System and method for emulating ringback transparently

A method for conveying ringback information over a network while utilizing substantially less bandwidth than a voice connection, comprising the steps of:

• a) sending an alerting message over a network in response to the receipt of call over said network, wherein said alerting message comprises information on the characterization of the ringback tone;
• b) detecting pickup at a terminal;
• and
• c) transmitting an answer signal over said network upon said detection of said pickup.

A protocol converter comprising:

• a connection to a terminal, wherein the terminal accepts input for destination information and is capable of generating a ringback tone;
• and
• a server for receiving said destination information from said terminal through said connection and initiating a call over a network and for determining the characterization of the ringback tone and prompting said terminal to generate said ringback tone upon receiving, in response to said initiation of said call, information on said characterization of said ringback tone,
• wherein said information on said characterization of said ringback tone comprises information on the frequency and duration of tones and duration of pauses.

A protocol converter comprising:

• a connection to a terminal;
• and
• a server for sending an alerting message comprising information on the characterization of a ringback tone over a network in response to the receipt of a call over said network and for transmitting an answer signal over said network upon detecting pickup at said terminal,
• wherein said information on said characterization of said ringback tone comprises information on the frequency and duration of tones and duration of pauses.