Bell Communications Research, Inc.

Gita Gopal

Abel Weinrib

Peter Charles Bates

Fu-Lin Wu

Neil A Ostroff

Sze-Ying Wuu

Jamie M Eisman

Our linking method is implemented in our linking system which includes an interconnection network, which employs a standard directory protocol, such as X.500, and linking components. The interconnection network includes interfaces for interconnection users and local directories. The linking components include linking directories and linking applications which are connected to the interconnection network via interfaces. Linking directories contain entries, and each entry comprises linking references pointing to entities, which include local directories and linking applications and have access to information about the object in different contexts. In the linking directory, there is an entry for each object, and this entry is accessible using a linking identifier unique the object. The linking application coordinates a response to the user's request and sends queries to the linking directory, local directories, and other linking application to fulfill user's requests. A user can access requested information by inputting known information about an object in one context along with a request for information about the object in another context. The known information is used by the linking application to query a local directory in the network for the linking identifier corresponding to the object. The linking application then uses the linking identifier to query the linking directory for linking references pointing entities having further access to information about the object in the specified context. The linking application uses the linking reference to locate the entities pointed to and the linking identifier as a key to retrieve the requested information. This retrieved information is formatted by the linking application and forwarded to the user in response to the request.

Linking system and method for accessing directory information about an

A network (10) for providing cross-context connections between subscribers comprises a plurality of directory databases for storing mappings between individual names, addresses and personal identification numbers of network subscribers in a plurality of telecommunications contexts such as business, residence, cellular, etc. The network (10) also comprises a linking database comprising one entry for each subscriber. Each entry of the linking database is accessed by the personal identification number of a subscriber and contains pointers to particular ones of the directory databases where the addresses for the subscriber in different contexts can be found. For example, to set up a cross-context connection, a first subscriber (A) who knows the address of a second subscriber (B) in one context, transmits the known address to a directory controller (70). The directory controller (70) utilizes the known address as a source address and accesses a directory database to find out the personal identification number of the second subscriber. The personal identification number is then utilized by the directory controller (70) to access the linking database to determine the directory database which contains the address of the second subscriber in a desired context. The address of the second subscriber in the desired context is obtained and a connection is established between the first subscriber and the second address of the second subscriber.

Network and method for providing cross-media connections

A method for setting up calls in a telecommunications network is disclosed. A call arrives at originating switch A for destination switch B. An attempt is made at switch A to allocate a trunk from the direct trunk group between A and B. If a trunk is available the call is set up. If a trunk is not available (i.e. the trunk group is completely busy) the call is queued for up to Tq seconds to wait for a trunk in the direct trunk group to be released. If a trunk is released, the queue is served in first-come, first-served order, i.e. the call at the head of the queue is set up. When a call has waited in the queue for Tq seconds without obtaining a direct trunk, an attempt is made at switch A to set up the call on an alternate route. The inventive call set-up method provides for operation of a network in which delay is traded off for reduced blocking probability or to carry a relatively small number of customer-specified high priority calls with almost zero blocking probability.

Method for call routing in a network

A control network for allocating resources (i.e. making routing decisions) in an associated telecommunications network is disclosed. Illustratively, the control network comprises a group of processors arranged in a ring. A database containing information about the exact state of the telecommunications network circulates in a ring-like control network. When an originating switching office in the telecommuncations network wishes to set-up a connection, it seizes one of the processors in the control network and informs it of the desired connection. The processor runs a call set-up algorithm utilizing the database and makes a routing decision which is communicated back to the originating switching office. The originating central office then physically sets up the call in the telecommunications network.

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Wayne, NJ, United States of America

Gita Gopal