System and method for packet network media redirection

• US 6,404,746 B1
• Filed: 07/13/1999
• Issued: 06/11/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 07/13/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Intervoice Limited Partnership A Nevada Limited Partnership Composed of As Its SOLE Partner Intervoice GP Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Intervoice Limited Partnership
• Inventors: Cave, Ellis K., El-Khoury, Roland
• Primary Examiner(s): Vu, Huy D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Harper, Kevin C.
• Application Number:
  US09/352,795
• Time in Patent Office: 1,064 Days
• Field of Search: 370/259, 370/260, 370/261, 370/262, 370/263, 370/264, 370/265, 370/270, 370/356, 370/390, 370/400, 370/901, 379/900, 379/201, 379/210, 379/202, 348/14.01, 348/14.08, 348/14.09, 348/14.11
• US Class Current: 370/262
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1069 Session establishment or de-establishment
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1101 Session protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1104 Session initiation protocol [SIP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1106 Call signalling protocols; H.323 and related
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/401 wherein the services involve a main real-time session and one or more additional parallel real-time or time sensitive sessions, e.g. white board sharing or spawning of a subconference
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/2016 Call initiation by network rather than by subscriber
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/527 Centralised call answering arrangements not requiring operator intervention
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/56 Arrangements for connecting several subscribers to a common circuit, i.e. affording conference facilities video conference systems H04N7/15
• 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 7/1255 where the switching fabric and the switching logic are decomposed such as in Media Gateway Control
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13034 A/D conversion, code compression/expansion
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13097 Numbering, addressing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13106 Microprocessor, CPU
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13107 Control equipment for a part of the connection, distributed control, co-processing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13176 Common channel signaling, CCS7
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13196 Connection circuit/link/trunk/junction, bridge, router, gateway
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13204 Protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13209 ISDN
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1327 Release and resetting of connection
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13298 : Local loop systems, access network
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13352 : Self-routing networks, real-time routing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13377 : Recorded announcement
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13389 : LAN, internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13396 : Signaling in general, in-band signalling
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13405 : Dual frequency signaling, DTMF
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/0016 : Arrangements providing connection between exchanges
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 379/90 : Internet, e.g. Internet phone, webphone, internet-based telephony

Abstract

A system and method for a packet Voice Response Unit (VRU) which directly utilize packet network protocols, such as those of the H.323 standard, to provide enhanced services via a packet network. The packet VRU generally operates within the packet network and is not required to provide data format translation or multiple device-type access. The packet VRU may be built entirely in software running on a network server with a standard packet network connection such as Ethernet or token-ring. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the packet VRU redirects the media stream from a source so that it is sent directly to a destination, instead of passing through the packet VRU. Alternatively, if the packet VRU must perform processing on the message contents, the packets may be sent to both the destination and to the packet VRU. The packet VRU may still retain call control over the media streams by maintaining the signaling and user input components of the call. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a gateway may convert user input indication signals received from a party connected via the gateway into user input indication messages in an out-of-band channel to be read by the packet VRU, separate from the redirected media streams. The packet VRU may generally provide the existing enhanced services of a synchronous VRU but in a packet network environment, and in addition provide enhanced services for multimedia communications.

Claims

1. A method for redirecting media in an asynchronous packet network by a system asynchronously connected to said packet network, said method comprising:

establishing a first call between a first device and said system via said packet network, wherein said first call comprises a first call control structure and a first media stream;

establishing a second call between said system and a second device via said packet network, wherein said second call comprises a second call control structure and a second media stream;

signaling said first device to redirect said first media stream to said second device; and

signaling said second device to redirect said second media stream to said first device, wherein said first and second call control structures are not redirected away from said system, and said system does not receive said media while said media streams are redirected.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said first and second devices are network gateways.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second devices is an Internet Protocol phone.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said establishing said first call comprises receiving said first call from said first device.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said establishing said second call comprises initiating said second call with said second device.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein said second call is initiated in response to information provided in said first call.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said first and second calls are H.323 standard calls.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said first and second call control structures each comprise G.931 standard call signaling and H.245 standard call control.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein said media streams are real-time protocol media streams.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein said media streams are real-time control protocol media streams.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein said packet network is the Internet.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein said media is voice.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein said media is selected from the group consisting of:

voice, video, multimedia, and combinations thereof.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein said first and second media streams comprise the same data type and data rate.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein said first and second media streams comprise different data types and data rates.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein call context for said first and second calls is retained by said system.

17. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

tearing down said first media stream redirected to said second device;

tearing down said second media stream redirected to said first device;

tearing down said second call control structure; and

reestablishing said first media stream between said first device and said system, wherein said first call is reconnected as before said redirect of said first media stream.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

establishing a third call between said system and a third device via said packet network, wherein said third call comprises a third call control structure and a third media stream;

signaling said first device to redirect said first media stream to said third device; and

signaling said third device to redirect said third media stream to said first device;

wherein said first and third call control structures are not redirected away from said system.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein said tearing down of said of said first and second media streams and said second call control structure are in response to a user input indication message received from said first device.

20. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

tearing down said first media stream redirected to said second device;

tearing down said second media stream redirected to said first device;

tearing down said first call control structure; and

tearing down said second call control structure.

21. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

tearing down said first media stream redirected to said second device;

tearing down said second media stream redirected to said first device;

reestablishing said first media stream between said first device and said system, wherein said first call is reconnected as before said redirect of said first media stream; and

reestablishing said second media stream between said system and said second device, wherein said second call is reconnected as before said redirect of said second media stream.

22. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

establishing a third call between said system and a third device via said packet network, wherein said third call comprises a third call control structure and a third media stream;

signaling said first device to replicate said first media stream to send data to said third device in addition to said second device;

signaling said second device to replicate said second media stream to send data to said third device in addition to said first device;

signaling said third device to redirect said third media stream to said first device; and

signaling said third device to replicate said third media stream to send data to said second device in addition to said first device, wherein said third call control structure is not redirected away from said system.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein user input indication messages are transmitted out-of-band from said media streams.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said user input indication messages are transmitted in at least one of said call control structures.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein said user input indication messages comprise dual tone multiple frequency (DTMF) signal messages.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein said user input indication messages are generated by said first device.

27. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

receiving said user input indication messages from said first device.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising:

forwarding said user input indication messages to said second device.

29. The method of claim 1, wherein said system is a packet voice response unit.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein said packet voice response unit provides an enhanced service selected from the group consisting of:

prepaid calling card service, postpaid calling card service, collect calling service, international callback service, one number service, voice activated dialing service, conferencing service, and combinations thereof.

31. The method of claim 1, wherein said system is asynchronously connected to said packet network via an Ethernet connection.

32. A system for redirecting media in an asynchronous packet network, said system comprising:

an asynchronous interface to said packet network;

means for establishing a first call with a first device via said packet network, wherein said first call comprises a first call control structure and a first media stream;

means for establishing a second call with a second device via said packet network, wherein said second call comprises a second call control structure and a second media stream;

means for signaling said first device to redirect said first media stream to said second device; and

means for signaling said second device to redirect said second media stream to said first device, wherein said first and second call control structures are not redirected away from said system, and said system does not receive said media while said media streams are redirected.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein said asynchronous interface is an Ethernet connection.

34. The system of claim 32, wherein said first and second devices are network gateways.

35. The system of claim 32, wherein at least one of said first and second devices is an Internet Protocol (IP) phone.

36. The system of claim 32, wherein said means for establishing said first call comprises means for receiving said first call from said first device.

37. The system of claim 32, wherein said means for establishing said second call comprises means for initiating said second call with said second device.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein said second call is initiated in response to information provided in said first call.

39. The system of claim 32, wherein said first and second calls are H.323 standard calls.

40. The system of claim 39, wherein said first and second call control structures each comprise G.931 standard call signaling and H.245 standard call control.

41. The system of claim 40, wherein said media streams are real-time protocol media streams.

42. The system of claim 40, wherein said media streams are real-time control protocol media streams.

43. The system of claim 32, wherein said packet network is the Internet.

44. The system of claim 32, wherein said media is voice.

45. The system of claim 32, wherein said media is selected from the group consisting of:

voice, video, multimedia, and combinations thereof.

46. The system of claim 32, wherein said first and second media streams comprise the same data type and data rate.

47. The system of claim 32, wherein said first and second media streams comprise different data types and data rates.

48. The system of claim 32, wherein call context for said first and second calls is retained by said system.

49. The system of claim 32, further comprising:

means for tearing down said first media stream redirected to said second device;

means for tearing down said second media stream redirected to said first device;

means for tearing down said second call control structure; and

means for reestablishing said first media stream between said first device and said system, wherein said first call is reconnected as before said redirect of said first media stream.

50. The system of claim 49, further comprising:

means for establishing a third call between said system and a third device via said packet network, wherein said third call comprises a third call control structure and a third media stream;

means for signaling said first device to redirect said first media stream to said third device; and

means for signaling said third device to redirect said third media stream to said first device;

wherein said first and third call control structures are not redirected away from said system.

51. The system of claim 50, wherein said means for tearing down of said of said first and second media streams and said second call control structure respond to a user input indication message received from said first device.

52. The system of claim 32, further comprising:

means for tearing down said first media stream redirected to said second device;

means for tearing down said second media stream redirected to said first device;

means for tearing down said first call control structure; and

means for tearing down said second call control structure.

53. The system of claim 32, further comprising:

means for tearing down said first media stream redirected to said second device;

means for tearing down said second media stream redirected to said first device;

means for reestablishing said first media stream between said first device and said system, wherein said first call is reconnected as before said redirect of said first media stream; and

means for reestablishing said second media stream between said system and said second device, wherein said second call is reconnected as before said redirect of said second media stream.

54. The system of claim 32, further comprising:

means for establishing a third call between said system and a third device via said packet network, wherein said third call comprises a third call control structure and a third media stream;

means for signaling said first device to replicate said first media stream to send data to said third device in addition to said second device;

means for signaling said second device to replicate said second media stream to send data to said third device in addition to said first device;

means for signaling said third device to redirect said third media stream to said first device; and

means for signaling said third device to replicate said third media stream to send data to said second device in addition to said first device, wherein said third call control structure is not redirected away from said system.

55. The system of claim 32, wherein user input indication messages are transmitted out-of-band from said media streams.

56. The system of claim 55, wherein said user input indication messages are transmitted in at least one of said call control structures.

57. The system of claim 55, wherein said user input indication messages comprise dual tone multiple frequency (DTMF) signal messages.

58. The system of claim 55, wherein said user input indication messages are generated by said first device.

59. The system of claim 55, further comprising:

means for receiving said user input indication messages from said first device.

60. The system of claim 59, further comprising:

means for forwarding said user input indication messages to said second device.

61. The system of claim 32, wherein said system is a packet voice response unit.

62. The system of claim 61, wherein said packet voice response unit provides an enhanced service selected from the group consisting of:

prepaid calling card service, postpaid calling card service, collect calling service, international callback service, one number service, voice activated dialing service, conferencing service, and combinations thereof.

63. A computer program product having a computer readable medium with computer program logic recorded thereon for use in a system asynchronously connected to a packet network for redirecting media in said asynchronous packet network, said computer program product comprising:

code for establishing a first call with a first device via said packet network, wherein said first call comprises a first call control structure and a first media stream;

code for establishing a second call with a second device via said packet network, wherein said second call comprises a second call control structure and a second media stream;

code for signaling said first device to redirect said first media stream to said second device; and

code for signaling said second device to redirect said second media stream to said first device, wherein said first and second call control structures are not redirected away from said system, and said system does not receive said media while said media streams are redirected.

64. The computer program product of claim 63, wherein said system is a packet voice response unit.

65. The computer program product of claim 64, wherein said packet voice response unit provides an enhanced service selected from the group consisting of:

prepaid calling card service, postpaid calling card service, collect calling service, international callback service, one number service, voice activated dialing service, conferencing service, and combinations thereof.

66. The computer program product of claim 63, wherein said system is asynchronously connect to said packet network via an Ethernet connection.

67. The computer program product of claim 63, wherein said first and second devices are network gateways.

68. The computer program product of claim 63, wherein at least one of said first and second devices is an Internet Protocol (IP) phone.

69. The computer program product of claim 63, wherein said code for establishing said first call comprises code for receiving said first call from said first device.

70. The computer program product of claim 63, wherein said code for establishing said second call comprises code for initiating said second call with said second device.

71. The method of claim 70, wherein said second call is initiated in response to information provided in said first call.

72. The computer program product of claim 63, wherein said first and second calls are H.323 standard calls.

73. The computer program product of claim 72, wherein said first and second call control structures each comprise G.931 standard call signaling and H.245 standard call control.

74. The computer program product of claim 72, wherein said media streams are real-time protocol media streams.

75. The computer program product of claim 72, wherein said media streams are real-time control protocol media streams.

76. The computer program product of claim 63, wherein said packet network is the Internet.

77. The computer program product of claim 63, wherein said media is voice.

78. The computer program product of claim 63, wherein said media is selected from the group consisting of:

voice, video, multimedia, and combinations thereof.

79. The computer program product of claim 63, wherein said first and second media streams comprise the same data type and data rate.

80. The computer program product of claim 63, wherein said first and second media streams comprise different data types and data rates.

81. The computer program product of claim 63, wherein call context for said first and second calls is retained by said system.

82. The computer program product of claim 63, further comprising:

code for tearing down said first media stream redirected to said second device;

code for tearing down said second media stream redirected to said first device;

code for tearing down said second call control structure; and

code for reestablishing said first media stream between said first device and said system, wherein said first call is reconnected as before said redirect of said first media stream.

83. The computer program product of claim 82, further comprising:

code for establishing a third call between said system and a third device via said packet network, wherein said third call comprises a third call control structure and a third media stream;

code for signaling said first device to redirect said first media stream to said third device; and

code for signaling said third device to redirect said third media stream to said first device;

wherein said first and third call control structures are not redirected away from said system.

84. The computer program product of claim 83, wherein said code for tearing down of said of said first and second media streams and said second call control structure respond to a user input indication message received from said first device.

85. The computer program product of claim 63, further comprising:

code for tearing down said first media stream redirected to said second device;

code for tearing down said second media stream redirected to said first device;

code for tearing down said first call control structure; and

code for tearing down said second call control structure.

86. The computer program product of claim 63, further comprising:

code for tearing down said first media stream redirected to said second device;

code for tearing down said second media stream redirected to said first device;

code for reestablishing said first media stream between said first device and said system, wherein said first call is reconnected as before said redirect of said first media stream; and

code for reestablishing said second media stream between said system and said second device, wherein said second call is reconnected as before said redirect of said second media stream.

87. The computer program product of claim 63, further comprising:

code for establishing a third call between said system and a third device via said packet network, wherein said third call comprises a third call control structure and a third media stream;

code for signaling said first device to replicate said first media stream to send data to said third device in addition to said second device;

code for signaling said second device to replicate said second media stream to send data to said third device in addition to said first device;

code for signaling said third device to redirect said third media stream to said first device; and

code for signaling said third device to replicate said third media stream to send data to said second device in addition to said first device, wherein said third call control structure is not redirected away from said system.

88. The computer program product of claim 63, herein user input indication messages are transmitted out-of-band from said media streams.

89. The computer program product of claim 88, wherein said user input indication messages are transmitted in at least one of said call control structures.

90. The computer program product of claim 88, wherein said user input indication messages comprise dual tone multiple frequency (DTMF) signal messages.

91. The computer program product of claim 88, wherein said user input indication messages are generated by said first device.

92. The computer program product of claim 88, further comprising:

code for receiving said user input indication messages from said first device.

93. The computer program product of claim 92, further comprising:

code for forwarding said user input indication messages to said second device.

94. A system for redirecting media in an asynchronous packet network, said system comprising:

an asynchronous interface to said packet network;

a call control server, wherein said call control server sets up call control structures to communicate with devices in said packet network via said asynchronous interface for controlling media streams from and to said devices;

a voice media server communicating with said call control server, wherein said call control server uses said call control structures to establish media streams between said devices and said voice media server via said asynchronous interface; and

an application server communicating with said call control server and said voice media server, wherein said application server instructs said call control server to redirect said media streams to be transmitted directly between said devices without passing through said voice media server, and wherein said call control structures are retained between said devices and said voice media server, and said voice media server does not receive said media while said media streams are redirected.

95. The system of claim 94, wherein said call control structures each comprise G.931 standard call signaling and H.245 standard call control.

96. The system of claim 94, wherein said media streams are real-time protocol media streams.

97. The system of claim 94, wherein said media streams are real-time control protocol media streams.

98. The system of claim 94, wherein said packet network is the Internet.

99. The system of claim 94, wherein said media is voice.

100. The system of claim 94, wherein said media is selected from the group consisting of:

voice, video, multimedia, and combinations thereof.

101. The system of claim 94, wherein said first and second media streams comprise the same data type and data rate.

102. The system of claim 94, wherein said first and second media streams comprise different data types and data rates.

103. The system of claim 94, wherein user input indication messages are transmitted out-of-band from said media streams.

104. The system of claim 103, wherein said user input indication messages are transmitted in at least one of said call control structures.

105. The system of claim 103, wherein said user input indication messages comprise dual tone multiple frequency (DTMF) signal messages.

106. The system of claim 103, wherein said user input indication messages are generated one of said devices.

107. The system of claim 94, wherein said system is a packet voice response unit.

108. The system of claim 107, wherein said packet voice response unit provides an enhanced service selected from the group consisting of:

prepaid calling card service, postpaid calling card service, collect calling service, international callback service, one number service, voice activated dialing service, conferencing service, and combinations thereof.

109. The system of claim 94, wherein said asynchronous interface is an Ethernet connection.

110. The system of claim 94, wherein said devices are network gateways.

111. The system of claim 94, wherein at least one of said devices is an Internet Protocol (IP) phone.

112. A method for redirecting media in an asynchronous packet network by a system asynchronously connected to said packet network, said method comprising:

establishing a first call between a first device and said system via said packet network, wherein said first call comprises a first call control structure and a first media stream;

establishing a second call between said system and a second device via said packet network, wherein said second call comprises a second call control structure and a second media stream;

signaling said first device to redirect said first media stream to said second device; and

signaling said second device to redirect said second media stream to said first device, wherein said first and second call control structures are not redirected away from said system, and said system continues to receive a copy of said media streams while said media streams are redirected.

113. The method of claim 112, wherein said first and second devices are network gateways.

114. The method of claim 112, wherein at least one of said first and second devices is an Internet Protocol phone.

115. The method of claim 112, wherein said establishing said first call comprises receiving said first call from said first device.

116. The method of claim 112, wherein said establishing said second call comprises initiating said second call with said second device.

117. The method of claim 116, wherein said second call is initiated in response to information provided in said first call.

118. The method of claim 112, wherein said first and second calls are H.323 standard calls.

119. The method of claim 118, wherein said first and second call control structures each comprise G.931 standard call signaling and H.245 standard call control.

120. The method of claim 118, wherein said media streams are real-time protocol media streams.

121. The method of claim 118, wherein said media streams are real-time control protocol media streams.

122. The method of claim 112, wherein said packet network is the Internet.

123. The method of claim 112, wherein said media is voice.

124. The method of claim 112, wherein said media is selected from the group consisting of:

voice, video, multimedia, and combinations thereof.

125. The method of claim 112, wherein said first and second media streams comprise the same data type and data rate.

126. The method of claim 112, wherein said first and second media streams comprise different data types and data rates.

127. The method of claim 112, wherein call context for said first and second calls is retained by said system.

128. The method of claim 112, further comprising:

tearing down said first media stream redirected to said second device;

tearing down said second media stream redirected to said first device;

tearing down said second call control structure; and

reestablishing said first media stream between said first device and said system, wherein said first call is reconnected as before said redirect of said first media stream.

129. The method of claim 128, further comprising:

establishing a third call between said system and a third device via said packet network, wherein said third call comprises a third call control structure and a third media stream;

signaling said first device to redirect said first media stream to said third device; and

signaling said third device to redirect said third media stream to said first device;

wherein said first and third call control structures are not redirected away from said system.

130. The method of claim 129, wherein said tearing down of said of said first and second media streams and said second call control structure are in response to a user input indication message received from said first device.

131. The method of claim 112, further comprising:

tearing down said first media stream redirected to said second device;

tearing down said second media stream redirected to said first device;

tearing down said first call control structure; and

tearing down said second call control structure.

132. The method of claim 112, further comprising:

tearing down said first media stream redirected to said second device;

tearing down said second media stream redirected to said first device;

reestablishing said first media stream between said first device and said system, wherein said first call is reconnected as before said redirect of said first media stream; and

reestablishing said second media stream between said system and said second device, wherein said second call is reconnected as before said redirect of said second media stream.

133. The method of claim 112, further comprising:

establishing a third call between said system and a third device via said packet network, wherein said third call comprises a third call control structure and a third media stream;

signaling said first device to replicate said first media stream to send data to said third device in addition to said second device;

signaling said second device to replicate said second media stream to send data to said third device in addition to said first device;

signaling said third device to redirect said third media stream to said first device; and

signaling said third device to replicate said third media stream to send data to said second device in addition to said first device, wherein said third call control structure is not redirected away from said system.

134. The method of claim 112, wherein user input indication messages are transmitted out-of-band from said media streams.

135. The method of claim 134, wherein said user input indication messages are transmitted in at least one of said call control structures.

136. The method of claim 134, wherein said user input indication messages comprise dual tone multiple frequency (DTMF) signal messages.

137. The method of claim 134, wherein said user input indication messages are generated by said first device.

138. The method of claim 134, further comprising:

receiving said user input indication messages from said first device.

139. The method of claim 138, further comprising:

forwarding said user input indication messages to said second device.

140. The method of claim 112, wherein said system is a packet voice response unit.

141. The system of claim 140, wherein said packet voice response unit provides an enhanced service selected from the group consisting of:

prepaid calling card service, postpaid calling card service, collect calling service, international callback service, one number service, voice activated dialing service, conferencing service, and combinations thereof.

142. The method of claim 112, wherein said system is asynchronously connected to said packet network via an Ethernet connection.

143. A system for redirecting media in an asynchronous packet network, said system comprising:

an asynchronous interface to said packet network;

means for establishing a first call with a first device via said packet network, wherein said first call comprises a first call control structure and a first media stream;

means for establishing a second call with a second device via said packet network, wherein said second call comprises a second call control structure and a second media stream;

means for signaling said first device to redirect said first media stream to said second device; and

means for signaling said second device to redirect said second media stream to said first device, wherein said first and second call control structures are not redirected away from said system, and said system continues to receive a copy of said media streams while said media streams are redirected.

144. The system of claim 143, wherein said first and second devices are network gateways.

145. The system of claim 143, wherein at least one of said first and second devices is an Internet Protocol (IP) phone.

146. The system of claim 143, wherein said means for establishing said first call comprises means for receiving said first call from said first device.

147. The system of claim 143, wherein said means for establishing said second call comprises means for initiating said second call with said second device.

148. The method of claim 147, wherein said second call is initiated in response to information provided in said first call.

149. The system of claim 143, wherein said first and second calls are H.323 standard calls.

150. The system of claim 149, wherein said first and second call control structures each comprise G.931 standard call signaling and H.245 standard call control.

151. The system of claim 150, wherein said media streams are real-time protocol media streams.

152. The system of claim 150, wherein said media streams are real-time control protocol media streams.

153. The system of claim 143, wherein said packet network is the Internet.

154. The system of claim 143, wherein said media is voice.

155. The system of claim 143, wherein said media is selected from the group consisting of:

voice, video, multimedia, and combinations thereof.

156. The system of claim 143, wherein said first and second media streams comprise the same data type and data rate.

157. The system of claim 143, wherein said first and second media streams comprise different data types and data rates.

158. The system of claim 143, wherein call context for said first and second calls is retained by said system.

159. The system of claim 143, further comprising:

means for tearing down said first media stream redirected to said second device;

means for tearing down said second media stream redirected to said first device;

means for tearing down said second call control structure; and

means for reestablishing said first media stream between said first device and said system, wherein said first call is reconnected as before said redirect of said first media stream.

160. The system of claim 159, further comprising:

means for establishing a third call between said system and a third device via said packet network, wherein said third call comprises a third call control structure and a third media stream;

means for signaling said first device to redirect said first media stream to said third device; and

means for signaling said third device to redirect said third media stream to said first device;

wherein said first and third call control structures are not redirected away from said system.

161. The system of claim 160, wherein said means for tearing down of said of said first and second media streams and said second call control structure respond to a user input indication message received from said first device.

162. The system of claim 143, further comprising:

means for tearing down said first media stream redirected to said second device;

means for tearing down said second media stream redirected to said first device;

means for tearing down said first call control structure; and

means for tearing down said second call control structure.

163. The system of claim 143, further comprising:

means for tearing down said first media stream redirected to said second device;

means for tearing down said second media stream redirected to said first device;

means for reestablishing said first media stream between said first device and said system, wherein said first call is reconnected as before said redirect of said first media stream; and

means for reestablishing said second media stream between said system and said second device, wherein said second call is reconnected as before said redirect of said second media stream.

164. The system of claim 143, further comprising:

means for establishing a third call between said system and a third device via said packet network, wherein said third call comprises a third call control structure and a third media stream;

means for signaling said first device to replicate said first media stream to send data to said third device in addition to said second device;

means for signaling said second device to replicate said second media stream to send data to said third device in addition to said first device;

means for signaling said third device to redirect said third media stream to said first device; and

means for signaling said third device to replicate said third media stream to send data to said second device in addition to said first device, wherein said third call control structure is not redirected away from said system.

165. The system of claim 143, wherein user input indication messages are transmitted out-of-band from said media streams.

166. The system of claim 165, wherein said user input indication messages are transmitted in at least one of said call control structures.

167. The system of claim 165, wherein said user input indication messages comprise dual tone multiple frequency (DTMF) signal messages.

168. The system of claim 165, wherein said user input indication messages are generated by said first device.

169. The system of claim 165, further comprising:

means for receiving said user input indication messages from said first device.

170. The system of claim 169, further comprising:

means for forwarding said user input indication messages to said second device.

171. The system of claim 143, wherein said system is a packet voice response unit.

172. The system of claim 171, wherein said packet voice response unit provides an enhanced service selected from the group consisting of:

prepaid calling card service, postpaid calling card service, collect calling service, international callback service, one number service, voice activated dialing service, conferencing service, and combinations thereof.

173. The system of claim 143, wherein said asynchronous interface is an Ethernet connection.

174. A computer program product having a computer readable medium with computer program logic recorded thereon for use in a system asynchronously connected to a packet network for redirecting media in said asynchronous packet network, said computer program product comprising:

code for establishing a first call with a first device via said packet network, wherein said first call comprises a first call control structure and a first media stream;

code for establishing a second call with a second device via said packet network, wherein said second call comprises a second call control structure and a second media stream;

code for signaling said first device to redirect said first media stream to said second device; and

code for signaling said second device to redirect said second media stream to said first device, wherein said first and second call control structures are not redirected away from said system, and said system continues to receive a copy of said media streams while said media streams are redirected.

175. The computer program product of claim 174, wherein said first and second devices are network gateways.

176. The computer program product of claim 174, wherein at least one of said first and second devices is an Internet Protocol (IP) phone.

177. The computer program product of claim 174, wherein said code for establishing said first call comprises code for receiving said first call from said first device.

178. The computer program product of claim 174, wherein said code for establishing said second call comprises code for initiating said second call with said second device.

179. The method of claim 178, wherein said second call is initiated in response to information provided in said first call.

180. The computer program product of claim 174, wherein said first and second calls are H.323 standard calls.

181. The computer program product of claim 180, wherein said first and second call control structures each comprise G.931 standard call signaling and H.245 standard call control.

182. The computer program product of claim 180, wherein said media streams are real-time protocol media streams.

183. The computer program product of claim 180, wherein said media streams are real-time control protocol media streams.

184. The computer program product of claim 174, wherein said packet network is the Internet.

185. The computer program product of claim 174, wherein said media is voice.

186. The computer program product of claim 174, wherein said media is selected from the group consisting of:

voice, video, multimedia, and combinations thereof.

187. The computer program product of claim 174, wherein said first and second media streams comprise the same data type and data rate.

188. The computer program product of claim 174, wherein said first and second media streams comprise different data types and data rates.

189. The computer program product of claim 174, wherein call context for said first and second calls is retained by said system.

190. The computer program product of claim 174, further comprising:

code for tearing down said first media stream redirected to said second device;

code for tearing down said second media stream redirected to said first device;

code for tearing down said second call control structure; and

code for reestablishing said first media stream between said first device and said system, wherein said first call is reconnected as before said redirect of said first media stream.

191. The computer program product of claim 190, further comprising:

code for establishing a third call between said system and a third device via said packet network, wherein said third call comprises a third call control structure and a third media stream;

code for signaling said first device to redirect said first media stream to said third device; and

code for signaling said third device to redirect said third media stream to said first device;

wherein said first and third call control structures are not redirected away from said system.

192. The computer program product of claim 191, wherein said code for tearing down of said of said first and second media streams and said second call control structure respond to a user input indication message received from said first device.

193. The computer program product of claim 174, further comprising:

code for tearing down said first media stream redirected to said second device;

code for tearing down said second media stream redirected to said first device;

code for tearing down said first call control structure; and

code for tearing down said second call control structure.

194. The computer program product of claim 174, further comprising:

code for tearing down said first media stream redirected to said second device;

code for tearing down said second media stream redirected to said first device;

code for reestablishing said first media stream between said first device and said system, wherein said first call is reconnected as before said redirect of said first media stream; and

code for reestablishing said second media stream between said system and said second device, wherein said second call is reconnected as before said redirect of said second media stream.

195. The computer program product of claim 174, further comprising:

code for establishing a third call between said system and a third device via said packet network, wherein said third call comprises a third call control structure and a third media stream;

code for signaling said first device to replicate said first media stream to send data to said third device in addition to said second device;

code for signaling said second device to replicate said second media stream to send data to said third device in addition to said first device;

code for signaling said third device to redirect said third media stream to said first device; and

code for signaling said third device to replicate said third media stream to send data to said second device in addition to said first device, wherein said third call control structure is not redirected away from said system.

196. The computer program product of claim 174, wherein user input indication messages are transmitted out-of-band from said media streams.

197. The computer program product of claim 196, wherein said user input indication messages are transmitted in at least one of said call control structures.

198. The computer program product of claim 196, wherein said user input indication messages comprise dual tone multiple frequency (DTMF) signal messages.

199. The computer program product of claim 196, wherein said user input indication messages are generated by said first device.

200. The computer program product of claim 196, further comprising:

code for receiving said user input indication messages from said first device.

201. The computer program product of claim 200, further comprising:

code for forwarding said user input indication messages to said second device.

202. The computer program product of claim 174, wherein said system is a packet voice response unit.

203. The computer program product of claim 202, wherein said packet voice response unit provides an enhanced service selected from the group consisting of:

prepaid calling card service, postpaid calling card service, collect calling service, international callback service, one number service, voice activated dialing service, conferencing service, and combinations thereof.

204. The computer program product of claim 174, wherein said system is asynchronously connect to said packet network via an Ethernet connection.

205. A system for redirecting media in an asynchronous packet network, said system comprising:

an asynchronous interface to said packet network;

a call control server, wherein said call control server sets up call control structures to communicate with devices in said packet network via said asynchronous interface for controlling media streams from and to said devices;

a voice media server communicating with said call control server, wherein said call control server uses said call control structures to establish media streams between said devices and said voice media server via said asynchronous interface; and

an application server communicating with said call control server and said voice media server, wherein said application server instructs said call control server to redirect said media streams to be transmitted directly between said devices without passing through said voice media server, and wherein said call control structures are retained between said devices and said voice media server, and said voice media server continues to receive a copy of said media streams while said media streams are redirected.

206. The system of claim 205, wherein said devices are network gateways.

207. The system of claim 205, wherein at least one of said devices is an Internet Protocol (IP) phone.

208. The system of claim 205, wherein said call control structures each comprise G.931 standard call signaling and H.245 standard call control.

209. The system of claim 205, wherein said media streams are real-time protocol media streams.

210. The system of claim 205, wherein said media streams are real-time control protocol media streams.

211. The system of claim 205, wherein said packet network is the Internet.

212. The system of claim 205, wherein said media is voice.

213. The system of claim 205, wherein said media is selected from the group consisting of:

voice, video, multimedia, and combinations thereof.

214. The system of claim 205, wherein said first and second media streams comprise the same data type and data rate.

215. The system of claim 205, wherein said first and second media streams comprise different data types and data rates.

216. The system of claim 205, wherein user input indication messages are transmitted out-of-band from said media streams.

217. The system of claim 216, wherein said user input indication messages are transmitted in at least one of said call control structures.

218. The system of claim 216, wherein said user input indication messages comprise dual tone multiple frequency (DTMF) signal messages.

219. The system of claim 216, wherein said user input indication messages are generated one of said devices.

220. The system of claim 205, wherein said system is a packet voice response unit.

221. The system of claim 220, wherein said packet voice response unit provides an enhanced service selected from the group consisting of:

prepaid calling card service, postpaid calling card service, collect calling service, international callback service, one number service, voice activated dialing service, conferencing service, and combinations thereof.

222. The system of claim 205, wherein said asynchronous interface is an Ethernet connection.

223. A method for redirecting media in an asynchronous packet network by a system asynchronously connected to said packet network, said method comprising:

establishing a first call between a first device and said system via said packet network, wherein said first call comprises a first call control structure and a first media stream;

establishing a second call between said system and said second device via said packet network, wherein said second call comprises a second call control structure and a second media stream;

signaling said first device to redirect said first media stream to a second device, wherein said first call control structure is retained between said first device and said system, and

signaling said second device to redirect said second media stream to said first device, wherein said second call control structure is retained between said system and said second device, and said system continues to receive a copy of said media streams while said media streams are redirected.