Communication networks in which an application server and multiple directory numbers are used to provide internet protocol like features to time division multiplexed phone lines
AssigneeAT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
InventorDavid Levine
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A communication network includes a switching system, an application server, and a softswitch that communicatively couples the application server to the switching system. The switching system is configured to detect a first call to a primary directory number associated with a phone line and to forward the first call to the application server. The application server is configured to instruct the softswitch to generate a second call to a RingMaster directory number associated with the phone line. And the softswitch is configured to bridge the first and second calls responsive to detection of a communication path completion to the phone line.
Claims20
A method of operating a communication network, comprising:
- detecting a first call to a primary directory number associated with a phone line;
- forwarding the first call to an application server;
- generating a second call from the application server to a RingMaster directory number associated with the phone line;
- detecting a communication path completion to the phone line;
- and
- bridging the first call and the second call responsive to detection of the communication path completion.
A method of operating a communication network, comprising:
- initiating a call via a computer associated with a first phone line to a second phone line;
- detecting the call initiation at an application server;
- establishing a call between the application server and the first phone line;
- generating a call between the application server and the second phone line;
- and
- bridging the call between the application server and the first phone line and the call between the application server and the second phone line so as to create a call between the first phone line and the second phone line.
A communication network, comprising:
- a switching system;
- an application server;
- and
- a softswitch that communicatively couples the application server to the switching system;
- wherein the switching system is configured to detect a first call to a primary directory number associated with a phone line and to forward the first call to the application server, the application server is configured to instruct the softswitch to generate a second call to a RingMaster directory number associated with the phone line, and the softswitch is configured to bridge the first and second calls responsive to detection of a communication path completion to the phone line.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.