Automatic called party locator over internet

• US 6,205,139 B1
• Filed: 03/06/1997
• Issued: 03/20/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 03/06/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Incorporated (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Inventors: Voit, Eric A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Vu, Huy D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): KWOH, JASPER C
• Application Number:
  US08/811,714
• Time in Patent Office: 1,475 Days
• Field of Search: 370/352-356, 370/401, 370/389, 370/410, 370/522, 709/226, 709/217, 709/225
• US Class Current: 370/389
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/1421 Indication of expected costs
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/1439 time-based
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/6418 Hybrid transport
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/6443 Network Node Interface, e.g. Routing, Path finding
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/6472 Internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/6486 Signalling Protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2463/102 applying security measure for e-commerce
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/10 of different types
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/4511 using domain name system [DNS]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/4535 using an address exchange platform which sets up a session between two nodes, e.g. rendezvous servers, session initiation protocols [SIP] registrars or H.323 gatekeepers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/4557 Directories for hybrid networks, e.g. including telephone numbers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/08 for authentication of entities cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication H04L9/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/10 for controlling access to devices or network resources
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1101 Session protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/00 Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/46 Real-time negotiation between users and providers or operators
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/49 Connection to several service providers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/55 for hybrid networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/56 for VoIP communications
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/8044 : Least cost routing
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/83 : Notification aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/90 : using Intelligent Networks [IN] or Advanced Intelligent Networks [AIN]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2207/12 : intelligent networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2207/20 : hybrid systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/016 : Billing using Intelligent Networks [IN] or Advanced Intelligent Networks [AIN]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/018 : On-line real-time billing, able to see billing information while in communication, e.g. via the internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/202 : VoIP; Packet switched telephony
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/22 : Bandwidth or usage-sensitve billing
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/42 : Least cost routing, i.e. provision for selecting the lowest cost tariff
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/44 : Charging/billing arrangements for connection made over different networks, e.g. wireless and PSTN, ISDN, etc.
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/46 : Connection to several service providers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/56 : On line or real-time flexible agreements between service providers and telecoms operators
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/745 : Least cost routing, e.g. Automatic or manual, call by call or by preselection
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/82 : Advice-of-Charge [AOC], i.e. notify subscriber of charges/cumulative charge; meter at the substation
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/4211 : where the identifier is used to access a profile
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42229 : Personal communication services, i.e. services related to one subscriber independent of his terminal and/or location diverting calls from one subscriber to another subscriber, i.e. two different subscriptions H04M3/54; selecting arrangements in intelligent networks H04Q3/005
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/4931 : Directory assistance systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/006 : Networks other than PSTN/ISDN providing telephone service, e.g. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) , including next generation networks with a packet-switched transport layer H04L65/00 takes precedence; aspects not specific to the type of network H04M3/00; special services in those networks H04M3/42
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/1235 : where one of the core networks is a wireless network
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/125 : Details of gateway equipment
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/126 : Interworking of session control protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/128 : Details of addressing, directories or routing tables
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/1285 : Details of finding and selecting a gateway for a particular call
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/1295 : Details of dual tone multiple frequency signalling
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13034 : A/D conversion, code compression/expansion
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13093 : Personal computer, PC
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13095 : PIN / Access code, authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1313 : Metering, billing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13196 : Connection circuit/link/trunk/junction, bridge, router, gateway
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13339 : Ciphering, encryption, security
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13345 : Intelligent networks, SCP
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13349 : Network management
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13389 : LAN, internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/0045 : involving hybrid, i.e. a mixture of public and private, or multi-vendor systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/0062 : Provisions for network management

Abstract

A system and method using enhanced processing, responsive to domain name translation requests, to provide selective routing services through a public packet switched data network. The name processing applies to translation of a domain name into a group of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and to providing routing information for a packet data network such as the Internet. Following name translation into a group of addresses communication is automatically established between a calling terminal and a terminal designated by one of the addresses and determined through processing which effects linkage with the first terminal to respond. The selective routing is particularly advantageous for processing of voice telephone communications through the Internet packet data network based on domain name translations. One or more domain names can be translated into a group of addresses which may include a mixture of Internet (IP) addresses and telephone number addresses, along with routing procedures with respect to the addresses.

Claims

1. A method for establishing a communication link at least partially through a system of interlinked networks using TCP/IP protocol comprising the steps of:

initiating from a first terminal a request to a domain name server for a translation of a first domain name;

determining whether there is a control record for said first domain name;

if said determination fails to establish that there is a control record for said first domain name, translating said first domain name into a single IP address;

if said determination establishes that there is a control record for said first domain name, translating said first domain name into a first IP address and at least one additional IP address;

transmitting messages, substantially simultaneously, from the domain name server to coupling points for terminal devices represented by said first IP address and said at least one additional IP address to determine the availability of said terminal devices for communication;

transmitting to terminal devices determined to be available the IP address for said first terminal; and

establishing a communication link between said first terminal and the first of said terminal devices to respond to the transmittal thereto of said IP address for said first terminal.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said system of interlinked networks comprises the Internet.

3. A method according to claim 1 including the steps of ascertaining which of said terminal devices is the first to respond to the transmittal thereto of said IP address for said first terminal, and sending to said first terminal the IP address of said first to respond terminal device.

4. A method according to claim 3 wherein said first terminal uses said IP address of said first to respond terminal device to establish said communication link.

5. A method according to claim 1 wherein said communication link includes a switched telecommunications network.

6. A method according to claim 5 wherein said telecommunications network comprises a public switched telecommunications network.

7. A method according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said terminal and terminal devices comprises a computer having two-way audio communication capabilities.

8. A method according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said terminal and terminal devices comprises a telephone terminal connected to a public switched telecommunications network.

9. A method according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said terminal and terminal devices comprises a wireless transceiver.

10. A method according to claim 1 wherein said communication link includes a wireless communication onetwork.

11. A method according to claim 1 wherein said domain name includes a telephone number.

12. A method according to claim 1 wherein said domain in name is a textual domain name comprising a plurality of words .

13. A method according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said first IP address and at least one additional IP address further include information relating to call routing via a public switched telephone network.

14. A method according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said first IP address and at least one additional IP address further include information relating to call routing via a telephone/Internet gateway to a public switched telephone network.

15. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of transmitting messages comprises the steps:

determining whether said control record identifies a wireless subscriber; and

if said control record identifies a wireless subscriber, then;

suspending transmission of said messages at a service switching point,

determining if a wireless transceiver associated with said wireless subscriber is currently registered at a home base station or a mobility controller, and

signaling said wireless transceiver.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein said wireless transceiver is registered at a home base station, and wherein the step of signaling comprises the steps:

determining if a line to said home base station is busy;

if said line is busy, then terminating the step of transmitting; and

if said line is not busy, then;

signaling said wireless transceiver,

if there is a response from said wireless transceiver then performing said steps of transmitting to said first terminal and establishing a communication link, and

if there is no response from said wireless transceiver, then;

sending a message to said service switching point instructing transfer or redirect to an alternate termination point, and

terminating the step of transmitting.

17. A method according to claim 15, wherein said wireless transceiver is registered at a mobility controller, and wherein the step of signaling comprises the steps:

determining if said wireless transceiver is available;

if said wireless transceiver is not available, then terminating the step of transmitting;

if said wireless transceiver is available, then;

forwarding a temporary local directory number assigned for said wireless transceiver to said service switching point, and

signaling said wireless transceiver.

18. A method according to claim 17, further comprising the steps:

waiting for a response from said wireless transceiver;

if there is a response, then performing said steps of transmitting to said first terminal and establishing a communication link; and

if there is no response, then;

sending a message to said service switching point instructing transfer or redirect to an alternate termination point, and

terminating the step of transmitting.

19. A method for establishing a communication link through a system of interlinked networks using TCP/IP protocol comprising the steps of:

initiating from a first terminal a request to a domain name server for a translation of a domain name;

determining whether there is a control record for said domain name;

if said determination fails to establish that there is a control record for said domain name, then translating said domain name into a single IP address;

if said determination establishes that there is a control record for said domain name, then translating said domain name into a first IP address and at least one additional IP address;

transmitting messages, substantially simultaneously, to coupling points for destination terminal devices represented by said first IP address and said at least one additional IP address;

transmitting to said first terminal the IP address for a first one of said destination terminal devices to respond to the transmitted messages; and

establishing a communication link between said first terminal and the first of said destination terminal devices to respond.

20. A server comprising:

one or more processors executing one or more sequences of instructions;

an interface connected to said one or more processors for coupling the server to a system of interlinked networks using TCP/IP protocol; and

a computer-readable medium carrying one or more sequences of instructions for establishing a communication link at least partially through the system of interlinked networks;

wherein execution of the one or more sequences of instructions by one or more of the processors causes the one or more processors to;

receive a request from a first terminal for a translation of a first domain name,

determine whether there is a control record for said first domain name,

if said determination fails to establish that there is a control record for said first domain name, then translating said first domain name into a single IP address,

if said determination establishes that there is a control record for said first domain name, then translating said first domain name into a first IP address and at least one additional IP address,

transmit messages, substantially simultaneously, to coupling points for terminal devices represented by said first IP address and said at least one additional IP address to determine the availability of said terminal devices for communication, and

transmit to terminal devices determined to be available the IP address for said first terminal, to enable communication between said first terminal and the first of said terminal devices to respond to the transmittal thereto of said IP address for said first terminal.

21. A server comprising:

one or more processors executing one or more sequences of instructions;

an interface connected to said one or more processors for coupling the server to a system of interlinked networks using TCP/IP protocol; and

a computer-readable medium carrying one or more sequences of instructions for establishing a communication link through the system of interlinked networks;

wherein execution of the one or more sequences of instructions by one or more of the processors causes the one or more processors to;

receive a request from a first terminal for a translation of a first domain name;

determine whether there is a control record for said first domain name;

if said determination fails to establish that there is a control record for said first domain name, then translating said first domain name into a single IP address;

if said determination establishes that there is a control record for said first domain name, then translating said first domain name into a first IP address and at least one additional IP address;

transmit messages, substantially simultaneously, to coupling points for destination terminal devices represented by said first IP address and said at least one additional IP address; and

transmit to said first terminal the IP address for a first one of said destination terminal devices to respond to the transmitted messages, to enable communication between said first terminal and the first of said destination terminal devices to respond.