Packet-switched telephony call server
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A system for providing telephony service over the Internet, comprising in combination:
- a call client downloadable to a user device located on the Internet, the call client communicating both media and first call-control data across the Internet according to a non-native protocol, the media including voice data, wherein the call client includes a port scan module to identify Internet Protocol ports open for communication;
a database for determining whether a user associated with the user device is authorized to communicate via a call with a second user accessible through a Public-Switched Telephone Network (PSTN);
a gateway located at an interface between the Internet and the PSTN, the gateway communicating according to a native protocol;
a Packet-switched Telephony Service Provider (PTSP) both the media and the first call-control data across the Internet with the call client according to the non-native protocol, the PTSP further communicating both the media and second call-control data across the Internet to the gateway according to the native protocol so that the call can be connected to the PSTN; and
a call logger associated with the PTSP and tracking calls.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for providing packet-switched telephony service. The system provides call control, signaling, and/or delivery of voice, video, and other media in substantially real time. One embodiment of the system includes a call client application on a user device, and a call server located at a packet-switched telephony service provider. The call server is preferably operable to communicate with the call client in a non-native protocol and with the gateway in a native protocol.
169 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A system for providing telephony service over the Internet, comprising in combination:
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a call client downloadable to a user device located on the Internet, the call client communicating both media and first call-control data across the Internet according to a non-native protocol, the media including voice data, wherein the call client includes a port scan module to identify Internet Protocol ports open for communication; a database for determining whether a user associated with the user device is authorized to communicate via a call with a second user accessible through a Public-Switched Telephone Network (PSTN); a gateway located at an interface between the Internet and the PSTN, the gateway communicating according to a native protocol; a Packet-switched Telephony Service Provider (PTSP) both the media and the first call-control data across the Internet with the call client according to the non-native protocol, the PTSP further communicating both the media and second call-control data across the Internet to the gateway according to the native protocol so that the call can be connected to the PSTN; and a call logger associated with the PTSP and tracking calls. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system for providing telephony service over the Internet, comprising in combination:
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a user device connected to the Internet and communicating call control information across the Internet according to a non-native protocol, wherein the non-native protocol provides information on call quality; a gateway located at an interface between the Internet and the Public-Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), the gateway communicating media and call-control information according to a native protocol; a proxy server receiving call control information according to the native protocol and selecting a gateway to the public switched telephone network; a database for determining whether a user associated with the user device is authorized to communicate via a call with a second user accessible through the PSTN; a call server connected to the Internet and communicating first call-control data across the Internet with the user device according to the non-native protocol, and also communicating second call-control data across the Internet with a proxy server according to the native protocol; and a call logger for tracking calls. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for providing telephony service over the Internet, comprising in combination:
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receiving a call request from a user device connected to the Internet, wherein the call request includes a telephone number corresponding to a PSTN subscriber, and wherein the call request is in accordance with a non-native protocol; selecting a call server to process the call request, wherein the selected call server includes a call director to determine whether the user device has used up a maximum number of minutes; launching a call handler, wherein the call handler receives the call request in the non-native protocol, wherein the call handler converts the call request to a native protocol, and wherein the native protocol is selected from H.323, SIP, and MGCP; transmitting the call request in the native protocol to a gateway, wherein the gateway implements the native protocol, and forwards the call request to the PSTN subscriber; communicating media between the user device and the gateway according to User Datagram Protocol; and logging information about calls so that call durations may be determined. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification