Network session management with gateway-directory services and authorization control

A method of controlling communication across a system comprising a switched telephone network and a packet switched network connected by a plurality of gateway objects comprising the steps of:

• at a directory object, receiving a message through the packet switched network from a requesting terminal for an identification of a gateway object coupled between the packet switched network and the switched telephone network, the request including at least part of an identification of an intended destination terminal;
• based on predetermined criteria, selecting one of a plurality of gateway objects coupled between the packet switched network and the switched telephone network, capable of providing communication to the intended destination terminal;
• sending the identification of the selected gateway object through the packet switched network to the requesting terminal;
• receiving a query from the selected gateway object at an authorization control object coupled to the packet switched network;
• determining, from data contained in the query, whether or not communication between the requesting terminal and the intended destination terminal via the selected gateway is authorized;
• and
• if communication between the requesting terminal and the intended destination terminal via the selected gateway is authorized, instructing the selected gateway object to initiate communication between the requesting terminal and the intended destination terminal via the packet switched network and the switched telephone network.

A system for providing telephony communication across a switched telephone network, a packet switched network, and a plurality of gateway objects connected between the switched telephone network and the packet switched network, the system comprising:

• a directory object coupled for communication through the packet switched network having translation data and control programming, for receiving a message through the packet switched network from an originating terminal, said message requesting an identification of a gateway object and including at least part of an identification of an intended destination terminal,
• wherein the control programming causes the directory object to identify a plurality of the gateway objects capable of providing communication to the intended destination terminal from the translation data and to select one of the plurality of gateway objects based on predetermined criteria, and send the identification of the selected gateway object through the packet switched network to the requesting terminal;
• and
• an authorization control object storing account and authorization control information for a plurality of customers and having a communication interface for communication with the gateway objects,
• wherein the authorization control object receives a query from the selected gateway object, determines, from data contained in the query, whether or not communication between the originating terminal and the intended destination terminal is authorized, and if authorized, instructs the selected gateway object to initiate communication between the originating terminal and the intended destination terminal via the packet switched network and the switched telephone network.