Method and apparatus for placing a long distance call based on a virtual phone number

#The present invention relates to long distance phone calls. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for minimizing the cost of making a long distance phone call.

#Traditional phone systems include local carriers and long distance carriers. Local carriers connect calls within a given local area, while long distance carriers carry calls between the local carriers. The telephone lines from a home or office connect directly to a wire center, which is often referred to as a central office. The central office has one or more switches, which route or direct telephone calls from one destination to another.

#Telephone numbers typically include an area code, and a seven digit telephone number. The seven digit telephone number includes a three digit central office number, and four digit central office extension. The three digit central office number directs calls to a particular central office. Once the call reaches the desired central office, the four digit extension directs the call to a line that is served by that central office. Area codes are typically used for long distance phone calls, as discussed below.

#Further features and advantages of the invention can be ascertained from the following detailed description that is provided in connection with the drawings described below:

#FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overview of an exemplary system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

#Increasingly, phone companies are using computer networks such as the Internet, to transport long distance calls from one destination to another. Transferring voice calls over a data network is typically accomplished by converting analog voice signals into data packets. This is typically, but not necessarily, accomplished using an industry standard known as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Transporting calls over computer networks allows local phone companies to bypass long distance carriers. Additionally, because computer network infrastructures are already in place, the cost of transporting calls over computer networks is greatly minimized.

#The present invention provides a method and apparatus for minimizing the cost of a long distance call by transporting voice traffic over computer networks. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a method and apparatus for transmitting voice information between originating and destination points. The originating and destination points may include, but are not limited to, telephones, fax machines, pagers, computers, two way radios, cellular telephones, or telephones operatively connected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). In a preferred embodiment, the originating and destination points are telephones operatively connected to the PSTN.

#The two telephones can be, but do not have to be, operatively connected to separate networks, and each network is operatively connected to its own intermediate point. The intermediate points, which are preferably operatively connected by a computer network, allow the two telephone users to communicate based on the virtual number that is entered by the user of the originating telephone.