Multi-network exchange system for telephony applications

• US 20050091407A1
• Filed: 10/25/2004
• Published: 04/28/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/23/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Emerj, Inc.
• Original Assignee: TiVox Systems, Inc.
• Inventors: Palge, Jeffrey H., Wang, Xin, Graefe, Herbert R., Pletch, Andrew, Vaziri, Faramarz
• Granted Patent: US 7,715,413 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/246
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/103 in the network
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/104 in the network
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1101 Session protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1104 Session initiation protocol [SIP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2207/20 hybrid systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/0057 Services where the data services network provides a telephone service in addition or as an alternative, e.g. for backup purposes, to the telephone service provided by the telephone services network
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/0069 comprising a residential gateway, e.g. those which provide an adapter for POTS or ISDN terminals

Abstract

A multi-network exchange system has a first type network (PSTN) and a second type network (Internet) and a multi-network exchange bridge in communication with the first and second type networks for the transfer of electronic information signals (telephone calls) between the first and second type networks. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus facilitates transfer of electronic information signals to a portable access device or a gateway portal in communication with a node of one of second type networks from the first network. The multi-network exchange bridge has at least one multi-network instantiation device that enables the portable access device to function as a remote extension of the multi-network exchange bridge. A fixed address translation device provides conversion of a first address fixedly describing a node of the first type network to a second address or third address virtually describing nodes of the second type network

Claims

2. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 1 wherein said multi-network instantiation devices are selected from a group of devices in communication with said second type network consisting of other multi-network exchange bridge apparatuses, computing devices, personal digital assistants, Internet protocol telephones, and electronic devices capable of communicating with said second type network.

13. A multi-network exchange system for the transfer of electronic information signals comprising:

a first type network;

at least one second type network;

a multi-network exchange bridge apparatus in communication with said first type network and said second type network for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals to a portable access device in communication with a node of one of second type network from said first network, said multi-network exchange bridge comprising;

a first portal in communication with said first type network;

at least one second portal in communication with said second type network;

a protocol control device in communication with said first portal, and second portal, for interpretation and formatting of said electronic information signals between protocols and command structures of the first type network and protocols and command structures of the second type network for transfer of said electronic information signals between said first type network and said second type network.

at least one multi-network instantiation device in communication with said protocol control device and in communication with a remote node of said second type network to transfer said electronic information signals to said portable access device on said second type network;

a fixed address translation device in communication with the protocol control device for conversion of a first address describing a node of said first type network through which said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus communicates to said first network to a second address describing a node of said second type network through which said second portal communicates with said second network and at least one third address describing a node of said second type network through which said multi-network instantiation devices communicate with said second network;

wherein said first address is fixedly defined for said first type network and said translation is virtually defined for said second and third addresses.

14. The multi-network exchange system of claim 13 wherein said multi-network instantiation devices are selected from a group of devices in communication with said second type network consisting of other multi-network exchange bridge apparatuses within said multi-network exchange system, computing devices, personal digital assistantss, Internet protocol telephoness, and electronic devices capable of communicating with said second type network.

15. The multi-network exchange system of claim 13 wherein said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus further comprises:

an information retention device in communication with said first portal and said second portal to retain said electronic information signals, to transfer said electronic information signals between said first type network and said portable access device in communication with a node of said second type network.

16. The multi-network exchange system of claim 13 wherein if said portable access device in communication with said second network transmits through said multi-network instantiation device a request to communicate with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and has a third address equivalent to said second address with an extension indicating that said portable access device communicating through said multi-network instantiation device is associated with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and may communicate directly with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus.

17. The multi-network exchange system of claim 13 wherein the first type network is a public switched telephone network and said protocols and command structures of said first type network provide calling features and voice signals of a telephone call.

18. The multi-network exchange system of claim 13 wherein the second type network is a global digital communications network and said protocols and command structures provide packet formatted digital data for transferring said electronic information signals between said second type network and said first type network.

19. The multi-network exchange system of claim 18 wherein the packet formatted digital data is a voice-over-Internet protocol for the transfer of a telephone call on said global digital communications network.

20. The multi-network exchange system of claim 13 wherein the second type network includes a global multi-network exchange server in communication with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus to facilitate transfer of said electronic information signals between said portable access device.

21. The multi-network exchange system of claim 20 wherein the portable access device in communication with the second type network comprises:

a portable access control device in communication with said global multi-network exchange server to acquire access information to facilitate transfer of said electronic information signals between said second type network and said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and in communication with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus to acquire said electronic information signals from said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus; and

a microphone and speaker in communication with said portable access 1I control device, wherein said portable access control device converts said electronic information signals to voice signals for reproduction on said speaker and converts voice signals to said electronic information signals for transfer to said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus.

22. The multi-network exchange system of claim 21 wherein said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus further comprises at least one third portal in communication with one of a group of communication devices consisting of a computing system, a telephone handset, a facsimile machine and in communication with said protocol control device, wherein said protocol control device provides interpretation and formatting of said electronic information signals between protocols and command structures of the first type network and protocols and command structures of the second type network for transfer of said electronic information signals between said first type network, said second type network and said communication devices.

23. A method for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals between a first type network and a portable access device in communication with a node of one of at least one second type networks, said for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals comprising the steps of:

providing communication access to said first type network;

providing communication access to at least one of said second type networks;

creating at least one multi-network instantiation device in communication with said protocol control device and in communication with a remote node of said second type network to transfer said electronic information signals to said portable access device on said second type network;

translating a fixed address translation of a first address describing a node of said first type network through which said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus communicates to said first network to a second address describing a node of said second type network through which said second portal communicates with said second network and at least one third address describing a node of said second type network through which said multi-network instantiation devices communicate with said second network;

fixedly defining said first address for said first type network;

virtually defining said second and third addresses.

transferring said electronic information signals between said first type network and said portable access device in communication with a node of said second type network;

interpreting and formatting of said electronic information signals between protocols and command structures of the first type network and protocols and command structures of the second type network; and

transferring of said electronic information signals between said first type network and said second type network.

24. The method for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 23 wherein said multi-network instantiation devices are selected from a group of devices in communication with said second type network consisting of other multi-network exchange bridge apparatuses, computing devices, personal digital assistants, Internet protocol telephones, and electronic devices capable of communicating with said second type network.

25. The method for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 23 further comprising the step of:

retaining said electronic information signals received from said first type network and from second type network;

26. The method for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 23 further comprising the step of:

requesting by said portable access device in communication with said second network transmits through said multi-network instantiation device to communicate with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus; and

associating multi-network instantiation device with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus, if said multiple instantiation device has a third address equivalent to said second address with an extension indicating that said portable access device

communicating through said multi-network instantiation device directly with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus.

27. The method for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 23 wherein the first type network is a public switched telephone network and said protocols and command structures of said first type network provide calling features and voice signals of a telephone call.

28. The method for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 23 wherein the second type network is a global digital communications network and said protocols and command structures provide packet formatted digital data for transferring said electronic information signals between said second type network and said first type network.

29. The method for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 28 wherein the packet formatted digital data is a voice-over-Internet protocol for the transfer of a telephone call on said global digital communications network.

30. The method for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 23 wherein the second type network includes a global multi-network exchange server in communication with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus to facilitate transfer of said electronic information signals between said portable access device.

31. The method for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 30 wherein the portable access device in communication with the second type network comprises:

a portable access control device in communication with said global multi-network exchange server to acquire access information to facilitate transfer of said electronic information signals between said second type network and said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and in communication with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus to acquire said electronic information signals from said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus; and

a microphone and speaker in communication with said portable access control device, wherein said portable access control device converts said electronic information signals to voice signals for reproduction on said speaker and converts voice signals to said electronic information signals for transfer to said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus.

32. The method for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 31 further comprising the steps of:

providing communication access with one of a group of communication devices consisting of a computing system, a telephone handset, a facsimile machine and in communication with said protocol control device;

interpreting and formatting of said electronic information signals between protocols and command structures of the first type network and protocols and command structures of the second type network; and

and

transferring said electronic information signals between said first type network, said second type network and said communication devices.

34. The apparatus for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 23 wherein said multi-network instantiation devices are selected from a group of devices in communication with said second type network consisting of other multi-network exchange bridge apparatuses, computing devices, personal digital assistants, Internet protocol telephones, and electronic devices capable of communicating with said second type network.

35. The apparatus for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 23 further comprising the step of:

means for retaining said electronic information signals received from said first type network and from second type network;

36. The apparatus for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 23 further comprising the step of:

means for requesting by said portable access device in communication with said second network transmits through said multi-network instantiation device to communicate with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus; and

means for associating multi-network instantiation device with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus, if said multiple instantiation device has a third address equivalent to said second address with an extension indicating that said portable access device

means for communicating through said multi-network instantiation device directly with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus.

37. The apparatus for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 23 wherein the first type network is a public switched telephone network and said protocols and command structures of said first type network provide calling features and voice signals of a telephone call.

38. The apparatus for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 23 wherein the second type network is a global digital communications network and said protocols and command structures provide packet formatted digital data for transferring said electronic information signals between said second type network and said first type network.

39. The apparatus for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 28 wherein the packet formatted digital data is a voice-over-Internet protocol for the transfer of a telephone call on said global digital communications network.

40. The apparatus for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 23 wherein the second type network includes a global multi-network exchange server in communication with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus to facilitate transfer of said electronic information signals between said portable access device.

41. The apparatus for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 30 wherein the portable access device in communication with the second type network comprises:

a portable access control device in communication with said global multi-network exchange server to acquire access information to facilitate transfer of said electronic information signals between said second type network and said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and in communication with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus to acquire said electronic information signals from said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus; and

a microphone and speaker in communication with said portable access control device, wherein said portable access control device converts said electronic information signals to voice signals for reproduction on said speaker and converts voice signals to said electronic information signals for transfer to said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus.

42. The apparatus for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 31 further comprising the steps of:

means for providing communication access with one of a group of communication devices consisting of a computing system, a telephone handset, a facsimile machine and in communication with said protocol control device;

means for interpreting and formatting of said electronic information signals between protocols and command structures of the first type network and protocols and command structures of the second type network; and

and

means for transferring said electronic information signals between said first type network, said second type network and said communication devices.

33. An apparatus for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals between a first type network and a portable access device in communication with a node of one of at least one second type networks, said for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals comprising the steps of:

means for providing communication access to said first type network;

means for providing communication access to at least one of said second type networks;

means for creating at least one multi-network instantiation device in communication with said protocol control device and in communication with a remote node of said second type network to transfer said electronic information signals to said portable access device on said second type network;

means for translating a fixed address translation of a first address describing a node of said first type network through which said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus communicates to said first network to a second address describing a node of said second type network through which said second portal communicates with said second network and at least one third address describing a node of said second type network through which said multi-network instantiation devices communicate with said second network;

means for fixedly defining said first address for said first type network;

virtually defining said second and third addresses.

transferring said electronic information signals between said first type network and said portable access device in communication with a node of said second type network;

means for interpreting and formatting of said electronic information signals between protocols and command structures of the first type network and protocols and command structures of the second type network; and

transferring of said electronic information signals between said first type network and said second type network.

43. A method for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals comprising the steps of:

providing first type network;

providing a portable access device;

establishing communication for said portable access device with a node of one of at least one second type networks

providing communication access to said first type network;

providing communication access to at least one of said second type networks;

creating at least one multi-network instantiation device in communication with said protocol control device and in communication with a remote node of said second type network to transfer said electronic information signals to said portable access device on said second type network;

translating a fixed address translation of a first address describing a node of said first type network through which said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus communicates to said first network to a second address describing a node of said second type network through which said second portal communicates with said second network and at least one third address describing a node of said second type network through which said multi-network instantiation devices communicate with said second network;

fixedly defining said first address for said first type network;

virtually defining said second and third addresses.

transferring said electronic information signals between said first type network and said portable access device in communication with a node of said second type network;

interpreting and formatting of said electronic information signals between protocols and command structures of the first type network and protocols and command structures of the second type network; and

transferring of said electronic information signals between said first type network and said second type network.

44. The method for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 43 wherein said multi-network instantiation devices are selected from a group of devices in communication with said second type network consisting of other multi-network exchange bridge apparatuses, computing devices, personal digital assistants, Internet protocol telephones, and electronic devices capable of communicating with said second type network.

45. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 43 further comprising the step of:

retaining said electronic information signals received from said first type network and from second type network;

46. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 43 further comprising the step of:

requesting by said portable access device in communication with said second network transmits through said multi-network instantiation device to communicate with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus; and

associating multi-network instantiation device with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus, if said multiple instantiation device has a third address equivalent to said second address with an extension indicating that said portable access device

communicating through said multi-network instantiation device directly with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus.

47. The method for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 43 wherein the first type network is a public switched telephone network and said protocols and command structures of said first type network provide calling features and voice signals of a telephone call.

48. The method for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 43 wherein the second type network is a global digital communications network and said protocols and command structures provide packet formatted digital data for transferring said electronic information signals between said second type network and said first type network.

49. The method for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 48 wherein the packet formatted digital data is a voice-over-Internet protocol for the transfer of a telephone call on said global digital communications network.

50. The method for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 43 wherein the second type network includes a global multi-network exchange server in communication with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus to facilitate transfer of said electronic information signals between said portable access device.

51. The method for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 50 wherein the portable access device in communication with the second type network comprises:

a portable access control device in communication with said global multi-network exchange server to acquire access information to facilitate transfer of said electronic information signals between said second type network and said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and in communication with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus to acquire said electronic information signals from said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus; and

a microphone and speaker in communication with said portable access control device, wherein said portable access control device converts said electronic information signals to voice signals for reproduction on said speaker and converts voice signals to said electronic information signals for transfer to said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus.

52. The method for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 43 further comprising the steps of:

providing communication access with one of a group of communication devices consisting of a computing system, a telephone handset, a facsimile machine and in communication with said protocol control device;

interpreting and formatting of said electronic information signals between protocols and command structures of the first type network and protocols and command structures of the second type network; and

transferring said electronic information signals between said first type network, said second type network and said communication devices.

53. A apparatus for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals comprising the steps of:

means for providing first type network;

means for providing a portable access device;

means for establishing communication for said portable access device with a node of one of at least one second type networks

means for providing communication access to said first type network;

means for providing communication access to at least one of said second type networks;

means for creating at least one multi-network instantiation device in communication with said protocol control device and in communication with a remote node of said second type network to transfer said electronic information signals to said portable access device on said second type network;

means for translating a fixed address translation of a first address describing a node of said first type network through which said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus communicates to said first network to a second address describing a node of said second type network through which said second portal communicates with said second network and at least one third address describing a node of said second type network through which said multi-network instantiation devices communicate with said second network;

means for fixedly defining said first address for said first type network;

means for virtually defining said second and third addresses.

means for transferring said electronic information signals between said first type network and said portable access device in communication with a node of said second type network;

means for interpreting and formatting of said electronic information signals between protocols and command structures of the first type network and protocols and command structures of the second type network; and

means for transferring of said electronic information signals between said first type network and said second type network.

54. The apparatus for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 53 wherein said multi-network instantiation devices are selected from a group of devices in communication with said second type network consisting of other multi-network exchange bridge apparatuses, computing devices, personal digital assistants, Internet protocol telephones, and electronic devices capable of communicating with said second type network.

55. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 53 further comprising the step of:

means for retaining said electronic information signals received from said first type network and from second type network;

56. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 53 further comprising the steps of:

means for requesting by said portable access device in communication with said second network transmits through said multi-network instantiation device to communicate with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus; and

means for associating multi-network instantiation device with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus, if said multiple instantiation device has a third address equivalent to said second address with an extension indicating that said portable access device;

means for communicating through said multi-network instantiation device directly with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus.

57. The apparatus for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 53 wherein the first type network is a public switched telephone network and said protocols and command structures of said first type network provide calling features and voice signals of a telephone call.

58. The apparatus for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 53 wherein the second type network is a global digital communications network and said protocols and command structures provide packet formatted digital data for transferring said electronic information signals between said second type network and said first type network.

59. The apparatus for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 55 wherein the packet formatted digital data is a voice-over-Internet protocol for the transfer of a telephone call on said global digital communications network.

60. The apparatus for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 53 wherein the second type network includes a global multi-network exchange server in communication with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus to facilitate transfer of said electronic information signals between said portable access device.

61. The apparatus for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 57 wherein the portable access device in communication with the second type network comprises:

a portable access control device in communication with said global multi-network exchange server to acquire access information to facilitate transfer of said electronic information signals between said second type network and said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and in communication with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus to acquire said electronic information signals from said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus; and

a microphone and speaker in communication with said portable access control device, wherein said portable access control device converts said electronic information signals to voice signals for reproduction on said speaker and converts voice signals to said electronic information signals for transfer to said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus.

62. The apparatus for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals of claim 53 further comprising the steps of:

means for providing communication access with one of a group of communication devices consisting of a computing system, a telephone handset, a facsimile machine and in communication with said protocol control device;

means for interpreting and formatting of said electronic information signals between protocols and command structures of the first type network and protocols and command structures of the second type network; and

and

means for transferring said electronic information signals between said first type network, said second type network and said communication devices.

63. A multi-network exchange bridge apparatus in communication with a first type network and at least one second type network for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals to a portable access device in communication with a node of one of second type network from said first network, said multi-network exchange bridge comprising:

a first portal in communication with said first type network;

at least one second portal in communication with said second type networks;

a protocol control device in communication with said first portal, and second portal, for interpretation and formatting of said electronic information signals between protocols and command structures of the first type network and protocols and command structures of the second type network for transfer of said electronic information signals between said first type network and said second type network;

at least one multi-network instantiation device in communication with said protocol control device and in communication with a remote node of said second type network to transfer said electronic information signals to said portable access device on said second type network.

64. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 63 wherein said multi-network instantiation devices are selected from a group of devices in communication with said second type network consisting of other multi-network exchange bridge apparatuses, computing devices, personal digital assistants, Internet protocol telephones, and electronic devices capable of communicating with said second type network.

65. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 63 further comprising:

an information retention device in communication with said first portal and said second portal to retain said electronic information signals, to transfer said electronic information signals between said first type network and said portable access device in communication with a node of said second type network.

66. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 63 wherein if said portable access device in communication with said second network transmits through said multi-network instantiation device a request to communicate with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and has a third address equivalent to said second address with an extension indicating that said portable access device communicating through said multi-network instantiation device is associated with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and may communicate directly with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus.

67. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 63 wherein said portable access device communicating with said multi-network instantiation device transfers electronic information signals between said portable access device and said first type network through said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus as though said portable access device were in direct communication with said first type network.

68. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 63 wherein the first type network is a public switched telephone network and said protocols and command structures of said first type network provide calling features and voice signals of a telephone call.

69. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 63 wherein the second type network is a global digital communications network and said protocols and command structures provide packet formatted digital data for transferring said electronic information signals between said second type network and said first type network.

70. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 69 wherein the packet formatted digital data is a voice-over-Internet protocol for the transfer of a telephone call on said global digital communications network.

71. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 63 wherein the second type network includes a global multi-network exchange server in communication with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus to facilitate transfer of said electronic information signals between and said multi-network instantiation devices.

72. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 71 wherein said global multi-network exchange server facilitates routing for transfer of said electronic information signals from said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and a gateway that permits communication between said first type network and said second type network remotely from said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus.

73. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 71 wherein the portable access device in communication with the second type network comprises:

a portable access control device in communication with said global multi-network exchange server to acquire access information to facilitate transfer of said electronic information signals between said second type network and said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and in communication with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus to acquire said electronic information signals from said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus; and

a microphone and speaker in communication with said portable access control device, wherein said portable access control device converts said electronic information signals to voice signals for reproduction on said speaker and converts voice signals to said electronic information signals for transfer to said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus.

74. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 63 further comprising at least one third portal in communication with one of a group of communication devices consisting of a computing system, a telephone handset, a facsimile machine and in communication with said protocol control device, wherein said protocol control device provides interpretation and formatting of said electronic information signals between protocols and command structures of the first type network and protocols and command structures of the second type network for transfer of said electronic information signals between said first type network, said second type network and said communication devices.

75. A multi-network exchange system for the transfer of electronic information signals comprising:

a first type network;

at least one second type network;

a multi-network exchange bridge apparatus in communication with said first type network and said second type network for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals to a portable access device in communication with a node of one of second type network from said first network, said multi-network exchange bridge comprising;

a first portal in communication with said first type network;

at least one second portal in communication with said second type network;

a protocol control device in communication with said first portal, and second portal, for interpretation and formatting of said electronic information signals between protocols and command structures of the first type network and protocols and command structures of the second type network for transfer of said electronic information signals between said first type network and said second type network.

at least one multi-network instantiation device in communication with said protocol control device and in communication with a remote node of said second type network to transfer said electronic information signals to said portable access device on said second type network;

1. A multi-network exchange bridge apparatus in communication with a first type network and at least one second type network for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals to a portable access device in communication with a node of one of second type network from said first network, said multi-network exchange bridge comprising:

a first portal in communication with said first type network;

at least one second portal in communication with said second type networks;

a protocol control device in communication with said first portal, and

second portal, for interpretation and formatting of said electronic information signals between protocols and command structures of the first type network and protocols and command structures of the second type network for transfer of said electronic information signals between said first type network and said second type network.

at least one multi-network instantiation device in communication with said protocol control device and in communication with a remote node of said second type network to transfer said electronic information signals to said portable access device on said second type network;

a fixed address translation device in communication with the protocol control device for conversion of a first address describing a node of said first type network through which said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus communicates to said first network to a second address describing a node of said second type network through which said second portal communicates with said second network and at least one address describing a node of said second type network through which said multi-network instantiation devices communicate with said second network;

wherein said first address is fixedly defined for said first type network and said translation is virtually defined for said second and third addresses.

4. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 1 wherein if said portable access device in communication with said second network transmits through said multi-network instantiation device a request to communicate with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and has a third address equivalent to said second address with an extension indicating that said portable access device communicating through said multi-network instantiation device is associated with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and may communicate directly with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus.

5. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 1 wherein said portable access device communicating with said multi-network instantiation device transfers electronic information signals between said portable access device and said first type network through said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus as though said portable access device were in direct communication with said first type network.

6. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first type network is a public switched telephone network and said protocols and command structures of said first type network provide calling features and voice signals of a telephone call.

7. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second type network is a global digital communications network and said protocols and command structures provide packet formatted digital data for transferring said electronic information signals between said second type network and said first type network.

8. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 7 wherein the packet formatted digital data is a voice-over-Internet protocol for the transfer of a telephone call on said global digital communications network.

9. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second type network includes a global multi-network exchange server in communication with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus to facilitate transfer of said electronic information signals between and said multi-network instantiation devices.

10. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 9 wherein said global multi-network exchange server facilitates routing for transfer of said electronic information signals from said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and a gateway that permits communication between said first type network and said second type network remotely from said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus.

11. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 9 wherein the portable access device in communication with the second type network comprises:

a portable access control device in communication with said global multi-network exchange server to acquire access information to facilitate transfer of said electronic information signals between said second type network and said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and in communication with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus to acquire said electronic information signals from said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus; and

a microphone and speaker in communication with said portable access control device, wherein said portable access control device converts said electronic information signals to voice signals for reproduction on said speaker and converts voice signals to said electronic information signals for transfer to said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus.

12. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one third portal in communication with one of a group of communication devices consisting of a computing system, a telephone handset, a facsimile machine and in communication with said protocol control device, wherein said protocol control device provides interpretation and formatting of said electronic information signals between protocols and command structures of the first type network and protocols and command structures of the second type network for transfer of said electronic information signals between said first type network, said second type network and said communication devices.

76. The multi-network exchange system of claim 75 wherein said multi-network instantiation devices are selected from a group of devices in communication with said second type network consisting of other multi-network exchange bridge apparatuses within said multi-network exchange system, computing devices, personal digital assistantss, Internet protocol telephoness, and electronic devices capable of communicating with said second type network.

77. The multi-network exchange system of claim 75 wherein said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus further comprises:

an information retention device in communication with said first portal and said second portal to retain said electronic information signals, to transfer said electronic information signals between said first type network and said portable access device in communication with a node of said second type network.

78. The multi-network exchange system of claim 75 wherein if said portable access device in communication with said second network transmits through said multi-network instantiation device a request to communicate with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and has a third address equivalent to said second address with an extension indicating that said portable access device communicating through said multi-network instantiation device is associated with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and may communicate directly with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus.

79. The multi-network exchange system of claim 75 wherein the first type network is a public switched telephone network and said protocols and command structures of said first type network provide calling features and voice signals of a telephone call.

80. The multi-network exchange system of claim 75 wherein the second type network is a global digital communications network and said protocols and command structures provide packet formatted digital data for transferring said electronic information signals between said second type network and said first type network.

81. The multi-network exchange system of claim 80 wherein the packet formatted digital data is a voice-over-Internet protocol for the transfer of a telephone call on said global digital communications network.

82. The multi-network exchange system of claim 75 wherein the second type network includes a global multi-network exchange server in communication with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus to facilitate transfer of said electronic information signals between said portable access device.

83. The multi-network exchange system of claim 82 wherein the portable access device in communication with the second type network comprises:

a portable access control device in communication with said global multi-network exchange server to acquire access information to facilitate transfer of said electronic information signals between said second type network and said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and in communication with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus to acquire said electronic information signals from said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus; and

a microphone and speaker in communication with said portable access control device, wherein said portable access control device converts said electronic information signals to voice signals for reproduction on said speaker and converts voice signals to said electronic information signals for transfer to said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus.

84. The multi-network exchange system of claim 83 wherein said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus further comprises at least one third portal in communication with one of a group of communication devices consisting of a computing system, a telephone handset, a facsimile machine and in communication with said protocol control device, wherein said protocol control device provides interpretation and formatting of said electronic information signals between protocols and command structures of the first type network and protocols and command structures of the second type network for transfer of said electronic information signals between said first type network, said second type network and said communication devices.

84-1. The multi-network exchange system of claim 83 wherein said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus further comprises at least one third portal in communication with one of a group of communication devices consisting of a computing system, a telephone handset, a facsimile machine and in communication with said protocol control device, wherein said protocol control device provides interpretation and formatting of said electronic information signals between protocols and command structures of the first type network and protocols and command structures of the second type network for transfer of said electronic information signals between said first type network, said second type network and said communication devices.

85. A multi-network exchange bridge apparatus in communication with a first type network and at least one second type network for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals to a portable access device in communication with a node of one of second type network from said first network, said multi-network exchange bridge comprising:

acquire said electronic information signals from said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus; and

a microphone and speaker in communication with said portable access control device, wherein said portable access control device converts said electronic information signals to voice signals for reproduction on said speaker and converts voice signals to said electronic information signals for transfer to said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus.

3. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

an information retention device in communication with said first portal and said second portal to retain said electronic information signals, to transfer said electronic information signals between said first type network and said portable access device in communication with a node of said second type network.

86. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 85 further comprising:

an information retention device in communication with said first portal and said second portal to retain said electronic information signals, to

a first portal in communication with said first type network;

at least one second portal in communication with said second type networks;

a protocol control device in communication with said first portal, and second portal, for interpretation and formatting of said electronic information signals between protocols and command structures of the first type network and protocols and command structures of the second type network for transfer of said electronic information signals between said first type network and said second type network;

a fixed address translation device in communication with the protocol control device for conversion of a first address describing a node of said first type network through which said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus communicates to said first network to a second address describing a node of said second type network through which said second portal communicates with said second network and at least one third address describing a node of said second type network;

wherein said first address is fixedly defined for said first type network and said translation is virtually defined for said second and third addresses.

87. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 85 wherein if said portable access device in communication with said second network transmits a request to communicate with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and has a third address equivalent to said second address with an extension indicating that said portable access device communicating is associated with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and may communicate directly with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus.

88. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 85 wherein said portable access device transfers electronic information signals between said portable access device and said first type network through said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus as though said portable access device were in direct communication with said first type network.

89. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 85 wherein the first type network is a public switched telephone network and said protocols and command structures of said first type network provide calling features and voice signals of a telephone call.

90. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 85 wherein the second type network is a global digital communications network and said protocols and command structures provide packet formatted digital data for transferring said electronic information signals between said second type network and said first type network.

91. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 90 wherein the packet formatted digital data is a voice-over-Internet protocol for the transfer of a telephone call on said global digital communications network.

92. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 85 wherein the second type network includes a global multi-network exchange server in communication with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus to facilitate transfer of said electronic information signals.

93. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 92 wherein said global multi-network exchange server facilitates routing for transfer of said electronic information signals from said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and a gateway that permits communication between said first type network and said second type network remotely from said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus.

94. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 93 wherein the portable access device in communication with the second type network comprises:

a portable access control device in communication with said global multi-network exchange server to acquire access information to facilitate transfer of said electronic information signals between said second type network and said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and in communication with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus to acquire said electronic information signals from said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus; and

a microphone and speaker in communication with said portable access control device, wherein said portable access control device converts said electronic information signals to voice signals for reproduction on said speaker and converts voice signals to said electronic information signals for transfer to said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus.

95. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 85 further comprising at least one third portal in communication with one of a group of communication devices consisting of a computing system, a telephone handset, a facsimile machine and in communication with said protocol control device, wherein said protocol control device provides interpretation and formatting of said electronic information signals between protocols and command structures of the first type network and protocols and command structures of the second type network for transfer of said electronic information signals between said first type network, said second type network and said communication devices.

85-2. A multi-network exchange bridge apparatus in communication with a first type network and at least one second type network for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals to a portable access device in communication with a node of one of second type network from said first network, said multi-network exchange bridge comprising:

a first portal in communication with said first type network;

at least one second portal in communication with said second type networks;

a protocol control device in communication with said first portal, and second portal, for interpretation and formatting of said electronic information signals between protocols and command structures of the first type network and protocols and command structures of the second type network for transfer of said electronic information signals between said first type network and said second type network;

a fixed address translation device in communication with the protocol control device for conversion of a first address describing a node of said first type network through which said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus communicates to said first network to a second address describing a node of said second type network through which said second portal communicates with said second network and at least one third address describing a node of said second type network;

wherein said first address is fixedly defined for said first type network and said translation is virtually defined for said second and third addresses.

86-3. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus of claim 85 further comprising:

an information retention device in communication with said first portal and said second portal to retain said electronic information signals, to transfer said electronic information signals between said first type network and said portable access device in communication with a node of said second type network.

96. A multi-network exchange system for the transfer of electronic information signals comprising:

a first type network;

at least one second type network;

a multi-network exchange bridge apparatus in communication with said first type network and said second type network for facilitating transfer of electronic information signals to a portable access device in communication with a node of one of second type network from said first network, said multi-network exchange bridge comprising;

a first portal in communication with said first type network;

at least one second portal in communication with said second type network;

a protocol control device in communication with said first portal, and second portal, for interpretation and formatting of said electronic information signals between protocols and command structures of the first type network and protocols and command structures of the second type network for transfer of said electronic information signals between said first type network and said second type network;

a fixed address translation device in communication with the protocol control device for conversion of a first address describing a node of said first type network through which said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus communicates to said first network to a second address describing a node of said second type network through which said second portal communicates with said second network and at least one third address describing a node of said second type network;

wherein said first address is fixedly defined for said first type network and said translation is virtually defined for said second and third addresses.

97. The multi-network exchange system of claim 96 wherein said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus further comprises:

an information retention device in communication with said first portal and said second portal to retain said electronic information signals, to transfer said electronic information signals between said first type network and said portable access device in communication with a node of said second type network.

98. The multi-network exchange system of claim 96 wherein if said portable access device in communication with said second network transmits a request to communicate with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and has a third address equivalent to said second address with an extension indicating that said portable access device communicating is associated with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and may communicate directly with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus.

99. The multi-network exchange system of claim 96 wherein the first type network is a public switched telephone network and said protocols and command structures of said first type network provide calling features and voice signals of a telephone call.

100. The multi-network exchange system of claim 96 wherein the second type network is a global digital communications network and said protocols and command structures provide packet formatted digital data for transferring said electronic information signals between said second type network and said first type network.

101. The multi-network exchange system of claim 100 wherein the packet formatted digital data is a voice-over-Internet protocol for the transfer of a telephone call on said global digital communications network.

102. The multi-network exchange system of claim 96 wherein the second type network includes a global multi-network exchange server in communication with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus to facilitate transfer of said electronic information signals between said portable access device.

103. The multi-network exchange system of claim 102 wherein the portable access device in communication with the second type network comprises:

a portable access control device in communication with said global multi-network exchange server to acquire access information to facilitate transfer of said electronic information signals between said second type network and said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus and in communication with said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus to acquire said electronic information signals from said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus; and

a microphone and speaker in communication with said portable access control device, wherein said portable access control device converts said electronic information signals to voice signals for reproduction on said speaker and converts voice signals to said electronic information signals for transfer to said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus.

104. The multi-network exchange system of claim 96 wherein said multi-network exchange bridge apparatus further comprises at least one third portal in communication with one of a group of communication devices consisting of a computing system, a telephone handset, a facsimile machine and in communication with said protocol control device, wherein said protocol control device provides interpretation and formatting of said electronic information signals between protocols and command structures of the first type network and protocols and command structures of the second type network for transfer of said electronic information signals between said first type network, said second type network and said communication devices.