Method for maintaining signaling history in a Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) network

A message used in providing telecommunication services in a packet-based communication network, the network comprising a service broker and a plurality of application servers, the application servers providing communication services, the message comprising:

• an indication of a protocol used at a first network element;
• a network address of a second network element;
• and
• a precedence index, the precedence index associated with a particular service to be provided to a call leg in a packet-based call;
• wherein the precedence index is stored in a header of the message and the precedence index prioritizing each service and being based on a plurality of parameter classifications of the services.

Apparatus for providing telecommunication services in a packet-based communication network, the network comprising a service broker and a plurality of application servers, the application servers providing communication services, the method comprising:

• means for invoking a first service to be provided for a call leg, the first service corresponding to a first application server in the plurality of application servers;
• means for receiving a message indicative of the completion of the service by the first application server;
• means for invoking a second service to be provided for the call leg, the second service corresponding to a second application server in the plurality of application servers;
• wherein the means for receiving the message comprises receiving a signaling history associated with the call leg, the signaling history indicative of the services already provided to the call leg;
• and
• wherein the means for receiving comprises means for receiving a message header, the header comprising a first indication of a precedence index for each service already provided to the call leg, the precedence index prioritizing each service and being based on a plurality of parameter classifications of the services.