Method and apparatus for selecting an internet/PSTN changeover server for a packet based phone call

A method for placing a voice call to a PSTN extension comprising the steps of:

• (a) receiving an event notification from a client computer denoting the client computer's acceptance of an offer by a server to establish a voice communication session, and
• (b) determining the PSTN extension in accordance with one or more attributes of the server.

An apparatus comprising:

• a storage medium having stored therein a plurality of programming instructions for implementing a set of communication services for cooperating with a first bridging apparatus to establish and conduct a voice call with a PSTN extension, wherein the communication services include services for receiving an IP address of a second bridging apparatus, and in response, transmitting a call request for the voice call, including an IP address and other attributes of the apparatus for inclusion by the second bridging apparatus in determining the PSTN extension;
• and
• an execution unit coupled to the storage medium for executing the plurality of programming instructions.

A method for cooperating with a first bridging apparatus to establish and conduct a voice call with a PSTN extension, the method comprising the steps of:

• receiving an IP address of a second bridging apparatus, and
• in response, transmitting a call request for the voice call, including an IP address and one or more attributes of a host apparatus implementing the method, for inclusion by the second bridging apparatus in determining the PSTN extension.