Method and system for switching among independent packetized audio streams

A method for noiselessly switching audio from a second audio source to an egress audio channel already carrying audio from a first audio source, comprising:

• generating an audio stream of egress packets at the second audio source;
• converting the audio stream of egress packets into cells;
• switching the converted cells to a switched virtual circuit (SVC) associated with the egress audio channel;
• converting the switched cells back to the audio stream of egress packets;
• packetizing the audio stream to create an output egress audio stream of packets with synchronized header information;
• and
• transmitting the output egress audio stream of packets on the egress audio channel over a network in place of the audio from the first audio source.

A method for introducing noiseless switch over audio for voice over the Internet (VOIP) telephone calls, comprising:

• establishing a VOIP telephone call between a destination device and a media server;
• setting priority information for a first audio source;
• delivering a first audio stream of egress packets that includes the set priority information;
• determining a call status with respect to availability of receiving noiseless switch over audio;
• and
• processing a call event that includes noiseless switch over audio when the call status determining step indicates the established VOIP telephone call is a candidate for receiving noiseless switch over audio.

A system for noiselessly switching audio provided on an egress audio channel over a network, comprising:

• first and second audio sources;
• a switch coupled to said first and second audio sources;
• and
• a network interface controller coupled to said switch, wherein
• said first audio source generates a first audio stream of egress packets for the egress audio channel, wherein each egress packet includes a payload carrying audio and control header information,
• said second audio source generates a second audio stream of egress packets, wherein each egress packet includes a payload carrying audio and control header information, and said switch switches and delivers said first and second audio streams to said network interface controller.

A system for noiselessly switching audio from a second audio source to an egress audio channel already carrying audio from a first audio source, comprising:

• means for generating an audio stream of egress packets at the second audio source;
• means for converting the audio stream of egress packets into cells;
• means for switching the converted cells to a SVC associated with the egress audio channel;
• means for converting the switched cells back to the audio stream of egress packets;
• means for packetizing the audio stream to create an output egress audio stream of packets;
• and
• means for transmitting the output egress audio stream of packets on the egress audio channel over a network in place of the audio from the first audio source.

A system for introducing noiseless switch over audio for voice over the Internet (VOIP) telephone calls, comprising:

• means for establishing a VOIP telephone call between a destination device and a media server;
• means for setting priority information for a first audio source;
• means for delivering a first audio stream of egress packets that includes the set priority information;
• means for determining a call status with respect to availability of receiving noiseless switch over audio;
• and
• means for processing a call event that includes noiseless switch over audio when the call status determining step indicates the established VOIP telephone call is a candidate for receiving noiseless switch over audio.

A method for noiseless switching between audio sources in a VOIP network, comprising:

• (A) selecting one audio source;
• (B) transmitting audio from the selected one audio source in an output audio stream of packets with synchronized header information on an egress audio channel to a destination device;
• (C) selecting another audio source;
• and
• (D) transmitting audio from the selected another audio source in an output audio stream of packets with synchronized header information on the same egress audio channel to the destination device.