The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 06, 2004
Filed:
Feb. 23, 1999
Diane M. Berg, Fairfax, VA (US);
Thomas J. Bova, Arlington, VA (US);
Theodore S. Krivoruchka, Jr., Sterling, VA (US);
Kenneth A. Morneault, Marshall, VA (US);
Cisco Technology, Inc., San Jose, CA (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus are provided for providing continuous voice and call communications between a data network and a telephony network. In one configuration, a first gateway controller that receives the communications from the data network is coupled multiple sessions to a gateway that couples the communications to the telephony network. When the in-use session fails, the communications are automatically switched over from this session to the another session, while maintaining the voice and call communications without interruption, and while ensuring that all messages generated by the gateway are sent to the gateway controller. In another configuration, first and second gateway controllers are designated as Active and Standby. Each of the gateway controllers maintains one or more sessions in communication with the gateway. When the Active gateway controller fails or operator requests a gateway controller switchover, the communications are automatically switched so that communications are directed to the second gateway controller. Accordingly, fault-tolerant voice communication over a packet-switched data network, such as the Internet, is provided. Message queuing may be used to ensure that gateway messages are not lost and reach the gateway controller.