ATM-based distributed virtual tandem switching systme

A method for transporting voice across a data network, the method comprising:

• receiving narrowband call processing signaling;
• converting between the narrowband call processing signaling and broadband call processing signaling;
• and
• forwarding the broadband call processing signaling, via the data network, to at least one gateway so that telephone calls originating and/or terminating within a public switched telephone network are transmitted through the at least one gateway and the data network.

A computer readable medium storing a program for transporting voice across a packet network, comprising:

• a receiving code segment that receives narrowband call processing signaling;
• a converting code segment that converts the narrowband call processing signaling to broadband call processing signaling;
• and
• a call management information forwarding code segment that forwards the broadband call processing signaling to at least one gateway via the packet network so that telephone calls originating and/or terminating within a public switched telephone network are transmitted through the packet network.