System and method for connecting communication devices over packet networks

A method of communicating over a network, said network having a first gateway device and a second gateway device capable of communicating with each other using a packet protocol, said second gateway device capable of communicating with a communication device over a telephone line, said method comprising the steps of:

• receiving a call request by said second gateway device from said first gateway device for said communication device;
• placing a call by said second gateway device to said communication device over said telephone line;
• receiving an answer tone from said communication device;
• and
• preventing said answer tone from reaching said first gateway device.

A filter for use in conjunction with a first gateway device capable of communicating with a second gateway device using a packet protocol, said first gateway further capable of communicating with a communication device over a telephone line, said filter comprising:

• an input capable of receiving a first signal from said communication device;
• a filter circuit capable of filtering an answer tone from said first signal to generate a second signal;
• and
• an output to provide said second signal for transmission to said second gateway.

A computer program product for use in communication over a network, said network having a first gateway device and a second gateway device capable of communicating with each other using a packet protocol, said second gateway device capable of communicating with a communication device over a telephone line, said computer program product comprising:

• code for receiving a call request by said second gateway device from said first gateway device for said communication device;
• code for placing a call by said second gateway device to said communication device over said telephone line;
• code receiving an answer tone from said communication device;
• and
• code for preventing said answer tone from reaching said first gateway device.