Interworking of packet-based voice technologies using virtual TDM trunks

A machine readable medium that provides executable instructions, which when executed by a processor, cause said processor to perform a method comprising:

• setting a connection between an edge gateway of a first voice packet network and an interworking unit, the interworking unit comprising a virtual time division multiplex network;
• selecting a virtual trunk group and channel identification code through the interworking unit;
• and
• transmitting the selection to a call agent of a second voice packet network, the second voice packet network not of the same type as the first voice packet network, such that the call agent of the second voice packet network coordinates the establishment of a connection between the virtual trunk group and an edge gateway of the second voice packet network.

An apparatus comprising:

• means for setting a connection between an edge gateway of a first voice packet network and an interworking unit, the interworking unit comprising a virtual time division multiplex network;
• means for selecting a virtual trunk group and channel identification code through the interworking unit;
• and
• means for transmitting the selection to a call agent of a second voice packet network, the second voice packet network not of the same type as the first voice packet network, such that the call agent of the second voice packet network coordinates the establishment of a connection between the virtual trunk group and an edge gateway of the second voice packet network.