Network and method for providing cross-media connections

Abstract

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.