Converting device for alleviating switch congestion caused by long hold times for on-line access calls
US6421337B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 16, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 15, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2213/13389
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Method and apparatus for alleviating switch congestion caused by long hold times for on-line access calls. A protocol converting device is connected to the originating switch in a public network, usually an ISDN switch. We call the protocol converting device a “smart connector”. The smart connector is connected to the switch by a high speed LAN. The smart connector and the switch include computer program code and hardware which allow the smart connector to transparently re-direct on-line access calls away from the switch and the public network and to a service provider, usually an Internet service provider, through a dedicated data network connected to the provider's point-of-presence (POP). The smart connector provides protocol conversion functions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.