or deactivated in the integrated IP communication network; (4) a least-cost routing / numbering plan database that provides routing information that allows the IP 200 central station to select the correct trunk as a function of the called number; and (5) a local number portability (LNP) database that indicates the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) and associated prefixes that are open for association with the number portability service; and (6) an address of the service control point (SCP) toward which requests for the translation of these local portability numbers should be routed.

In the example modalities, the broadband network 1 includes equipment compatible with the COBRA standard. COBRA can be used to allow the applications of numerous vendors to operate with one another. The COBRA standard allows a company, such as AT &T, to build its network using equipment from multiple vendors and still ensures seamless integration and operation. Some of the main areas covered by COBRA v. 2.2 include: Inter-ORB Bridge Support, Inter-ORB General Protocol Support (GIOP), Inter-ORB Internet Protocol (IIOP) support, and Inter-ORB Protocol Support. Specific Environment (ESIOP). The call manager 218 can integrate these protocols to facilitate the establishment of calls with various equipment. This is advantageous because the equipment coming from numerous vendors can interoperate over the broadband network 1 without modification. • Multimedia server (MS) 222 can be configured in several ways. For example, one or more multimedia servers can provide support for the multimedia messaging service and / or the global management of voice and mail multimedia messages transmitted through the broadband network 1. The multimedia server can configured to support email messages (eg, html), voice mail (audio) messages, and / or video mail messages (audio and video). Multimedia messages can include standard preconfigured system messages, advertising messages, and / or user-defined messages. In any event, where messages are stored in a centralized location, the media server can provide that storage. Where multimedia server 222 provides storage for multimedia messages, a database may be used for indexing, storing, and retrieving such messages. In the example systems, the user can access the default of these messages. The multimedia server 222 can use the IP as a method of communication with other devices through the broadband network 1.

The conference server (CS) 224 can be configured to provide multi-group conference calls, for example, IP voice packets during an IP telephony or multimedia session call. The conference server 224 may include specialized software running on a computer platform having associated multiplexer and multiplexer capabilities to segregate and aggregate user information packets. For example, the conference server can register several calls within a conference session. When the training packages are sent from one or more telephones, they are added and sent to the other telephones in the conference call. The conference server 224 can use any appropriate communication protocol such as H.GCP or SIP. The conference server 224 may function to add user information of two or more users to a simple call route. The conference server 224 may include one or more "incoming call numbers" and may be controlled from any location, for example, a centralized operator location and / or one or more broadband 300 residential gates. It may be desirable having the conference server 224 configured in such a way that some of the callers simply monitor the call without interruption of the voice while others who call r.oseen both the transmission and reception capabilities of vo z. When the caller does not have the privileges associated with active participation in the call, the voice packets of these users are discarded. For example, a Director General may have a conference call with numerous financial advisers and invite the press to listen to the call without interruption capabilities.

The gates in the IP 200 central station can be configured to provide the translation of signals to and / or from several servers in the IP 200 central station, the IP 120 network, the public switched telephone network 160, the signaling system 7 ( SS7) 170, the Internet 180, and / or the secure management data network (SMD) 190. Typically the gates support one or more of the following function groups: call processing; connectivity of signaling system 7 (SS7); billing support; OAM & P support; connection to the public switched telephone network; CoS / QoS control parameters; and improved services.

The voice gate (VG) 232 can be connected to the public switched telephone network 160 and operate convert between the IP-based voice packets and the standard voice traffic of the public switched telephone network 160. The voice gate 232 can be configured as gates multifrequency (MF) or ISUP with a TI base. Where multi-frequency (MF) trunks are employed, one mode uses signaling between the call manager 218 and the voice gate 232 using MGCP, SIP, H. GCP and / or another compatible protocol. The multifrequency trunks can be compatible with Feature Group D (FGD), Operator Service Protocol (OS) and / or Termination Protocol (TP).

The central IP 200 station can be connected in several ways to the public switched telephone network. For example, the IP 200 central station can be connected directly to the public switched telephone network using, for example, a transport channel (eg, TI or T3 bearers) and / or interconnected using one or more networks such as a network of IP and / or an ATM / frame / packet transmission network 185. Where an IT network is used it will be desirable to use one or more ISUP or MF, FGD, and OS to interconnect a service office on the public switched telephone network 160. Alternatively, the service office on the public switched telephone network 160 can be inert connected using an alternative network arrangement such as an IP 120 network and / or an ATM / frame / packet 185 transmission network. The service office can coordinate the station central IP 200 providing operator services, directory services and provision of services 311, 611, and 711. Emergency 911 services can be routed to an E911 tandem switch that owns the apr databases. opiates and interfaces with a Public Secure Response Position (PSAP). The Emergency 911 services can be coordinated by the call manager 218 and / or the public switched telephone network based in the service office.

Voice gate 232 may be router-based and include one or more voice feature cards and / or DSP Module cards to perform speech processing. Voice gate 232 can optionally include host processors, LAN / WAN ports, Ethernet ports, TI or El telephone interface cards, Voice Feature Cards with DSP Modules that provide voice compression transcoding (G.711 and G.729). ), echo cancellation with carrier quality with a queue length of 8 ms - 32 ms, a stabilizing buffer that adapts to variations due to delays in the network in order to minimize the delay, concealment of packet losses that generates data frames. cloaking for lost packets using information from previously received data, and / or detection and generation of tone. This function detects Multi-Frequency (MF) tones and generates all of MF and call processing (for example, dial tone, call waiting tone, etc.).

In the exemplary embodiments, the voice gate 232 may include Ti / El interfaces with Channel Service Units (CSU). It may also be desirable to configure voice gate 232 such that ISUP, MF, and Centralized Assistance Service (CAS) trunks are supported with a configuration on an IT basis. Additionally, multi-frequency tones and Centralized Assistance Services can use a communication scheme of "stolen bits" where the bits are "stolen" from sub-frames to transmit in-band signaling. Multi-frequency tones can be converted into and / or from, for example, single gate control protocol (SGCP) signal requests and events via voice gate 232. For example, multifrequency tones and / or lower level signaling and time functions can be transmitted to and / or from any of the following indications: Single gate control protocol notification functions, Single gate control protocol notification requests, Connection requests, Modification of Connection, disconnection and / or connection indications.

An Ethernet interface with an RJ-45 connector can be used to connect the voice gate 232 to the center router 210 (e.g., Gigabit Switches or High Speed Router (HSR)). The multimedia gate control protocol can be used as the interface between voice gate 232 and call manager 218. For example, call control, signaling, and multimedia data stream, time protocol connections Actual (RTP), IP addresses, UDP ports, codec selection, etc., can be configured in any appropriate way such as using a multimedia gateway control protocol. In the exemplary embodiments, the audio streams can be passed directly between the equipment at the boundaries of the client 102 using real-time protocol connections over, for example, a user's datagram protocol (UDP). Accordingly, the multimedia gate protocol can be used to request the voice gate 232 to initiate, cancel, and / or otherwise modify connections for the purpose of establishing and deactivating the RTP media streams. A similar procedure can be used to request continuity tests and results.

In the exemplary embodiments, it may be desired to adapt the IP network to carry messages from the Transaction Capability Application Part (TCAP) of the signaling system 7 (SS7) over the IP 120 network and / or the ATM transmission network / frame / packet 185. The transport of messages from the transaction capability application part (TCAP) of signaling system 7 (SS7) over the packet network allows signaling operations to be supported by means of multiple connections with the same host, with multiple guest connections, and distributed processing of the call setup information using, for example, multiple call managers 218 in the broadband network 1. Therefore, the IP 120 network and / or ATM transmission network / frame / package - > It can be used to interconnect numerous ESS switches to carry signaling, voice, and / or data information. In embodiments where the signaling gateway (SG) 234 is configured to support the signaling transport of the signaling system 7 (SS7) using messages from the transaction capability application part (TCAP), it may be desirable to include a translator for convert between multimedia gate control protocol (MGCP) messages and messages from the transaction capabilities application part (TCAP) and / or messages from the? a? .e of the ISDN User (ISUP).

The point where the ISUP and TCAP messages terminate in a signaling gateway of signaling system 7 (SS7) is defined by a Service Switching Point (SSP) for signaling system 7 (SS7) 170 network. The call manager 218 can be configured with a standardized Application Programming Interface (API) to allow interaction with the signaling system 7 (SS7) by, for example, sending and / or receiving ISUP and TCAP messages from a point Service Switching (SSP). The full functionality of the signaling system 7 (SS7) of class 5 can be included in the call manager 218 including the ability to provide all the information necessary for billing as defined in the Bellcore GR-246 standard. The signaling gate 234 can be arranged to execute: the handling of messages (message discrimination, message distribution, and message routing) of the signaling system 7 (SS7); the management of the signaling link (for example, activation, deactivation of the link); the management of signaling routing (management of the status of the Point Code route [PC] based on management messages received on the route such as Forbidden Transfer, Allowed Transfer, Restricted Transfer, etc.); and signaling traffic management (traffic deviation based on non-availability, in the availability, the restriction of the signaling link, and the Code Point). The architecture of signaling system 7 (SS7) supports the redundancy component scheme for system reliability and availability during scheduled maintenance and / or software / hardware update (program / equipment). Signaling gate 234 can be configured to directly provide lower level processing of signaling system 7 (SS7).

In the exemplary embodiments, the signaling gateway 234 interacts with the call manager 218 using an appropriate open interface (e.g., Common Object Request Agent Architecture (COBRA)). In these embodiments, it may be desirable for the translation software in the signaling gateway 234 to add layer information from the Message Transfer Part (MTP) to the ISUP and / or TCAP data to create a complete message of the signaling system. 7 (SS7). The complete message of the signaling system 7 can then be sent to the Signaling Transfer Point (STP) in the external network of the signaling system 7 (SS7) 170. Conversely, the signaling gate 234 can be configured to remove the data of the signaling layer. ISUP or TCAP application of the signaling system messages 7 (SS7) received from the STP before converting the information to an appropriate open interface (e.g., COBRA) and sending the information to the call manager 218 via the central router 210.

The accounting gateway (AG) 240 may be configured to receive messages from the call manager 218 representing events via an appropriate transport mechanism such as the central router 210. Typically, two messages are received for each call, the first when the call is established. call, and the second when the call ends. In the case of unsuccessful calls, only the failure message will be recorded. The message provides details about the calling groups and the called groups, the time of the call establishment, the duration and the quality of the call. Accounting gate 240 can be duplicated using a redundant computer, with each gate having duplicate double disks. Accounting gateway 240 stores usage records and can subsequently distribute them to linked destinations (for example, billing centers) for processing. Billing centers typically include billing processors that receive accounting information from accounting gateway 240 and generate appropriate billing online or in paper for customers. The accounting gateway can be configured to accommodate multi-day values of accounting records such as records for a day, two days, three days, four days, a week, or a month. The period in which data is retained in the accounting gateway may depend on business needs, hardware constraints, and / or the billing cycle. For example, as the billing cycle approaches, it may be desirable to shorten the period in which the accounting gate holds the data so that calls placed on the day the invoices are printed are included in the invoices. In addition, the accounting gateway can retain and send data to billing centers. In this way, if the equipment fails in the billing centers, the accounting gateway 240 can serve as a backup. Similarly, the billing center can act as a backup when the accounting gateway 240 fails.

An Automatic Message Accounting (AMA) format is typically used by circuit activation systems, packet activation systems, and other network elements to provide usage measurement data. (for example, the Automatic Accounting Format of Bellcore® messages (BAF). This data can be used to allow the client to be charged for the use of network resources or to allow other carriers to be loaded (for example, Internal Exchange Carrier (IEC) and another Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) for assistance in the placement of call connections The accounting gateway 240 can be configured to convert this information into Automatic Message Accounting Format (AMA) records (eg, BAF) and send these records to the external billing systems using, for example a TFTP (trivial file transfer protocol). The timing accuracy is typically based on the accuracy of the call manager clock 218 that can be derived from the TOD server 212. In order to create appropriate AMA records, the event information produced by the call manager 218 preferably has information appropriate for the telephone service specified as a telephone number of the calling party (customer), telephone number of the party being called (customer), time of the call, duration of the call, and use of any discretionary feature. Different AMA structures can be generated between In-Network calls (defined as within the IP network of the network service provider 120) versus Out-of-Network calls (defined as outside of the service provider's IP network - for example, the public switched telephone network) for billing purposes.

The element management gateway (EMG) 238 can provide system management functionality that includes, for example: a) status and performance monitoring for the Operation, Maintenance, and Procurement Center to indicate the operations being performed for the applications; b) extensive exchange of information with a network operation center responsible for the maintenance in execution of one or more applications; c) adjustable operations interface to allow the network operations center to see only the required information, thus reducing the time spent filtering information; d) centralized distributed application configuration that allows the centralized configuration of objects that reside in numerous machines; e) proactive network management capabilities to rule out the need for constant operator interoperability by making day-to-day operations more efficient; and / or f) intelligent display of state information to separate critical problems from lower priority problems by allowing the operation center to allocate resources for the correct problems at the correct time.

The multimedia gateway (MG) 230 may be configured to connect to the public switched telephone network 160 and to convert the IP-based multimedia packets into public switched telephone network traffic 160. The multimedia gateway 230 may include an intelligent trunk interface that communicates with the call manager 218 for the automatic trunk measurement and the allocation between the IP network 120 and the public switched telephone network 160. For example, when a system user at the client's boundaries is using a PC and / or an multimedia telephone to communicate with a traditional user of the public switched telephone network 160, the communication session involves the transmission of video and audio data. The bandwidth required for this type of communication is much greater than that required by a PSTN-to-PSTN voice call or an IP-to-PSTN voice call. The multimedia gate 230, as the interface between two systems, can negotiate a larger bandwidth to facilitate the call if the called party also has video capability. This bandwidth negotiation process typically occurs with a 5ESS or a Local Digital Switch on the public switched telephone network 160. Typically a multimedia call, including live video, audio and data, will require a bandwidth in the range of 56. K at 1,544 Mbps. However, when the number of users sharing the same link increases, the quality of the transmission deteriorates significantly. The multimedia gateway 230 should be able to monitor bandwidth usage and make appropriate adjustments to maintain an acceptable quality of service. In addition, it will be desirable for the call manager 218 and the multimedia gate 230 to communicate with each other and / or that the equipment on the boundaries of the client 102 determine whether the user has authorized the additional bandwidth and therefore the expense of the call. For example, even when a called and / or calling party has video capability, it may nevertheless refuse payment authorization for the increased bandwidth needed for the video.

The Internet gateway (IG) 236 can connect to the Internet (for example, the World Wide Web (www)) and provide means for IP-based data packets to be routed between the IP 120 network and the Internet 180. Alternatively , IP-based voice packets can be routed via the Internet 180. In the example modes, the Internet gateway 236 routes data only packets that share the same priority level with other non-real time traffic of lower priority, consistent with recently experienced computer data communications with the Internet 180. Consequently, the low priority and low latency data traffic in the IP 120 network uses the Internet gateway 236 to communicate with other IP data networks such as the www. . The voice packets can be routed through another network such as the ATM / frame / packet 185 transmission network, a private IP network 120, and / or the public switched telephone network 160 where information rates can easily be obtained Agreed In the exemplary embodiments, the broadband network 1 includes interfaces that allow connections to Operation, Maintenance and Supply (OAM &P) 195 systems that support, billing, accounting, provisioning and / or configuration management functions. A Secure Management Data Network (SMD) 190 may be used to connect the 0.AM &P 195 to the accounting gate 240 and the element management gate 238. The Secure Management Data Network 190 may include a Network of the NSD Network Service Division. The Secure Management Data network 190 helps to ensure that only secure communications can take place between the IP central station and the O.AM &P 195. This eliminates a potential means of sabotaging the billing and delivery functions in the OAM & amp;; P. Billing systems (OSS) 195 may include the Network Operations Center (NOC). The NOC can include a translation server, which includes functions to allow communication and control of various networks.

B. Residential Broadband Gateway (BRG). With reference to Figure 3, a preferred mode for a residential broadband gate (BRG) 300 will now be described and explained. The residential broadband gate 300 can be configured as the interface unit between the remaining devices of the equipment at the boundaries of client 102 and the external network. The residential broadband gate 300 can be connected to the remaining broadband network 1 using any suitable mechanism such as a gate directly in an IP network and / or a connecting cable. In the most preferred embodiments, a fiber-coaxial hybrid plant connection such as the hybrid coaxial fiber (HFC) plant 112 is used. The hybrid coaxial fiber plant 112 allows numerous 300 wideband residential floodgates to be included. in a hybrid plant of coaxial-112 fiber without modifications to the infrastructure of the plants.

Residential broadband gate 300 can be configured in various ways, for example, to provide high-speed cable modem capabilities for interconnecting one or more PCs associated with each other and with the remaining broadband network 1, to provide functionality to one or more TVs (using, for example, a built-in or separate decoder functionality, for example a set top box 350 decoder), to one or more telephone connections such as simple old telephony service (POTS) telephones and / or digital telephones, screens, wireless interfaces, voice processing, remote control interface, screen interface, and / or administrative functions. In the exemplary embodiments, the residential broadband gate 300 can a) provide conversion between analog voice and IP voice packets, b) multiplexing / demultiplexing of IP voice packet streams, c) multiplexing / demultiplexing support of multiple incoming and outgoing signals including multiple voices, multimedia data, systems management, and / or TV information signals.

Where the elements of residential broadband gate 300 are interconnected, the interconnection can be provided by one or more data buses, for example, a high-speed bus (HSB) 360, a processor bus 380, and / or other interconnection system. The high-speed bus 360, 380 can be configured to provide a flexible conduit for the transfer of information between the devices or internal hardware, processors and ports. In the exemplary embodiments of the residential broadband gate 300, the high-speed bus 360 may include one or more of the following functional units a) a universal remote control receiver module 365 for wireless reception (eg, infrared, and / or RF) signals (e.g., keyboard signals and / or remote control signals) for the control of residential broadband gate 300 and / or any connected device, b) a screen, a screen controller, a touch screen logic module for controlling one or more local and / or remote screens to establish an interface with the residential broadband gate 300 and / or more connected devices , c) one or more 336 TV port modules for the interconnection of televisions, set top decoding devices, and / or other audiovisual devices with the residential broadband gate 300, d) one or more data port modules 334 for connection / interconnection of data-capable devices (e.g., personal computers, hand-held or palm-top devices, etc.), e) one or more telephone port modules 332 for interconnecting one or more analog and / or digital telephones , f) one or more peripheral port modules 342 for the interconnection of one or more peripheral devices such as disk drives, data storage devices, AC recorders, video cameras, DVD devices, audio devices, video devices (eg, video recording cameras, digital tuners, digital video recorders, stereos, etc.), g) one or more intercom modules e.:ternos / innos 344 for the interconnection of remote intercommunication devices and / or security monitoring, h) one or more wireless interface modules 345 for the connection with various wireless extension devices such as wireless TVs, cordless and / or wireless telephones , Wireless LANs, etc., i) one or more voice recognition / speech synthesis modules 355 for the generation of voice announcements, voice messages and voice announcements and for the recognition of commands and data generated by voice, j ) a set-top box 350 decoder module for executing the functions associated with local set-top box decoder and / or communication with one or more set-top box decoders connected remotely, ) memory 322 (for example, DRAM, RAM, flash, and / or other memory) for the storage of information and operation data in residential broadband gate 300, 1) a transceiver 302 for communication with one or more networks external broadband, m) storage of operating program 330 (eg, ROM, flash, etc.) for the storage of at least parts of the operating programs for residential broadband gate 300 and / or. interconnected devices, n) security processor, smart card and / or credit card interface module 340 to provide secure de-processing functions and / or credit card and / or smart card transaction functions, and / or controller) Distributed processing 306 which may be a microprocessor and / or one or more interconnected distributed processing modules for the control of the residential broadband gate 300. Where the distributed processing controller 306 includes one or more distributed processing modules, the modules may include a telephone processing module (Pl) 308, a data processing module (P23) 310, a video processing module (P3) 312, an auxiliary processing module (P4) 314, a processing module of IP (P5) 316, and / or maintenance of operations management and a supply processing module (P6) 318 interconnected through one or more buses such as the processor bus 380. The processor bus 380 and / or the high-speed bus 360 may include any appropriate interconnect bus including bus configurations with incorporation of intelligent buffer logic (not shown in Figure 3) for facilitate the transfer of data between interconnected processors and / or modules. The various modules and / or processing components of the residential broadband gate 300 may be energized, for example, by a power supply unit (not shown). Each of the individual modules of the residential broadband gate will now be described in greater detail.

The transceiver 302 may include circuits for the conversion of digital signals to and from the appropriate RF signals for transmission through the broadband network such as the hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112. The transceiver 302 may include one or more ports of input / output such as a cable interface (e.g., a cable connection connector F) and / or a fiber optic interface connected to a communication medium (e.g., hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112). The transceiver 302 may be compatible with the DOCSIS 1.0 or later specifications. For signaling purposes, the residential broadband gate 300 may be compatible with the Media Control Gateway Protocol (MGCP) or other compatible signaling protocol (eg, SIP or H.GCP) to support telephony applications. The transceiver 302 can serve as a modem, a translator and / or a multiplexer / demultiplexer. The data received from the network can be demultiplexed or de-interleaved and placed on the data bus to be sent to the appropriate peripherals and / or ports. Data from various ports and peripherals can be multiplexed together for distribution in one or more broadband networks (for example, hybrid coaxial fiber (HFC) 112). Where a hybrid coaxial fiber plant 112 is used, the data may be multiplexed into several frequency bands of the hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 into a continuous data stream and / or stream (s) of packed data To facilitate data transfer for several networks, transceiver 302 can include one or more registers for data queuing and / or IP addressing of data packets through the broadband network.

Although the illustration of a screen, screen controllers and touch-screen logic devices 338 suggest that the screen is an integral part of the residential gateway of 300 broadband, alternative modes of the residential broadband gate 300 can provide a user interface via the TV screen, PC screen, videophone, and / or other display device in addition to, or in conjunction with, an integrated device to the 300 broadband residential gate.

The peripheral port module 342 may include numerous ports that provide connectivity to external peripherals. Example interfaces include, PCI, Firewire, USB, DB25, etc. Devices incorporating one or more of these interfaces can use the residential broadband gate 300 to interconnect with the rest of the broadband network 1.

The internal / external intercom module (IM) 344 may include one or more microphones / loudspeakers, voice CODECs, telephony processors, and / or interface ports. Where an intercom module 344 is used, the interconstructed circuit may be configured to detect, for example, telephones from the simple unused old telephone system, and generates a special intercom tone for these unused telephones. In this way, simple old telephone system telephones, digital telephones, and / or other devices can serve as an intercom through the residence. The controller 306 (for example, such as the telephone processor Pl 308) can operate to control the intercom module 344 to determine an appropriate intercom route to select an intercommunication connection between multiple locations. In the exemplary embodiments, the CODEC can be configured to convert the analog voice signal into IP packets for transmission by one or more data ports 334, the TV ports 336, the display modules 338, the telephone ports 332 , the peripheral ports 342, the external / internal intercom ports 344, the wireless interface ports 345, and the set-top box decoders 350.

In still further embodiments, the multiple residential broadband gates 300 can be configured through, for example, IP addressing, to establish an intercommunication connection between multiple remote 300 broadband residential gates. In this way, an administrative assistant can be contacted in the office via an intercom connection present in the user's home. In this way, one or more individuals arranged either in local and / or remote locations with various types of equipment can communicate as intercommunication groups without the need to communicate via normal normal dialing procedures.

In addition to the intercommunication services, the intercom module 344 can also configure intercom services for other telephony services (eg, extension transfer, call conferencing, internal caller ID), high-speed data services (eg. example, LAN connections), facsimile transmission / reception, email transmission / reception, videoconferencing, and / or CATV / HDTV (Cry TV / High Definition Television) using standard industrial protocols such as DOCSIS 1.0 or later and IP addressing transmissions. These services are advantageous because once configured, the user can sima ..ai a work environment in your home.

Although processing can be accomplished by a simple processor that executes all functions (eg, processing controller 306), in the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 3, the architecture employs a distributed processing controller 306, and numerous processors P1 -P6 308-318. In the distributed processing architecture each of the numerous processors P1-P6 can be configured to have a dedicated function to provide predetermined applications or services. The processors can be connected together via an appropriate mechanism such as the processor bus 380 and / or the high-speed bus (HSB) 360. The first Pl 308 processor can include telephony applications such as call setup, call deactivation, and call functions; the second processor P2 310 may include management functions such as distribution and data coordination in the various devices of the residential broadband gate 300; the third P3 312 processor can include video processing functions for the configuration of the control panels, display screens of attached devices, video conference calls, MPEG decoding functions and other video processing functions; the fourth processor P4 314 may include an auxiliary processor for downloading special processing functions such as numerical processing; the fifth processor P5 316 may include input / output interface processing functions (e.g., text-to-speech, and vice versa) and / or Internet protocol (IP) for data configuration to communicate with the rest of the network broadband 1 and / or devices attached to the residential broadband gate 300 such as IP telephones or PCs with IP capability; and the sixth P6 processor 318 may include processing functions for Operation, Maintenance and Supply processing (OAM &P). Each of the above processors can be a completely separate processing unit with the inclusion of RAM, ROM, Flash, or can share RAM, ROM and / or Flash memory. Where RAM, ROM, and / or Flash memory is used, the memory may be located in the distributed processor controller 306 and / or on the processor bus 380. Alternatively, the memory may be integrated into the storage of the operating program 330 and / or in memory 322.

The Distributed Processing controller 306 with its associated processors (P1-P6) can be connected to the various elements of the residential broadband gate 300 in a manner that allows the proper operation of each one or of the individual components. For example, the distributed processing controller 306 (with any of the associated processors (P1-P6)) can also be connected to the smart card / credit card security processor and interface module 340, to the peripheral port (s) module 342, and / or to the External / Internal Intercom Module 344 to provide control and coordination between devices connected to the high-speed bus 360.

The screen 338 may include, for example, an interactive LED / LCD module placed in an appropriate position such as in or attached to the residential broadband gate 300. The screen 338 may include an interface for notifying, viewing and receiving inputs of the user and the processing status. Screen 338 may be configured to display various states of information such as multimedia mail, called ID, call records, call in progress and associated information, call in progress information, conference call, and / or other related call information. The screen 338 can provide a real-time status display of the various devices connected to the residential broadband gate 300 as well as any current connections, calls, and / or data transfers. Screen 338 may also include touch-sensitive screen capabilities to allow information to be entered via numerous interrelated screen requests, on-screen icons, and / or a keyboard (e.g., an alphanumeric keyboard). The keyboard can be a remote control keypad, and / or an alphanumeric keypad.

In a mode of operation of the screen 338, a user may touch an icon representing a pending voice and / or multimedia message. Can the panel be configured to send an electronic signal to the processing controller 306? / or to a linked processor such as a telephone processor. Upon receiving the signal, the telephone processor Pl 308 can be configured to generate an IP packet via the transceiver 302 through portions of the bandwidth network 1 to the multimedia server 222 at the IP 200 central station. Multimedia 222 can authenticate the request by, for example, verifying the location of the request and / or the identity of the requesting party. When the calling party is being verified, the user enters an access password by means of an audio and / or keyboard request. Where an audio request is generated, the user can use the external / internal intercom module 344 of the residential broadband gate 300, or via a text message entered on the 338 screen. Then, the user can enter the code Appropriate access via soft keyboard on screen, microphone, and / or keyboard.

Alternatively, the message can be stored locally in the memory 322 the residential broadband gates 300 and depending on whether there is a security password in the residential broadband gate 300, the user can 'not have to enter a password to access the message . When the message is stored in the memory 322 of the residential broadband gates 300 in place of the central IP station, the display 338 simply retrieves the message from the memory and presents it to the user to provide an instant retrieval of the message with one touch In modes where the residential broadband gateway supports multiple mailboxes, the icons on the LCD / LED can be customized to show the identity of the message holder. Each user can have a different password to ensure the privacy of access. On the screen 338 an activity record can be presented which tracks the past and present messages and / or multimedia message files. The file can be stored locally, or at a remote location such as an IP exchange. The file could be used to retrieve messages that have been long since they were deleted from local storage but can be retrieved from the IP PBX in a tape and / or disk storage. This is preferably an optional feature for those users who are less aware of security. Multimedia messages do not need to be displayed only on screen 338. In alternative modes, any of the peripheral devices attached to the residential broadband gate 300 are capable of retrieving multimedia messages.

The memory 322 can be configured in various ways to include one or more updatable card slots in its site by allowing the memory expansion. Certain users will want to enable larger terminal applications such as close video on request (for example paused presentations via buffer in memory), multi-user video conferencing, multipart conferences, call waiting for multiple parties, etc. Consequently, the use of a residential broadband gate 300 allows the user to update the memory via the insertion of additional cards. Alternatively, the user can remotely use system memory in the IP exchange and the buffer data.

The storage of the operating program 330 can be configured to receive updates. This can be achieved by replacing the user with one or more cards or automatically by the central IP station by downloading a new operating code in one or more residential gates 300.

As indicated above, the Intelligent Buffer Logic (SBL) can be connected to the telephony port (s) 332, data port (s) 334, TV port (s) 336, peripheral port (s) 342 , and / or Distributed Processing Controller (DPC) 306. Wherever intelligent buffering logic is used, it will function to stabilize the IP packets for delivery in the communication network such as the hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112. In addition, intelligent buffering logic can include selectable switching and routing algorithms based on services and applications associated with each port. Depending on the destination of the IP traffic, the intelligent buffer logic can multiplex signals from several devices to effect a faster information transfer. The smart buffer logic can also allow direct access to memory between the memory 322 and one or more of the devices and / or ports connected to the high-speed bus 360.

The telephone port (s) 332 may include several interface circuits (eg, analog interface, logic and firmware to establish an interface with Simple Old Telephony telephones (POTs).) Also the port (s) ) 332 can be configured to include user interface logic, voice processing logic, voice activity detector logic, voice CODECs logic, and DTMF tone sensitivity (dual tone multi-frequency). Echo cancellation and automatic gain control can also be used in the circuits of the telephony port (s) 332. In one embodiment, the RJ-11 connectors for numerous lines (e.g., 4) are provided for the connection to one or more telephone units of the existing simple 110 old telephone system, however, the residential broadband gate 300 can contain any number of telephone connection ports. The number of existing user's phones can be connected directly to the residential broadband gateway 300 without modification. Alternatively, the residential broadband gate can be configured to support, in addition to or as an alternative to the telephone units of the simple old telephone system, ISDN telephones and / or other digital telephones (e.g., IP telephones) they use. an appropriate interface.

The interface of the data port (s) 334 can be configured in several ways. In one configuration, the data ports include high-speed data service connections for, for example, a personal computer (PC) using a LAN connection. For example, the data ports 334 may include an 802.3 Ethernet connection compatible with category 5 unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable and an RJ-45 connector. The data ports 334 may include the interface circuits necessary to connect the remote computers.

The TV port (s) 336 may include a conventional television interface, HDTV and / or CATV services. The TV port (s) 336 typically have one or more F connectors used for coaxial cable connections to TV sets. TV ports can be configured to connect to a set top box (STB) decoder via the F connector or directly to a remote television. In modalities in which the set top box decoder is located together with the television, the data supplied in the TV ports can be either analogue and / or digital information. Where a decoder is integrated and / or comprises the residential broadband gate 300, the television ports may be analog or compatible with the HDTV signals.

The residential broadband gate 300 does not ^^^^ Uta tt ^ - necessarily needs to be limited to the use of the home and pretends to be used also in business applications. In some configurations, residential broadband gate 300 can serve the same functions and operate as a private exchange branch (PBX). Where greater capacity is desired, one or more 300 broadband residential gates can be arranged on a PC card and combined in a PC, computer panel, and / or server to create a private exchange type system. expandable that allows the call in the internal boundaries between telephones connected to several telephone connectors in the residential gateway of broadband 300.

C. Integrated Band-Based IP Communication System Figure 4 shows an example mode of the broadband network 1 shown in Figures 1-3, with similar components identified with identical numbers. At the ends of the integrated communication systems is the Customer's Edge Equipment Unit (CPE) 102, for example, one or more equipment at the boundaries of the client 102 at each location of the customer. The equipment on the boundaries of the client 102 can be configured to include an integrated internal communication device such as a residential broadband gate 300. Other equipment devices on the boundaries of the client 102 such as one or more televisions (TV) 106, computers Personal (PC) 108, and 110 telephones, etc., can be connected to the residential broadband gate 300 via various ports as discussed above. The equipment on the boundaries of the customer 102 could include multiple TVs 106, telephones 110, and 108 PCs connected to a single and / or multiple residential 300 broadband doors. In addition, in certain embodiments, it will be desirable to divide the residential broadband gateway. 300 in more than one physical package. In this way, certain interface circuits may be located outside the home while several processing circuits may be located near a peripheral device such as a set top decoder.

A residential broadband gate 300 that is connected to a hybrid coaxial fiber plant 112 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, can be configured to provide the user with information data (e.g. Ethernet), telephony access, and TV service (for example, HDTV, digital TV and / or CATV services). In exemplary embodiments, the fiber-coaxial hybrid plant 112 typically includes both coaxial and fiber optic cable networks, although, where desired, the network may include only coaxial cable or optical fiber. The fiber-coaxial hybrid plant 112 can be connected to the terminal head concentrator (HEH) 115. The terminal head concentrator 115 can provide an interconnection point for joining and / or transforming external services (e.g., off-air and satellite video). , voice of public switched telephone network, and Internet data) in an appropriate format for distribution in the coaxial fiber hybrid plant 112 for use with the equipment at the boundaries of the client 102. The terminal head concentrator 115 may include one or more cable modem termination systems (CMTS) 116 connected between the hybrid coaxial fiber plant 112, a terminal head (HE) 117 and / or an Edge Router (ER) 118. The edge router 118 can be connected to the cable modem termination system 116 and one or more ultra high-speed (UHR) routers 121. One or more ultra-high-speed 121 routers can be interconnected with each other and / or through n centralized mechanism such as a database of the IP network to form a high-speed network. The high-speed packet network 120n is an example of the network 120 (e.g., the IP network) shown in Figure 1.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the high-speed network 120n includes ultra high-speed (UHR) routers 121 configured in a ring configuration. Although this embodiment shows the use of the database of 1 IP network (IND) 122, other configurations are also convenient. Where a database of the IP network 122 is used, it will be desirable to incorporate one or more data sets such as: a local IP number portability database (IP LNP) 122a that can be used to transfer local DN between service providers when a user changes to their service provider; a database of IP caller name (IP CNAME) 122b that can be used to provide a database of names related to IP addresses and / or domain names; an IP line information database (IP LIDB) 122c which can provide alternative billing and allow flexibility in determining who pays for a call; and a 1-800 IP Database (IP 8YY) 122d which can provide a database of 1-800 numbers related to the IP 120a network. Alternatively, the local IP number portability database may be located at another location, such as a central IP (Central IP) station 200. Wherever desired, a local service management system (LSMS) may be provided. 150 to provide management of the local IP number portability database. Where a service management system 150 is used, numerous local service order management units (LSOA) 152 can be connected to the local service management system, for example, by a number portability management center (NPAC) 151 In this way, directory numbers can be transported between different service providers. In such a case, an NPAC 151 is generally connected to the LSMS 150 and uses the LSMS 150 to synchronize the numbering of the databases and to coordinate the carrying process.

As indicated above, the broadband network 1 may include numerous high-performance, inertly connected networks 12On. Each high-performance network 12On may include a separate IP central station 20 and / or share a single central IP station. Having distributed the central IP stations located through the broadband network 1 provides improved performance and faster response times for an individual user. Although not illustrated, each high-performance network 120, 120n can be connected to multiple terminal head concentrators, each terminal head concentrator 115 can be connected to multiple fiber-coaxial hybrid plants 112, and each fiber-coaxial hybrid plant 112 can connect to numerous equipment at client boundaries 102, each containing one or more 300 broadband residential gates. The plurality of 120n high performance networks can be configured as an interconnected network to route packed information from point-to-point according to with a desired destination.

High performance network 120n can be configured to provide connectivity to and between numerous terminal head concentrators 115 and / or numerous residential broadband gates 300 and other networks such as the Internet, for example, www 180, the public switched telephone network (PSTN) 160 and / or various signaling systems such as the SS7 170 network for end-to-end voice over IP applications. The IP 200 central station can be configured to provide seamless integration and control of the high-performance network interface 120 (e.g., an IP-based communication system) with public switched telephone networks (PSTN) 160, the system signaling seven (SS7) 170, and / or Internet 180 such that packaged data, voice calls, and other signaling information are appropriately transferred between the residential broadband gate 300 and the public switched telephone network 160 and the Internet 180. In certain configurations, the fiber-coaxial hybrid plant 112, the terminal head concentrator 115, and the high performance network 120, provide a conduit for a signal for voice and data packets, which can be provided, with the coordination of the central station of IP 200, an appropriate format between residential broadband gate 300, public switched telephone network 160, and / or www 180.

D. General Operation of the Communication System Integrated The typical home user typically requires purchasing multiple7 smart data conduits such as multiple decodifi. set-top boxes, numerous DSL and / or ISDN telephones, cable, modems, HDTV receivers, satellite receivers, PC LANs for the home, etc. The integrated communication system of the present invention provides a versatile and user-friendly communication system that allows voice over IP telephony, information data (e.g., PC and Internet), and television services in a system with a smart equipment interface on the boundaries of the client 102, the residential gateway of wideband 300. The residential gateway of broadband 300 together with the central station of IP 200 provides a flexible communication system that can provide any number of features of integrated communication service without requiring the user to become acquainted with numerous and diverse types of equipment.

In a speech example application in IP operations, the residential broadband gate 300 digitizes the analog telephone signal using, for example, the law code G.711 μ (64 KBPS Pulse Code Modulation). The digital samples can then be packaged in, for example, residential broadband gate 300 in IP packets. The residential broadband gate 300 can be configured to encapsulate the IP packets in, for example, DOCSIS frame (Data on Cable Service Interface Specifications) for transmission back to the terminal head concentrator (HEH) 115 over the plant fiber-coaxial hybrid 112. The fiber-coaxial hybrid plant 112 can then be configured to carry signals both upstream (the terminal head concentrator 202) and downstream (to the 300 broadband residential gate and equipment in the boundaries of the client 102). Although the DOCSIS protocol is used in this example, any future protocol for digitizing and packaging the data can also be used. Wherever the protocol changes, it may be desirable to download a new operating code from, for example, the IP 200 central station to the residential broadband gate 300, to dynamically update the communication protocols. When adopting new protocols, the central IP station can use, for example, the system management server 216 to download new protocol data in, for example, the protocol manager in the call manager 218 and the program buffer 330 in the 300 broadband residential gate.

Where voice packets are sent through unscrambled concessions through constant bit rate (CBR) channels, additional packet data channels can be used to support signaling messages (eg, SGCP, Single Gate Control Protocol), high-speed cable modem services and / or other data services in an upstream package. Packet data services upstream can be sent using available bit rate (ABR) channels so that voice channels are not impacted by traffic.

E. TV signal reception The terminal head 117 can originate CATV signals to be transmitted over the distribution network. However, in alternative embodiments, the signals may be inserted at other points in the distribution network, such as in several hubs or they may originate in remote locations in the network such as the IP exchange. Downstream channels can be used to facilitate the transmission of signals from the terminal head or other distribution point at the client's boundaries. Where the analog RF signals arrive at the residential broadband gate, 300 of the equipment at the boundaries of the client 102, typically, the transceiver circuits 302 will detect whether the signal is routed to this residential gateway of broadband 300. If so, the transceiver will allow the reception of the RF signal. In the conversion to a digital format, the signal typically leaves the high-speed bus (HSB) 360 to one or more associated devices for processing. For example, where a signal is a TV signal, the signal can be output directly to the TV port 336 and / or processed by the set top box set-top box 350 before exiting to the TV ports 336 and / or the screen 338 Where the user's channel selection is made directly in the residential broadband gate 300, the channel selection must be made by the remote control receiver 365 using an external device such as a remote control. The remote control receiver can receive numerous individually coded remote control commands from different receivers and process the signals for only one associated device according to the commands received. Alternative channel entries include screen 338 and / or any associated keyboard. The authorization to certain channels can be controlled by means of the processor 340.

Where a remote set top box decoder is used, the decoder can be directly connected to the HFC for individual frequency tuning and / or to receive digital power from the residential broadband gate 300 after decoding the digital signal. For example, where the fiber-coaxial hybrid plant 112 contains fiber connections in locations near the individual houses, it may be desirable to download one or more individually requested programming streams and / or digital data streams to the residential band gate. 300 wide. In this way, the number of data, the selection of movies and / or entertainment options available to the user are unlimited. The cost is minimized since a simple intelligent user interface is used in the home and all televisions, telephones, computers, and / or other user interface devices use the same simple intelligent user interface to the broadband network 1 In this way, the broadband network 1 can offer high-quality television, voice and / or data services to multiple conventional televisions, telephones, and PCs without the use of multiple set-top box decoders, modems, and external connections. In this way, users are provided with a simple unified interface to meet their external data needs.

F. Example of Call Flow from an In-Network Call to an Out-of-Network Call, with the Out-of-Network Call initiating the interruption. Figure 5 illustrates an example of a call processing sequence for an in-network call (e.g., an IP-based call) to an out-of-network call (e.g., a call based on the public switched telephone network) ) where the out-of-network party initiates the call interruption sequence. The call processing sequence example operates as follows: 1. Once the residential broadband gate 300 detects a disconnection condition, the residential broadband gate 300 can generate a disconnect signal 508 to the call manager (CM) 218. The disconnect signal acts as a call tone request. dialing on the call manager 218. Alternatively, the residential broadband gate 300 can retrieve all the dialed digits before the activation of the disconnection condition. This alternative may be desirable to save resources in the call manager 218 where multiple inbound lines are available to handle any additional calls. Therefore, even when a telephone is disconnected, residential broadband gate 300 determines that other lines are available and does not initiate the disconnect signal until all dialing digits have been recovered. 2. Where the call is entirely managed by the call manager, the call manager 2I will issue a dial tone message 509 to the requesting broadband residential gate 300 in order for the residential broadband gate 300 to generate a dial tone to the associated phone. Where the 300 residential broadband gateway shares call management, the residential broadband gateway 300 generates the dial tone in response to the disconnect condition. 3. Where the call is completely managed by the call manager 218, the call manager will then enter a state where it polls and retrieves the 510 digits marked from the gate < : broadband address 300. The dialed digits can then be transferred to the call manager 218 one at a time as they are entered.

Alternatively, where the call set-up control process is shared between the residential broadband gate 300 and the call manager 218, the residential broadband gate 300 retrieves the digits and transfers them along with the disconnect signal to the call manager 218. This transfer can be facilitated by combining this data into a simple data package. 4. Upon receipt of the dialed digits, the! Call Manager 218 will determine if the portability of local number has been allowed. Where local number portability has been allowed, the call manager 218 can issue a local number portability (LNP) request 511 to the local number portability database of IP 122. The portability database of The local IP number 122 can then supply the call manager 218 with a routing number 512 if the marked digits form a valid sequence. Where the dialed digits do not form a valid sequence, the call manager 218 will return an error indication to the residential band gate andha 300. The error designation may include a more detailed tone and / or error message to display, for example on a screen 338.

. Where the call sequence is valid, the call manager 218 can issue a first message of the call in process 513 to the residential broadband gate 300 indicating that the number is valid and the call proceeds (eg, a condition of valid connection). 6. Next, the call manager 218 typically determines whether adequate network resources are available to carry the call. In embodiments wherein the residential broadband gate 300 connects a hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112, the call gesture 218 can send an open gate assignment request 514 to the cable modem transmission system 116. In this event , it is often desirable for the cable modem transmission system 116 to provide gate assignment recognition 515. A gate assignment acknowledgment can be used to verify that the necessary gate resources have been allocated. 7. The call manager 218 can send an open connection request 516 to the voice gate (VG) 232 in order to provide the connection. Once the connection has been provided, the VG 232 can send provide an open connection acknowledgment 517 back to the call manager 218. 8. For connections outside the network, it is often necessary to enter a second phase of the connection process involving the signaling of the necessary link to establish a call. For example, the call manager 218 can send an ISUP IAM (Initial Address) message 518 containing the directory number (DN) of the called party to the signaling gateway (SG) 234. This process is frequently used to assign the appropriate voice trunk for communication. The call manager 218 may also send an alert message 519 to the broadband residential gate to produce an alert signal, for example, a ring tone. The signaling gate 234 can make the appropriate connections when the trunk has been allocated and recognizes the request with a call manager message ISUP A (Full Address) 520. 9. Once the called party has answered the call and communication has been established, the signaling gate 234 can send an ISUP ANM message (Answer) 521 to the call manager 218 indicating that the called party has answered.

. The call manager 218 can then send a call start message 522 to the accounting gateway (AG) 240, indicating the start of the call. The AG 240 may use this information for billing purposes. 11. At this point, the link has been established and conversation 523 can proceed on the communication routes. Note that although the signaling of the signaling system 7 (SS7) is used here to illustrate the present invention and that it is a well-known signaling protocol used in the art of telephony telecommunication, the present invention is not limited to the use of the signage of signaling system 7 (SS7) for the establishment of calls in a call on the network; the use of the signaling of the signaling system 7 (SS7) is merely illustrative. As such, other signaling methods can replace signaling system 7 (SS7). 12. When the user of the called switched public telephone terminates the link, a connection signal may be sent to the appropriate switch of the public switched telephone network, such as a 5ESS. The signaling network may then send a call termination message (not shown) to the signaling gate 234 as notification of the call termination status. 13. Subsequently, the signaling gate 234 can generate a release signal 524 to the call manager 218. 14. Upon receiving the release signal 524, the call manager 218 can a) initiate the withdrawal of the supplied network resources by issuing a connection closure message 525 to the voice gate (VG) 232 and a full release message 526 to the signaling gate 234, b) informing the accounting gate that the call has terminated, for billing purposes via, for example, sending an end-of-call message 527 to the accounting gateway 240.

. With reference to the closed connection message 525, the voice gate may respond by issuing a report message 528 to the call manager 218 that contains the current state of the call. 16, iX receiving the status report of the call 528, the call manager 218 can issue a clear message of the connection 528 to the residential broadband gate 300. 17. The residential broadband gate 300 can then release its resources and send a status report 530 to the call manager 218. In addition to the report 530, the residential broadband gate 300 can also send a connection status report 531 to the call manager. 218 calls. 18. The call manager 218 may then inform the residential broadband gate 300 to report the next disconnect condition via the message 532. 19. Where a cable modem transmission system is used, the call manager 218 can then issue a gate release message 533 to the cable modem transmission system 116 in such a way that the resources of the modem can be removed. Once the gate resources have been released, the cable modem transmission system 118 sends a complete gate release message 534 to the call manager 218. At this point, all resources that are related to the call have been retired.

G. Example of Call Flow of an In-Network Call to another In-Network User, Under a Call Management Control Figure 6 illustrates an example call flow of an in-network call to another in-network user, the call being handled by means of a simple call manager (CM) 218. In alternative modes, different portions of the call setup sequence can be handled by more than one call manager 218 in the IP network 120. The example of "in-network" call processing sequence operates as follows: 1. Once the residential broadband gate 300A detects a disconnection condition from, say, a telephone, the residential broadband gate 300A can generate a disconnect signal 607 to the call manager (CM) 218. The disconnect signal it can act as a dial tone request to the call manager 218. 2. The call manager 218 can then issue a dial tone message 608 to the nearby broadband residential gate 300A so that the residential broadband gate 300A generates a dial tone. 3. The call manager 218 may subsequently enter a state where it polls and retrieves the dialed digits 609 of the residential broadband gate 300A. The dialed digits are transferred to the call manager 218 one at a time. In a manner similar to the subject discussed above, in modalities where call set-up is shared between the 218 call manager and the 300A residential broadband gateway, the residential broadband gateway can manage the call establishment and transfer the disconnection signal and the digits dialed to the call manager 218 in one or more. 4. Upon receiving the fully dialed digits, the call manager 218 can issue a local number portability request 610 to the local number portability database of IP 122. Then the local number portability database of IP 122 can providing the call manager 218 with a routing number 611 if the dialed digits constitute a valid sequence.

. Then, the call manager 218 can ensure the appropriate network resources are available to accommodate the call. 6. Where suitable resources are available, the call manager 218 can issue a first set-up message 612 to any mechanism that connects to the far side of the residential broadband gate 300, for example, the cable modem transmission system. 116B, to allocate transmission resources on the far side. 7. Subsequently, a call-in-progress message and a report of the condition of connection 613 can be sent to the residential broadband gate 300A. 8. A gate assignment message 614 can then be sent from the call manager 218 to the cable modem transmission system 116A, where the residential broadband gate 300A is connected via a cable modem transmission system. In this environment, a gateway assignment message 614 may be used to configure the relevant modem resources. 9. Where a cable modem transmission system is used and the set-up message 612 is received from the call manager 218, the cable modem transmission system 116B can then send a connection request message 615 to the far side of the 300B residential broadband gate.

. Where a cable modem transmission system 116B is used, the cable modem transmission system can then send an acknowledgment of establishment 616 to the call manager 218. Once the resources are allocated by the transmission system by cable modem 116A, then the cable modem transmission system can send a gate assignment recognition message 617 back to the manager 218. 11. Once the call manager 218 receives the acknowledgment of establishment 616 together with the gate recognition recognition message 617, the far side of the residential broadband gate 300B may then send a ring signal 618 to the far side of the system of transmission by cable modem 116B where this connection is used. 12. Then, in these embodiments, the far side of the cable modem transmission system 116B may issue an alert message 619 to the call manager 218. 13. Thereafter, the call manager 218 can transmit the alert via a warning message 620 to the residential broadband gate 300A, to produce an indication signal such as a ring signal indicating that the call is being made. 14. The cable modem transmission system 1163 can then output a connection message 622 to the call manager 218 in response to the far side of the residential broadband gate 300B by sending a disconnect message 621 to the cable modem transmission system 116B on the far side. At this point, the terminal-to-terminal communication path is established and the conversation can be facilitated 623.

. Assuming that the calling party hangs first, the residential broadband gate 300A can initiate a connection sequence message 624 that can be communicated to the near-side cadem modem transmission system 116A. 16. The cable modem transmission system 11 A can then issue a disconnect message 625 to the call manager (CM) 218. Subsequently the call manager 218 can issue a first clear connection request 626 to the near side of the residential gate of broadband 300A and subsequently a second clear connection request 627 to the remote part of the residential broadband gate 300B. 17. The near side of the residential broadband gate 300A can respond to the call manager 218 with a report message 628 containing the status of the connection, as well as a connection message 630 to verify that the calling party in the remote party of the 300A residential broadband gate has ended the call. 18. The remote part of the residential broadband gate 300B can respond to the call manager 218 with a report message 629 containing the status of the connection, as well as a connection message 631 indicating that the connection of the calling party does not is over. 19. At this point, the call manager 218 can output gate release messages 634 and 635 to the modem transmission system on the near side 218 and the modem transmission system on the remote side 116B, respectively, in order to release the modems. associated with the call. Once the resources have been released, the cable modem transmission system 116A and the cable modem transmission system 116B can output complete gate release messages 636 and 637, respectively to the call manager 218.

. For simplicity, accounting processing is not shown. However, the process used in Figure 5 can be used as the billing procedure for in-network calls. Such a process could be the sending of a call-start message from the call manager 218 to an accounting gateway (AG) 240 after the connect message 622 is sent from the cable modem transmission system on the far side 116B to the call manager 218. The call initiation message could trigger the start of the billing procedure. Then a corresponding call termination message could be sent from the call manager 218 to the AG 240 after the cable modem transmission system 116A sends a disconnect message 625 to the call manager 218. This call termination message could activate the end of the billing procedure for that call.

Although the IP voice packets for these calls are typically routed over the IP 120 network, the system can, when appropriate, route the IP voice packets over the Internet 180.

II. Personal Network of the User (Closed Network of Users) PUN / CUN The subscribers of the modalities of the telephony network of the present invention can each have an associated subscriber profile. The subscriber profile may include information representing selected dial plans, billing plans, improved features, closed user group characteristics, and / or other subscriber parameters such as default parameters. A subscriber profile can be stored in a simple storage and / or database device, or distributed among various storage devices and / or databases in the network and / or CPE of the subscriber 102 such as the BRG 300 For example, the profiles of the subscriber, or one of its parts, can be stored in the Network Operations Center (NOC), such as in the QAM &P of Billing 195.

The enhanced features that the subscriber can select and which can be indicated in the subscriber profile are described in various ways in this application and other applications incorporated herein by reference. For example, the subscriber profile may indicate that a subscriber has selected to access features such as call waiting, call forwarding, call conference, call hold with reminder and / or information push, personal IP service tracking, and / or other such features in any desired combination or sub-combination.

The characteristics of dial plans, billing plans, and closed user groups that the subscriber can select are described in the following text and with reference to Figures 7-10.

A closed user group (CUG) can be any defined subset of subscribers and / or other users of the telephone system. CUG members can be considered as grouped logically to form a simple network domain. Members of the CUG may be using different BRGs and / or may be in different geographic locations with respect to each other. For example, the membership of a CUG may consist of a particular subscriber and his closest relatives and friends. Another CUG may consist of the employees of a particular corporation. Another CUG may consist of some of all the members of a hobby group or professional interest group. The bottom line is that, a CUG can be defined in various ways with any combination of users. As will be discussed below, the membership of the CUG may be defined, dynamically adjusted, and / or otherwise controlled by members of the CUG, the telephone service provider, and / or an external source.

A CUG may be geographically limited, or it may be global. For example, a closed user group can be defined to include only those users of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) located in New Jersey, while another CUG can be defined to include all employees of a particular corporation that is working in a particular research project, no matter where those employees are located (for example, a CUG member can be located in New Jersey, another member of the CUG in California, another member of the CUG in Paris, France, and another member of the CUG in Tokyo Japan). Users can be members of the same CUG even though they may be users of different but connected telephone systems.

Several advantageous features can be exploited through the use of the CUGs. One such feature may be the special billing of calls made between the members of the CUG. For example, members of a particular CUG may agree with the telephony service provider at a monthly rate for an unlimited number of calls between any of the members of the CUG anywhere in the global system. For example, a CUG may include a member in the United States of America and a member in Spain, where these two members may call each other at no charge for individual calls, as long as a uniform fee is paid. Another CUL may agree to a charge per call, but to ura. rate that is reduced below those that would cost the calls for one or more of the parties of the calls of the nc members of the CUG. To ensure that CUG members are billed according to pre-negotiated rates, IP packets generated from one of the CUG members and addressed to another member of the CUG can be assigned indications for additional billing plans. The billing system 195 can recognize the indication and invoice consequently to the member (s) of the CUG.

Another feature that can be provided to CUG members is abbreviated dialing for calls among CUG members. For example, a particular CUG may consist of 500 members. Each member can be assigned a three-digit access number that is unique among the CUG (for example, "001", "002", "003", ... "500"). To call another member of the CUG, a member of the calling CUG needs to dial only the three-digit number of the CUG member to be called (for example, "376"). In contrast, a user who wants to dial the same member of the called CUG has to dial the complete directory number (DN) of the member of the CUG that is called (for example, "7031234567").

The intercommunication service can be provided additionally to the CUG members. The Intercom service allows a member of a CUG to "call" another member of the CUG, except that the intercom call could be automatically completed between the calling member and the calling member, as if each of the members had an intercommunication system connected between them. The phone of the called member can ring / alert to indicate to the member that is called that he has initiated an intercom call. Intercom calls can be audio, video, data, text, and / or any multimedia format. The BRGs of the CUG members that are part of the intercom call may include a loudspeaker, microphone, camera, and / or video screen to enable the station's station-to-station multimedia intercom capabilities.

In the operation, and with reference to Figure 7, a first member (referred to herein as "member A") of a CUG may call a second member (referred to herein as "member B") of the same CUG (step 701). ). Member A can dial the DN of member B, just as any other telephony user would. Alternatively, member A may use abbreviated dialing as discussed above. The dialed digits can be passed from the BRG of member A to CM (eg, CM 218) (step 702). Upon receiving the dialed digits, the CM 218 and / or another server in the network (preferably at the IP 200 Central Station) can determine if the dialed digits correspond to the DN, or if the digits are abbreviated and therefore correspond to the number of a member of a CUG (step 703). If the dialed digits correspond to a DN, then the call is handled and invoiced as normal (steps 704, 705).

However, if the dialed digits are abbreviated (for example, only one digit, only two digits, only three digits, or only four digits), then the CM 218 and / or another server in the network (preferably the IP Central Station) 200) can determine whether member A is a member of a CUG (step 706). For example, the CM 218 can access the subscriber profile of member A and authenticate member A as a member of a CUG. At the time when the CUGs are defined, the membership and / or the characteristics of the CUGs may have been sent to the NOC (for example) in the OAM &P to be included in the subscriber profile. Then, one way that CM 218 can authenticate member A is by accessing the subscriber profile stored in the NOC. If it is determined that the calling party is not a member of the CUG, then the CM 218 can be directed to the AS 220 to provide a message to the member A that a dialing error has occurred (step 707).

If it is determined that member A is a member of a CUG, then the CM 218 and / or another server (preferably at the IP Central Station 200) in the network can determine the identity of the called party (ie, member B) (step 708) according to the digits sent to CM 21/8. This can be done by giving access to the CM 218 and / or another server (such as DHCP 214) to the database (such as to the DNS database 214) that associates access numbers with the DNs and / or addresses of IP of the members of the CUG. As discussed in the related applications incorporated herein as a reference, each BRG and each CPE port of each BRG will dynamically allocate a unique IP address during the initialization of the system via DHCP 214, and a DN will have been stored. default in the DNS 214 database. However, the DNS 214 database may also include access numbers. For example, for the CUG # 1, the access number 001 can be associated with a DN and / or an IP address of the BRG (or port of the BRG) of a particular member of the CUG # 1, and the access number 002 can be associated with a DN and / or an IP address of the BRG (or port of the BRG) of another particular member of the CUG # 1, etc. The DNS 214 database can include such data for numerous CUGs and for numerous users. Therefore, for example, the example database discussed above may also associate (for CUG # 2) an access number 001 with a DN and / or an IP address of the BRG (or port of the BRG) of a particular member of the CUG # 2, and the access number 002 with a DN and / or an IP address of the BRG (or port of the BRG) of a particular member of the CUG # 2, etc. To determine the identity and / or IP address of the called party, CM 218 and / or another network server such as DHCP 214 can send a request to the DNS database including the access number that was in the digits marked. In response, the database can return the corresponding IP address of the BRG (or port of the BRG) of the party that is called. Once the IP address of the called party is determined, then the call can be redirected via CM 218 to that IP address (step 709).

In addition, the call may be billed in accordance with the terms of the CUG as agreed with the telephone service provider (step 710). For example, the call may be billed at a reduced rate, or the call may be free where a regular uniform free rate arrangement is used. To ensure that parts are properly billed, the CM 218 can instruct the BRG of member A to assign an indication to some or all of the IP packets that are sent to the BRG of member B. The indication may include one or more bits that can identify the particular CUG that is used for the call. The billing system 195 can recognize the indication and read the indication to determine which CUG, and therefore which billing plan should be used for the call. To achieve this, the billing system 195 may have a database that associates the CUGs and / or the members of the CUG with billing plans.

Member A of the previous example does not necessarily have to use an abbreviated dial in order to benefit from one. Special billing in a CUG. As discussed before c «-.? Referring to Figure 8, member A can call member B using normal dialing (e.g., by dialing the DN of member B) (step 801). The BRG of member A can pass the dialed digits to CM 218 (step 802), which can later handle the call as a normal call (step 803). If it is determined that the call is a valid call from a CUG (step 805), then the call can be billed according to the terms of the CUG agreements (step 806). When determining whether the call is a valid call from a CUG, CM 218, DHCP 214, and / or another server can search for the calling party and the calling party in a database. If the two parties are within the same CUG, then the call can be considered as a valid CUG call that is entitled to the special billing of the CUG of step 806. Otherwise, if the calling party and the called party do not are in the same CUG, then the call can be billed as normal (step 807).

Calls in a CUG can alternatively be placed in a variety of different ways. With reference to Figure 9A, the BRG and / or other CPE device (such as a personal computer) of the calling party may include a screen 900. For purposes of illustration, it will be assumed that the screen 900 is a screen of a personal computer (such as the personal computer 108) that is attached to the BRG of the calling party (such as the BRG 300). Screen 900 may include a textual and / or graphical user interface for dialing to other users, including other CUG members of the calling party. For example, the screen 900 may include one or more of the following in any combination or sub-combination: one or more scrollable windows 901 including a scroll bar 902 that displays a selection list of the members of a particular CUG; one or more selectable icons 903 and / or buttons each corresponding to one or more members of a particular CUG; one or more selectable graphical icons and / or buttons 904 corresponding to a predetermined conference call configuration; and / or a text entry box 905 to enter text such as a DN and / or an access number to be dialed. The display 900 may additionally include selectable graphic icons and / or buttons 906, 907, 908, 909 to perform various functions such as initiating an intercom call, searching for a particular member, dialing a call, and / or editing the design and / or features of the 900 screen.

The calling party (for example, member A of the CUG) can initiate a call and / or an intercom call (discussed above) by selecting one or more numbers from window 901, selecting one or more 903 icons, initiating a call from conference by selecting the conference call button 904, and / or entering one or more access numbers and / or DNs in a text entry box 905. Optionally there may be a requirement to select the 908 dial button or the intercom button 906 before the call starts.

The design and / or the other features of the 900 screen may change dynamically and / or otherwise be customized by the calling party to include any desired CUG and / or any member of the CUG that they wish to include. On screen 900, three CUG examples of the calling party are shown: "IEEE members", "Project X '", and "Project? Y'". Such design and / or features can be customized, or edited, by selecting the edit button 909. Figure 9B illustrates an example of how the screen 900 can be viewed in response to the edit button 909 being selected. Screen 900 lists the four members of the CUG "Project? X '" and the five members of the CUG "Project Y'". These members are listed in scrollable windows 950, 951. To edit the membership of a CUG, the user can select a name or names from the list and then select either the 953 or 955 button, or the option buttons 956 or 957. If the delete button 953 or 955 is selected, the name will be deleted from the membership. If option buttons 956 or 957 are selected, then several features and / or options associated with the selected name can be customized. For example, the member can be associated with a graphic icon, and / or the member's DN can be entered. To add a member, the user can select the add 952 or 954 button and enter the name, DN, and / or other associated features and / or options. In this way the subscriber can dynamically add and / or delete members of a CUG, and / or assign any combination of keys, icon, and / or button to be associated with a member or members of a CUG. To return to the screen shown in Figure 9A, the exit button 958 may be selected.

The called party may require the authority to modify the membership and / or characteristics of a CUG. In some instances, a CUG may have a certain set of CUG members designated as the possessor or possessors of a group. The possessor (s) of the group may be the only members that are authorized to modify the membership and / or characteristics of the CUG. For example, if a CUG had members A, B, C, and D, it may be that only member A (the group owner) has authorization to modify the membership and / or characteristics of the CUG. In addition, the group owner must not necessarily be a member of the CUG, but only an administrator of the CUG. For example, if the CUG represents a special interest group such as the IEEE, then only the IEEE could have the authority to add and / or delete members of the CUG. The members themselves would not have that authority. In this example, the IEEE may also possess the database that contains the tables that assign the numbers and / or DN with the IP addresses. Therefore, in step 708 (for example) the determination of the IP address of the member that is called may include the request of the database owned by the IEEE. Such configuration (ie, where the database is external to the IP telephony network) could reduce the amount of processing expenses required for the IP telephony network.

With reference to Figure 10, member A can also initiate an intercom call to member B. In order to do this, member A can call member B using an intercommunication feature code (eg, "* i ") followed by the access code and / or the DN of member B (step 1001). Alternatively, member A can initiate the intercom call by selecting one or more names from window 901, selecting one or more icons 903, and / or entering the access code (s) and / or the DN (s). in the text entry box 905, and subsequently selecting the intercom button 906. As an alternative to selecting the intercom button 906, a particular name, icon, and / or buttons corresponding to the called party can be programmed. to automatically start an intercom call by default when selected. For example, the calling party can program each of the icons 903 in such a way that when they are selected they automatically initiate an intercom call with the part represented by the selected icon 903.

An advantage of a modality of the example mode of the intercom call is that a small processing of CM 218 is required, if any. By Ho both the network spend of broadband processing is reduced. In order to derive CM 218, the BRG of member A can access its own database that assigns access numbers and / or DNs with IP addresses of other CUG members. The database can be periodically downloaded from the IP telephony network and / or from an external source (such as the IEEE or another CUG group holder) via the IP telephony network, and stored in the 322 memory of the BRG and / or other storage device. To prevent unauthorized access to the IP addresses stored in the BRG, the IP addresses as stored can be encrypted and / or mixed. After member A has initiated the intercom call in step 1001, BR) G may assign the access number and / or DN that was entered by member A with an IP address of the desired party that is called , and / or the BRG may correspond to the icon and / or button selected on the screen 900 with an IP address of the desired party that is called (step 1002). Armed with the destination IE address, the BRG of member A can then direct the intercom call from the BRG port of the party that is called (for example, member B) instead of the IP address of CM 218 (stage 1003).

If the intercom call is going to be billed on a per-call basis, then it may be preferred to have the intercom call addressed to CM 218 '. The CM 218 can then make sure that the call is properly invoiced and can redirect the call to the address of the party that is called.

If the intercom call is going to be billed at a uniform periodic rate where the calls are not billed individually, then the server in the network (such as in the IP Central Station) can download a cookie (for example, a tab) to the BRG of the subscribing member. The cookie may include data that identifies the cookie as valid for the period that is paid by the subscribing member. For example, if the subscribing member pays a monthly fee for monthly calls of unlimited intercommunication for other members of a CUG, then the cookie can be downloaded each month giving authorization for the BRG to provide that month with direct intercommunication service and to deviate from the CM 218 while the intercom calls are made.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Having described the invention as above, the content of the following is claimed as property.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS A method in a broadband telephony network, to provide special billing to a closed group of users of the broadband telephony network, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of: periodically receiving data from an organization external to the network broadband telephony representing either a set of members of the organization or a difference between the current set of members and a previous set of members of the organization; updating a database of the broadband telephone network according to the data; establishment of a call between at least two of the members; determination of whether at least two of the members are each associated in the database with the organization; and if at least two members are each listed in the database, billing at a different rate from the rate that could be used if the at least two members were not associated in the database with the organization. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two members are in any part of the broadband telephony network. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two members are in different countries. A method in a broadband telephony network, to provide special billing to a closed group of users of the broadband telephony network, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of: receiving marked digits of a first part, representing the digits a second part; determination of whether the dialed digits are abbreviated; if the abbreviated digits are abbreviated, determining whether the first party is a member of any closed group of users; if the first part is a member of a closed group of users, determination of an identity of the second part; establishment of a call between the first and the second part; and billing the call at a different rate than the rate that could be used if the first party was not a member of the closed user group. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the step of determining the identity of the second part includes the comparison of the dialed digits with a database and the assignment of the dialed digits to an identity of the second part. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the identity of the second part includes an Internet Protocol (IP) address of the second part. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that it additionally includes the step of determining whether the second party is also a member of the closed user group, wherein the billing step includes billing the call to the tariff if the second part is also a member of the closed user group.