Terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method using ip transfer network

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JUMBO APPLICATIONS / PATENTS

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THIS IS VOLUME 1 OF 2

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CA 02340293 2006-01-20

TERMINAL-TO-TERMINAL COMMUNICATION CONNECTION CONTROL

METHOD USING IP TRANSFER NETWORK

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is related to a terminal-toterminal (inter- terminal) communication connection control method using an IP (Internet Protocol) transfer network, which is applicable to an IP communication established between two terminal units such as an IP terminal, an IP telephone, and a voice/image apparatus(audio/visual apparatus), and also applicable to a I :n type IP communication utilizing a multicast

IP technique.

2. Description of the Prior Art

As a method capable of realizing various terminalto-terminal communications such as mail transmissions/receptions, telephone, and image communications while an IP transfer network is utilized, a method of realizing integrated IP transfer network containing therein a plurality of IP transfer networks having various characteristics, while separating these

IP transfer networks has been disclosed elsewhere.

These IP transfer networks are known as an IP

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

V telephone network, an IP image network, and IP electronic data general-purpose network. To realize the IP transfer network for uniting various sorts of terminal-to-terminal communications, contents disclosed by the above-explained prior patent application will now be briefly explained with reference to FIG. 1.

Inside integrated IP transfer network 901, a plurality of IP transfer networks having different characteristics such as the IP image network 902, the IP electronic data general-purpose network 903, and the IP telephone network 904 are virtually installed. While the address management tables (, address administration table is also used in other portion of this specification with the same meaning,) are set inside the network node apparatus 905-X and the network node apparatus

905-Y, which are provided at the input points to the integrated

IP transfer network 901 from the external unit for the integrated IP transfer network 901, the address of the terminal unit is previously registered into the address management table

Since the address written into the IP packet entered into the integrated IP transfer network 901 is compared with the address registered in the address management table, the IP packets can be transmitted, while these IP packets are separated to the individual IP transfer networks within the integrated IP transfer network 901.

Next, in connection with the present invention, the

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method (No.7common channel signalling system) employed in a public switched telephone network (PSTN) will now be simply explained.

In FIG. 2, reference numerals 98-1 and 98-3 show exchangers (subscriber exchangers) to which telephone sets are connected, reference numeral 98-2 indicates a relay exchanger, and also reference numerals 98-4 and 98-5 represent telephone sets. Reference numerals 98-6 to 98-8 show communication path control units of the exchangers, reference numerals 98-9 to

98-11 indicate internal control units of the exchangers, and also reference numerals 98-12 to 98-14 indicate signalling points for controlling terminal-to-terminal connections of telephone sets. The internal control units of the exchangers perform information exchanges used to set/recover communication lines between the communication path control units and the signalling points in conjunction with the internal operation controls of the exchangers.

In particular, reference numerals 98-12 and 98-14 will be referred to as signalling end points(SEP). More specifically, reference numeral 98-13 is called as a signalling transfer point(STP). Also, reference numeral 98-15 denotes another signalling end point. These signalling end points

98-12 to 98-15 are connected via signal lines 98-24 to 9827 to a signal network 98-16 . While information used to control terminal-to-terminal communication connections and also

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 execute maintenance/operations.of networks is stored into a signalling unit (SU), these signalling end points 98-12 to 98-15 mutually transmit/receive the stored information to each other. A 16-bit point code(PC) is applied to one signalling end point in order to discriminate the own signalling end point from another signalling end point. On the other hand, reference numerals 98-21 to 98-22 show communication lines used to transfer telephone voice(speech), but not used to transfer information for controlling terminal-to-terminal communication connections. The telephone lines 98-20 and

98-23 correspond to interfaces(UNI) through which a combination between voice and control information of terminal-to-terminal communication connections is transferred in an integral form. Namely, both the voice and the control information of terminal-to-terminal communication connections are transferred through the interfaces without being separated from each other. The No.7common channel signalling system is featured by that the signal lines 9824 to 98-26 are separated from the communication lines 9821 and 98-22 inside the public switched telephone network(PSTN).

A signalling unit indicated in FIG. 3 contains a destination point code(DPC), an origin point code(OPC), a circuit identification code(CIC), a message type(MSG) and a parameter of the message.

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The destination point code shows a destination to which a signalling unit is transmitted, the origin point code indicates a transmission source of a signalling unit, and the circuit identification code represents an identification number for identifying a communication line set between an original point and a destination point. As the message, for example, there are IAM, ACM, CPG, ANM, REL,

RLC, SUS, RES and CON, which are used to control terminalto-terminal communication connections. Such a signalling unit which is written as IAM into a message area of the signalling unit is referred to as an initial address message (IAM). Similarly, such a signalling unit which is written as ACM into the message area of the signalling unit is referred to as an address completion message(ACM), such a signalling unit which is written as CPG into the message area of the signalling unit is referred to as a call pass message(CPG), and also such a signalling unit which is written as ANM into the message area of the signalling unit is referred to as a response message(ANM). Similarly, such a signalling unit which is written as REL into the message area of the signalling unit is referred to as a release message(REL), such a signalling unit which is written as RLC into the message area of the signalling unit is referred to as a release completion message(RLC), and also such a signalling unit which is written as SUS into the message area of the signalling unit is

CA 02340293 2002-06-14 referred to as an interrupt message (SUS) . Similarly, such a signalling unit which is written as RES into the message area of the signalling unit is referred to as a restart message(RES), and such a signalling unit which is written as CON into the message area of the signalling unit is referred to as a connection message(CON).

Referring now to FIG. 4, a description will be made of a method for controlling a terminal-to-terminal connection control by which a telephone communication is established from the telephone set 98-4 via the exchangers 98-1, 98-2, 98-3 to the telephone set 98-5, as shown in FIG. 2. It should be noted that the respective signalling points exchange such a signalling unit via the signal lines 98-24 to 98-27 and the common channel signalling network 98-16 to each other. In the signalling unit, the signalling point codes applied to the respective signalling points are set as addresses indicative of destinations and transmission sources. The telephone set 98-4 is connected via the telephone line 98-20 to the exchanger 98-1. The terminal-to-terminal connection control of the telephone set 98-4 is loaded to the signalling point 98-12 within the exchanger 98-1. Similarly, the telephone set 98-5 is connected via the telephone line 98-23 to the exchanger 98-3.

The terminal-to-terminal connection control of the telephone set 98-5 is loaded to the signalling point 98-14 within the exchanger 98-3.

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When a user issues a call request from the telephone set

98-4, the signalling point 98-12 receives this call request(Step XI of FIG. 4), and a communication line is determined by using a destination telephone number received from the telephone number 98-4 because of the functions of both the communication path control unit 98-6 and the exchanger internal control unit 98-9 of the exchanger 98-1. A signalling unit into which a cuicuit identification code(CIC) of the determined communication line is written is formed as an initial address message(IAM). In the parameter area of the initial address message(IAM), at least the telephone number of the telephone set 98-5, namely a destination telephone number Tel-No-98-5 is written. Furthermore, the telephone number of the telephone 98-4, namely, a source telephone number

Tel-No- 98-4 may be written thereinto.

Next, the signalling point 98-12 sends the initial address message(IAM) for issuing the telephone call to the signalling point 98-13 provided in the exchanger 98-2(Step X2).

The initial address message IAM contains a circuit identification code 98-4-98-5 of a communication line corresponding to the logic communication line inside the telephone communication line 98-21, the destination telephone number Tel-No-98-5, the source telephone number Tel-No98-4 (omittable option), and the like. After the signalling point 98-12 has sent the IAM, the operation of the signalling

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 point 98-12 is advanced to a waiting condition for an address completion message(ACM: will be explained later), and also initiates an ACM waiting timer.

The signalling point 98-13 provided within the exchanger

98-2 receives the above-explained IAM, and then notifies the circuit identification code 98-4-98-5¹' via the exchanger internal control unit 98-10 to the telephone communication line control unit 98-7. The telephone communication line control unit 98-7 executes a conducting test in order that the communication line 98-21 can be used for the telephone communication. The signalling point 98-13 sends the IAM to the signalling point 98-14 provided in the exchanger 98-3 (step

X3). The signalling point 98-14 checks the content of the received IAM in order that the communication line 98-22 can be used for the telephone communication via the control unit

98-11 and the telephone communication line control unit 98-8.

Furthermore, while the signalling point 98-14 connects the telephone set 98-5 to the exchanger 98-3, this signalling point

98-14 checks as to whether or not a call reception is permitted.

When the call reception is allowed, the signalling point 98-14 issues a call setting request to the telephone set 98-5(Step X4). Further, the signalling point 98-14 returns such an address completion message(ACM) which notifies that the IAM is received( Step X5). The ACM message is reached via the signalling point 98-13 to the signalling point 98-12(Step X6) .

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Upon receipt of the ACM message, the signalling point 9812 stops the counting operation of the ACM waiting timer which has been set. In such a case that the counting operation of the ACM waiting timer is completed at a time instant before the ACM message is received, the telephone communication line is released.

When the signalling point 98-14 within the exchanger

98-3 receives information for implying such a fact that the calling request is being received from the telephone set

98-5(Step X7), the signalling point 98-14 transmits a call pass message(CPG) to the signalling point 98-13(Step X8).

The signalling point 98-13 transmits the received CGP to the signalling point 98-12(Step X9). The signalling point 9-12 within the exchanger 98-1 receives the CPG message. Next, the signalling point 98-12 sends a calling sound to the telephone set 99-4(Step X10). When the telephone set 98-5 responds to the above-described call setting request(Step Xll), the telephone line 98-23 between the telephone set 98-5 and the exchanger 98-4 can be used for the telephone communication, and further a response message(ANM) for indicating that the telephone set 98-5 responds to the call setting request is sent to the signalling point 98-13(Step X12).

The signalling point 98-13 transmits the received ANM to the signalling point 98-12(Step X13), the signalling point 9812 notifies stopping of the calling sound under transmission

CA 02340293 2002-06-14 to the telephone set 98-4(Step X14), and thus, telephone voice(speech) can be transmitted/received between the telephone set 98-4 and the telephone set 98-5. The operation is advanced to a telephone communication phase(Step X15). In the case that the handset of the telephone set 98-4 is put on (on-hook), a clear request is sent out(Step X16), and the signalling point 98-12 receives the clear request, the signalling point 98-12 sends out a release request(REL) to the signalling point 98-13 (Step X17), and furthermore, notifies to the telephone set 98-4, such a clear completion for indicating that the communication line is brought into an empty state(Step X18).

Then, upon receipt of the release request(REL), the signalling point 98-13 sends out the next release request(REL) to the signalling point 98-14 (Step X19), and further, notifies such a release completion(RLC) for indicating that the communication line is brought into the empty state to the signalling point 98-12(Step X20). Then, upon receipt of the release request(REL), the signalling point 98-14 sends out a clear indication to the telephone set 98-5(Step X21), and further, notifies such a release completion(RLC) for indicating that the communication line is brought into the empty state to the signalling point 98-13(Step X22) then, the telephone set 98-5 notifies a clear completion to the signalling point 98-14(Step X23). There are several variations in the sequential operations of the terminal-toterminal communication connection controls which are

CA 02340293 2002-06-14 transmitted/received between the telephone set 98-4 and the signalling point 98-12, and also between the signalling point 98-14 and the telephone set 98-5, depending upon sorts of telephone sets. For instance, a confirmation notification with respect to a clear completion may be issued from the telephone set 98-4 to the signalling point 98-12 just after the above-explained Step X18. Alternatively, a confirmation notification with respect to the release completion may be issued from the signalling point 98-14 to the telephone set 98-5 just after the Step

X23.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another control method for controlling terminal-to-terminal connections by which a telephone communication is made from the telephone set 98-4 via the exchanger 98-1 through the exchanger 98-3 to the telephone set 98-5. This terminalto-terminal communication connection control method corresponds to such a communication connection control method made by eliminating the process operations defined at the Steps X5 and X6 (namely, by eliminating address completion message ACM) from the terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method as explained in

FIG. 4. It should be understood that at the Step X2, the signalling point 98-12 sets the CPG waiting timer instead of the above-explained ACM waiting timer, and the signalling point 98-12 stops the CPG waiting timer after the Step X9. The above-explained terminal-to-terminal 11

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 communication connection control method is such a control method applied to such a case that the exchanger is not an ISDN exchanger, but is an analog exchanger.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another method of controlling terminal-to-terminal communication connections between the telephone set 98-4 and the telephone set 98-5. This terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method corresponds to such a control method example that in the above-described terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method, a series of process steps for interrupting a telephone communication without waiting for the response completion message(Step X14) and the telephone communication phase(Step X15) is carried out(Step

X16 to Step X23).

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a further control method for controlling terminal-to-terminal communication connections by which a telephone communication is made from the telephone set 98-4 vici the exchanger 98-1 through the exchanger 98-3 to the telephone set 98-5. This terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method corresponds to such a control method. That is, while a telephone communication is carried out (Step X15) , the handset of the telephone set 98-4 is positioned only for a short time period(on hook), and an interrupt message is transmitted in order to temporarily stop the telephone communication(Steps

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X30 to X33). Then, the handset is returned to the original setting position(off hook), and the restart message for restarting the telephone communication is transmitted(Steps X35 to X38), and thus, the process operation is returned to the telephone communication(Step X39). The subsequent steps of the release(REL) and the release completion(RLC) are similar to those as explained with reference to FIG.

5(Steps X40 to X47).

Next, with respect to the IP telephone communication, there is proposed multimedia communication system based on JT-H323 of TTC standard, which is described in, for instance, ITU-T recommendation H323 ANNEX D regulation (version of September, 1998). The technical idea

SIGNALLING PROTOCOL AND PACKETING OF MEDIA SIGNAL by which the call connections are controlled in the multimedia terminal-to-terminal communication is defined as JT-H225.

Also, the technical idea CONTROL PROTOCOL FOR MULTIMEDIA

COMMUNICATION in the multimedia terminal-to-terminal communication is defined as JT-H245.

Next, referring to FIG. 8 to FIG. 11, the basic functions of the JT-H323 gateway defined by ITU will be described. The present invention also refers to the basic functions.

In FIG. 8, a block 800 indicates the JT-H323 gateway. In this gateway 800, a voice(speech) signal and/or an image(picture) signal entered from an SCN line 801 is converted into a digital signal in an SCN terminal function 802, a data

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 format and/or a signal transmission/reception rule is converted in a conversion function 803, and then, the data format is converted into the format of the IP packet in a terminal function 804. The resulting IP packet is sent out to an IP communication line 805. Also, as to a packet flow along an opposite direction, namely, an IP packet containing voice(speech) data and/or image data entered from the IP communication line 805 is decoded in a digital data format by the terminal function 804, and a data format and/or a signal transmission/reception rule are converted by the conversion function 803. The resultant digital data is converted into a signal flowing through the SCN line by the SCN terminal function 802 and sent to the SCN line 801. In this case, both a voice signal and an image signal may be separated into both call control data and net data. This call control data is used so as to send/receive a telephone number with respect to a communication third party. The net data constitutes voice and/or images itself. Through a communication line 805, an

IP packet 810(refer to FIG. 9) functioning as the call control data flows, an IP packet 811(refer to FIG. 10) functioning as the net data which constitutes the voice itself flows, and an

IP packet 812(refer to FIG. 11) functioning as the net data which constitutes the image itself flows. In the case of an

ISDN line, the SCN terminal function 802 corresponds to a digital service unit(DSU). Also, the terminal function 804

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 owns such a terminal communication function required for the bidirectional(interactive) communication between the JT-323 telephone set and the JT-323 voice/image apparatus.

Next, the integrated information communication network proposed in Japanese Patent No.3084681-B2 closely related to the terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method of the present invention will now be briefly explained with reference to FIG. 12.

A block 191 shows an integrated IP communication network, an IP terminal 192-1 owns an IP address EAOl, and another

IP terminal 192-2 owns an IP address EA02. This example corresponds to such an example that an external IP packet 193-1 is transferred from the IP terminal 192-1 via the integrated

IP communication network to the IP terminal 192-2. Both the

IP addresses EAOl and EA02 are referred to as external

IP addresses”, since these IP addresses are used outside the integrated IP communication network 191. In FIG. 12 to FIG. 14 and FIG. 356, as to head portions of IPs, only IP address portions are described, and other items are omitted.

When the network node apparatus 195-1 receives the external IP packet 193-1, this network node apparatus 1951 confirms that the internal IP address is equal to IA01, and the destination external IP address of the IP packet 193-1 is equal to EA02. The internal IP address is applied to the terminal unit (logic terminal) of the logic communication line

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

194-1 into which the IP packet 193-1 is entered. Then, the network node apparatus 195-1 retrieves the content of the address management table 196-1 shown in FIG. 12, and retrieves such a record in which the source internal IP address is equal to IA01 in the beginning, and thereafter, the destination external IP address is equal to EA02. Furthermore, the network node apparatus 195-1 checks as to whether or not the source external IP address EA01 within the IP packet 193-1 is contained in the previously detected record. It should be understood that such a check operation as to whether or not the source external IP address EA01 within the IP packet 193-1 is contained in the previously-detected record may be omitted.

In the present example, while it is such a record containing the IP addresses EA01, EA02, IA01, IA02 on the second row from the top row, an IP packet 193-2 having such an IP header is formed(namely, IP packet is encapsulated) using the IP addresses IA01 and IA02 located inside the record.

The IP header is such that the source IP address is IA01, and the destination IP address is IA02 . In this case, symbols

IA01” and IA02” are called as internal IP addresses of the integrated IP communication network 191. The internal IP packet 193-2 is reached through the routers 197-1, 197-2 and

197-3 to the network node apparatus 195-2. The network node apparatus 195-2 removes the IP header of the received internal

IP packet 193-2(decapsulation of IP packet), sends out the

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 acquired external IP packet 193-3 to the communication line

194-2, and then, the IP terminal 192-2 receives the external

IP packet 193-3. Is should also be noted that 197-6 is an example of such a server that the external IP address is EA81 , and the internal IP address is IA81.

FIG. 13 indicates another embodiment of an address management table. That is, the address management table 196-1 of FIG. 12 is replaced by an address management table 1963 of FIG. 13, the address management table 196-2 of FIG. 12 is replaced by an address management table 196-4 of FIG. 13, and other portions are identical to those of the aboveexplained address management table. The known address mask technique may be applied to the address management tables 196-3 and 196-4.

In the beginning, the record of the address management table 196-3 containing the internal IP address IA01 is retrieved. This internal IP address is applied to the logic terminal of the termination unit of the communication line

194-1. In this case, both the record of the first row at the record of the second row in the address management table 196-3 from the top row correspond to the records of interest. With respect to the record of the first row, a check is made as to whether or not an AND-gating result between a destinationuse external IP mask Mask81 and the destination external IP address EA02 within the external IP packet 193-1 is

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 coincident with a destination external IP address ”EA81x within the first row record(refer to the below-mentioned formula (1)). In this case, the AND-gating result is not coincident with the external IP address EA81x. With respect to the record of the second row, a check is made as to whether or not an AND-gating result between a destination-use external

IP mask Mask2 and the destination external IP address EA02 within the external IP packet 193-1 is coincident with a destination external IP address EA02y within the second row record(refer to the below-mentioned formula (2)). In this case, the AND-gating result is coincident with the external

IP address EA02y.

Also, with respect to the source IP address, a comparison is made in accordance with the below-mentioned formula (3) in a similar manner:

<td> If</td><td> (Mask81</td><td> and</td><td> EA02</td><td> = EA81x)</td><td> ... (1)</td>

<td> If</td><td> (Mask2</td><td> and </td><td> EA02</td><td> = EA02y)</td><td> ... (2)</td>

<td> If</td><td> (Maskly</td><td> and</td><td> EA01</td><td> = EAOly”)</td><td> ... (3)</td>

Based upon the above-explained comparison result, the record of the second row is selected, and both the internal records IA01” and IA02 contained in the record of the second row are employed so as to perform the encapsulation, so that the internal IP packet 193-2 is formed. It should be noted

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 that the comparison using above-mentioned formula (3) can not be made when the regions of both the source external IP address and the address mask in the record of the address administration table 196-3 are omitted.

FIG. 14 indicates a further embodiment of an address management table. That is, the address administration table

196-1 of FIG. 12 is replaced by an address administration table

196-5 of FIG. 14, the address administration table 196-2 of

FIG. 12 is replaced by an address administration table 196-6 of FIG. 14, and other portions are identical to those of the above-explained address administration table. In this example, the address administration tables 196-5 and 196-6 do not contain the source external IP addresses, and the source external IP address is not cited in the IP encapsulation. When the IP packet 193-1 is encapsulated, the destination internal

IP address IA02 is determined based upon the source internal

IP address IAOl and the destination external IP address

EA02 inside the address administration table 196-5.

FIG. 356 illustratively shows a further embodiment of the address administration table. This embodiment corresponds to such an embodiment that the integarated IP communication network of FIG. 12 is replaced by an optical network, and the internal IP packet is substituted by an internal optical frame. This further embodiment will now be briefly explained. In this drawing, a block 19lx indicates

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 an IP packet transfer network, and also represents an optical network in which an IP packet is transferred by employing an optical frame. The optical frame is transferred to an optical communication line provided inside the optical network 191x.

This optical communication line is equal to such a function of a level 1 layer and a level 2 layer. An optical link address is applied to a header portion of an optical frame. In such a case that the optical frame corresponds to an HDLC frame, the optical link address corresponds to an HDLC address employed in the HDLC frame.

An IP terminal 192-lx owns an IP address EA1, and another IP terminal 192-2x owns an IP address EA2. This example corresponds to such an example that an external IP packet 193-lx is transferred from the IP terminal 192-lx via the optical network 191x to the IP terminal 192-2x. In FIG.

356 , only IP address portion is described as to a header portion of an IP, only header portion is similarly described as to an optical frame, and other items are omitted.

When the network node apparatus 195-lx receives the external IP packet 193-lx, this network node apparatus 195-lx confirms such a fact that an internal optical link address is equal to IAl, and a destination external IP address of the

IP packet 193-lx is equal to EA2, and the internal optical link address is applied to a termination unit (logic terminal) of a logic communication line 194-lx into which the IP packet

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

193-lx is inputted. Then, the network node apparatus 195lx retrieves a content of an address administration table

196-lx shown in FIG. 356, and also retrieves a record containing such addresses that a source internal optical link address corresponds to IA1 in the beginning, and subsequently, a destination external IP address corresponds to EA2.

Furthermore, the network node apparatus 195-1 checks as to whether or not the source external IP address EAl contained in the IP packet 193-lx is included in the above-detected record

Alternatively, the checking operation as to whether or not the source external IP address EAl contained in the IP packet

193-lx is included in the detected record may be omitted.

In this example, while the record is equal to such a record containing addresses of EAl, EA2, IA1, IA2 on the second column from the top column, an optical frame 193-2x is produced by employing to optical link addresses IA1 and IA2 present inside the record (namely, IP packet is encapsulated). This optical frame 193-2x owns such a header that the source optical link address is IA1 and the destination optical link address is IA2. In this case, symbols IA1 and IA2 correspond to internal addresses of the optical communication network 191x

The internal optical frame 193-2x is reached to the network node apparatus 195-2x via routers 197-lx, 197-2x and 197-3x, which own an optical frame transfer function. The network node apparatus 195-2x removes a header of the received internal

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 optical frame 193-2x (namely, optical frame is decapsulated), sends out the acquired external IP packet 193-3x to a communication line 194-2x, and the IP terminal 192-2x receives an external IP packet 193-3x.

In accordance with the present invention, while IP addresses are applied to an IP telephone set, a media router(will be explained later), and various sorts of servers(these appliances will be referred to as IP transmittable/receivable nodes hereinafter), the IP packets are transmitted/received, so that the data may be exchanged in a mutual manner. These appliances will be referred to as

IP communication means. FIG. 15 shows such an example that while an IP transmittable/receivable node 340-1 and another

IP transmittable/receivable node 340-2 own IP addresses ADI and AD2 respectively, an IP packet 341-1 having the source

IP address ADI and the destination IP address AD2 is transmitted from the terminal 340-1 to the terminal 340-2.

Also, both the IP transmittable/receivable nodes 340-1 and

340-2 receive the IP packet 341-2 along the opposite direction, so that the various sorts of data are mutually transmitted/received. A data portion from which the header of the IP packet is removed may also be called as a payload .

Next, there are provided with IP data multicast networks,

IP base TV broadcast networks and, IP base movies distribution networks, while the multicast technique corresponding to one

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 of the IP techniques is employed as the IP transfer networks.

In the IP data multicast network, IP data such as electronic books and electronic newspapers is transferred from one distribution source to a plurality of destinations. In both the IP base TV broadcast networks and IP base movie distribution networks, which may function as IP sound(speech)/image networks, both TV sound data and TV picture(image) data are transferred(broadcasted) to a plurality of destinations.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a multicast type IP transfer network

27-1 for transferring from one distribution source to a plurality of destinations will now be explained.

In FIG. 16, reference numerals 27-11 to 27-20 show routers. Each of these routers 27-11 to 27-20 holds a router-sort multicast table. This router-sort multicast table represents that a received IP packet should be transferred to a plurality of communication lines in accordance with multicast addresses contained in the received IP packets.

In this embodiment, a multicast address designates MAI. In such a case that an IP packet 29-1 having the multicast address

MAI is transmitted from an IP terminal 28-1, and then is reached via the router 27-11 to the router 27-18, this router

27-18 copies an IP packet 29-2, and transfers both an IP packet 29-3 and another IP packet 29-4 to a communication line by citating the router-sort multicast table held in the router

27-18. Also, the router 27-17 copies the received IP packet

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

29-3, and transfers both an IP packet 29-5 to a communication line 29-17 and another IP packet 29-6 to a communication line

29-18 by referring its own router-sort multicast table. The

IP packet 29-4 directly passes through the router 27-19 to become another IP packet 29-7 which will be transferred to the router 27-14.

As indicated in FIG. 17, the router 27-17 inputs the IP packet 29-3 from the communication line 29-16, and makes such a confirmation that the source IP address of the IP packet 29-3 is equal to SRCl and the destination IP address thereof is equal to the multicast address MAI. Since the output interfaces with respect to the multicast address MAI are designated as IF-l and IF-2 in the multicast table 2915, the router 27-17 copies the IP packet 29-3, and outputs the copied IP packet as an IP packet 29-5 to the communication line 29-17 whose output interface is equal to IF-l.

Furthermore, the router 27-17 copies the IP packet 29-3, and then outputs the copied IP packet as an IP packet 29-6 to the communication line 29-18 whose output interface is equal to

IF-2.

The router 27-12 copies the received IP packet 29-5, and then transfers the IP packet 29-8 to the IP terminal 28-2 and also the IP packet 29-9 to the IP terminal 28-3 by referring to the router-sort multicast table. Also, the router 27-13 copies the received IP packet 29-6, and then transfers the IP

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 packet 29-10 to the IP terminal 28-4 and also the IP packet

29-11 to the IP terminal 28-5 by referring to the router-sort multicast table. Also, the router 27-14 copies the received

IP packet 29-7, and then transfers the IP packet 29-12 to the

IP terminal 28-6 and also the IP packet 29-13 to the IP terminal

28-7 by referring to the router-sort multicast table. In the case that the IP terminal 28-1 of the transmission source transfers a digital-formatted electronic book and a digital-formatted electronic newspaper to the IP transfer network 27-1, this IP transfer network 27-1 corresponds to an

IP data multicast network which is employed so as to distribute an electronic book and an electronic newspaper, whereas the

IP terminals 28-2 to 28-7 constitute IP terminals of users who purchase the electronic books and the electronic newspapers .

In such a case that the IP terminal 28-1 of the transmission source is replaced by a TV broadcasting sound/image transmission apparatus so as to broadcast a TV program (both sound and image), the IP transfer network may constitute an

IP base TV broadcast network, whereas the IP terminals 282 to 28-7 may constitute IP terminals equipped with TV reception functions for TV audiences.

In the above-described embodiment of the multicast system shown in FIG. 16, the IP terminal 28-1 constitutes the transmitter to transmit the multicast data, whereas the IP terminals 28-2 to 28-7 constitute the receivers to receive the

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 multicast data. The multicast system with employment of such a method is utilized in the Internet and broadband LANs as a test purpose. However, in the multicast system, since any of the IP terminals may constitute the transmission source for transmitting the multicast data, the following risk may occur.

That is, while a transmitter having a ill-intention appears, the transmitter continuously transmits multicast data in an endless manner, so that a network may 'be congested by the multicast data, and thus, a network function should be stopped.

There is another risk that since multicast tables contained in routers are rewritten and/or a very large amount of data are supplied into routers in an endless manner, source routers are brought into overload conditions, and finally shut down.

A large expectation is made of realizing such a multicast system with highly improved information securities, while employing the following security methods. That is, while a multicast data transmission source is limited, any of unfair users may be eliminated, and/or attacking of overload/shut-down of routers may be avoided.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Terminal-to-terminal( inter-terminal) communication connection control methods for IP terminals which mainly transmit/receive data have been established as, for example.

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 a terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method capable of transmitting/receiving an electronic mail in the Internet. In accordance with the present invention, such a terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method could be established, in which the terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method among the IP terminals, which has been established in the Internet and the like and mainly transmits/receives data, may be applied to multimedia communications such as communications among IP telephone sets, voice/image communications, and IP multicast communications by employing a technical idea different from the aboveexplained TTC standard.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-explained problem, and has an object to provide a terminal-to-terminal communication connection control system which can be applied to multimedia communications such as communications established among IP telephones, voice (speech)/image communications, and IP multicast communications.

In accordance with the present invention, since the line connection control method of the No. 7common channel signalling system is rearranged so as to be fitted to an IP transfer network, the terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method may be realized in which IP packets are transferred via the IP transfer network among terminals known as telephone sets.

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

IP terminals, audio-moving image transmitting/receiving terminals and facsimiles.

In FIG. 18, reference numeral 1 shows an IP transfer network having an IP packet transmission/reception function, reference numerals 1-1 and 1-2 indicate terminals (telephone set, IP terminal, audio-moving image transmitting/receiving terminal, facsimiles etc.), reference numerals 1-3 and 1-4 represent media routers for connecting one, or more terminals to the IP transfer network, and reference numerals 1-5 and 1-6 show connection servers, and further reference numeral 1-7 denotes a relay connection server. A function similar to the line connection control of the subscriber exchanger (LS) of the public switched telephone network(PSTN) is applied to each of the connection servers 1-5 and 1-6. A function similar to the line connection control of the relay exchanger (TS) is applied to the relay connection server 1-7.

A user inputs a destination telephone number from the terminal 1-1 so as to send a call setting signal (Step Zl) , and then, the media router 1-3 returns a call setting acceptance (Step Z2). Next, the media router 1-3 transmits an

IP packet to the connection server 1-5( Step Y1 ) . This IP packet contains the destination telephone number and a source telephone number, and is to set a telephone call. The connection server 1-5 determines a communication line for a terminal communication provided in an IP transfer network by using the

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 received destination telephone number, and produces both a circuit identification code circuit identification code (CIC) used to identify a communication line, and an IP packet containing both the destination telephone number and the source telephone number. In this case, the circuit identification codecircuit identification code(CIC) is exclusively determined in such a manner that the circuit identification code is capable of identifying a set of both the destination telephone number and the source telephone number. The IP packet will be referred to as an IP packet containing an initial address message (IAM), or simply referred to as an initial address message ( IAM) . The above-explained communication line for the terminal communication corresponds to, for example, such an IP communication line used to transfer a digitalized voice packet. The IP communication line may be defined as a set of a source IP address and a destination IP address, which is set to a voice IP packet, or a label of an MPLS technique applied to an IP packet. When other terminals such as an IP terminal, an audio-moving image data, facsimile data are used, a communication line corresponds to a data transferring communication line for an IP terminal, and/or a data transferring communication line for an audiomoving image data and facsimile data.

Next, the connection server 1-5 sends the initial address message(IAM) to the connection server l-7(Step Y2), and

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 operation of the connection server is advanced to an address completion message (ACM) waiting condition and initiates an ACM waiting timer(will be explained later) . The relay connection server 1-7 receives the message IAM, and then sends this message

IAM to the connection server l-6(Step Y3). The connection server 1-6 checks the content of the received IAM message, and also judges as to whether or not a communication line is set to such a media router 1-4 which is connected to the telephone set 1-2 having the destination telephone number. In other words, the connection server 1-6 checks as to whether or not the media router 1-4 is allowed to receive a connection request call. When the connection request call reception is allowed, the connection server 1-6 requests the media router 1-4 to set the connection request call(Step Y4). The media router 14 requests the telephone set 1-2 to set the telephone call (Step

Z4). Furthermore, the connection server 1-6 produces such an

IP packet for notifying such a fact that the message IAM is received. The connection server 1-6 returns the produced IP packet (called as address completion message: ACM) to the relay connection server 1-7(Step Y5). The message ACM is reached via the relay connection server 1-7 to the relay connection server 1-5 (Step Y6). When the connection server 1-5 receives the message ACM, the connection server 1-5 stops the previously set ACM waiting timer. In the case that the ACM waiting timer is fully counted up before the message ACM is received, the

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 telephone communication line is released. Alternatively, the message ACM may succeed the circuit identification code(CIC) from the message IAM and may save it inside the message ACM or the message ACM forms a circuit identification code from the caller’s telephone number and the address telephone number at the Step Y5 and save it inside the message ACM.

The terminal 1-2 produces a connection request call reception sound, and reports the call reception to the media router l-4(Step Z7). The media router 1-4 sends to the connection server 1-6, the connection request call reception notice. The connection server 1-6 produces such an IP packet for notifying such a fact that the telephone set 1-2 issues the telephone set 1-2 receives the connection request call.

This produced IP packet is referred to as an IP packet containing a call pass message(CPG), or simply called as a call pass message(CPG). The connection server 1-6 sends this call pass message CPG to the relay connection server l-7(Step

Y8). The relay connection server 1-7 sends the received message CPG to the connection server 1-5(Step Y9), and the connection server 1-5 receives the message CPG. Then, the connection server 1-5 notifies such a fact that the terminal

1-2 is being called by considering the content of the message

CPG to the media router l-3(Step Y10). The media router 1-3 notifies the telephone calling sound to the telephone set 1-1 (Step Z10) . It should be noted that as to the message CPG,

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 at the Step Y5, while the circuit identification code is formed from the set of the source telephone number and the destination telephone number, and then may be saved in the message CPG.

When the terminal 1-2 responds to the call setting request made at the Step Z4(Step Zll), the media router 14 notifies such a fact that the terminal 1-2 responds the connection request call to the connection server l-6(Step Yll) .

The connection server 1-6 produces such an IP packet for indicating that the terminal 1-2 responds to the request of the call setting operation. The IP packet is referred to as an IP packet containing a response message(ANM), or simply called as a response message(ANM). The connection server 1-6 transmits the produced ANM message packet to the relay connection server 1-7 (Step Y12) . The relay connection server

1-7 sends the received ANM message to the connection server

1-5(Step Y13). Then, this connection server 1-5 notifies such a fact that the destination terminal 1-2 responds to the media router l-3(Step Y14). The media router 1-3 notifies the calling sound stop transmitted to the terminal l-l(Step Z14), so that the IP packet on which the digital voice is superimposed can be transmitted/received by employing the communication which is specified by the circuit identification code(CIC) between the terminals 1-1 and 1-2. Then, the operation is advanced to a terminal communication phase(Step Y15). As to the ANM message IP packet, at the Step Y5, the circuit

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 identification code may be formed from a set of the source telephone number and the destination telephone number, and may be saved in the message ANM. When a call interrupt request is issued(Step Z16), the media router 1-3 notifies the call interrupt request to the connection server 1-5(Step Y16) and notifies a cut confirmation to the terminal l-l(Step Z18).

When the connection server 1-5 receives the interrupt request, this connection server 1-5 discriminates the circuit identification code(CIC) from the set of the source telephone number and the destination telephone number, and then produces such an IP packet employing a release request(REL) of the communication line. The produced IP packet is referred to as an IP packet containing a release(REL), or simply referred to as a release message (REL) . The release message (REL) contains the circuit identification code(CIC). The connection server

1-5 sends the release message(REL) to the relay connection server 1-7(Step Y17), and further, returns to the media router

1-3, such a recovery completion for indicating a completion of the interrupt request(Step Y18). The relay connection server 1-7 sends out the release request (REL) to the connection server l-6(Step Y19), and furthermore, produces such an IP packet indicative of a completion of the release request (REL).

The produced IP packet is called as an IP packet containing a release completion(RLC), or simply referred to as a release completion message(RLC). This release completion

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 message(RLC) is returned to the connection server 1-5(Step

Y20) .

When the connection server 1-6 receives the release request (REL), the connection server 1-6 sends out an interrupt request to the media router 1-4(Step Y21), and also returns a release completion message(RLC) to the relay connection server l-7(Step Y22). The release completion message(RLC) implies that the release request(REL) is completed. When the media router 1-4 receives the interrupt request, the media router 1-4 notifies an interrupt instruction of a connection request call to the terminal l-2(Step K22), and also to the connection server 1-6, an interrupt completion for indicating that the interrupt instruction is carried out (Step Y23) . The terminal 1-2 notifies a recovery completion to the media router(Step E23). In the procedure for accomplishing the terminal communication, the terminal 1-2 may send the interrupt request of the terminal communication to the media router 1-4, which is similar to the above-explained procedure.

Alternatively, while the relay connection server 1-7 is not present, a method for a terminal-to-terminal communication control between the connection servers 1-5 and 1-6 may be realized. After the terminal communication between the terminals 1-1 and 1-2 has been accomplished, namely at the Seps Y18 and Y22, both the connection servers 1-5 and 1-6 may acquire a terminal communication record including a circuit

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 identification code(CIC), a communication time instant, and a telephone number, and may record the terminal communication record inside the connection server so as to be used for the charging and operation managing purposes.

In the above described terminal-to-terminal communication connection control, when the terminal is a telephone set, the digital media is digitalized voice and the media communication is telephone communication, when the terminal is an IP terminal, the digital media is characters or digitalized still images and the media communication is IP data communication, when the terminal is an audio-moving image transmission/reception terminal, the digital media is digitalized audio-moving image and the media communication is voice-moving image communication, and when the terminal is a facsimile terminal, the digital media is digitalized facsimile image and the media communication is facsimile communication.

The telephone number to discriminate the communicating terminals may be a terminal discrimination number to individually define specified terminals, for example, a terminal original number which is effective within the specified communication network.

Also, there are various sorts of modified terminalto-terminal communication connection control methods between a media router and a connection server, and between connection servers. Alternatively, the initiation of the ACM waiting

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 timer defined at the Step Y2 may be omitted, and also the above-mentioned Step Y5 and Y6, namely address completion message(ACM) can be omitted. However, CPG waiting timer is set instead of the ACM waiting timer and is stopped after Step

Y9. These means will be explained with reference to a following embodiment.

The present invention is related to a terminal-toterminal communication control method with employment of an

IP transfer network. The above-explained object of the present invention may be achieved by such a terminal-toterminal communication connection control method with employment of an IP transfer network wherein: in order to perform a multimedia IP communication between a first IP terminal and a second IP terminal, the first terminal transmits such an IP packet containing a host name of the second IP terminal via a domain name server contained in a media router and a network node apparatus to a domain name server contained in a integrated IP transfer network; the domain name server contained in the integrated IP transfer network returns such an IP address corresponding to the host name of the second IP terminal in an 1-to-l correspondence relationship via the domain name server contained in the media router, or directly to the first IP terminal; when the first terminal sends out an IP packet to be transmitted to the second IP terminal, the

IP packet reaches another network node apparatus connected to

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 said second IP terminal via the media router connected to said first IP terminal and then the network node apparatus and more than one routers inside the IP transfer network, so as to deliver the IP packet to said IP terminal via another media router through a communication line and the domain name server is utilized.

Also, the above-explained object of the present invention may be achieved by such a terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method with employment of an

IP transfer network, wherein: in order to perform a telephone communication between a first dependent type IP telephone set and a second dependent type IP telephone set, when a handset of the first dependent type IP telephone set is taken up, such an IP packet for notifying a telephone call is transmitted from the first dependent type IP telephone set; a first H323 termination unit inside a first media router detects the IP packet, and returns a response IP packet to the first dependent type IP telephone set; the first dependent type IP telephone set transmits an IP packet containing the telephone number of the second dependent type IP telephone set via the first H323 termination unit and thereby enables it to reach a first domain name server inside the first media router and a first network node apparatus connected with the first media router via the communication line; the first network node apparatus transmits the IP packet to a second domain name server inside a integrated

CA 02340293 2002-06-14

IP transfer network; the second domain name server returns a second IP address corresponding to the telephone number of the second dependent type IP telephone set in an 1-to-l correspondence relationship via the first domain name server or without passing through the first domain name server to the first H323 termination unit; when the first

H323 termination unit generates and sends an IP packet with a source IP address as being a first IP address in an 1to-1 correspondence relationship with the first dependent type IP telephone set and a destination IP address as being the second IP address, the IP packet reaches another second network node apparatus connected to the second dependent IP telephone set via the first network node apparatus and more than one routers inside the IP transfer network and arrives via the communication line at a second H323 termination unit which is inside the second media router and connected to the second dependent type telephone set;

when a first user starts a telephone call, the first dependent IP telephone set sends an IP packet containing a voice sound expressed in digital form with a source IP address as being the first IP address and a destination IP address as being the second IP address; the IP packet passes through the first H323 termination unit, the first network node apparatus, the more than one router inside the IP transfer network, the second network node apparatus and the second H323 termination unit,

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 and reaches the second dependent IP telephone set; and when a second user causes a voice sound, the second dependent IP telephone set sends an IP packet containing a voice sound expressed in digital form with a source address as being the second IP address and a destination IP address as being the first IP address, the IP packet passes through the second

H323 termination unit, the second network node apparatus, the more than one router inside the IP transfer network, the first network node apparatus and the first H323 termination unit, and reaches the first dependent IP telephone set; when the first user hangs up a handset upon completion of telephone communication, an IP packet indicating the completion of telephone communication is generated/transmitted with a source IP address as being the first IP address and a destination IP address as being the second IP address; when

[the IP packet] passes through the first H323 termination unit, the first network node apparatus, the more than one router inside the IP transfer network, the second network node apparatus and the second H323 termination unit, and reaches the second dependent IP telephone set, thereby enabling the second user to acknowledge the completion of telephone communication;

when the second user hangs up the telephone set and an IP packet for acknowledgement of completed telephone communication is generated and sent with a source IP address

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 as being the second IP address and a destination IP address as being the first IP address, the IP packet passes through the second H323 termination unit, the second network node apparatus, the more than one router inside the IP transfer network and the first network node apparatus, and reaches the first H323 termination unit; when telephone communication is completed between the first dependent type IP telephone set and the second dependent type IP telephone set and an IP packet is transmitted to the second dependent type IP telephone set from the H323 termination unit, the IP packet passes through the network node apparatus and the more than one router inside the IP transfer network and reaches another network node apparatus connected to the second dependent type IP telephone set, and the IP packet enters another media router via a communication line thereby enabling the same to reach the second dependent IP telephone set via the H323 termination unit.

The present invention is featured by that while an address administration table is set to a network node apparatus employed in an IP transfer network, the means for registering an address of a terminal into this address administration table(refer to Japanese Patent Application No. 128956/1999) is applied to the multicast technique, which will now be described.

As a network in which an IP transfer network is operated/managed by a communication company, a network node apparatus is

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 provided in this IP transfer network. Since the IP addresses of the IP terminals are registered into the network node apparatus, the IP packet transmission by the multicast method with improving the information security performance can be realized. When such an IP packet containing a multicast IP address which is not yet registered into the network node apparatus is received, this received IP packet is discarded(IP address filtering operation).

Referring now to FIG. 19, both network node apparatus

1-11 to 1-14 and routers 1-15 to 1-20 are installed into an

IP transfer network 1-10. These network node apparatus are directly connected to the routers by using an IP communication line, or in directly connected to the routers via the network node apparatus and the routers. IP terminals 1-21 to 1-27 having an IP packet transmission/reception function are connected to the network node apparatus by way of an IP communication line. An IP terminal does not directly allow the connection to the router. The network node apparatus 1-11 to 1-14 register thereinto at least an IP address among the

IP terminal information about the IP terminals connected to the own node apparatus.

As a first IP packet acceptance check, a check is made as to whether or not a destination IP address contained in a header of an external IP packet which is entered into an IP transfer network is registered into the address administration

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 table of the node apparatus. In the case that the destination

IP address is not registered, this IP packet is discarded. As a second IP packet acceptance check, a check is made as to whether or not a source IP address contained in a header of an external IP packet which is entered into an IP transfer network is registered into the address management table of the node apparatus. In the case that the source IP address is not registered, this IP packet is discarded. As a first address registration check, while a destination multicast address is registered into the address management table of the network node apparatus, in such a case that a destination multicast address contained in a header of an external IP packet entered into the network node apparatus is not registered into the address management table, the network node apparatus discards the entered IP packet. As a result, it is possible to avoid such a condition that an unexpected IP packet is mixed into the IP transfer network. Also, since an address of a multicast transmission person is not allowed to be registered into an address management table of a network node apparatus of a packet reception person, an ACK packet cannot pass through the network node apparatus. The ACK packet is sent so as to confirm a reception of an IP packet, and is directed from the multicast

IP packet reception person to the multicast IP packet transmission person. As a consequence, it is possible to prevent an occurrence of congestion of the*. IP transfer network.

CA 02340293 2006-09-13 which is caused by ACK implosion of these ACK packets.

Also, while an IP address of a router is not allowed to be registered as a destination address, a dangerous IP packet is not sent out from an IP transfer network to a router of the

IP transfer network. The dangerous IP packet may mistakenly rewrite a content of a multicast table. Alternatively, while an IP address of an operation management server for multicast operation provided in an IP transfer network is not allowed to be registered, such an access operation from the IP transfer net work into the operation management server employed in the

IP transfer network cannot be carried out, so that the information security performance can be improved. As a second address registration check, a transmission source of an IP packet containing multicast data is limited, so that an occurrence of unfair user can be suppressed. Also, in such a case that unfair action is carried out, an IP packet transmission source can be easily specified, so that the information security performance of the IP transfer network can be improved.

CA 02340293 2007-08-17

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method with employment of an IP transfer network, wherein :

said IP transfer network includes plural network node apparatus, plural connection servers, plural proxy connection servers and a domain name server, plural terminals are connected to said IP transfer network, a terminal Tl is connected to a network node apparatus Nl by a logical terminal LP1 via a communication line LI, a terminal T2 is connected to a network node apparatus N2 by a logical terminal LP2 via a communication line L2, and said domain name server holds a set of a telephone number or host name TNj (j=l,2,3, ... ) of a terminal Tj, an internal IP address IAj being a discrimination information of a logical terminal LPj and an internal IP address k of a connection server Sk carrying out a connection control of said terminal· Tj, an IP communication record R81 including a discrimination information of said logical terminal LPl is set in said network node apparatus' Nl, and an IP communication record R82 including a discrimination information of said logical terminal LP2 is set in said network node apparatus N2, said terminal Tl transmits an external IP packet 1 for connecting to said terminal T2, wherein said external IP packet 1 includes a connection request and said telephone numbers or host names TNI andTN2 and a destination address thereof is an external IP address EA81 of a proxy connection server PSI, said network node apparatus Nl inspects an IP capsulation condition to be satisfied by an external IP

43a

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 address in said external IP packet 1 according to a rule of said IP communication record R81, said external IP packet 1 which said IP capsulation condition is not satisfied is discarded, when said IP capsulation condition is satisfied, said network node apparatus Nl forms a first type internal IP packet 11 by capsulating said external IP packet 1 and sends it, a destination address of said internal IP packet is an internal IP address IA81 of said proxy connection server PSI, said proxy connection server PSI converts said internal IP packet 11 into a second type internal IP packet and sends it to a connection server Si, said connection server SI obtains said telephone numbers or host names TNI and TN2 and said external IP address EAl from said internal IP packet 12, and further obtains an external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2, an internal IP address IA2 being a discrimination information of said logical terminal LP2 and an internal IP address IA92 of said connection server S2 carrying out a connection control of said terminal T2 by presenting said telephone number or host name TN2 of said destination terminal T2 to a domain name server DS1, said connection server Si sends an initial address message (IAM)including said connection request to said connection server S2, said connection server S2 obtains said telephone numbers or host names TNI and TN2, said external IP address EAl and EA2 and said internal IP address IA1 and IA2 from said initial address message (IAM), said connection server S2 sends a second type internal IP packet 21 including a receipt notification, said internal IP packet 21 is converted into a first type internal IP packet 22 by a proxy connection server PS2, said internal IP packet 22 is converted into an external IP

43b

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 packet 2 including said receipt notification at said network node apparatus N2, said external IP packet 2 reaches at said terminal T2, and said connection server S2 forms ah address completion message (ACM) including a receipt propriety notification and sends it to said connection server SI, said terminal T2 transmits an external IP packet 3 that includes a call-on notification for notifying a response preparation start and a destination address thereof is an external IP address EA82 of a proxy connection server PS2, an external IP address of said external IP packet 3 is judged at said network node apparatus N2 according to an IP capsulation condition defined by said IP communication record R82, said external IP address becomes to a first type internal IP packet 31 including said call-on notification, and then becomes to a second type internal IP packet 32 and reaches at said connection server S2, said connection server S2 forms a call progress message (CPG) including said call-on notification and sends it to said connection server Si, said connection server Si sends a second type internal IP packet 41 including said call-on notification, said internal IP packet 41 becomes to a first type internal IP packet 42 and becomes to an external IP packet 4 including said call-on notification at said network node apparatus Nl, and said external IP packet 4 reaches at said terminal Tl, said terminal T2 transmits an external IP packet 5 including a response notification for notifying a response and a port number PN2 of said terminal T2, an IP capsulation condition of said external IP packet 5 is judged at said network node apparatus N2 and becomes to a first type internal IP packet 51 including said response

43c

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 notification, said internal IP packet 51 becomes to a second type internal IP packet 52 and reaches at said connection server S2, said connection server S2 forms a response message (ANM) including said response notification and said port number PN2 and sends it to said connection server SI, said connection server SI sends a second type internal IP packet 61 including said response notification, an external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2 and said port number PN2, said internal IP packet 61 becomes a first type internal IP packet 62, said internal IP packet 62 becomes to an external IP packet 6 including said response notification, an external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2 and said port number PN2 and then reaches at said terminal Tl, said connection server S2 commands a setting of an IP communication record R2 including a discrimination information of said logical terminal LP2 for said network node apparatus N2, said connection server SI commands a setting of an IP communication record Rl including a discrimination information of said logical terminal LPl for said network node apparatus Nl, said IP communication records Rl and R2 define a communication path P12 for transferring an internal IP packet between said network node apparatus Nl and N2, when said terminal Tl transmits an external IP packet 7 that a source address is said external IP address EAl, a destination address is said external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2 and a destination port number is said port number PN2, said external IP packet 7 is judged at network node apparatus Nl whether an IP capsulation condition is satisfied based on administration of said communication record Rl or not,

43d

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 when said IP capsulation condition is satisfied, said external IP packet 7 is capsulated, said capsulated packet becomes to an internal IP packet 7 that a destination address is said internal IP address IA2 for discriminating said logical terminal LP2 and is transferred in said communication path P12, and it is reversely capsulated at said network node apparatus N2 and then a restored external IP packet 7 is sent to said terminal T2, and when said terminal TI transmits an external IP packet 9 that includes a communication cutting-off request and a destination address is said external IP address EA81, said external IP packet 9 becomes to an internal IP packet 9 including said communication cutting-off request and then reaches at said connection server Si, said connection servers Si and S2 send/receive a release message (REL) or a release completion message (RLC) and command a disappear of said communication records Rl and R2.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method with employment of an IP transfer network, wherein :

said IP transfer network includes plural termination gateways GW, said termination gateways GW respectively include plural network node apparatus and a domain name server, plural terminals are connected to said IP transfer network, a terminal TI is connected to a network node apparatus N1 in a termination gateway GW1 by a logical terminal LPl via a communication line Li, a terminal T2 is connected to a network node apparatus N2 in a termination gateway GW2 by a logical terminal LP2 via a communication line L2, and said domain name server holds a set of a telephone number or host name TNj (j=l, 2,3, ... ) and an

43e

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 external IP address EAj of a terminal Tj, an internal IP address IAj being a discrimination information of a logical terminal LPj and an internal IP address k of a termination gateway GWk carrying out a connection control of said terminal Tj, an IP communication record R81 including a discrimination information of said logical terminal LPl is set in said network node apparatus Nl, and an IP communication record R82 including a discrimination information of said logical terminal LP2 is set in said network node apparatus N2, said terminal T1 transmits an external IP packet 1 for connecting to said terminal T2, wherein said external IP packet 1 includes a connection request and said telephone number or host name TN2 and a destination address thereof is a connection control request address EA81 which is an address for transmitting an external IP packet on a connection control of said termination gateways GW, said network node apparatus Nl inspects an IP capsulation condition define by said IP communication record R81 for an external IP address in said external IP packet 1, said external IP packet 1 which said IP capsulation condition is not satisfied is discarded, when said IP capsulation condition is satisfied, said network node apparatus Nl converts said external IP packet 1 into an internal IP packet 1 by a capsulation, said termination gateway GW1 obtains said telephone numbers or host names from said internal IP packet 1, and further obtains an external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2, an internal IP address IA2 being a discrimination information of said logical terminal LP2 and an internal IP address IA92 of said termination gateway GW2 carrying out a

43f

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 connection control of said terminal T2 by using said domain name server DS1, and said termination gateway GWl sends an initial address message (IAM) including the connection request to said termination gateway GW2, said termination gateway GW2 obtains said connection request, said telephone numbers or host names TNI and TN2, said external IP address EAl and EA2 and said internal IP address IAl and IA2 from said initial address message (IAM), said termination gateway GW2 sends an internal IP packet 2 including a receipt notification, said internal IP packet 2 is converted into an external IP packet 2 at said network node apparatus N2, said external IP packet 2 reaches at said terminal T2, and said termination gateway GW2 forms an address completion message (ACM) including a receipt propriety notification and sends it to said termination gateway GWl, said terminal T2 transmits an external IP packet 3 that includes a call-on notification for notifying a response preparation start and a destination address thereof is a connection control request address EA82, said external IP packet 3 is judged at said network node apparatus N2 whether an IP capsulation condition defined by said IP communication record R82 is satisfied or not, when said IP capsulation condition is satisfied, said external IP packet 3 becomes to an internal IP packet 3 including said call-on notification and then inputs to said termination gateway GW2, said termination gateway GW2 sends a call progress message (CPG) including said call-on notification to said termination gateway GWl, said termination gateway GWl sends an internal IP packet 4 including said call-on notification, said internal IP packet 4 becomes to an external IP packet 4 including said call-on notification at

43g

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 said network node apparatus Nl and reaches at said terminal

Tl, said external IP packet 5 is judged whether said IP capsulation condition is satisfied or not, when said IP capsulation condition is satisfied, said external IP packet 5 becomes to an internal IP packet 5 including said call-on notification and then inputs to said termination gateway GW2, said termination gateway GW2 sends a response message (ANM) including said response notification to said termination gateway GW1, said termination gateway GW1 sends an internal IP packet 6 including said response notification and an external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2, said internal IP packet 6 becomes to an external IP packet 6 including said response notification and said external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2 at said network node apparatus Nl and then reaches at said terminal Tl, said termination gateway GW2 presents a setting of an IP communication record R2 including a discrimination information of said logical terminal LP2 for said network node apparatus N2, said termination gateway GW1 presents a setting of an IP communication record Ri including a discrimination information of said logical terminal LP1 for said network node apparatus Nl, said IP communication records Ri and R2 define a communication path P12 for transferring an internal IP packet between said network node apparatus Nl and N2, when said terminal Tl transmits an external IP packet 7 that a destination address is said external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2, said external IP packet 7 inputs to said network node apparatus Nl, said external IP packet 7 is judged whether an IP capsulation condition is satisfied or not,

43h

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 when said IP capsulation condition is satisfied, said external IP packet 7 is converted into an internal IP packet 7 that a destination address is said internal IP address IA2 for discriminating said logical terminal LP2 and is transferred in said communication path P12, when said internal IP packet 7 reaches at said network node apparatus N2, it is restored to said external IP packet 7 and then reaches at said terminal T2, and when said terminal T1 transmits an external IP packet 9 that includes a communication cutting-off request and a destination address is said connection control request address EA81, said external IP packet 9 becomes to an internal IP packet 9 including said communication cuttingoff request at said network node apparatus N1 and then inputs to said termination gateway GW1, and said termination gateways GW1 and GW2 send/receive a release message (REL) or a release completion message (RLC) and command a disappear of said IP communication records RI and R2 .

According to further aspect of the invention there is provided a terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method with employment of an IP transfer network, wherein:

said IP transfer network includes plural network node apparatus, a connection server X, plural proxy connection servers and a domain name server X, plural terminals are connected to said IP transfer network, a terminal T1 having a telephone number TNI is connected to a network node apparatus N1 by a logical terminal LP1 via a communication line LI, a terminal T2 having a telephone number TN2 is connected to a network node apparatus N2 by a logical terminal LP2 via a communication line L2, and said domain name server X holds

43i

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 a set of a telephone number or host name TNj (j=l, 2,3, ... ) and an external IP address EAj of a terminal Tj and an internal IP address IAj being a discrimination information of a logical terminal LPj, an IP communication record R81 including a discrimination information of said logical terminal LP1 is set in said network node apparatus Nl, and an IP communication record R82 including a discrimination information of said logical terminal LP2 is set in said network node apparatus N2, said terminal T1 transmits an external IP packet 1 for connecting to said terminal T2, wherein said external IP packet 1 includes a connection request and said telephone numbers or host names TN2 and a destination address thereof is an external IP address EA81 of a proxy connection server PSI, said external IP packet 1 inputs to said network node apparatus Nl from said logical terminal LP1, said network node apparatus Nl inspects an IP capsulation condition defined by a rule of said IP communication record R81 for an external IP address in said external IP packet 1, said external IP packet 1 which said IP capsulation condition is not satisfied is discarded, when said IP capsulation condition is satisfied, said network node apparatus Nl forms a first type internal IP packet 11 by capsulating said external IP packet 1 and sends it, a destination address of said internal IP packet is an internal IP address IA81 of said proxy connection server PSI, said proxy connection server PSI converts said internal IP packet 11 into a second type internal IP packet and sends it to a connection server X,

43j

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 said connection server X obtains said telephone numbers or host names TNI and TN2 from said internal IP packet 12, and further obtains an external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2 and an internal IP address IA2 being a discrimination information of said logical terminal LP2 by presenting said telephone number or host name TN2 to a domain name server DS1, said connection server X sends a second type internal IP packet 21 including a receipt notification, said internal IP packet 21 is converted into a first type internal IP packet 22 by a proxy connection server PS2, said internal IP packet 22 is converted into an external IP packet 2 including said receipt notification at said network node apparatus N2, and said external IP packet 2 reaches at said terminal T2, said terminal T2 transmits an external IP packet 3 that includes a call-on notification for notifying a response preparation start and a destination address thereof is an external IP address EA82 of a proxy connection server PS2, said external IP packet 3 is judged at said network node apparatus N2 whether it satisfies an IP capsulation condition defined by said IP communication record R82 or not, said external IP packet 3 becomes to a first type internal IP packet 31 including said call-on notification, and then becomes to a second type internal IP packet 32 and reaches at said connection server X, said connection server X sends a second type internal IP packet 41 including said call-on notification, said internal IP packet 41 becomes to a first type internal IP packet 42, and said internal IP packet 42 becomes to an external IP packet 4 including said call-on notification at said network node apparatus N1 and then reaches at said terminal Tl,

43k

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 said terminal T2 transmits an external IP packet 5 including a response notification for notifying a response, an IP capsulation condition of said external IP packet 5 is judged at said network node apparatus N2 and becomes to a first type internal IP packet 51 including said response notification, said internal IP packet 51 becomes to a second type internal IP packet 52 and reaches at said connection server X, said connection server X sends a second type internal IP packet 61 including said response notification and said external IP address EA2, said internal IP packet 61 becomes to a second type internal IP packet 62, said internal IP packet 62 becomes to an external IP packet 6 including said response notification and said external IP address EA2 and then reaches at said terminal TI, said connection server X commands a setting of an IP communication records Rl and R2 including discrimination information of said logical terminals LP1 and LP2 for said network node apparatus Nl and N2, said IP communication records Rl and R2 define a communication path P12 for transferring an internal IP packet between said network node apparatus Nl and N2, when said terminal TI transmits an external IP packet 7 that·a destination address is said external IP address EA2 of said terminal, said external IP packet 7 is judged at network node apparatus Nl whether an IP capsulation condition is satisfied based on administration of said IP communication record Rl or not, when said IP capsulation condition is satisfied, said external IP packet 7 is capsulated, said capsulated packet becomes to an internal IP packet 7 that a destination address is said internal IP address IA2 for discriminating said logical terminal LP2 and is transferred in said

431

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 communication path P12, and it is reversely capsulated at said network node apparatus N2 and then a restored external

IP packet 7 is sent to said terminal T2, and when said terminal T1 transmits an external IP packet 9 that includes a communication cutting-off request and a destination address is said external IP address EA81, said external IP packet 9 becomes to an internal IP packet 9 including said communication cutting-off request and then reaches at said connection server X, and a disappear of said communication records Rl and R2 is commanded.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method with employment of an IP transfer network, wherein :

said IP transfer network includes plural network node apparatus, plural connection servers and a domain name server, a terminal T1 outside of said IP transfer network is connected to a network node apparatus Nl by a logical terminal LP1 via a communication line Ll, and a terminal T2 outside of said IP transfer network is connected to a network node apparatus N2 by a logical terminal LP2 via a communication line L2, said terminal T1 transmits an external IP packet 1 for connecting to said terminal T2, wherein said external IP packet 1 includes a connection request and a telephone number or host name TN2 of said terminal T2 and a destination address thereof is an address of a connection server SI, said external IP packet 1 inputs to said network node apparatus Nl from logical terminal LP1, and an IP capsulation condition is inspected according to a rule of said IP communication record R81,

43m

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 when said IP capsulation condition is satisfied, said external IP packet 1 becomes to an internal IP packet 1 and then reaches at said connection server SI, said connection server SI obtains an external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2, an internal IP address IA2 for discriminating said logical terminal LP2 and an internal IP address 2 of said connection server S2 carrying out a connection control of said terminal T2 by presenting said telephone number or host name TN2 to a domain name server DS1, and sends an initial address message (IAM) including said connection request to said connection server S2, when said connection server S2 sends an internal IP packet 2 including a connection request notification, said internal IP packet 2 is converted into an external IP packet 2 according to a rule of an IP communication record R82 in said network node apparatus N2 and then is sent to said terminal T2, an external IP packet 3 including said call-on notification is sent from said terminal T2, said external IP packet 3 is converted into an internal IP packet 3 at said network node apparatus N2 according to a rule of said IP communication record R82 and then reaches at said connection server S2, and said connection server S2 forms a call progress message (CPG) including said call-on notification and sends it to said connection server SI, when said terminal T2 transmits an internal IP packet including said call-on notification, said internal IP packet 4 is converted into an external IP packet 4 and then reaches at said terminal Tl, when an external IP packet 5 including a response notification from said terminal T2, said external IP packet is converted into an internal IP packet 5 at said network

43n

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 node apparatus N2 and then reaches at said connection server S2, said connection server S2 forms a response message (ANM) including said response notification and sends it to said connection server SI, when said connection server SI sends an internal IP packet 6 including said response notification and said external IP address EA2, said internal IP packet 6 reaches at said terminal Tl, said connection servers SI and S2 respectively command setting of IP communication records R1 and R2 including internal IP address IAl and IA2 for discriminating said logical terminals LP1 and LP2 for said network node apparatus N1 and N2, and said IP communication records R1 and R2 define a communication path P12 for transferring an internal IP packet between said network node apparatus N1 and N2, when said terminal Tl transmits an external IP packet 7 that a destination address is said external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2, said external IP packet 7 is judged at network node apparatus N1 whether an IP capsulation condition is satisfied based on a rule of said IP communication record R1 or not, said external' IP packet 7 becomes to an internal IP packet 7 that a destination address is said internal IP address IA2, and said internal IP packet 7 is transferred in said communication path P12, and an external IP packet 7 restored at network node apparatus N2 is sent to said terminal T2, and when said terminal Tl transmits an external IP packet 9 that includes a communication cutting-off request and a destination address is an address of said connection server SI, said external IP packet 9 including said communication cutting-off request reaches at said connection server SI, said connection servers SI and S2 send/receive a release

43o

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 message (REL) or a release completion message (RLC) and command a disappear of said communication records RI and

R2.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method with employment of an IP transfer network, wherein :

said IP transfer network includes plural network node apparatus, plural connection servers and a domain name server, a terminal Tl outside of said IP transfer network is connected to a network node apparatus Nl by a logical terminal LP1 via a communication line Li, and a terminal T2 outside of said IP transfer network is connected to a network node apparatus N2 by a logical terminal LP2 via a communication line L2, said terminal Tl transmits an external IP packet 1 including a connection request and a telephone number or host name TN2 of said terminal T2, said external IP packet 1 inputs to said network node apparatus Nl from said logical terminal LPl, said network node apparatus Nl sends said connection request and said telephone number or host name TN2, said connection server Si obtains an external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2 and an IP address IA2 of said connection server S2 carrying out a connection control of said terminal T2 by presenting said telephone number or host name TN2 to a domain name server DSl, said connection server SI sends an initial address message (IAM) including said connection request to said connection server S2, and said connection server S2 sends a connection request notification to said terminal T2 having said external IP address EA2,

43p

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 said terminal T2 transmits said response notification to said connection server S2, said connection server S2 sends said response notification to said connection server

SI, and said connection server SI sends said response notification to said terminal Tl, said connection servers SI and S2 respectively command setting of IP communication records RI and R2 including internal IP address IA1 and IA2 for discriminating said logical terminals LP1 and LP2 for said network node apparatus N1 and N2, and said IP communication records RI and R2 define a communication path P12 for transferring an internal IP packet between said network node apparatus N1 and N2, when said terminal Tl transmits an external IP packet 2 that a destination address is said external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2, said external IP packet 2 is judged at network node apparatus N1 whether an IP capsulation condition is satisfied based on a rule of said IP communication record RI or not, said external IP packet 2 becomes to an internal IP packet 2 that a destination address is said internal IP address IA2, and said internal IP packet 2 is transferred in said communication path P12, and an external IP packet 2 restored at network node apparatus N2 is sent to said terminal T2, and when said terminal Tl transmits a communication cutting-off request to said connection server SI, said connection servers SI and S2 send/receive a release message (REL) or a release completion message (RLC) and command a disappear of said communication records RI and R2.

According to further aspect of the invention there is provided a terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method with employment of an IP transfer network, wherein:

43q

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 said IP transfer network includes plural network node apparatus, plural connection servers, plural proxy connection servers and a domain name server, plural terminals are connected to said IP transfer network, a terminal Tl is connected to a network node apparatus Nl by a logical terminal LPl via a communication line LI, a terminal T2 is connected to a network node apparatus N2 by a logical terminal LP2 via a communication line L2, and said domain name server holds a set of a telephone number or host name TNj (j=l, 2,3, ... ) and an external IP address EAj of a terminal Tj, a discrimination information IAj of a logical terminal LPj and an internal IP address k of an internal address k carrying out a connection control of said terminal Tj, an IP communication record R81 including a discrimination information of said logical terminal LPl is set in said network node apparatus Nl, and an IP communication record R82 including a discrimination information of said logical terminal LP2 is set in said network node apparatus N2, said terminal Tl transmits an external IP packet 1 for connecting to said terminal T2, wherein said external IP packet 1 includes a connection request and said telephone numbers or host names TNI andTN2 and a destination address thereof is an external IP address EA81 of a proxy connection server PSI, said network node apparatus Nl inspects a simple capsulation condition defined by a rule of said IP communication record R81 for external IP address in said external IP packet 1, wherein said simple capsulation is that a simple header without a source address is added to said external IP packet 1,

43r

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 said external IP packet 1 which said simple capsulation condition is not satisfied is discarded, when said simple capsulation condition is satisfied, said network node apparatus Nl forms a first type internal IP packet 11 by simply capsulating said external IP packet 1 and sends it, a destination address of said internal IP packet 11 is an internal IP address IA81 of said proxy connection server PSI, and said proxy connection server PSI converts said internal IP packet 11 into a second type internal IP packet 12 and sends it to a connection server si, said connection server Si obtains said telephone numbers or host names TNI and TN2 and said external IP address EAl from said internal IP packet 12, and further obtains an external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2, a discrimination information IA2 of said logical terminal LP2 and an internal IP address IA92 of said connection server S2 carrying out a connection control of said terminal T2 by presenting said telephone number TN2 of said destination terminal T2 to a domain name server DS1, said connection server SI sends an initial address message (IAM) including said connection request to said connection server S2, said connection server S2 obtains said telephone numbers TNI and TN2, said external IP address EAl and EA2 and said internal IP address IAl and IA2 from said initial address message (IAM), said connection server S2 sends a second type internal IP packet including a receipt notification, said internal IP packet 21 is converted into a first type internal IP packet by a proxy connection server PS2, said internal IP packet 22 is converted into an external IP packet 2 including said receipt notification at said network node apparatus N2, said external IP packet 2 reaches at said

43s

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 terminal T2, and said connection server S2 forms an address completion message (ACM) including a receipt propriety notification and sends it to said connection server Sl, said terminal T2 transmits an external IP packet 3 that includes a call-on notification for notifying a response preparation start and a destination address thereof is an external IP address EA82 of a proxy connection server PS2, an external IP address of said external IP packet 3 is judged at said network node apparatus N2 according to a simple capsulation condition defined by said IP communication record R82, said external IP address becomes to a first type internal IP packet 31 including said call-on notification, and then becomes to a second type internal IP packet 32 and then reaches at said connection server S2, said connection server S2 forms a call progress message (CPG) including said call-on notification and sends it to said connection server Sl, said connection server Sl sends a second type internal IP packet 41 including said call-on notification, said internal IP packet 41 becomes to a first type internal IP packet 42 and becomes to an external IP packet 4 including said call-on notification at said network node apparatus Nl, and said external IP packet 4 reaches at said terminal Tl, said terminal T2 transmits an external IP packet 5 including a response notification for notifying a response and a port number PN2 of said terminal T2, a simple capsulation condition of said external IP packet 5 is judged at said network node apparatus N2 and becomes to a first type internal IP packet 51 including said response notification, said internal IP packet 51 becomes to a second type internal IP packet 52 and reaches at said connection server S2, said connection server S2 forms a

43t

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 response message (ANM) including said response notification and said port number PN2 and sends it to said connection server SI, said connection server SI sends a second type internal IP packet 61 including said response notification, an external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2 and said port number PN2, said internal IP packet 61 becomes a first type internal IP packet 62, said internal IP packet 62 becomes to an external IP packet 6 including said response notification at said network node apparatus Nl, and said external IP packet 6 reaches at said terminal Tl, said connection server S2 commands a setting of an IP communication record R2 including a discrimination information of said logical terminal LP2 for said network node apparatus N2, said connection server SI commands a setting of an IP communication record RI including a discrimination information of said logical terminal LPl for said network node apparatus Nl, and said IP communication records RI and R2 define a communication path P12 for transferring an internal IP packet between said network node apparatus Nl and N2, when said terminal Tl transmits an external IP packet 7 that a source address is said external IP address EA1, a destination address is said external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2 and a destination port number is said port number PN2, said external IP packet 7 is judged at network node apparatus Nl whether a simple capsulation condition is satisfied based on administration of said communication record Rl or not, when said simple capsulation condition is satisfied, said external IP packet 7 is simply capsulated, said simply capsulated packet becomes to an internal IP packet 7 that a destination address is an internal IP address IA2x defined based on said discrimination information IA2 of said

43u

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 logical terminal LP2 and is transferred in said communication path P12, and it is reversely and simply capsulated at said network node apparatus N2 and then a restored external IP packet 7 is sent to said terminal T2, and when said terminal Tl transmits an external IP packet 9 that includes a communication cutting-off request and a destination address is said external IP address EA81, said external IP packet 9 becomes to an internal IP packet 9 including said communication cutting-off request and then reaches at said connection server SI, said connection servers Si and S2 send/receive a release message (REL) or a release completion message (RLC) and command a disappear of said communication records Rl and R2.

According to further aspect of the invention there is provided a terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method with employment of an IP transfer network, wherein :

said IP transfer network includes plural network node apparatus, plural connection servers and a domain name server, a terminal Tl outside of said IP transfer network is connected to a network node apparatus N1 by a logical terminal LPl via a communication line Li, a terminal T2 outside of said IP transfer network is connected to a network node apparatus N2 by a logical terminal LP2 via a communication line L2, said terminal Tl transmits an external IP packet 1 for connecting to said terminal T2 by using a telephone number or host name, wherein said external IP packet 1 includes a connection request and a telephone number or host name TN2 of said terminal T2, said external IP packet 1 inputs to said network node apparatus N1 from said logical terminal

43v

CA 02340293 2007-08-17

LPl, said network node apparatus Nl sends said connection request and said telephone number or host name TN2 to a connection server X, said connection server X obtains an external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2 by presenting said telephone number or host name TN2 to said domain name server DS, said connection server X sends a connection request notification to said terminal T2 having said external IP address EA2, said terminal T2 transmits a response notification to said connection server X, and said connection server X sends said response notification to said terminal Tl, said connection server X commands a setting of IP communication records Rl and R2 including internal IP address IAl and IA2 for discriminating said logical terminals LP1 and LP2 for said network node apparatus Nl and N2, and said IP communication records Rl and R2 define a communication path P12 for transferring an internal IP packet between said network node apparatus Nl and N2, when said terminal Tl transmits an external IP packet 2 of which source address is said external IP address EA2, said external IP packet 2 is judged at network node apparatus Nl whether an IP capsulation condition is satisfied or not, when said IP capsulation condition is satisfied, said external IP packet 2 becomes to an internal IP packet 2 of which destination address is said internal IP address IA2 and is transferred in said communication path P12, and an external IP packet 2 which is restored at said network node apparatus N2 is sent to said terminal T2, and when said terminal Tl transmits a communication cutting-off request to said connection server X, said connection server X commands a disappear of said IP

43w

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 communication records RI and R2, whereby said communication path P12 is disappeared.

According to further aspect of the invention there is provided a terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method with employment of an IP transfer network, wherein :

said IP transfer network includes plural network node apparatus, plural connection servers and a domain name server, a terminal Tl outside of said IP transfer network is connected to a network node apparatus Nl by a logical terminal LP1 via a communication line Ll, a terminal T2 outside of said IP transfer network is connected to a network node apparatus N2 by a logical terminal LP2 via a communication line L2, said terminal Tl transmits an external IP packet 1 for connecting to said terminal T2 by using a telephone number or host name, wherein said external IP packet 1 includes a connection request and a telephone number or host name TN2 of said terminal T2, said external IP packet 1 inputs to said network node apparatus Nl from said logical terminal LP1, said network node apparatus Nl sends said connection request and said telephone number or host name TN2 to a connection server X, said connection server X obtains an external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2 by presenting said telephone number or host name TN2 to said domain name server DS, said connection server X sends a connection request notification to said terminal T2 having said external IP address EA2, said terminal T2 transmits a response notification to said connection server X, and said connection server X sends said response notification to said terminal Tl,

43x

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 said connection server X commands a setting of simple capsulation communication records RI and R2 including internal IP address IAl and IA2 for discriminating said logical terminals LP1 and LP2 for said network node apparatus Nl and N2, wherein said simple capsulation is that a simple header without a source address is added to an external IP packet, and said simple capsulation communication records RI and R2 define a communication path P12 for transferring an internal IP packet between said network node apparatus Nl and N2, when said terminal Tl transmits an external IP packet 2 of which source address is said external IP address EA2, said external IP packet 2 is judged at network node apparatus Nl whether a simple capsulation condition is satisfied or not, when said simple capsulation condition is satisfied, said external IP packet 2 becomes to an internal IP packet 2 of which destination address is said internal IP address IA2 and is transferred in said communication path P12, and an external IP packet 2 which is restored at said network node apparatus N2 is sent to said terminal T2, and when said terminal Tl transmits a communication cutting-off request to said connection server X, said connection server X commands a disappear of said simple capsulation communication records Rl and R2, whereby said communication path P12 is disappeared.

According to further aspect of the invention there is provided a terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method with employment of an IP transfer network, wherein:

said IP transfer network includes plural network node apparatus, plural connection servers and plural domain name servers,

43y

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 a terminal Tl outside of said IP transfer network is connected to a network node apparatus Nl by a logical terminal LPl via a communication line Ll, a terminal T2 outside of said IP transfer network is connected to a network node apparatus N2 by a logical terminal LP2 via a communication line L2, said terminal Tl transmits an external IP packet 1 for connecting to said terminal T2 by using a telephone number or host name, wherein said external IP packet 1 includes a connection request and a telephone number or host name TN2 of said terminal T2, said external IP packet 1 inputs to said network node apparatus Nl from said logical terminal LPl, said network node apparatus Nl sends said connection request and said telephone number or host name TN2 to a connection server Si, said connection server SI obtains an external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2 and an internal IP address 2 of a connection server S2 carrying out a connection control of said terminal T2 by presenting said telephone number or host name TN2 to said domain name server DS1, said connection server SI sends an initial address message (IAM) including said connection request to said connection server S2, and said connection server S2 said connection request notification to said terminal T2 having said external IP address EA2, said terminal T2 transmits a response notification to said connection server S2, said connection server S2 sends said response notification to said connection server SI, and said connection server SI sends said response notification to said terminal Tl, said connection server SI and S2 command a setting of simple capsulation communication records RI and R2 including identifiers IA1 and IA2 for discriminating said

43z

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 logical terminals LP1 and LP2 for said network node apparatus Nl and N2, wherein said simple capsulation is that a simple header without a source address is added to an external IP packet, and said simple capsulation communication records Rl and R2 define a communication path P12 for transferring an internal IP packet between said network node apparatus Nl and N2, when said terminal TI transmits an external IP packet 2 of which source address is said external IP address EA2, said external IP packet 2 is judged at network node apparatus Nl whether a simple capsulation condition is satisfied according to a rule of said simple capsulation communication record Rl or not, when said simple//capsulation condition is satisfied, said external IP packet 2 becomes to an internal IP packet 2 including said external IP packet 2 and said identifier IA2 and is transferred in said communication path P12, and an external IP packet 2 which is restored at said network node apparatus N2 is sent to said terminal T2, and when said terminal TI transmits a communication cutting-off request to said connection server SI , said connection servers Si and S2 command a disappear of said simple capsulation communication records Rl and R2, whereby said communication path P12 is disappeared.

According to further aspect of the invention there is provided a terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method with employment of an IP transfer network, wherein:

said IP transfer network includes plural network node apparatus, a terminal Ti outside of said IP transfer network is connected to a network node apparatus Nl by a logical terminal LP1 via a communication line Ll, a terminal T2 outside of said IP transfer network is aa

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 connected to a network node apparatus N2 by a logical terminal LP2 via a communication line L2, said terminal Tl transmits an external IP packet 1 for connecting to said terminal T2 by using a telephone number or host name, wherein said external IP packet 1 includes a connection request and a telephone number or host name TN2 of said terminal T2, said external IP packet 1 inputs to said network node apparatus Nl from said logical terminal LP1, said IP transfer network specifies an external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2 from said telephone number or host name TN2 and sends a connection request notification to said terminal T2 having said external IP address EA2, said terminal T2 transmits a response notification to said IP transfer network, and said IP transfer network sends said response notification to said terminal Tl, said IP transfer network commands a setting of IP communication records RI and R2 including internal IP address IA1 and IA2 for discriminating said logical terminals LPl and LP2 for said network node apparatus N1 and N2, and said IP communication records Ri and R2 define a communication path P12 for transferring an internal IP packet between said network node apparatus N1 and N2, when said terminal Tl transmits an external IP packet 2 of which source address is said external IP address EA2, said external IP packet 2 is judged at network node apparatus Nl whether an IP capsulation condition is satisfied according to a rule of said IP communication record RI or not, when said IP capsulation condition is satisfied, said external IP packet 2 becomes to an internal IP packet 2 of which destination address is said internal IP address IA2 and is transferred in said communication path P12, and an

43bb

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 external IP packet 2 which is restored at said network node apparatus N2 is sent to said terminal T2, and when said terminal Tl transmits a communication cutting-off request to said IP transfer network, said IP transfer network commands a disappear of said IP communication records RI and R2, and said communication path P12 is disappeared.

According to further aspect of the invention there is provided a terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method with employment of an IP transfer network, wherein :

said IP transfer network includes plural network node apparatus, a terminal Tl outside of said IP transfer network is connected to a network node apparatus N1 by a logical terminal LPl via a communication line LI, a terminal T2 outside of said IP transfer network is connected to a network node apparatus N2 by a logical terminal LP2 via a communication line L2, said terminal Tl transmits an external IP packet 1 for connecting to said terminal T2 by using a telephone number or host name, wherein said external IP packet 1 includes a connection request and a telephone number or host name TN2 of said terminal T2, said external IP packet 1 inputs to said network node apparatus N1 from said logical terminal LPl, said IP transfer network specifies an external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2 from said telephone number or host name TN2 and sends a connection request notification to said terminal T2 having said external IP address EA2, said terminal T2 transmits a response notification to said IP transfer network, and said IP transfer network sends said response notification to said terminal Tl, cc

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 said IP transfer network commands a setting of simple capsulation communication records Rl and R2 including identifiers IA1 and IA2 for discriminating said logical terminals LPl and LP2 for said network node apparatus Nl and N2, wherein said simple capsulation is that a simple header without a source address is added to an external IP packet, and said simple capsulation communication records Rl and R2 define a communication path P12 for transferring an internal IP packet between said network node apparatus Nl and N2, when said terminal Tl transmits an external IP packet 2 of which source address is said external IP address EA2, said external IP packet 2 is judged at network node apparatus Nl whether a simple capsulation condition is satisfied according to a rule of said simple capsulation communication record Rl or not, when said simple capsulation condition is satisfied, said external IP packet 2 becomes to an internal IP packet including said external IP packet 2 and said identifier IA2 and is transferred in said communication path P12, and an external IP packet 2 which is restored at said network node apparatus N2 is sent to said terminal T2, and when said terminal Tl transmits a communication cutting-off request to said IP transfer network, said IP transfer network commands a disappear of said simple capsulation communication records Rl and R2, and said communication path P12 is disappeared.

According to further aspect of the invention there is provided a terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method with employment of an IP transfer network, wherein :

said IP transfer network includes plural network node apparatus, plural terminals are connected to said IP

43dd

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 transfer network, a terminal Tl is connected to a network node apparatus Nl by a logical terminal LP1 via a communication line Ll, a terminal T2 is connected to a network node apparatus N2 by a logical terminal LP2 via a communication line L2, and said IP transfer network holds a set of a telephone number or host name TNj (j = 1, 2,3, . .

. ) and external IP address EAj of a terminal Tj, an internal IP address IAj for discriminating a logical terminal LPj, an IP communication record R81 including a discrimination information of said logical terminal LP1 is set in said network node apparatus Nl, and an IP communication record R82 including a discrimination information of said logical terminal LP2 is set in said network node apparatus N2, said terminal Tl transmits an external IP packet 1 in said IP transfer network for connecting to said terminal T2, wherein said external IP packet 1 includes a connection request and said telephone numbers or host names TN2 and a destination address thereof is a connection control request address EA81 which is an address for transferring an external IP packet in said IP transfer network, and said external IP packet inputs to said network node apparatus Nl from said logical terminal LP1, said network node apparatus Nl inspects an IP capsulation condition to be satisfied by an external IP address in said external IP packet 1 according to a rule of said IP communication record R81, said external IP packet 1 which said IP capsulation condition is not satisfied is discarded, when said IP capsulation condition is satisfied, said network node apparatus Ni capsulâtes said external IP packet 1 and inputs it to said IP transfer network as an ee

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 internal IP packet, said IP transfer network obtains said telephone numbers or host names TNI and TN2 from said internal IP packet 1 and further obtains an external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2 and internal IP address IA2 for discriminating said logical terminal LP2 by using said telephone number or host name TN2, said IP transfer network sends an internal IP packet 2 including a receipt notification, said internal IP packet 2 is converted into an external IP packet 2 including said receipt notification at said network node apparatus N2 and then reaches at said terminal T2, said terminal T2 transmits an external IP packet 3 that includes a call-on notification for notifying a response preparation start and a destination address thereof is said connection control request address EA82, an external IP address of said external IP packet 3 is judged at said network node apparatus N2 according to an IP capsulation condition defined by said IP communication record R82, when said IP capsulation condition is satisfied, and said external IP packet 3 becomes to an internal IP packet 3 including said call-on notification and then inputted to said IP transfer network, said IP transfer network forms an internal IP packet 4 including call-on notification and sends it, and said internal IP packet 4 becomes to an external IP packet 4 including said call-on notification at said network node apparatus N1 and then reaches at said terminal Tl, said terminal T2 transmits an external IP packet 5 including a response notification for notifying a response, an IP capsulation condition of said external IP packet 5 is judged at said network node apparatus N2, becomes to an internal IP packet 5 including said response notification ff

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 and inputs to said IP transfer network, said IP transfer network sends an internal IP packet 6 including said response notification and said external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2, and said internal IP packet 6 becomes an external IP packet 6 including said response notification an said external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2 at said terminal Tl and then reaches at said terminal Tl, said IP transfer network commands a setting of IP communication records RI and R2 including discrimination information of said logical terminals LPl and LP2 for said network node apparatus Nl and N2, and said IP communication records RI and R2 define a communication path P12 for transferring an internal IP packet between said network node apparatus Nl and N2, when said terminal Tl transmits an external IP packet 7 of which destination address is said external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2, said external IP packet 7 is judged at network node apparatus Nl whether an IP capsulation condition is satisfied based on administration of said communication record RI or not, when said IP capsulation condition is satisfied, said external IP packet 7 is capsulated, said capsulated packet becomes to an internal IP packet 7 that a destination address is said internal IP address IA2 for discriminating said logical terminal LP2 and is transferred in said communication path P12, and it is reversely capsulated at said network node apparatus N2 and then a restored external IP packet 7 is sent to said terminal T2, and when said terminal Tl transmits an external IP packet 9 that includes a communication cutting-off request and a destination address is said connection control request EA81, an internal IP packet 9 including said communication cutting-off request is inputted to said IP transfer

43gg

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 network, said IP transfer network commands a disappear of said communication records Rl and R2.

According to further aspect of the invention there is provided an IP communication system with employment of an

IP transfer network, wherein:

•said IP transfer network includes plural network node apparatus and connection servers, plural terminals are connected to said IP transfer network, a terminal Tj (j=l,2,3,· · · ) is connected to a logical terminal LPj of said network node apparatus via a communication line Lj, said network node apparatus includes an address management table and records set in said address management table, and a communication between said network node apparatus is capable by using said records, a terminal Tl is connected to a network node apparatus Nl via a communication line LI and a logical terminal LPl, a terminal T2 is connected to a network node apparatus N2 via a communication line L2 and a logical terminal LP2, a connection server SI is connected to said network node apparatus Nl, a connection server S2 is connected to said network node apparatus N2, and said connection servers SI and S2 are connected to said network node apparatus Nl and N2 with communication lines in said IP transfer network, a telephone number or a host name of said terminal T2 and a request for a communication connection to said terminal T2 are sent to said connection server S2 from said terminal Tl via said network node apparatus Nl and said connection server SI, said connection server S2 sends to said terminal T2 a request for communication connection to said terminal T2, and said terminal T2 sends to said connection server S2 a call-on notification for notifying a response preparing start and then sends a response notification',

43hh

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 said network node apparatus Nl sets a record Rl including an address for discriminating said logical terminal LP2 at an address management table Hl in said network node apparatus Nl, said network node apparatus N2 sets a record R2 including an address for discriminating said logical terminal LPl at an address management table H2 in said network node apparatus N2, and said records Rl and R2 define a communication path between said logical terminals LPl and LP2, said terminal Tl transfers an IP packet GP1 to said network node apparatus Nl, a destination address of said IP packet GP1 is an IP address of said terminal T2, said network node apparatus Nl sends an internal packet NPl including said IP packet GP1 via said communication path by using said record Rl, said network node apparatus N2 restores said IP packet GP1 from said internal packet NPl, and said restored IP packet GP1 is sent to said terminal T2 via said logical terminal LP2, and said network node apparatus Nl and N2 delete said records Rl and R2 based on a communication cut-off request from said terminal Tl or T2, and the said communication path is deleted.

According to further aspect of the invention there is provided an IP communication system with employment of an IP transfer network, wherein:

said IP transfer network includes plural network node apparatus, and plural terminals outside of said IP transfer network are connected to network node apparatus via logical terminals, a terminal Tl is connected to a network node apparatus Nl via a communication line Ll and a logical terminal LPl, a terminal T2 is connected to a network node apparatus N2 via a communication line L2 and a logical terminal LP2,

43ii

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 said network node apparatus Nl and N2 are connected each other with communication lines in said IP transfer network, and said network node apparatus Nl and N2 include address management tables Hl and H2 including writable and erasable records Ri and R2, said terminal Tl sends a connection request and a telephone number or host name TN2 of said destination terminal T2 to said network node apparatus Nl for a connection request to said terminal T2 by using a telephone number or host name, and said network node apparatus N2 sends to said terminal T2 a receipt notification based on said connection request, said terminal T2 sends to said network node apparatus N2 a call-on notification for notifying a response preparing start and then sends a response notification for notifying a response, said network node apparatus Nl sets a record Ri including an information for discriminating said logical terminal LP2 at an address management table Hl, said network node apparatus N2 sets a record R2 including an information for discriminating said logical terminal LP1 at an address management table H2, and a communication path P12 between said logical terminals LP1 and LP2 is set, said terminal Tl sends an external IP packet GP1 of said terminal T2 to said network node apparatus Nl, said network node apparatus Nl forms an internal IP packet NP1 including said external IP packet GP1 by using said record Ri and sends said internal IP packet NP1 via said communication path P12, and said network node apparatus N2 restores said external IP packet GP1 from said internal IP packet NP1 and sends it to said terminal T2 via said logical terminal LP2, and

43jj

CA 02340293 2007-08-17 said network node apparatus Nl and N2 delete said records Rl and R2 based on a communication cut-off request from said terminal Tl or T2, and the said communication path P12 is deleted.

According to further aspect of the invention there is provided an IP communication system with employment of an IP transfer network, wherein:

said IP transfer network includes plural network node apparatus, and plural terminals are connected to said IP transfer network, a terminal Tl is connected to a network node apparatus Nl by a logical terminal LP1 via a communication line LI, a terminal T2 is connected to a network node apparatus N2 by a logical terminal LP2 via a communication line L2, said network node apparatus Nl and N2 are connected each other with communication lines in said IP transfer network, and said network node apparatus Nl and N2 include address management tables Hl and H2 including writable and erasable records, said terminal Tl sends a connection request and a telephone number or host name TN2 of said destination terminal T2 to said network node apparatus Nl for a connection request to said terminal T2 by using a telephone number or host name, and said network node apparatus N2 sends to said terminal T2 a receipt notification based on said connection request, said terminal T2 sends to said network node apparatus N2 a call-on notification for notifying a response preparing start and then sends a response notification for notifying a response, said network node apparatus N2 sets a record R2 including an information for discriminating said logical terminal LP1, said network node apparatus Nl sets a record

43kk

CA 02340293 2007-08-17

Rl including an information for discriminating said logical terminal LP2, and said records Rl and R2 define a communication path P12 for transferring an internal IP packet between said logical terminals LP1 and LP2, when said terminal Tl sends an external IP packet GPl of a destination address being an external IP address EA2 of said terminal T2, said external IP packet GPl is simplecapsulated at said network node apparatus Nl based on said record Rl, and said simple-capsulation means that a simple header which includes a destination internal address and does not include a source internal address is added to said external IP packet GPl, said simple-capsulated IP packet becomes to an internal IP packet NPl of which destination address is said logical terminal LP2 and then is transferred in said communication path P12, and said internal IP packet NPl includes said external IP packet GPl, said external IP packet GPl simple-capsulated and restored at said network node apparatus N2 is transferred to said terminal T2 via said logical terminal LP2, and said simple-capsulation is to delete a simple-header without a source address from said internal IP packet NPl, and said network node apparatus Nl and N2 delete said records Rl and R2 based on a communication cut-off request from said terminal Tl or T2, and the said communication path P12 is deleted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying Drawings :

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for simply indicating a integrated IP transfer network;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a relationship

4311

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 between a exchanger and a signal network;

FIG. 3 is a diagram for indicating an example of a signalling unit of the No.7-common line signal system;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining a relationship between a exchanger and a signal network;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining a relationship between a exchanger and a signal network;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining a relationship between a exchanger and a signal network;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explaining a relationship between a exchanger and a signal network;

FIG. 8 is block structural diagram for indicating a basic function of a gateway;

FIG. 9 is a diagram for representing an example of call control data contained in an IP packet;

FIG. 10 is a diagram for showing an example of voice data contained in an IP packet;

FIG. 11 is a diagram for showing an example of image data contained in an IP packet;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram for indicating a basic idea of a integrated information communication network;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram for indicating a basic idea of a integrated information communication network;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram for indicating a basic idea of a integrated information communication network;

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining operation of the integrated information communication network;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram for showing a structural example of a multicast IP transfer network;

FIG. 17 shows an example of a multicast table used in the multicast IP transfer network;

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a terminal-toterminal communication connection control method of an IP transfer network to which the common line communication signal system is applied;

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram for describing a structure of a management type IP network for registering terminals according to the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram for showing a mode of an

IP transfer network directed to the present invention;

FIG. 21 is an auxiliary diagram for explaining a function of a media router disclosed as a first embodiment of the present invention, and a function of a gateway disclosed as a second embodiment ;

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram for explaining one mode of an IP packet used to describe the functions of the media router/gateways according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is an auxiliary diagram for schematically representing an arrangement of the medici router according to

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 the first embodiment of the present invention, and for explaining operation sequence of this media router;

FIG. 24 is an auxiliary diagram for schematically representing an arrangement of the media router according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and for explaining operation sequence of this media router;

FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining an address management table contained in a network node apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining a mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP terminal-to-terminal communications;

<td> FIG.</td><td> 27 is a diagram for explaining a mode of an IP packet</td>

<td> appearing</td><td> in two IP terminal-to-terminal communications;</td>

<td> FIG.</td><td> 28 is a diagram for explaining a mode of an IP packet</td>

<td> appearing</td><td> in two IP terminal-to-terminal communications;</td>

<td> FIG.</td><td> 29 is a diagram for explaining a mode of an IP packet</td>

<td> appearing</td><td> in two IP terminal-to-terminal communications;</td>

<td> FIG.</td><td> 30 is a diagram for explaining a mode of an IP packet</td>

appearing in two IP telephones communication;

FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining a mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephones communication;

FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining a mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephones communication,·

FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining a mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephones communication;

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

FIG.

appearing

FIG.

appearing

FIG appearing

FIG.

appearing

FIG.

appearing

FIG.

appearing

FIG.

appearing

FIG.

appearing

FIG.

appearing

FIG.

appearing

FIG.

appearing

FIG.

appearing

FIG.

is a diagram for explaining a mode of an IP packet in two IP telephones communication;

is a diagram for explaining a mode of an IP packet in two IP telephones communication;

is a diagram for explaining a mode of an IP packet in two IP telephones communication;

is a diagram for explaining a mode of an IP packet in two IP telephones communication;

is a diagram for explaining a mode of an IP packet in two IP telephones communication;

is a diagram for explaining a mode of an IP packet in two IP telephones communication.

is a diagram for explaining a mode of an IP packet in two IP telephones communication;

is a diagram for explaining a mode of an IP packet in two IP telephones communication;

is a diagram for explaining a mode of an IP packet in two IP telephones communication.

is a diagram for explaining a mode of an IP packet in two IP telephones communication.

is a diagram for explaining a mode of an IP packet in two IP telephones communication;

is a diagram for explaining a mode of an IP packet in two IP telephones communication;

is a diagram for explaining a mode of an IP packet

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 appearing in two IP telephones communication;

FIG. 47 is a diagram for showing an example of a media router state table provided in the media router;

FIG. 48 is a block diagram for representing a conceptional structure of an independent type telephone set;

FIG. 49 is a block diagram for representing a conceptional structure of an independent type IP voice/image apparatus ;

FIG. 50 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication ;

FIG. 51 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication ;

FIG. 52 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication;

FIG. 53 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication;

FIG. 54 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication;

FIG. 55 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 communication ;

FIG. 56 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication ;

FIG. 57 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication;

FIG. 58 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication ;

FIG. 59 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication ;

FIG. 60 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication;

FIG. 61 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication;

FIG. 62 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication ;

FIG. 63 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication;

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

FIG. 64 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication ;

FIG. 65 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication in the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 66 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication in the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 67 is a schematic diagram for explaining a RAS management of the media router in the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 68 is an auxiliary diagram for schematically showing a structure of a gateway according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and for explaining operation sequence of this gateway;

FIG. 69 is an auxiliary diagram for schematically showing a structure of a gateway according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and for explaining operation sequence of this gateway;

FIG. 70 is a diagram for describing another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication ;

FIG. 71 is a diagram for describing another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 communication;

FIG. 72 is a diagram for describing another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication ;

FIG. 73 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication in the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 74 is a diagram for describing another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication;

FIG. 75 is a diagram for describing another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication ;

FIG. 76 is a diagram for describing another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communicat ion;

FIG. 77 is a diagram for describing another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication;

FIG. 78 is a diagram for describing another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communicat ion;

FIG. 79 is a diagram for describing another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 communication;

FIG. 80 is a diagram for describing another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication;

FIG. 81 is a diagram for describing another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication;

FIG. 82 is a diagram for describing another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication ;

FIG. 83 is a diagram for describing another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication;

FIG. 84 is a diagram for describing another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication;

FIG. 85 is a diagram for describing another embodiment mode of an IP packet appearing in two IP telephone sets communication;

FIG. 86 is a diagram for explaining another address management table employed in the network node apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 87 is a description example of a gateway state table in the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 88 is a schematic diagram for showing an arrangement

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 of a media router mounted inside a CATV system according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 89 is a diagram for explaining a method of connecting various sorts of terminals by using a wireless terminal storage apparatus and a gateway apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 90 is a block diagram for indicating a structural example of a gateway according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 91 is a block diagram for showing a structural diagram in the case of employing a telephone communication control server in a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 92 is a flow chart for explaining operations of the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 93 is a flow chart for explaining operations of the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 94 is a flow chart for explaining operations of the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 95 is a flow chart for explaining operations of the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 96 is a flow chart for explaining operations of the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 97 is a flow chart for explaining operations of the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 98 is a flow chart for explaining operations of the

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 99 is a flow chart for explaining operations of the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 100 is a flow chart for explaining operations of the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 101 is a flow chart for explaining operations of the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 102 is a flow chart for explaining operations of the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 103 is a flow chart for explaining operations of the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 104 is a flow chart for explaining operations of the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 105 is a flow chart for explaining operations of the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 106 is a flow chart for explaining operations of the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 107 is a flow chart for explaining a sixth embodiment(release phase) of the present invention;

FIG. 108 is a diagram for explaining a sixth embodiment(one communication company) of the present invention;

FIG. 109 is a flow chart for explaining the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 110 is a flow chart for explaining the sixth

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. Ill is a diagram for indication an example of a communication company segment table of telephone numbers;

FIG. 112 is a diagram for representing an example of a telephone management server segment table of telephone numbers ;

FIG. 113 is a block diagram for indicating a structural example of a media router according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 114 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 115 is a block diagram for representing an arrangement of an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 116 is a flow chart for showing an operation example of the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 117 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 118 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 119 is a flow chart for indicating an operation example of the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 120 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 121 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

FIG. 122 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 123 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 124 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 125 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 126 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 127 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 128 is a diagram for explaining an eighth embodiment(another example of media router) of the present invention;

FIG. 129 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 130 is an explanatory diagram! for explaining the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 131 is an explanatory diagram! for explaining the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 132 is a schematic diagram for indicating an internal portion of a media router, and a connection condition of IP terminal and LAN, connected to this media router;

FIG. 133 is a diagram for indicating an example of a

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 calling priority order control management table;

FIG. 134 is a diagram for indicating an example of a calling priority order control management table;

FIG. 135 is a diagram for explaining a ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 136 is a block diagram for indicating an arrangement of the ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 137 is a flow chart for explaining an operation example of the ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 138 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 139 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 140 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 141 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 142 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 143 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 144 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 145 is a block diagram for indicating an arrangement of the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

FIG. 146 is a flow chart for explaining an operation example of the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 147 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 148 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 149 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 150 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 151 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 152 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 153 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 154 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 155 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 156 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 157 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 158 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

<td> tenth</td><td> embodiment</td><td> of</td><td> the present</td><td> invention;</td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td> FIG. 159 is</td><td> an</td><td> explanatory</td><td> diagram for</td><td> explaining</td><td> the</td>

<td> tenth</td><td> embodiment</td><td> of</td><td> the present</td><td> invention;</td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td> FIG. 160 is</td><td> an</td><td> explanatory</td><td> diagram for</td><td> explaining</td><td> the</td>

<td> tenth</td><td> embodiment</td><td> of</td><td> the present</td><td> invention;</td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td> FIG. 161 is</td><td> an</td><td> explanatory</td><td> diagram for</td><td> explaining</td><td> the</td>

<td> tenth</td><td> embodiment</td><td> of</td><td> the present</td><td> invention;</td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td> FIG. 162 is</td><td> an</td><td> explanatory</td><td> diagram for</td><td> explaining</td><td> the</td>

<td> tenth</td><td> embodiment</td><td> of</td><td> the present</td><td> invention;</td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td> FIG. 163 is</td><td> an</td><td> explanatory</td><td> diagram for</td><td> explaining</td><td> the</td>

<td> tenth</td><td> embodiment</td><td> of</td><td> the present</td><td> invention;</td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td> FIG. 164 is</td><td> an</td><td> explanatory</td><td> diagram for</td><td> explaining</td><td> the</td>

<td> tenth</td><td> embodiment</td><td> of</td><td> the present</td><td> invention;</td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td> FIG. 165 is</td><td> an</td><td> explanatory</td><td> diagram for</td><td> explaining</td><td> the</td>

<td> tenth</td><td> embodiment</td><td> of</td><td> the present</td><td> invention;</td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td> FIG. 166 is</td><td> an</td><td> explanatory</td><td> diagram for</td><td> explaining</td><td> the</td>

<td> tenth</td><td> embodiment</td><td> of</td><td> the present</td><td> invention;</td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td> FIG. 167 is</td><td> an</td><td> explanatory</td><td> diagram for</td><td> explaining</td><td> the</td>

<td> tenth</td><td> embodiment</td><td> of</td><td> the present</td><td> invention;</td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td> FIG. 168 is</td><td> an</td><td> explanatory</td><td> diagram for</td><td> explaining</td><td> the</td>

<td> tenth</td><td> embodiment</td><td> of</td><td> the present</td><td> invention;</td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td> FIG. 169 is</td><td> an</td><td> explanatory</td><td> diagram for</td><td> explaining</td><td> the</td>

<td> tenth</td><td> embodiment</td><td> of</td><td> the present</td><td> invention;</td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td> FIG. 170 is</td><td> an</td><td> explanatory</td><td> diagram for</td><td> explaining</td><td> the</td>

<td> tenth</td><td> embodiment</td><td> of</td><td> the present</td><td> invention;</td><td></td><td></td>

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

FIG. 171 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 172 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 173 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 174 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 175 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 176 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 177 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 178 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 179 is a flow diagram for showing an operation example of the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 180 is a flow diagram for showing an operation example of the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 181 is a flow chart for describing an operation example(TCP-IAM) of the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 182 is a flow chart for explaining an operation example(TCP-ACM) of the tenth embodiment of the present

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 invention;

FIG. 183 is a flow chart for describing an operation example(TCP-CPG) of the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 184 is a flow chart for explaining an operation example(TCP-ANM) of the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 185 is a flow chart for describing an operation example(TCP-REL) of the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 186 is a flow chart for explaining an operation example(TCP-RLC) of the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 187 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 188 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 189 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 190 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 191 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 192 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

FIG. 193 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 194 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 195 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 196 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 197 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 198 is a block diagram for showing an arrangement of an 11-th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 199 is a flow chart for showing operations of the

11-th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 200 is a flow chart for showing operations of the

11th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 201 is a flow chart for showing operations of the

11th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 202 is a block diagram for showing an arrangement of a 12-th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 203 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

12th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 204 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

12th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 205 is a flow chart for showing operations of the

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

12th embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 206 is a flow chart for showing operations of the

12th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 207 is a flow chart for showing operations of the

12th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 208 is a flow chart for showing operations of the

12th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 209 is a flow chart for showing operations of the

12th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 210 is a flow chart for showing operations of the

12th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 211 is a flow chart for showing operations of the

12th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 212 is a flow chart for showing operations of the

12th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 213 is a flow chart for showing operations of the

12th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 214 is a block diagram for showing a 13-th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 215 is a flow chart for describing an operation example of the 13-th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 216 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

13th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 217 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

13th embodiment of the present invention;

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

FIG. 218 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

13th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 219 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

13th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 220 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

13th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 221 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

13th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 222 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

13th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 223 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

13th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 224 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

13th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 225 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

13th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 226 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

13th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 227 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

13th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 228 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

13th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 229 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

13-th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 230 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

CA 02340293 2002-06-14

13th

13th

13th

13th

13th

13th

13th

13th

13th

13th

13th

13th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 231 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 232 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 233 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 234 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 235 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 236 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 237 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 238 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 239 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 240 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 241 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 242 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the embodiment of the present invention;

13th

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

FIG. 243 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

13th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 244 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

13th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 245 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

13th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 246 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

13th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 247 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

13th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 248 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

13th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 249 is a block diagram for showing a 14-th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 250 is a flow chart for describing an operation example of the 14-th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 251 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 252 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 253 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 254 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 255 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 256 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 257 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 258 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 259 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 260 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 261 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 262 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 263 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 264 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 265 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 266 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 267 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14th embodiment of the present invention;

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

FIG. 268 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 269 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 270 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 271 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 272 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 273 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14-th embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 274 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 275 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 276 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 277 is a block diagram for showing a 15-th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 278 is a flow chart for describing an operation example of the 15-th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 279 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 280 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 281 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 282 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 283 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 284 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 285 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 286 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 287 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 288 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 289 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 290 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 291 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 292 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

FIG. 293 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 294 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 295 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 296 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 297 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 298 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 299 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 300 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 301 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 302 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 303 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 304 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 305 is a block diagram for showing a 16-th embodiment

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 of the present invention;

FIG. 306 is a flow chart for describing an operation example of the 16-th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 307 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

16th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 308 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

16th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 309 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

16th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 310 is a part of a block diagram for showing a 17-th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 311 is a part of a block diagram for showing a 17-th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 312 is a part of a block diagram for showing a 17-th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 313 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

17th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 314 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

17th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 315 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

17th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 316 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

17th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 317 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

17th embodiment of the present invention;

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

FIG. 318 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

17th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 319 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

17th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 320 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

17th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 321 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

17th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 322 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

17th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 323 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

17th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 324 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

17th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 325 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

17th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 326 is a part of a diagram for explaining the address management table in the 17-th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 327 is a part of a diagram for explaining the address management table in the 17-th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 328 is a part of a diagram for explaining the address management table in the 17-th embodiment of the present invention;

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

FIG. 329 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

17th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 330 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

17th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 331 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

17th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 332 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

17th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 333 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

17th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 334 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

17th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 335 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

17th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 336 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

17th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 337 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

17th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 338 is a part of a block diagram for showing the

18th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 339 is a part of a block diagram for showing the

18th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 340 is a part of a block diagram for showing the

18th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 341 is a part of a block diagram for showing the

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

18th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 342 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

18th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 343 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

18th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 344 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

18th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 345 is an explanatory diagreim for explaining the

18th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 346 is an explanatory diagreim for explaining the

18th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 347 is a part of a block diagram for showing a 19-th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 348 is a part of a block diagram for showing a 19-th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 349 is a part of a block diagram for showing a 19-th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 350 is an explanatory diagreim for explaining the

19th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 351 is an explanatory diagreim for explaining the

19th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 352 is a block diagram for showing a 20-th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 353 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

20th embodiment of the present invention;

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

FIG. 354 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

20th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 355 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the

20th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 356 is an explanatory diagrcun for explaining the present invention;

FIG. 357 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the present invention;

FIG. 358 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the present invention;

FIG. 359 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the present invention; and

FIG. 360 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It should be understood that both the IP encapsulation and thelP decapsulation, which are explained in the embodiment of the present invention, may be replaced by both encapsulation and decapsulation executed in layers lower than the level 3 layer, for instance, may be substituted by both encapsulation and decapsulation of a header of an optical HDLC frame in the level 2 layer. Furthermore, an internal address of a transmission source is not contained in a header which is applied in encapsulation and decapsulation. In other words.

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 both simple encapsulation and simple decapsulation may be realized in which a simple header is applied. It should also be noted that similarly in this simple encapsulation, an address administration table having the same function is employed, which is used in the encapsulation and the decapsulation. Referring now to FIG. 357, the simple encapsulation will be described.

In this drawing, block 2300 indicates an IP communication network; reference numerals 2301, 2302, 2303, 2304, 2305 denote network node apparatus; reference numerals 2301-1, 2302-1,

2303-1, 2304-1, 2305-1 show address administration tables ; and reference numerals 2301-2, 2301-3, 2302-2, 2302-3, 2303-2,

2303-3, 2304-2, 2304-3 represent connection points (logic terminals) between termination units of communication lines and the network node apparatus. Internal addresses IAl,

IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IA6,IA7, IA8 are applied to these logic terminals. Reference numerals 2306-1 to 23069 show IP terminals having functions for transmitting/receiving IP packets, and own external IP addresses EA1 to EA9. Reference numerals 2307-1 to 2307-4 shown routers . The above-explained network node apparatus and routers are directly connected via a communication line to each other, or are indirectly connected via routers to each other.

The terminals are connected via a communication line to the network node apparatus.

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

In the case that the terminal 2306-1 transmits such a

IP packet 2310 whose source address is equal to EAl and whose destination address is equal to EA3 and also the network node apparatus 2301 receives an IP packet 2310, the network node apparatus 2301 confirms such a fact that an internal address applied to a logic terminal of a termination unitof a communication line into which the IP packet 2310 is entered is equal to IA1, and furthermore, a destination external IP address of the IP packet 2310 is equal to EA3. Then, the network node apparatus 2301 retrieves a content of the address administration table 2301-1, and also retrieves a record containing such addresses that a source internal IP address of a corresponds to IA1 in the beginning, and subsequently, a destination external IP address corresponds to EA3.

Furthermore, the network node apparatus 2301 checks as to whether or not the source external IP address EAl” contained in the IP packet 2310 is included in the above-detected record.

In this example, a record of a first column of the address administration table 2301-1 from a top column is equal to EAl,

EA3, IA1, IA3. While using the address of IA3 present in this record, a simple header is applied to the IP packet 2310 so as to form an internal packet 2313(namely, simple encapsulation). It should be noted that the simple header does not contain the source internal address IA1. The formed internal packet 2313 is reached via the routers 2307-1 and

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

2307-2 to the network node apparatus 2302. The network node apparatus 2302 removes the simple header of the received internal packet 2313(simple decapsulation), and sends out the acquired external IP packet 2317(having the same content of IP packet 2310) to the communication line. Then, the IP terminal 2306-3 receives this IP packet 2317. It should also be noted that the record EA3, EAl, IA3, IA1 of the first column of the address administration table 2302-1 is used so as to transfer the IP packet by employing a method similar to the above-described method along a direction opposite to the above-explained direction, namely so as to transfer the IP packet from the terminal 2306-3 to the terminal 2306-1.

When the simple encapsulation is carried out in the network node apparatus 2301, such a checking operation may be omitted. That is, the network node apparatus 2301 checks as to whether or not the source external IP address EAl contained in the IP packet 2310 is included in the detected record within the address administration table 2301-1. In such a case of the above-explained omitting to checkthe IP address EAl, the respective records of the address administration table 2301-1 can be made excluding the source external IP address.

Furthermore, with respect to two external IP addresses (namely, source IP address and destination IP address) contained in each of the records of the address administration table 2301-1, such a simple encapsulation technical method which is made based

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 upon a similar principle idea to an address mask technical method (will be discussed later) may be applied.

A description will now he made of another example where an IP packet is transferred.

In the case that the terminal 2306-5 transmits such an

IP packet 2312 whose source address is equal to EA5 and whose destination address is equal to EA4 and also the network node apparatus 2303 receives an IP packet 2312, the network node apparatus 2303 confirms such a fact that an internal address applied to a logic terminal of a termination unit of a communication line into which the IP packet 2312 is entered is equal to IA5, and furthermore, a destination external IP address of the IP packet 2312 is equal to EA4. Then, the network node apparatus 2303 retrieves a content of the address administration table 2303-1, and also retrieves such a record that the source internal IP address is equal to IA5 in the beginning. In this case, a record Msk9, EA9x, IA5, IA9 of a first column of the address administration table 2303-1 from a top column corresponds to a record Msk4, EA4x, IA5, IA4 of a second column of this address administration table. As to the record of the first column, the network node apparatus

2303 checks as to whether or not a result of AND-gating operation between the mask Msk9 and the destination external

IP address EA4 contained in the external IP packet 2312 is made coincident with the destination external IP address EA9x

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 contained in the record of the first column (refer to below-mentioned formula (4)). In this case, the AND-gating result is not made coincident with the destination external

IP address EA9x. Next, as to the record of the second column, the network node apparatus 2303 checks as to whether or not a result of AND-gating operation between the destination external IP mask Msk4 and the destination external IP address

EA4 contained in the external IP packet 2312 is made coincident with the destination external IP address EA4x contained in the record of the second column (refer to below-mentioned formula (5) ) . In this case, this AND-gating result is made coincident with the destination external IP address EA4x.

If (Msk9 and EA4 = EA9x) ··· (4)

If (Msk4 and EA4 = EA4x) ··· (5)

In this example, a record of a second column of the address administration table 2303-1 from a top column is equal to Msk4,

EA4x, IA5, IA4. While using the address of IA4 present in this record, a simple header is applied to the IP packet 2312 so as to form an internal packet 2314(namely, simple encapsulation) . It should be noted that the simple header does not contain the source internal address IA5. The formed internal packet 2314 is reached via the routers 2307-3, 2307-4

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 and 2307-2 to the network node apparatus 2302. The network node apparatus 2302 removes the simple header of the received internal packet 2314(simple decapsulation), and sends out the acquired external IP packet 2318(having the same content of IP packet 2312) to the communication line. Then, the IP terminal 2306-4 receives this IP packet 2318.

Next, in the network node apparatus 2301-1, an IP packet

2311 which is sent from the terminal 2306-2 to the terminal

2306- 7 is simpley encapsulated in a capsulation manner similar to the above-explained capsulation manner by employing a record

EA2, EA7, IA2, IA7 of the second column of the address administration table 2301-1 so as to become an internal packet

2316. This internal packet 2316 is reached via the routers

2307- 1, 2307-2 and 2307-4 to the network node apparatus 2304.

This network node apparatus 2304 removes the simple header of the received internal packet 2316(namely, simple decapsulation), and then sends out the acquired external IP packet 2319(having the same content of IP packet 2311) to the communication line, and the IP terminal 2306-7 receives this

IP packet 2319.

Next, in the network node apparatus 2305, the IP packet

2321 sent out from the terminal 2306-9 to the terminal 2306-8 undergoes simple encapsulation using the record Msk8, EA8y,

IA8 in the second line of the address management table 2305-1

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 according to a method similar to that of the above-mentioned case thereby to become an internal packet 2322, which goes through the router 2307-4 and then reaches the network node apparatus 2304. The network node apparatus 2304 removes the simple header of the received internal packet 2322(simple decapsulation), and then sends out the external IP packet 2323 (having the same contents of the IP packet 2321) obtained as described above to the communication line. The IP terminal

2306-8 then receives the IP packet 2319.

FIG. 358 shows the form of an internal packet (referred to also as an internal frame) formed in the above-mentioned simple encapsulation. The internal packet has a form in which a simple header is added to an external IP packet. The simple header includes a destination internal address and an information region, but does not include a source internal address. The information region includes the informâtion(protocol and the like) concerning the payload region of the internal packet. Another embodiment of the above-mentioned simple encapsulation and decapsulation is described below with reference to FIGs. 359 and 360. In the figures, reference numerals 2351-1 to 2351-7 indicate IP transfer networks. Reference numerals 2352-1 to 2352-7 indicate terminals having an external IP address EAl.

Reference numerals 2353-1 to 2353-7 indicate terminals having an external IP address EA2. Reference numerals 2354-1 to

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

2354-7 indicate internal packets (internal frames). Reference numerals 2355-1 to 2355-7 and 2356-1 to 2356-7 indicate network node apparatuses. Each reference numeral 2359-1 to 2359-7 indicates a connection point(logical terminal) between a communication line and a network node apparatus, and an internal IP address IA1 is assigned. Each reference numeral

2360-1 to 2360-7 indicates a connection point(logical terminal) between a communication line and a network node apparatus, and an internal IP address IA2 is assigned.

Reference numerals 2357-1 to 2357-7 and 2358-1 to 2358-7 indicate address administration tables. Each terminal and each network node apparatus are interconnected by a communication line, and so are each network node apparatus and the other terminals . An IP packet is transmitted and received between each terminal and each network node apparatus, while an above-mentioned internal packet(internal frame) is transferred between the network node apparatuses.

The terminal 2352-1 transmits an IP packet having a source address EAl and a destination address EA2. On receiving the IP packet, the network node apparatus 2355-1 confirms that the internal address assigned to the logical terminal at the termination unit of the communication line to which the IP packet is inputted is IA1, and that the destination external IP address of the IP packet is EA2 . The network node apparatus then searches the inside of the address

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 administration table 2357-1 thereby to find a record having firstly the source internal IP address IAl and secondly the destination external IP address EA2 . In this example, this is the record EA2, IAl, IA2 in the first line of the address administration table 2357-1. By using the address IA2 within the record, a simple header is added to the IP packet, whereby an internal packet 2354-1 is formed (simple encapsulation). The formed internal packet 2354-1 goes through the communication line and then reaches the network node apparatus 2356-1. The network node apparatus 2356-1 removes the simple header of the received internal packet

2354-l(simple decapsulation), and then sends out the obtained external IP packet to the communication line. The IP terminal

2353-1 then receives the restored IP packet.

The terminal 2352-2 transmits an IP packet having a source address EAl and a destination address EA2. On receiving the IP packet, regardless of the internal address assigned to the logical terminal at the termination unit of the communication line to which the IP packet is inputted, the network node apparatus 2355-2 confirms that the source external

IP address of the IP packet is EAl, and that the destination external IP address is EA2. The network node apparatus then searches the inside of the address administration table 2357-2.

In this example, the result is the record EAl, EA2, IA2 in the first line of the address administration table 2357-2. By

CA 02340293 2002-06-14 using the address IA2 within the record, a simple header is added to the IP packet, whereby an internal packet 23542 is formed(simple encapsulation). The formed internal packet 2354-2 goes through the communication line and then reaches the network node apparatus 2356-2. The network node apparatus 2356-2 removes the simple header of the received internal packet 2354-2(simple decapsulation), and then sends out the obtained external IP packet to the communication line. The IP terminal 2353-2 then receives the restored IP packet.

The terminal 2352-3 transmits an IP packet having a source address EAl and a destination address EA2. On receiving the IP packet, regardless of the internal address assigned to the logical terminal at the termination unit of the communication line to which the IP packet is inputted, the network node apparatus 2355-3 confirms that the destination external IP address of the IP packet is EA2. The network node apparatus then searches the inside of the address administration table 2357-3 thereby to find a record having the destination external IP address EA2. In this example, the result is the record EA2, IA2 in the first line of the address administration table 2357-3. By using the address IA2 within the record, a simple header is added to the IP packet, whereby an internal packet 2354-3 is formed(simple encapsulation). The formed internal packet 2354-3 goes through the communication line and then reaches the network

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 node apparatus 2356-3. The network node apparatus 2356-1 removes the simple header of the received internal packet 2354-3(simple decapsulation), and then sends out the obtained external IP packet to the communication line. The IP terminal

2353-3 then receives the IP packet.

The terminal 2352-4 transmits an IP packet having a source address EAl and a destination address EA2. On receiving the IP packet, the network node apparatus 2355-4 confirms that the internal address assigned to the logical terminal at the termination unit of the communication line to which the IP packet is input is IA1 , and that the destination external IP address of the IP packet is EA2. The network node apparatus then searches the inside of the address administration table 2357-4 thereby to find a record having firstly the source internal IP address IA1 . In this example, the result is the record Mskl, EAlx, Msk2, EA2x, IA1, IA2 in the first line of the address administration table 2357-4.

The network node apparatus checks first whether the result of the and operation between the mask Msk2 of the record in the first line and the destination external IP address EA2 of the input external IP packet coincides with the destination external IP address EA2x of the record in the first line or not (the following formula (6)), and further checks whether the result of the and operation between the source external IP mask Mskl and the source external IP address EAl in the

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 external IP packet coincides with the destination external IP address EAlx in the record or not ( the following formula ( 7 ) ).

They coincide in this case.

If (Msk2 and EA2 = EA2x) ··· (6)

If (Mskl and EAl = EAlx) ··· (7)

In this example, it is the above-mentioned record in the first line of the address administration table 2357-4. By using the address IA2 within the record, a simple header is added to the IP packet, whereby an internal packet 2354-4 is formed (simple encapsulation). The formed internal packet 2354-4 goes through the communication line and then reaches the network node apparatus 2356-4. The network node apparatus

2356-4 removes the simple header of the received internal packet 2354-4(simple decapsulation), and then sends out the obtained external IP packet to the communication line. The IP terminal 2353-4 then receives the IP packet.

The case that the terminal 2352-5 transmits an IP packet having a source address EAl and a destination address EA2 and that the network node apparatus 2355-5 receives the IP packet Is similar to the case that the terminal 2352-4 transmits the IP packet having a source address EAl and a destination address EA2. The point of difference is not to carry out the and operation between the destination external IP mask

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 and the destination external IP address in the external IP packet. The other points are the same.

The case that the terminal 2352-6 transmits an IP packet having a source address EAl and a destination address EA2 and that the network node apparatus 2355-6 receives the IP packet is similar to the case that the terminal 2352-4 transmits the IP packet having a source address EAl” and a destination address EA2. The point of differences is not to carry out the confirmation on the internal address assigned to the logical terminal at the termination unit of the communication line to which the IP packet is inputted. The other points are the same.

The case that the terminal 2352-7 transmits an IP packet having a source address EAl and a destination address EA2 and that the network node apparatus 2355-7 receives the IP packet is similar to the case that the terminal 2352-5 transmits the IP packet having a source address EAl and a destination address EA2. The point of difference is not to carry out the confirmation on the internal address assigned to the logical terminal at the termination unit of the communication line to which the IP packet is inputted. The other points are the same.

In accordance with the present invention, the terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method applicable to IP transfer networks may be realized, while

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 combining several functions with each other, or changing some functions, which are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application

No.128956/1999 filed by the Applicant, the line(circuit) connecting method of the No. 7 common channel signalling system, JT-H323 gateway standardized by ITU-T recommendation H323 ANNEX D , SIP telephone protocol, and the embodiment-36 of

Japanese Patent No.3084681-B2. Furthermore, while a media router, a gateway, and an IP network service operation/management server are conducted, the arrangements and the operation sequences of the media router and the gateway are concretely defined; modes of IP packets used in terminal-to-terminal communications with employment of the media router and the gateway are concretely defined; and also the functions which should be owned by the IP network service operation/management servers are concretely defined.

In accordance with Japanese Patent Application No.

128956/1999, the integrated IP transfer network contains a plurality of IP transfer networks. In other words, the integrated IP transfer network contains at least two, or more networks of the IP data network, the IP telephone network, the

IP voice/image network (IP audio/visual network), the best effort network, the IP data multicast network, the IP base TV broadcast network, and the network node apparatus. The network node apparatus is connected via the communication line to any one, or more of the IP transfer networks. On the other

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 hand, the network node apparatus terminal of the network node apparatus is connected via the communication line to the terminal externally provided with the integrated IP transfer network.

In the present invention, an integrated IP transfer network contains thereinto one, or more gateways.

Alternatively, the integrated IP transfer network is directly connected via a communication line connected to a network node apparatus to one, or more media routers, otherwise, is indirectly connected to a media router provided inside a LAN.

Both a gateway and a media router correspond to one sort of such a router having a function that an IP terminal, an IP telephone set, an IP voice/image (audio/visual) apparatus, and the like are directly connected to the router so as to be stored thereinto. While either the gateway or the media router, and a domain name server provided inside the integrated IP transfer network, are employed, a connection control of terminalto-terminal communications is carried out by employing an IP transfer network among terminals. In order that terminals are registered/recorded into the IP transfer network, at least addresses of these terminals are recorded/saved in an address management table employed in the network node apparatus, or in the domain name server installed in the IP transfer network.

Also, an IP network service operation/management server is provided in each of the IP transfer networks. This IP network

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 service operation/management server is provided in every communication company so as to manage operation/management of the network, services provided by the network, and the resources of the network, such as the routers and communication lines, in a unified mode .

The sort of the above-explained IP service operation/management servers may be determined with respect to each of the various IP transfer networks. For instance, an IP data service operation/management server(DSS) for managing IP data communications as a whole may be installed inside the IP data network. Also, an IP telephone service operation/management server(TES) for managing telephone communications as a whole may be installed inside the IP telephone network. Also, an IP voice/image service operation/management server(AVS) for managing voice/image communications as a whole may be installed inside the IP voice/image network. A best effort service operation/management server(BES) for managing best effort communications as a whole may be installed inside a best effort network. An IP data multicast service operation/management server(DMS) for managing IP data multicast communications as a whole may be installed inside an IP data multicast network.

Further, an IP base TV broadcast service operation/management server(TVS) for managing IP base TV broadcasting operations as a whole may be installed in an IP base TV broadcast network.

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

It should be understood that a service operation/management server provided in each of the IP transfer networks may be subdivided into a network service server and a network operation/management server. The network service server mainly manages network services provided by the respective IP transfer networks, whereas the network operation/management server mainly manages resources of a network.

Referring now to drawings, various embodiments of the present invention will be described.

1. FIRST EMBODIMENT USING MEDIA ROUTER;

In FIG. 20, reference numeral 2 shows an integrated IP transfer network, reference numeral 3 indicates an IP data network, reference numeral 4 represents an IP telephone network, reference numeral 5-1 denotes an IP voice/image network, reference numeral 5-2 shows a best effort network, reference numeral 6-1 indicates a range of an IP transfer network operated/managed by a communication company X , and reference numeral 6-2 represents a range of an IP transfer network operated/managed by a communication company Y. Also, reference numerals 7-1, 7-2, 7-3, 7-4, 8-1, 8-2, 8-3 and 8-4 show a network node apparatus, respectively. Reference numerals 9-1 and 9-2 represent gateways. Reference numerals

10-1 to 10-8 show communication lines, reference numerals 11-1 to 11-10 denote IP terminals, reference numerals 12-1 and 12-2

9.2

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 show independent type IP telephone sets , and reference numerals

13-1 to 13-4 represent dependent type IP telephone sets.

Further, reference numerals 16-1 to 16-4 represent dependent type IP voice/image apparatus.

The network node apparatus is connected to any of the

IP transfer networks via a communication line. In other words, the network node apparatus is connected to one, or more networks of the IP data network 3, the IP telephone network 4, the IP voice/image network 5-1 and the best effort network 5-2. On the other hand, the network node apparatus is connected via the communication lines 10-1 to 10-8 to the IP terminals 11-1 and 11-2, the independent type IP telephone sets 12-1 and 12-2, the media routers 14-1 and 14-2, and the LANs 15-1 and 152. The IP terminals are installed outside the integrated IP transfer network. The media routers 14-3 and 14-4 are installed inside the LAN 15-1 and the LAN 15-2, and are indirectly connected to the network node apparatus. The media routers 14-1 to 14-4 are directly connected to the dependent type IP telephone sets 13-1, 13-2, 13-4; the dependent type

IP voice/image apparatuses 16-1, 16-2, 16-3; and analog telephone sets 18-1 to 18-4 so as to store thereinto them.

Other analog telephone sets 18-5 and 18-6 are connected via public switched telephone networks 26-1 and 26-2 to the gateways 9-1 and 9-2. The gateway 9-1 is connected via a communication line to the network node apparatus 8-4, and the

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 gateway 9-2 is connected via a communication line to the network node apparatus 7-4.

Reference numerals 19-1 to 19-19 show routers which transfer IP packets, and reference numerals 26-1 and 26-2 represent public switched telephone networks (will be referred to as a PSTN hereinafter) . The media router 14-1 is connected via the communication line 10-1 to the network node apparatus

8-2, the media router 14-2 is connected via the communication line 10-5 to the network node apparatus 7-2, the LAN 15-1 is connected via the communication line 10-3 to the network node apparatus 8-4, and the LAN 15-2 is connected via the communication line 10-7 to the network node apparatus 7-4.

The analog telephone set 18-5 is connected to the network node apparatus 8-4 via the telephone line 17-3, the public switched telephone network 26-1, the telephone line 17-1 and the gateway 9-1. Similarly, the analog telephone set 18-6 is connected to the network node apparatus 7-4 via the telephone line 17-4, the public switched telephone network 26-2, the telephone line 17-2 and the gateway 9-2 . The media router 14-1 contains a router 20-3, a connection control unit 22-1, an H323 termination unit 23-1 and an SCN interface 24-1. The router

20-3 is connected to the connection control unit 22-1. The connection control unit 22-1 is connected to the H323 termination unit 23-1. The H323 termination unit 23-1 is connected to the SCN interface. Similarly, the media router

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

14-2 contains a router 20-4, a connection control unit 222, an H323 termination unit 23-2 and an SCN interface 24-2.

The router 20-1 provided inside the LAN 15-1 is connected via the communication line 10-3 to the network node apparatus

8-4. The LAN 15-1 is connected via a LAN communication line such as the Ethernet to both the IP terminal 11-4 and the media router 14-3. Also, the media router 14-3 is connected via the communication line to the IP terminal 11--5, the dependent type

IP voice/image apparatus 16-2, and the analog telephone set

18-2, respectively. Similarly, the router 20-2 provided inside the LAN 15-2 is connected via the communication line

10-7 to the network node apparatus 7-4. The LAN 15-2 is connected via a LAN communication line such as the Ethernet to both the IP terminal 11-8 and the media router 14-4. Also, the media router 14-4 is connected via the communication line to the IP terminal 11-9, the dependent type IP telephone set

13-4 and the analog telephone set 18-4, respectively.

Reference numerals 21-1 to 21-5 show routers which transfer IP packets between the range 6-1 managed by the communication company X and the range 6-2 managed by the communication company Y. Also, reference numerals 27-1 and

27-2 show ATM(asynchronous transfer mode) networks, reference numeral 27-3 indicates an optical communication network, and reference numeral 27-4 denotes a frame relay(FR) switching network, which are employed as a high speed main line network

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 used to transfer an IP packet, respectively. It should also be noted that the ATM network, the optical communication network and the frame relay switching network may be employed as any of elements of sub-IP networks employed in the integrated

IP transfer network.

The IP data service operation/management server 35-1, the IP telephone service operation/management server 36-1, the

IP voice/image service operation server 37-1, and the best effort service operation/management server 38-1 are managed by the communication company X, respectively, and are provided within the range 6-1 of the network which is managed by the communication company X. Also, the IP data service operation/management server 35-2, the IP telephone service operation/management server 36-2, the IP voice/image service operation server 37-2 and the best effort service operation/management server 38-2 are managed by the communication company Y , respectively, and are provided within the range 6-2 of the network which is managed by the communication company Y.

Various sorts of multimedia terminals which are connected via the communication lines outside the integrated

IP transfer network 2, namely, an IP telephone set and an IP voice/image apparatus can be specified as to internal location positions of the integrated IP transfer network 2 by using host names as addresses for identifying multimedia terminals in a

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 similar manner to other IP terminals. The host names of the

IP terminals and of the multimedia terminals are similar to host names of computers used in the Internet. These host names may be applied in correspondence with IP addresses applied to the respective IP terminals and multimedia terminals. In accordance with the present invention, telephone numbers which are applied to IP telephone sets and IP voice/image apparatus are employed as the host names of the IP telephone sets and the IP voice/image apparatus.

A domain name server(will be referred to as a DNS hereinafter) holds information as to a one-to-one correspondence relationship between a host name and an IP address. A major function of the domain name server is given as follows: When a host name is provided, an IP address is answered. The major function owns a similar function used in the Internet.

With respect to the IP terminals 11-3, 11-1, 11-4, 11-6 and the like, which are employed in the IP data network connected to the network node apparatus managed by the communication company X , a domain name server 30-1 dedicated to the IP data network holds information as to a one-to-one correspondence relationship among host names and IP addresses, which are applied to the respective terminals. Also, with respect to the IP terminals 11-7, 11-2, 11-8 and the like, which are employed in the IP data network connected to the network

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 node apparatus managed by the communication company Y, a domain name server 30-4 dedicated to the IP data network holds information as to a one-to-one correspondence relationship among host names and IP addresses, which are applied to the respective terminals.

With respect to the dependent type IP telephone sets 13-1,

13-3, and the analog telephone sets 18-1, 18-2, 18-5, which are employed in the IP telephone network connected to the network node apparatus managed by the communication company

X, a domain name server 31-1 dedicated to the IP telephone network holds information as to a one-to-one correspondence relationship among host names(telephone numbers) and IP addresses, which are applied to the telephone sets. Also, with respect to the dependent type IP telephone set 13-2 and the analog telephone sets 18-3, 18-4, 18-6, which are employed in the IP telephone network connected to the network node apparatus managed by the communication company Y, a domain name server 31-2 dedicated to the IP telephone network holds information as to a one-to-one correspondence relationship among host names(telephone numbers) and IP addresses, which are applied to these telephone sets.

With respect to the dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 16-1 and the independent type IP voice/image apparatus 12-3, which are employed in the IP voice/image network connected to the network node apparatus managed by the

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 communication company X , a domain name server 32-1 dedicated to the voice/image network holds information as to a one-to-one correspondence relationship among host names(numbers of IP voice/image apparatus) and IP addresses , which are applied to the IP voice/image apparatus. Also, with respect to the dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 16-3 and 16-4 which are employed in the IP voice/image network connected to the network node apparatus managed by the communication company

Y, a domain name server 32-2 dedicated to the IP voice/image network holds information as to a one-to-one correspondence relationship among host names (numbers of IP voice/image apparatus) and IP addresses, which are applied to the IP voice/image apparatus.

With respect to the IP terminal 11-5 and the dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 16-2, which are employed in the best effort network connected to the network node apparatus managed by the communication company X , a domain name server

33-1 dedicated to the best effort network holds information as to a one-to-one correspondence relationship among host names and IP addresses, which are applied to the terminals. Also, with respect to the IP terminal 11-9, 11-10 and the dependent type IP telephone set 13-4, which are employed in the best effort network connected to the network node apparatus managed by the communication company Y, a domain name server 332 dedicated to the best effort network holds information as

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 to a one-to-one correspondence relationship among host names and IP addresses, which are applied to the terminals.

Next, both a basic function of a media router and a basic function of a gateway, which constitute the major elements of the present invention, will now be described with reference to FIG. 21 and FIG. 22.

An SCN terminal function 802-0, a conversion function

803- 0 and a terminal function 804-0 contain the functions owned by the above-explained SCN terminal function 802, conversion function 803 and terminal function 804, respectively. A voice signal and an image signal, which are entered from the analog telephone set 41-3 via the SCN line 40-1, are converted into digital data signals in the SCN terminal function 802-0. In the conversion function 803-0, a data format and a signal transmission/reception rule are converted. In the terminal function 804-0, the converted digital data signal is converted into an IP packet format which is transmitted to the IP communication line 40-2. Also, a signal flow along a direction opposite to the above-described signal f low direction will now be explained.

That is, an IP packet containing voice data and image data, which is entered from the IP communication line 40-2, is decoded into a digital data format in the terminal function

804- 0. In the conversion function 803-0, both the data format and a signal transmission/reception rule are converted. The

100

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 converted digital data is further converted into a signal flowing through the SCN line in the SCN terminal function 802-0 . Then, the signal is transmitted via the SCN line 40-1 to the analog telephone set 41-3 . An SCN interface 24-0 contains both an SCN terminal function 802-0 and a conversion function 803-0.

Since an H323 termination unit 23-0 contains the terminal function 804-0 and this terminal function 804-0 contains the above-explained H323 termination function, the H323 termination unit 23-0 can perform an interactive communication through the terminal 41-2 and the communication line 40-5. The multimedia terminal 41-2 employed in the present invention corresponds to an IP telephone set, an IP voice/image apparatus and the like, which are designed in accordance with the H323 specification.

A connection control unit 22-0 is connected via the communication line 40-2 to the H323 termination unit 23-0, and via the line 40-3 to a router 20-0 . The router 20-0 is connected via the communication line 40-4 to a network node apparatus

41-4 , and also via the communication line 40-6 to an IP terminal

41-1. An IP packet 810 functioning as call control data flows through the communication line 40-2, another IP packet 811 functioning as net data which constitutes voice flows through the communication line 40-2, and another IP packet 812 functioning as net data which constitutes an image itself flows through the communication line 40-2.

101

GA 02340293 2001-08-01

The call control data corresponds to a host name such as a telephone number and a personal computer. On the other hand, the IP packet 43 (refer to FIG. 22) flowing through the communication line 40-3 may employ such a data format that a host name is notified to a DNS so as to obtain an inquiry response, namely a DNS inquiry/response format, for example, RFC 1996(A

Mechanism for Prompt Notification of Zone Changes). A DNS inquiry/response function 42 has such a function that the H323 format call control data 810 is converted into the DNS inquiry/response format data 43, and the DNS is inquired to obtain an IP address corresponding to a host name. It should be understood that the IP packet 811 which constitutes the voice, and also the IP packet 812 which constitutes the image itself will pass through the connection control unit 22-0 in the transparent manner.

When the above-explained operations are summarized, the telephone number entered from the analog telephone set 413 is changed into the digital telephone number by the SCN interface 24-0, and then the digital telephone number is inputted into the H323 termination unit 23-0. Otherwise, both the telephone number and the host name of the multimedia terminal are entered as the H323 format type call control data

810 into the H323 termination unit 23-0. The telephone number and the host name of the multimedia terminal are entered from the H323 format type IP telephone set 41-2, and are designed

102

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 in accordance with the H323 specification. Both the telephone numbers correspond to the H323 format type call control data

810 on the communication line 40-2, and the H323 format type call control data 810 are converted into the DNS inquiry/response format 43 via the connection control unit 22-0

It should be understood that the call control data sent from the IP terminal 41-1 originally employs the DNS inquiry/response format 43 and need not use the function of the connection control unit 22-0, the call control data is directly connected to the router 20-0. In this case, the router

20-0 collects both the communication lines 40-3 and 40-6, and also penetrates the IP packet through the own router 20-0. It should also be noted that the net data which constitutes the voice and the image itself contained in the IP packets 811 and

812 may pass through the connection control unit 22-0 without being changed. The IP packets are transmitted/received via the line 40-4 between the net node apparatus 41-4 and the router

20-0.

A concrete example of the DNS inquiry/response will now be explained. In the case that both a telephone number

81-47-325-3897 and an IP address 192.1.2.3 are applied to an IP telephone set, when the telephone number 81-47-3253897 is inquired to the domain name server DNS, the DNS responds as the IP address 192.1.2.3. Alternatively, in such a case that both a host name hostl.dnamel.dname2.co.jp

103

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 and an IP address 128.3.4.5 are applied to a personal computer corresponding to an IP terminal, when the host name hostl.dnamel.dname2.co.jp is inquired to the DNS, this DNS answers the IP address 128.3.4.5 of the personal computer.

Since an IP packet is transmitted/received among the IP terminal 41-1, the multimedia terminal 41-2 and the analog terminal 41-3, a communication can be established. In other words, the IP terminal 41-1 transmits/receives the IP packet with respect to the multimedia terminal 41-2 via the router

20-0, the connection control unit 22-0, and the H323 termination unit 23-0, so that the mutual communication can be established between the IP terminal 41-1 and the multimedia terminal 41-2. Further, the IP terminal 41-1 may mutually communicate with the analog telephone set 41-3 via the SCN interface 24-0. Also, the multimedia terminal 41-2 may mutually communicate with the analog telephone set 41-3 via the H323 termination unit 23-0 and the SCN interface 24-0.

CCOPERATION OF MEDIA ROUTER>>

Operations of the media router 14-1 according to the present invention will now be explained with reference to FIG.

23. The router 20-3 which constitutes one element of the media router 14-1 owns the function of the router 20-0 shown in FIG.

21. A connection control unit 22-1 of FIG. 23 owns the function of the connection control unit 22-0 shown in FIG. 21. An H323 termination unit 23-1 of FIG. 23 owns the function of the H323

104

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 termination unit 23-0 indicated in FIG. 21. An SCN interface

24-1 of FIG. 23 owns the function of the SCN interface 240 shown in FIG. 21. Reference numeral 48-1 of FIG. 23 owns a similar function as to the above-explained DNS. An RAS mechanism 49-1 corresponds to such a mechanism capable of registering/certificating a terminal into the media router

14-1, and also capable of managing an internal condition of the media router (for example, the internal components and their utilization conditions are managed in a unified mode).

In this case, the registration by the RAS mechanism 49-1 implies that the terminal is connected to the media router, whereas the certification thereof implies that the RAS mechanism 49-1 confirms as to whether or not the terminal is formally utilized in accordance with the connection permission condition of the terminal. Reference numeral 50-1 shows an information processing mechanism capable of executing an information processing operation within the media router 14-1.

Reference numeral 51-1 shows an operation input/output unit of the media router 14-1. As a consequence, the respective functions owned by the connection control unit 22-1, the H323 termination unit 23-1, and the SCN interface 24-1 employed in the media router 14-1 of FIG. 23 may be apparent from the descriptions as to the connection control unit 22-0, the H323 termination unit 23-0, and the SCN interface 24-0 indicated in FIG. 21.

105

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 <<COMMUNICATION CONNECTION CONTROL BETWEEN IP TERMINALS>>

Referring now to FIG. 23, FIG. 24, and FIG. 25 to FIG.

31, a description will be made of a sequential process operation that data stored in an IP packet is transmitted, or received from the IP terminal 11-3 to the IP terminal 11-7. The IP terminal 11-3 transmits such an IP packet 45-1 shown in FIG.

via a communication line 52-1 to a domain name server 48-1.

The IP packet 45-1 (refer to FIG. 26) stores thereinto the own address, namely a source IP address AI13; an address of a domain name server 48-1 employed in the media router 14-1, namely a destination IP address A481; and a host name

IPT-11-7 name of the IP terminal 11-7 of the communication party. In this case, the inquiry content shown in the IP packet

45-1, namely IPT-11-7 name is stored in inquiry portion within the DNS inquiry/response format indicated in FIG. 22.

The domain name server 48-1 checks the content of the received IP packet 45-1, and inquires to a domain name server

30-1 dedicated to the IP data network via the communication line 10-1 and the network node apparatus 8-2(Step ST10). When the domain name server 30-1 returns an IP packet containing an IP address A117 which corresponds to the above-explained host name IPT-11-7 name in a 1:1 correspondence to the domain name server 48-l(Step ST11), the domain name server 48-1 returns an IP packet 45-2 to the IP terminal 11-3. In the above-explained sequential process operation, the network

106

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 node apparatus 8-2 checks as to whether or not the source address A113 contained in the received IP packet 45-1 is registered into an address administration table with reference to the address administration table 44-1 of FIG. 25. In this case, the address administration table 44-1 indicates that an external IP address is A113 on a record of a second row of the table from a top row, and a circuit identification codeLine-10-l is equal to such an IP packet entered from the communication line 10-1. As a result, it can be confirmed that the IP terminal 11-3 is allowed/registered so as to be communicatable through the network node apparatus . In the case that the IP terminal is not registered in the address administration table 44-1, the network node apparatus 8-2 can discard the received IP packet 45-1.

Next, in the case that the IP terminal 11-3 produces an

IP packet 45-3 which is transmitted to the IP terminal 117 and then transmits the produced IP packet 45-3 via the router

20-3 to the network node apparatus 8-2, if this network node apparatus 8-2 transfers the IP packet 45-3 to the internal unit of the integrated IP transfer network 1, then the IP packet

45-3 passes through the communication lines and a plurality of routers(namely, routers 19-1, 19-3, 21-1, 19-5 and 19-6) employed in the IP data network 3 of FIG. 20, and thereafter, is reached to the network node apparatus 7-2. As a result, the network node apparatus 7-2 sends out the received IP packet

107

CA 02340293 2001-08-01

45-3 to the communication line 10-5 shown in FIG. 24(Step ST12), the router 20-4 receives the IP packet 45-3, and then, transfers the IP packet via the communication line 52-2 to the IP terminal

11-7. When the IP terminal 11-7 which receives the IP packet

45-3 produces a returning IP packet 45-4, and then sends out the returning IP packet 45-4 via the communication line to the router 20-4, the returning IP packet 45-4 is reached to the network node apparatus 8-2 through the communication line

10- 5(Step ST13), the network node apparatus 7-2, and the IP data network 3 provided within the integrated IP transfer network 2. Then, such an IP packet 45-4 shown in FIG. 29 is supplied via the communication line 10-1 to the IP terminal

11- 3. Since the IP packet is transmitted/received between the

IP terminal 11-3 and the IP terminal 11-7 in the above-explained sequential process operation, the communication can be established.

It should be understood that the domain name server 48-1 employed in the media router may be removed from the media router 14-1 in the above-explained communication sequential operation from the IP terminal. In this alternative case, the

IP terminal 11-3 transmits the IP packet 45-5 to the domain name server 30-1. The IP packet 45-5 stores thereinto the source IP address A113, the IP address A301 of the domain name server 30-1 dedicated to the IP data network, and the host name IPT-11-7 name of the IP terminal 11-7 of the

108

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 communication party. The domain name server 30-1 returns such an IP packet 45-6 containing an IP address A117 which corresponds to the host name IPT-11-7 name in a 1-to-l correspondence manner. It should also be noted that the technical method capable of directly accessing the domain name server 30-1 except for the domain name server 48-1 provided in the media router may be realized by way of the known technical method related to the domain name server.

When the above-explained process operation defined at the Step ST11 is accomplished, both the IP terminals 11-3 and

11-7 are brought into such a preparation condition that the communication is commenced. Under this preparation condition, when the network node apparatus 8-2 detects both the IP packets

45-2 and 45-6, a record of communications established between the IP terminals, namely, the IP terminal 11-3 and the IP terminal 11-7, may be saved/recorded within the network node apparatus 8-2 in combination with this time instant, if necessary.

&lt;&lt;COMMUNICATION CONNECTION CONTROL BETWEEN DEPENDENT TYPE IP

TELEPHONE SETS>>

Next, a description will now be made of a sequential operation in which while a telephone number is dialed, a telephone communication is carried out from the dependent type IP telephone set 13-1 to the dependent type IP telephone set 13-2. In this example, a dependent type IP telephone set

109

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 indicates such an IP telephone set which is connected to the media routers 14-1, 14-2 and the like so as to establish a telephone communication, whereas an independent type IP telephone set indicates the IP telephone sets 12-1 and 12-2 shown in FIG. 20, which are not connected to the media router, but are directly connected to the network node apparatus. This communication sequence will be explained later.

The dependent type IP telephone set 13-1 of FIG. 23 is connected via the communication line 53-1 to the H323 termination unit 23-1, and the dependent type IP telephone 13-2 of FIG. 24 is connected via the communication line 53-2 to the

H323 termination unit 23-2.

When the handset of the dependent type IP telephone 13-1 is took up (off hook), such an IP packet 46-1 shown in FIG.

32, which notifies a telephone call, is sent to the communication line 53-1 indicated in FIG. 23(Step ST20 of FIG.

23) . Then, the H323 termination unit 23-1 detects that the telephone call is entered from the communication line 53-1, and returns an IP packet 46-2 in order to confirm the telephone call(Step ST21). In this case, symbol CTL-Info-1 described in a payload(data field) of the IP packet 46-1 corresponds to call control information, whereas symbol CTL-Info-2 described in a payload of the IP packet 46-2 corresponds to call confirmation information.

Next, when the user of the dependent type IP telephone

110

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 set 13-1 dials a telephone number of the dependent type IP telephone set 13-2 as the communication counter party, such an IP packet 46-3 having, for example, the call control data format defined by H.225 is produced within the dependent type

IP telephone set 13-1. The IP packet 46-3 contains a telephone number(Tel-13-2 name”) of the communication counter party, the telephone number of the dependent type IP telephone set

13-1, and the IP address. The IP packet 46-3 is transmitted via the communication line 53-1 to the H323 termination unit

23-1. A condition as to whether or not both the telephone number of the dependent type IP telephone 13-1 and the IP address are contained in the IP packet 4 6-3 may be optionally selected. The H323 termination unit 23-1 receives the IP packet 46-3 from the communication line 53-1 to retrieve records contained in a media router state table 100-1 shown in FIG. 47.

Then, the H323 termination unit 23-1 detects a circuit identification code indicative of the communication line 53-1, namely, a record of a first row of the media router state table

100-1 from a top row, i.e., 53-1. Also, the H323 termination unit 23-1 reads out a telephone number 81-3-1234-5679 and an IP address 32.3.53.1 of the dependent type IP telephone set 13-1, which are described in the detected record. Also, when both the IP address and the telephone number are not contained in the IP packet 46-3, the H323 termination unit 23-1

111

CA 02340293 2002-06-14 may set the values described in the media router state table to the IP packet 46-3. Alternatively, even when the information related to the IP address and the telephone number is written, if the above values are not made coincident with the above-described IP packet/telephone number, then the H323 termination unit 23-1 discards the IP packet 46-3 as an error process. In this case, a concrete numeral value of the IP address A131 of the dependent type IP telephone set 13-1 is selected to be

32.3.53.1(Step ST22).

Next, the H323 termination unit 23-1 transmits an IP packet 46-4 to a domain name server 48-1 employed inside the media router 14-1 of FIG. 23(Step ST23). The IP packet 46-4 stores thereinto the address of the dependent type IP telephone set 13-1, namely a source IP address A131; the address of the domain name server 48-1, namely a destination IP address A481; and a telephone number Tel13-2 name of a communication counter party. The domain name server 48-1 checks the content of the received IP packet 46-4, and subsequently, transmits an IP packet 46-5 via the communication line 10-1 and the network node apparatus 8-2 to the domain name server 31-1 dedicated to the IP telephone network(Step ST24). When the domain name server 31-1 dedicated to the IP telephone network returns such an IP packet 46-6 to the domain name server 48-1(Step ST25), the domain name server 48-1 returns an IP packet to the H323 termination unit 23-1. The above112

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 explained returned IP packet contains an IP address A132 which corresponds to the host name Tel-13-2 name in a 1to-1 correspondence manner.

Next, when the H323 termination unit 23-1 produces an

IP packet 46-7 which is sent to the H323 termination unit 23-2, and then transmits the produced IP packet 46-7 via the router

20-3 to the network node apparatus 8-2(Step ST26), the network node apparatus 8-2 transfers the received IP packet 46-7 to the internal arrangement of the integrated IP transfer network shown in FIG. 20. Thus, the IP packet 46-7 passes through the routers 19-8, 19-9, 21-2, 19-11 and 19-13 provided inside the IP telephone network 4, and then is reached to the network node apparatus 7-2. As a result, the network node apparatus

7-2 sends out the received IP packet 46-7 to the communication line 10-5, and the H323 termination unit 23-2 receives the IP packet 46-7 via the router 20-4. The H323 termination unit

23-3 interprets the IP packet 46-7 as a telephone call, and thus executes the below-mentioned two procedure operations.

As a first procedure operation, the H323 termination unit 23-2 produces a returning IP packet 46-8 and then returns the IP packet 46-8 to the router 20-4. As a second procedure operation, the H323 termination unit 23-2 transfers the IP packet 467 via the communication line 53-2 shown in FIG. 24 to the dependent type IP telephone set 13-2.

Referring now to FIG. 24, the following operation is

113

CA 02340293 2002-06-14 made: The IP packet 46-8 produced in the first procedure is transmitted via the communication line 10-5(Step ST27), the network node apparatus 7-2, and the IP telephone network 4 to the network node apparatus 8-2, and then is reached via the communication line 10-1 to the router 20-3 and also via the H323 termination unit 23-1 to the dependent type IP telephone set 13-1. The dependent type IP telephone 13-1 interprets that the communication counter party is being called by receiving the IP packet 46-8.

Because of the second procedure, the dependent type IP telephone set 13-2 produces a telephone call sound by receiving the IP packet 46-7. The user of the dependent type IP telephone set 13-2 hears the telephone call sound, and then takes up the handset of the dependent type IP telephone set 13-2(off hook). As a result, the dependent type IP telephone set 13-2 produces an IP packet 46-9 to be sent out to the line 53-2(Step ST28), and the H323 termination unit 23-2 receives the IP packet 46-9. Then, the IP packet 46-9 is supplied via the network node apparatus 7-2 and the IP telephone network 4 to the network node apparatus 8-2, and is reached via the communication line 10-1 to the router 20-3, and also via the H323 termination unit 23-1 to the dependent type IP telephone set 13-1. As a result, the user of the dependent type IP telephone set 13-1 may be informed that the telephone communication counter party takes up the handset of the dependent type IP telephone set 13-2.

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The above-described Step ST28 corresponds to such a procedure that information of a response is transferred, namely, the IP packet 46-9 is transferred which notifies such a fact that the telephone communication is commenced between the dependent type IP telephone set 13-1 and the dependent type IP telephone set 13-2. When the network node apparatus 72 and 8-2 detect the IP packet 46-9 , a record of the commencement of the telephone communication may be saved in a charge record file. In other words, such a fact that the telephone communication is commenced between the dependent type IP telephone sets 13-1 and 13-2 is saved in the charge record file.

Namely, this charge record file stores thereinto a portion of the contents of the IP packet 46-9 set into the network node apparatus, for example, a source IP address, a destination IP address, a source port number, a destination port number and detection time instants thereof.

When the user of the dependent type IP telephone set 13-1 starts his telephone conversation, the dependent type IP telephone set 13-1 produces an IP packet 46-10 containing digitalized voice(speech), and transmits the IP packet 4610 to the communication line 53-1( Step ST29) . The voice packet

46-10 is supplied to the dependent type IP telephone set 13-2 via the H323 control unit 23-1; the router 20-3; the network node apparatus 8-2; the routers 19-8, 19-9, 21-2, 19-11 and

19-13; the network node apparatus 7-2; the router 20-4; and

115

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 the H323 termination unit 23-2. The voice of the user of the dependent type IP telephone set 13-2 is stored in an IP packet 46-11 in a digital form. The voice packet is supplied to the dependent type IP telephone set 13-1 along a direction opposite to the above-explained packet flow direction(Step ST30), namely, is supplied via the H323 control unit 23-2; the router

20- 4; the network node apparatus 7-2; the routers 19-13, 19-11,

21- 2, 19-9 and 19-8; the network node apparatus 8-2; the router

20-3; and the H323 termination unit 23-1.

When the user of the dependent type IP telephone set 13-1 puts on(hangs up) the handset thereof in order to finish the telephone communication, the dependent type IP telephone set

13-1 produces an IP packet 46-12 which indicates that the telephone communication is ended, and then sends out the IP packet 46-12 to the communication line 53-l(Step ST31). The

IP packet 46-12 is supplied to the dependent type IP telephone set 13-2 via the H323 control unit 23-1; the router 20-3; the network node apparatus 8-2 ; the routers 19-8 , 19-9, 21-2, 19-11, and 19-13; the network node apparatus 7-2; the router 20-4;

and the H323 termination unit 23-2. The user of the dependent type IP telephone set 13-2 may know such a fact that the telephone communication is ended, and then, when the user puts on the handset of the dependent type telephone set 13-2, an

IP packet 46-13 is produced. The produced IP packet 46-13 is supplied along a direction opposite to the above-explained

116

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 packet flow direction, namely, is supplied to the H323 control unit 23-2; the router 20-4; the network node apparatus 7-2;

the routers 19-13, 19-11, 21-2, 19-9 and 19-8; the network node apparatus 8-2; the router 20-3; and the H323 termination unit

23-l(Step ST32).

The above-described Step ST32 corresponds to such a procedure that confirmation information of a call interrupt is transferred, namely, the IP packet 46-13 is transferred which notifies such a fact that the telephone communication is ended between the dependent type IP telephone set 13-1 and the dependent type IP telephone set 13-2. When both the network node apparatus 7-2 and 8-2 detect the IP packet 46-13, a record of the completion of the telephone communication may be saved in the charge record file. In other words, such a fact that the telephone communication is ended between the dependent type

IP telephone sets 13-1 and 13-2 is saved in the charge record file. Namely, this charge record file stores thereinto a portion of the contents of the IP packet 46-13 set into the network node apparatus, for example, a source IP address, a destination IP address, a source port number, a destination port number and detection time instant thereof.

Since both the dependent type IP telephone set 13-1 and the dependent type IP telephone set 13-2 transmit and also receive the IP packets in accordance with the above-explained procedures, the telephone communications can be established.

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01

In the above-described communication procedures, while the domain name server 48-1 contained in the media router may be removed from the media router 14-1, the above-explained Seps

ST23 to ST25 may be replaced by the below-mentioned Steps ST23x and ST25x. In other words, the H323 termination unit 23-1 transmits an IP packet 46-14 via the communication line 10-1 and the network node apparatus 8-2 to the domain name server 31-1 dedicated to the IP telephone network(Step ST23x). The

IP packet 46-14 stores thereinto the address of the dependent type IP telephone set 13-1, namely the source IP address A131 ;

the address of the domain name server 31-1 dedicated to the

IP telephone network, namely the destination IP address A311 ;

and the telephone number of the communication counter party

Tel-13-2 name. The domain name server 31-1 returns another

IP packet 46-15 to the H323 termination unit 23-1 (Step ST25x).

The IP packet 46-15 contains the IP address A132 which corresponds to the telephone number of the communication counter party Tel-13-2 name in a 1-to-l correspondence manner.

In the above-explained procedures defined from the Steps

ST23 to the Step ST25, or by both the Step ST23x and the Step

ST25x, the network node apparatus 8-2 may confirm that the dependent type IP telephone set 13-1 is allowed to be communicated from the communication line 10-1 via the network node apparatus 8-2 by checking as to whether or not the

118

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 combination between the source address A481 contained in the

IP packet 46-5 received via the communication line 10-1 and the circuit identification codeLine-10-l similarly received is registered in the address management table 44-l(refer to FIG. 25), or by checking as to whether or not the combination between the source address A131 contained in the IP packet

46-14 received via the communication line 10-1 and the communication circuit identification codeLine-10-l similarly received is registered in the address management table 44-l(refer to FIG. 25).

&lt;&lt;COMMUNICATION CONNECTION CONTROL BETWEEN INDEPENDENT TYPE

IP TELEPHONE SETS>>

Since the dependent type IP telephone set 13-1 of FIG.

contains the termination function of the H323 termination unit 23-1, this dependent type IP telephone set 13-1 may be formed with the connection control unit 22-1 in an integral form. Because of this reason, a dependent type IP telephone set 13-11 provided inside such an independent type IP telephone set 12-1 shown in FIG. 48 is directly connected via a communication line to a connection control unit 22-11. A communication line 10-4 is derived from the connection control unit 22-11, and then is connected to the network node apparatus

8-4 of FIG. 20. Both the independent type IP telephone set

12-1 and an independent type IP telephone set 12-2 can carry out a telephone communication by transmitting/receiving an IP

119

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 packet. This communication procedure is similar to that defined from the Step ST20 to the Step ST32, in which the above-described dependent type IP telephone sets 13-1 and 13-2 perform the telephone communication by transmitting/receiving the IP packets. However, there is a first different point.

That is, since the domain name server 48-1 inside the media router 14-1 is not present, both the Step ST23 and the Steps

ST24 may be regarded as an integrated steps without passing through the domain name server 48-1. As a second different point, since the H323 termination units 23-1 and 23-2 are not present, the portions of the H323 termination units 23-1 and

23-2 are required to be replaced by such a communication line through which the IP packets may pass.

&lt;&lt;COMMUNICATION BETWEEN TWO DEPENDENT TYPE IP VOICE/IMAGE

APPARATUS>>

Since an IP packet is transmitted, or received from the dependent type IP voice/image(audio/visual) apparatus 16-1 to the dependent type IP voice/image(audio/visual) apparatus

16-3, a voice/image communication for transmitting/receiving an IP packet can be realized by using a host name for identifying an apparatus . The communication procedure is similar to that defined from the Step ST20 to the Step ST32 in which both the dependent type IP telephone set 13-1 and the dependent type

IP telephone set 13-2 use the domain name server 31-1 dedicated to the IP telephone network. As a technical different point.

120

CA 02340293 2002-06-14 while the domain name server 32-1 dedicated to the IP voice/image network 5-1 of FIG. 20 is employed without using the domain name server 31-1 dedicated to the IP telephone network, a process operation of a Step ST44 is executed instead of the Step ST24, and also a process operation of a Step ST45 is executed instead of the Step

ST25.

The dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 16-1 inquires the domain name server 32-1 dedicated to the IP image inside the IP transfer network as to the host name of the dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 16-3 to thereby acquire an IP address of the dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 16-3. Next, since the voice/image data is transmitted from the dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 16-1 to the dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 16-3, the voice/image communication for transmitting/receiving the voice/image data can be carried out between the dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 161 and the dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 16-3. «COMMUNICATION BETWEEN INDEPENDENT TYPE IP VOICE/IMAGE

APPARATUS AND DEPENDENT TYPE IP VOICE/IMAGE APPARATUS»

Since the dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 16-1 shown in FIG. 23 contains the termination function of the H323 termination unit 23-1, this dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 16-1 may be formed with the connection control unit 22-1 in an integral form.

Because of this reason, a dependent

121

CA 02340293 2002-06-14 type IP voice/image apparatus 16-12 provided inside such an independent type IP voice/image apparatus 12-3 shown in

FIG. 49 is directly connected via a communication line to a connection control unit 22-12. A communication line 10-9 is derived from the connection control unit 22-12, and then is connected to the network node apparatus 8-4 of FIG. 20.

Both the independent type IP voice/image apparatus 12-3 and the dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 16-3 can execute a voice/image communication for transmitting/receiving an IP packet. The communication procedure thereof is similar to the process operations defined from the Step ST20 to the Steps ST32, in which both the dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 16-1 and the dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 16-3 use the domain name server 32-1 dedicated to the IP voice/image network 51 so as to transmit/receive the IP packet, so that the voice/image communication is carried out. As a technical different point, since the domain name server 48-1 within the media router 14-1 is not present, both the Step ST23 and the Step ST24 are recorded as an integrated step, without passing through the domain name server 48-1.

By connecting the independent type IP voice/image apparatus 16-4 with the gateway 9-2 of FIG. 20, the voice/image communication to transmit/receive the IP packet is carried out between the independent type IP voice/image

122

CA 02340293 2002-06-14 apparatus 12-3 and the independent type IP voice/image apparatus 16-4 via the network node apparatus 8-4, the IP voice/image network 5-1, the network node apparatus 7-4 and gateway 9-2.

Assuming now that the independent type IP voice/image apparatus 12-3 is regarded as a sales means of a voice(sound)/image goods selling firm for selling voice/image goods, and also both the dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 16-3 and the independent type IP voice/image apparatus 16-4 are regarded as a purchase means of a voice(sound)/image goods purchaser, such a virtual market can be realized through which the voice/image goods can be distributed with employment of the IP transfer network. A purchaser may order voice/image goods to a sales firm by using a voice/image slip, and thus, the sales firm can send digital voice/image goods.

«COMMUNICATION AMONG ANALOG TELEPHONE SETS»

Referring now to FIG. 20, FIG. 23, FIG. 24, and FIG. 50 to FIG. 64, a description will be made of a sequential operation in which while a telephone number is dialed, a telephone communication is established from one normal telephone set to another normal telephone set, not an IP telephone set, namely from one analog telephone set 18-1 to another analog telephone set 18-3.

The analog telephone set 18-1 of FIG. 23 is connected via a communication line 55-1 to the SCN interface 24-1, and

123

CA 02340293 2002-06-14 the analog telephone set 18-3 of FIG. 24 is connected via a communication line 55-2 to the SCN interface 24-2. When the handset of the analog telephone 18-1 is taken up(off hook), a telephone calling analog signal is sent out via the communication line 55-1 to the SCN interface 24-1, and then this SCN interface 24-1 converts the received analog calling signal into digital-format calling data. Next, the SCN interface 24-1 converts the transmission/reception rule of the digital calling data, and produces such a digital data 47-1 shown in FIG. 50 which notifies a telephone call.

The digital data 47-1 is inputted to the H323 termination unit 23-1(Step ST60 of FIG. 23). The H323 termination unit 23-1 returns digital data 47-2 of FIG. 51 used to confirm the telephone call to the SCN interface 24-1(Step ST61).

In this case, symbol CTL-Info-1 contained in the digital data 47-1 indicates call control information, and symbol CTL-Info-2 contained in the digital data 47-2 shows call confirmation information.

Next, when a user of the analog telephone set 18-1 dials a telephone number of the analog telephone set 18-3 as a communication counter party, the analog telephone set 18-1 sends out a call setting analog signal to the communication line 55-1, and the SCN interface 23-1 produces a data block 47-3 of FIG. 52 for notifying the telephone number by using the call setting analog signal to send out the data block 47-3 to the H323 termination unit 23-1(Step ST62). In this case, the H323

124

CA 02340293 2002-06-14 termination unit 23-1 retrieves records contained in a media router state table 100-1 of FIG. 47 so as to detect a circuit identification codeindicative of the communication line 55-1, a record on a third row of the media router state table 100-1 from a top row, namely 55-1. Next, the H323 termination unit 23-1 reads a telephone number 81-47325-3887 of the analog telephone set 18-1 and an IP address 20.0.55.1, which are described in the record. In this case, a concrete numeral value of the IP address A181 of the analog telephone set 18-1 is selected to be

20.0.55.1.

Next, the H323 termination unit 23-1 produces an IP packet 47-4 of FIG. 53, and then transmits the produced IP packet 47-4 to the domain name server 48-1(Step ST63).

This IP packet 47-4 stores thereinto an address which is virtually applied to the analog telephone set 18-1, namely a source IP address A181; an address of the domain name server 48-1 provided inside the media router, namely a destination IP address A481; and a telephone number Tel18-3 name of a communication counter party. The domain name server 48-1 checks the content of the received IP packet 47-4, and subsequently, transmits an IP packet 47-5 via the communication line 10-1 and the network node apparatus 8-2 to the domain name server 31-1 dedicated to the IP telephone network(Step ST64). When the domain name server 31-1 dedicated to the IP telephone network returns such an IP packet 47-6 to the domain name server

125

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 i

48-l(Step ST65), the domain name server 48-1 returns an IP packet 47-6 to the H323 termination unit 23-1. The aboveexplained returned IP packet 47-6 contains an IP address A183 which corresponds to the host name Tel-13-3 name in a 1to-1 correspondence manner.

Next, when the H323 termination unit 23-1 produces an

IP packet 47-7 which is sent to the H323 termination unit 23-2, and then transmits the produced IP packet 47-7 via the router

20-3 to the network node apparatus 8-2(Step ST66), the network node apparatus 8-2 transfers the received IP packet 47-7 to the internal arrangement of the integrated IP transfer network shown in FIG. 20. Thus, the IP packet 47-7 passes through the routers 19-8, 19-9, 21-2, 19-11 and 19-13 provided inside the IP telephone network 4, and then is reached to the network node apparatus 7-2. As a result, the network node apparatus

7-2 sends out the received IP packet 47-7 to the communication line 10-5, and the H323 termination unit 23-2 receives the IP packet 47-7 via the router 20-4. The H323 termination unit

23-2 interprets the IP packet 47-7 as a telephone call, and thus executes the below-mentioned two procedure operations.

As a first procedure operation, the H323 termination unit 23-2 produces a returning IP packet 47-8 and then returns the IP packet 47-8 to the router 20-4. Also, since the analog telephone set 18-3 receives the IP packet 47-7, this analog telephone set 18-3 produces a calling bell sound. As a second

126

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 procedure operation, the H323 termination unit 23-2 transfers the IP packet 47-7 via the SCN interface 24-2 to the analog telephone 18-3.

Referring now to FIG. 24, the following operation is made: The IP packet 47-8 produced in the first procedure is transmitted via the communication line 10-5(Step ST67), the network node apparatus 7-2, and the IP telephone network 4 to the network node apparatus 8-2, and then is reached via the communication line 10-1 to the router 20-3 and also via the

H323 termination unit 23-1 and the SCN interface 24-1 to the analog telephone set 18-1. The analog telephone set 18-1 interprets that the communication counter party is being called by receiving the IP packet 47-8.

Because of the second procedure, the user of the analog telephone set 18-3 hears the telephone call sound, and then takes up the handset of the analog telephone set 18-3(off hook) .

As a result, the H323 termination unit 23-2 produces an IP packet 47-9(Step ST68). The H323 termination unit 23-2 sends out the IP packet 47-9 to the router 20-4. Then, the IP packet

47-9 is supplied via the network node apparatus 7-2 and the

IP telephone network 4 to the network node apparatus 8-2, and is reached via the communication line 10-1 to the router 20-3, and also via the H323 termination unit 23-1 and the SCN interface 24-1 to the analog telephone set 18-1. As a result, the user of the analog telephone set 18-1 may be informed as

127

CA 02340293 2002-06-14 sound for notifying that the telephone communication counter party takes up the handset of the analog telephone set 18-3. This sound is to confirm a response.

The above-described Step ST68 corresponds to such a procedure that information of a response is transferred, namely, the IP packet 47-9 is transferred which notifies such a fact that the telephone communication is commenced between the analog telephone set 18-1 and the analog telephone set 18-3. When both the network node apparatus '

7-2 and 8-2 detect the IP packet 47-9, a record of the commencement of the telephone communication may be saved in a charge record file. In other words, such a fact that the telephone communication is commenced between the analog telephone sets 18-1 and 18-3 is saved in the charge record file. Namely, this charge record file stores thereinto a portion of the contents of the IP packet 47-9 set into the network node apparatus, for example, a source IP address, a destination IP address, a source port number, a destination port number and detection time instants thereof.

When the user of the analog telephone set 18-1 commences a telephone conversation of a telephone communication, the voice(speech) signal is transferred via the communication line 55-1 to the SCN interface 24-1, and is converted into a digital voice signal. Next, the

H323 termination unit 23-1 produces such an IP packet

47-10 containing the digitalized voice, and

128

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 then sends out the produced IP packet 47-10 to the communication line 10-l(Step ST69). The voice packet 47-10 is supplied to the analog telephone set 18-3 via the H323 control unit 23-1; the router 20-3; the network node apparatus 8-2; the routers

19- 8, 19-9, 21-2, 19-11 and 19-13; the network node apparatus

7-2; the router 20-4; and the H323 termination unit 23-2. The voice of the user of the analog telephone set 18-3 is supplied to the analog telephone set 18-1 along a direction opposite to the above-explained packet flow direction(Step ST70), namely, is supplied via the H323 control unit 23-2; the router

20- 4; the network node apparatus 7-2; the routers 19-13, 19-11,

21- 2, 19-9 and 19-8; the network node apparatus 8-2; the router

20-3; and the H323 termination unit 23-1.

When the user of the analog telephone set 18-1 puts on the handset in order to accomplish the telephone conversation, the analog telephone set 18-1 sends out a call interrupt signal to the communication line 55-1. The call interrupt signal indicates the completion of the telephone communication. The

SCN interface 24-1 converts the call interrupt signal into a digital data format. Next, the H323 termination unit 23-1 produces an IP packet 47-12 for indicating that the telephone communication is ended, and then sends to the IP packet 47-12 to the communication line 10-1 (Step ST71) . The IP packet 47-12 is supplied to the analog telephone set 18-3 via the H323 control unit 23-1; the router 20-3; the network node apparatus

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01

8-2; the routers 19-8, 19-9, 21-2, 19-11 and 19-13; the network node apparatus 7-2; the router 20-4; and the H323 termination unit 23-2. The user of the analog telephone set 18-3 may know such a fact that the telephone communication is ended, and then, when the user puts on the handset of the analog telephone set

18- 3, an IP packet 47-13 is produced. The produced IP packet 47-13 is supplied along a direction opposite to the aboveexplained packet flow direction(Step ST72), namely, is supplied via the H323 control unit 23-2; the router 20-4; the network node apparatus 7-2; the routers 19-13, 19-11, 21-2,

19- 9 and 19-8; the network node apparatus 8-2; the router 20-3;

and the H323 termination unit 23-1.

The above-described Step ST72 corresponds to such a procedure that formation for confirming a call interrupt is transferred, namely, the IP packet 47-13 is transferred which notifies such a fact that the telephone communication is ended between the analog telephone set 18-1 and the analog telephone set 18-3. When both the network node apparatus 7-2 and 82 detect the IP packet 47-13, a record of the completion of the telephone communication may be saved in a charge record file. In other words, such a fact that the telephone communication is completed between the analog telephone sets

18-1 and 18-3 is saved in the charge record file. Namely, the charge record file stores thereinto a portion of the contents of the IP packet 47-13 set into the network node apparatus,

130

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 for example, a source IP address, a destination IP address, a source port number, a destination port number and detection time instants thereof.

Since both the analog telephone set 18-1 and the analog telephone set 18-3 transmit and also receive the IP packets in accordance with the above-explained procedures, the telephone communications can be established.

In the above-described communication procedures, while the domain name server 48-1 contained in. the media router may be removed from the media router 14-1, the above-explained

Steps ST63 to ST65 may be replaced by the below-mentioned Steps

ST63x and ST65x. In other words, the H323 termination unit

23-1 transmits an IP packet 47-14 via the communication line

10-1 and the network node apparatus 8-2 to the domain name server 31-1 dedicated to the IP telephone network (Step ST63x).

The IP packet 47-14 stores thereinto the address of the analog telephone set 18-1, namely the source IP address A181”; the address of the domain name server 31-1 dedicated to the IP telephone network, namely the destination IP address A311;

and the telephone number of the communication counter party

Tel-18-3 name. The domain name servei? 31-1 returns another

IP packet 47-15 to the H323 termination unit 23-l(Step ST65x).

The IP packet 47-15 contains the IP address A183 which corresponds to the telephone number of the communication counter party Tel-18-3 name in a 1-to-l correspondence

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 manner.

In the above-explained procedures defined from the Step ST63 to the Step ST65, or by both the Step ST63x and the Step ST65x, the network node apparatus 8-2 may confirm that the analog telephone set 18-1 is allowed to be communicated from the communication line 10-1 via the network node apparatus 8-2 by checking as to whether or not the combination between the source address A481 contained in the IP packet 47-5 received via the communication line 10-1 and the circuit identification code Line-10-1 similarly received is registered in the address administration table 44-l(refer to FIG. 25), or by checking as to whether or not the combination between the source address A181 contained in the IP packet 47-14 received via the communication line 10-1 and the circuit identification code

Line-10-1 similarly received is registered in the address administration table 44-l(refer to FIG. 25).

«IP DATA SERVICE OPERATION/MANAGEMENT SERVER>>

The IP data service operation/management server 35-1 managed by the communication company X acquires the IP terminal-to-terminal communication record which is formed by the network node apparatus at the Step ST 11 in such a manner that the IP data service operation/management server 35-1 periodically, or temporarily transmits/receives an inquiry IP packet with respect to both the network node apparatus 8-2 and

8-4. Also, the IP data service operation/management server

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35-1 checks as to whether or not the internal resources of the

IP data network managed by the communication company X are operated under normal condition by using such a means for transmitting/receiving an ICMP packet(namely, failure management). These internal resources are, for instance, the routers 19-1, 19-2, 19-3; the domain name servers 30-1 and 30-2 dedicated to the IP data network; and the communication lines among the routers. Also, the IP data service operation/management server 35-1 monitors as to whether or not the congestion of the IP packets within the IP data network is excessively increased(namely, communication quality control) in order that the IP data network of the communication company X may be operated/managed in a unified mode.

Similarly, the IP data service operation/management server 35-2 managed by the communication company Y acquires the above-explained IP terminal-to-terminal communication record in such a manner that the IP data service operation/management server 35-2 periodically, or temporarily transmits/receives an inquiry IP packet with respect to both the network node apparatus 7-2 and 7-4. Also, the IP data service operation/management server 35-2 operates/manages the failure management and the communication quality of the IP data network of the communication company Y in a unified mode.

It should be understood that both the IP data service operation/management servers 35-1 and 35-2 may be subdivided

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 into an IP data service server which exclusively manages the

IP data services, and also an IP data network operation/management server which exclusively manages the resources of the IP data network.

<<IP TELEPHONE SERVICE OPERATION/MANAGEMENT SERVER>>

The IP telephone service operation/management server

36-1 managed by the communication company X acquires the above-explained telephone communication starting record and also telephone communication end record in such a manner that the IP telephone service operation/management server 36-1 periodically, or temporarily transmits/receives an inquiry IP packet with respect to both the network node apparatus 8-2 and

8-4. Also, the IP telephone service operation/management server 36-1 checks as to whether or not the internal resources of the IP telephone network managed by the communication company X are operated under normal condition by using such a means for transmitting/receiving an ICMP packet(namely, failure management). These internal resources are, for instance, the routers 19-8 , 19-9, 19-10; the domain name server

31-1 dedicated to the IP telephone network, and the communication lines among the routers. Also, the IP telephone service operation/management server 36-1 monitors as to whether or not the congestion of the IP packets within the IP telephone network is excessively increased(namely, communication quality control) in order that the IP telephone

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 network of the communication company X may be operated/managed in a unified mode.

Similarly, the IP telephone service operation/management server 36-2 managed by the communication company Y acquires the above-explained telephone communication starting record and telephone communication end record in such a manner that the IP telephone service operation/management server 36-2 periodically, or temporarily transmits/receives an inquiry IP packet with respect to both the network node apparatus 7-2 and 7-4. Also, the IP telephone service operation/management server 36-2 operates/manages the failure management and the communication quality of the IP telephone network of the communication company Y in a unified mode.

It should also be noted that the record about the telephone communication commencement defined at the Steps ST28 and ST68, and the record about the end of the telephone communication defined at the Steps ST32 and ST72 among the above-explained procedure may be omitted. In this alternative case, the acquisitions of both the telephone communication starting record and the telephone communication end record by the communication company X and the communication company

Y may be omitted.

It should also be noted that both the IP telephone service operation/management servers 36-1 and 36-2 may be subdivided

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 into an IP telephone service server which exclusively manages the IP telephone services, and also an IP telephone network operation/management server which exclusively manages the resources of the IP telephone network.

<<IP VOICE/IMAGE SERVICE OPERATION/MANAGEMENT SERVER>>

The IP voice/image(audio/visual) service operation/management server 37-1 managed by the communication company X acquires the above-explained voice/image communication starting record and voice/image communication end record in such a manner that the IP voice/image service operation/management server 37-1 periodically, or temporarily transmits/receives an inquiry IP packet with respect to both the network node apparatus 8-2 and 8-4. Also, the IP voice/image service operation/management server 37-1 checks as to whether or not the internal resources of the IP voice/image network managed by the communication company X are operated under normal condition by using such a means for transmitting/receiving an ICMP packet(namely, failure management). These internal resources are, for instance, the routers 19-14, 19-15; the domain name server 32-1 dedicated to the IP telephone network; and the communication lines among the routers. Also, the IP voice/image service operation/management server 37-1 monitors as to whether or not the congestion of the IP packets within the IP voice/image network is excessively increased(namely, communication

136

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 quality control) in order that the IP voice/image network of the communication company X may be operated/managed in a unified mode.

Similarly, the IP voice/image service operation/management server 37-2 managed by the communication company Y acquires the above-explained voice/image communication starting record and voice/image communication end record in such a manner that the IP voice/image service operation/management server 37-2 periodically, or temporarily transmits/recelves an inquiry IP packet with respect to both the network node apparatus 7-2 and 7-4. Also, the IP voice/image service operation/management server 37-2 operates/manages the failure management and the communication quality of the IP voice/image network of the communication company Y in a unified mode. It should be understood that both the IP voice/image service operation/management servers

37-1 and 37-2 may be subdivided into an IP voice/image service server which exclusively manages the IP voice/image services, and also an IP voice/image network operation/management server which exclusively manages the resources of the IP voice/image network.

<<BEST EFFORT SERVICE OPERATION/MANAGEMENT SERVER>>

A best effort service operation/management server 38-1 managed by the communication company X operates/manages failure managements and communication qualities of a best

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 effort network of the communication company X in aunified mode. Similarly, a best effort service operation/management server 38-2 managed by the communication company Y operates/manages failure managements and communication qualities of a best effort network of the communication company

Y in a unified mode. It should be noted that both the best effort service operation/management services 38-1 and 38-2 may be subdivided into a best effort service server for exclusively managing best effort services, and also a best effort network operation/management server for exclusively managing resources of a best effort service network, respectively.

In the above-described description, the names of elements employed in the embodiment are applied as, for example,

H323 termination unit” and H323 gateway. This does not imply that these element names are made in accordance with the

ITU-H323 recommendation. Instead, these element names own meanings related to the ITU-H323 recommendation.

As indicated in FIG. 65, a media router operator 102 exchanges information via an operation input/output unit 51-1 with respect to an RAS administration program 101-1 employed in the RAS mechanism 49-1, or rewrites a RAS table provided in the RAS administration program 101-1 so as to manages registration/certification of terminals, and also manage an internal state of the media router 14-1.

As represented in FIG. 66, while a terminal operator 103

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 #· operates the dependent type IP telephone set 13-1, this operation information is supplied via an H323 terminal program

105-2 and subsequently a level 3 layer communication path 106 which is virtually present within a communication line 531 so as to be exchanged with an interface 105-1 of the RAS administration program employed in the RAS mechanism 49-1 and an AP layer 101-2 of the RAS administration program. Also, the RAS table provided in the RAS administration program is rewritten, so that the terminal operator 103 manages régistration/certification of terminals and an internal state of the media router 14-1.

As represented in FIG. 67, while a telephone operator

104 operates the analog telephone set 18-1, this operation information is supplied so as to be exchanged with a telephone operation program 106-2 employed in the SCN interface 24-1, and subsequently a TCP/IP interface 106-1 of the RAS administration program employed in the RAS mechanism 49-1 and an AP layer 101-3 of the RAS administration program. Also, the RAS table provided in the RAS administration program is rewritten, so that the telephone operator 104 manages registration/certification of terminals and an internal state of the media router 14-1.

In the embodiment of FIG. 20, all of the elements provided within the range 6-2 of the IP transfer network which is operated/managed by the communication company Y may be

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 eliminated, and furthermore, the routers 21-1 through 21-5 may be eliminated. In such an alternative case, the internal elements of the integrated IP transfer network 2 are arranged only by employing the range 6-1 of the IP transfer network operated/managed by the communication company X , the network node apparatus 7-1 to 7-4 and 8-1 to 8-4 and the gateways 9-1 to 9-2. In the case of the IP data communication, for example, the information is transferred from the network node apparatus

8-2 via the router 19-1 and the router 19 -3 to the network node apparatus 7-2. In the case of the IP telephone communication, for instance, the information is transferred from the network node apparatus 8-2 via the router 19-8 and the router 19-9 to the network node apparatus 7-2.

Z,_SE.C.QNU.-EMBODIMENT .U_SIN.G_GA.T_.EtfAX :

&lt;&lt;COMMUNICATIONS AMONG ANALOG TELEPHONE SETS VIA GATEWAY»

Both the media routers 14-1 and 14-2 shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 own the substantially same internal arrangements and also functions as those of a gateway 9-1 shown in FIG. 68 and of a gateway 9-2 indicated in FIG. 69. There are the below-mentioned technical different points. That is, the media routers 14-1 and 14-2 are provided outside the integrated

IP transfer network 2, whereas the gateways 9-1 and 9-2 are provided inside the integrated IP transfer network 2. Also, charging units 72-1 and 72-2 are provided inside the gateways

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9-1 and 9-2 . Each internal structure of the media routers 14-11,

14-2 and the gateways 9-1, 9-2 is constituted by common internal element blocks such as an SCN interface, an H323 termination unit, a connection control unit and a router. Also, reference numeral 79-1 shows a RAS mechanism of the gateway 9-1, reference numeral 80-1 denotes an information processing mechanism of the gateway 9-1, and reference numeral 81-1 shows an operation input/output unit of the gateway 9-1. Both the media routers and the gateways are arranged by substantially similar functions to each other, except for process operations related to the charging units.

An IP terminal 11-6 and a dependent type IP telephone set 13-3 are connected via a communication line to the gateway

9-1, whereas an IP terminal 11-10 and a dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 16-4 are connected via a communication line to the gateway 9-2. As a terminal- to -terminal communication can be established via a media router, so the below-mentioned terminal-to-terminal communications are realized via the gateway 9-1, the integrated IP transfer network 2 and the gateway 9-2. For example, a terminalto-terminal communication may be established between the IP terminal 11-6 and the IP terminal 11-10 shown in FIG. 20. Also, a terminal-to-terminal communication may be established between the dependent type IP telephone set 13-3 and the dependent type IP telephone set 13-4 shown in FIG. 20. Also,

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 a terminal-to-terminal communication may be established between the dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 16-1 and the dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 16-4 shown in FIG.

20.

Referring now to FIG. 68 to FIG. 85, a description will be made of communication process operations executed between an analog telephone set 18-5 and an analog telephone set 18-6 via the gateway 9-1, the integrated IP transfer network 2 and the gateway 9-2.

When the handset of the analog telephone set 18-5 is taken up, a telephone call signal is reached via a telephone line

17-3, a public switched telephone network 26-1, and a communication line 17-1 to an SCN interface 77-1 provided within the gateway 9-l(Step S60 of FIG. 68), and then, the SCN interface 77-1 returns a call confirmation signal via the public switched telephone network 26-1 to the analog telephone set 18-5(Step S61) . Next, when the user of the analog telephone set 18-5 dials a telephone number Tel-18-6 name of the telephone set 18-6 of the communication counter party, if the analog telephone set 18-5 sends out a call setting signal to the telephone line 17-3, then the call setting signal is reached via the public switched telephone network 26-1 and the communitacion line 17-1 to the SCN interface 77-1 (Step S62).

A data block 48-1 shown in FIG. 70, which is produced by digitalling the call setting signal, is transferred to the H323

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 termination unit 76-l(Step S62x). The H323 termination unit

76-1 retrieves records contained in a gateway state table 100-2 of FIG. 87, and then detects a circuit identification code indicative of the communication line 17-1, a record (i.e.,

17-1) on a first row of this gateway state table 100-2 from the top row.

Next, the H323 termination unit 76-1 reads out a telephone number 81-3-9876-5432 of the analog telephone set

18-5 and an IP address 100.101.102.103 thereof, which are described in the record. Furthermore, the H323 termination unit 76-1 produces an IP packet 48-2 and transmits it to a domain name server 78-l(Step S63). The IP packet 48-2 stores thereinto the address of the analog telephone set 18-5, namely a source IP address A185; the address of the domain name server 78-1 within the gateway, namely a destination IP address

A781; and a telephone number Tel-18-6 name of a communication counter party. The domain name server 78-1 checks the content of the received IP packet 48-2, and subsequently, transmits an IP packet 48-3 via the network node apparatus 8-4 to the domain name server 31-1 dedicated to the

IP telephone network(Step S64). When the domain name server

31-1 dedicated to the IP telephone network returns such an IP packet 48-4 to the domain name server 78-1(Step S65) , the domain name server 78-1 returns the IP packet 48-4 to the H323 termination unit 76-1. The above-explained returned IP packet

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01

48-4 contains an IP address A186 which corresponds to the telephone number Tel-18-6 name of the communication counter party in a 1-to-l correspondence manner.

Next, in such a case that the H323 termination unit 76-1 produces an IP packet 48-5 and transmits the IP packet 485 to the network node apparatus 8-4(Step S66), when the network node apparatus 8-4 transfers the received IP packet 48-5 to the internal arrangement of the integrated IP transfer network shown in FIG. 20, the IP packet 48-5 passes through the routers

19-8, 19-9, 21-2, 19-11 and 19-13 provided inside the IP telephone network 4, and then is reached to the network node apparatus 7-4. As a result, the network node apparatus 74 sends out the received IP packet 48-5 via the router 742 and the H323 termination unit 76-2 to the SCN interface 77-2.

This SCN interface 77-2 interprets the IP packet 48-5 as a telephone call to the analog telephone set 18-6, and sends out a telephone call signal to the communication line 17-2(Step

S66x). Upon receipt of a call confirmation signal from the public switched telephone network 26-2(Step S66y), the SCN termination unit 77-2 executes the below-mentioned two procedure operations. As a first procedure operation, the SCN interface 77-2 produces a returning IP packet 48-6 and then returns the IP packet 48-6 to the router 74-2. As a second procedure operation, the SCN interface 77-2 sends out a call setting signal via the line 17-2 to the public switched

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 telephone network 26-2.

The IP packet 48-6 produced by the first procedure operation is reached via the network node apparatus 7-4(Step S67) and the IP telephone network 4 to the network node apparatus 8-4, and is finally delivered to the H323 termination unit 76-1 provided within the gateway 9-1. Next, the H323 termination unit 76-1 interprets the received IP packet 48-6 as such a fact that a telephone set of a communication counter party(analog telephone set 18-6) is being called, and thus, sends out a data block 48-7 for implying a telephone calling sound to the SCN interface 77-1. As a result, the SCN interface

77-1 sends out the telephone calling sound to the communication line 17-1. When the calling sound is reached via the public switched telephone network 26-1 and the telephone line 173 to the analog telephone set 18-5, the analog telephone set

18-5 interprets that the analog telephone set 18-6 is being called as the communication counter party.

While the above-explained second procedure operation is carried out, the analog telephone set 18-6 receives the call setting signal(Step S67x) and produces the telephone call sound

When the user of the analog telephone set 18-6 hears the telephone call sound and then picks up thes handset of the analog telephone set 18-6, a call setting confirmation signal is sent out from the analog telephone set 18-6. The call setting confirmation signal is reached via the line 17-4, the public

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 switched telephone network 26-2, and the line 17-2 to the SCN interface 77-2. When a response received from the SCN interface 77-2 is transferred to the H323 termination unit

76-2(Step S67y), the H323 termination unit 76-2 produces an IP packet 48-8, and then sends out the IP packet 48-8 to the

H323 termination unit 76-l(Step S68). As a result, the IP packet 48-8 is reached via the network node apparatus 7-4 and the IP telephone network 4 to the network node apparatus 8-4, and then, is received via the router 74-1 within the gateway

9-1 to the H323 termination unit 76-1.

The H323 termination unit 76-1 understands that the received IP packet 48-8 is a response(namely, user of analog telephone set 18-6 takes up handset), and thus, sends out a data block 48-9 for implying a call setting confirmation to the SCN interface 77-1. As a result, the SCN interface 77-1 sends out a call setting confirmation signal to the communication line 17-1, and then, is delivered via the public switched telephone network 26-1 and the telephone line 173 to the analog telephone set 18-5.

The above-described Step S68 corresponds to such a procedure that information of a response is transferred, namely, the IP packet 48-9 is transferred which notifies such a fact that the telephone communication is commenced between the analog telephone set 18-5 and the analog telephone set 186. When both the network node apparatus 7-4 and 8-4 detect

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 the IP packet 48-9, a record of the commencement of the telephone communication may be saved in a charge record file.

In other words, such a fact that the telephone communication is commenced between the analog telephone sets 18-5 and 18-6 and a time instant thereof is saved in the charge record file.

When the user of the analog telephone set 18-5 starts a telephone conversation, a voice(speech) signal is transferred via the telephone line 17-3, the public switched telephone network 26-1, and the communication line 17-1 to the

SCN interface 77-1 so as to be converted into digital voice data. Next, the H323 termination unit 76-1 produces an IP packet 48-10 containing the digital voice data. The voice packet 48-10 is delivered to the analog telephone set 18-6 via the router 74-1; the network node apparatus 8-4; the routers

19-8, 19-9, 21-2, 19-11 and 19-13; the network node apparatus

7-4; the H323 termination unit 76-3; the SCN interface 772; the communication line 17-2; the public switched telephone network 26-2; and the telephone line 17-4 (Step S69) . The voice of the user of the analog telephone set 18-6 is delivered to the analog telephone set 18-5 along a direction opposite to the above-explained packet flow direction(Step S70), namely, is supplied via the SCN interface 77-2; the H323 control unit

76-2; the network node apparatus 7-4; the routers 19-13, 19-11,

21-2, 19-9 and 19-8; the network node apparatus 8-4; the H323 termination unit 76-1 provided inside the gateway 9-1; the SCN

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 interface 77-1; and the communication line 17-1.

When the user of the analog telephone set 18-5 puts on the handset in order to end the telephone communication, the analog telephone set 18-5 sends out a call interrupt signal indicative of ending of the telephone conversation to the telephone line 17-3. The SCN interface 77-1 converts the call interrupt signal into a digital data format. Next, the H323 termination unit 76-1 produces an IP packet 48-12 which indicates that the telephone communication is ended, and then sends out the IP packet 48-12 to the router 74-l(Step S71).

Then, the IP packet 48-12 is delivered to the analog telephone set 18-6 via the network node apparatus 8-4; the routers 19-8,

19-9, 21-2, 19-11 and 19-13; the network node apparatus 74; the H323 termination unit 76-2; and the SCN termination unit

77-2. The user of the analog telephone set 18-6 may know such a fact that the telephone communication is ended, and then, when this user puts on the handset of the analog telephone set

18-6, the SCN interface 77-2 interprets a confirmation of a call interrupt(namely, end of telephone communication), and requests the public switched telephone network 26-2 to notify use fee of public switched telephone network which is required for the telephone communication between the analog telephone sets 18-5 and 18-6. For example, when the communication line 17-2 is the ISDN line, charge information is notified when the telephone communication is ended.

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The SCN interface 77-2 notifies the acquired use fee of the public switched telephone network as a charge fee to the

H323 termination unit 76-2. The H323 termination unit 762 grasps both a call release confirmation and the charge fee, so that the below-mentioned two procedure operations can be carried out. As the first procedure operation, the H323 termination unit 76-2 produces an IP packet 48-13, and sends out the IP packet 48-13 to the router 74-2. As a result, the

IP packet 48-13 is delivered to the H323 termination unit

76-1(Step S72) along a direction opposite to the aboveexplained packet flow direction, namely, is supplied via the network node apparatus 7-4; the routers 19-13, 19-11, 21-2,

19-9 and 19-8; the network node apparatus 8-4 to the H323 termination unit 76-1. Furthermore, as the second procedure process, the H323 termination unit 76-2 notifies a data block

48-14 to a charging unit 72-2 by employing a data transfer function operable within the gateway 9-2 . The data block 48-14 contains the information about the charge fee which has been acquired in accordance with the above-explained procedure. The charging unit 72-2 may save thereinto the acquired charge information when the public switched telephone network 262 is used in the telephone communication established between the analog telephone sets 18-5 and 18-6.

In accordance with the above-explained procedure operation, the analog telephone set 18-5 transmits/receives

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 the IP packet to/from the analog telephone set 18-6, so that the telephone communication can he established.

The above-described Step S72 corresponds to such a procedure that information of a call interrupt confirmation is transferred, namely, the IP packet 48-13 is transferred which notifies such a fact that the telephone communication is ended between the analog telephone set 18-5 and the analog telephone set 18-6. When both the network node apparatus 8-4 and 7-4 detect the IP packet 48-13, a record of the completion of the telephone communication may be saved in a charge record file. In other words, such a fact that the telephone communication is ended between the analog telephone sets 18-5 and 18-6 and an ending time instant are saved in the charge record file.

The IP telephone service operation/management server

36-1 managed by the communication company X acquires the above-described telephone communication starting record and telephone communication end record, in such a manner that the

IP telephone service operation/management server 36-1 periodically, or temporarily transmits/receives an inquiry IP packet with respect to the network node apparatus 8-4. Also, the IP telephone service operation/management server 36-1 acquires the above-explained charge information by transmitting/receiving the inquiry IP packet to/from the charging unit 72-1. Similarly, the IP telephone service

150

CA 02340293 2001-08-01 operation/management server 36-2 managed by the communication company Y acquires the above-explained telephone communication starting record and telephone communication end record in such a manner that the IP telephone service operation/management server 36-2 periodically, or temporarily transmits/receives an inquiry IP packet with respect to the network node apparatus 7-4. Furthermore, the IP telephone service operation/management server 36-2 acquires the charge information by transmitting/receiving the inquiry IP packet to/from the charging unit 72-2.

In the above-described communication procedures, while the domain name server 78-1 may be removed from the gateway

9-1, the above-explained Steps S63 to S65 may be replaced by the below-mentioned Steps S63x and S65x. In other words, the

H323 termination unit 76-1 transmits an IP packet 48-15 via the network node apparatus 8-4 to the domain name server

31-l(Step S63x). The IP packet 48-15 stores thereinto the address of the analog telephone set 18-5, namely the source

IP address A185; the address of the domain name server 31-1 dedicated to the IP telephone network, namely the destination

IP address A311; and the telephone number of the communication counter party Tel-18-6 name.

The domain name server 31-1 dedicated to the IP telephone network returns another IP packet 48-16 to the H323 termination unit 76-l(Step S65x). The IP packet 48-16 contains the IP

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V address A186 which corresponds to the telephone number of the communication counter party Tel-18-6 name in a 1-to1 correspondence manner.

In the above-explained procedures defined from the Step

S63 to the Step S65, or by both the Step S63x and the Step S65x, the network node apparatus 8-4 may confirm that the analog telephone set 18-5 is allowed to be communicated from the communication line 17-1 via the network node apparatus 8-4 by checking as to whether or not the combination between the source address A781 contained in the IP packet 48-3 produced in the domain name server 78-1 in the gateway and the circuit identification codeLine-17-l similarly produced is registered in the address administration table 44-2(refer to

FIG. 86), or by checking as to whether or not the combination between the source address A185 contained in the IP packet

48-15 produced in the H323 termination unit 76-1 and the circuit identification codeLine-17-l similarly produced is registered in the address administration table 44-2(refer to

FIG. 86).

CCTELEPHONE SERVICE OPERATION/MANAGEMENT SERVER>>

The IP telephone service operation/management server

36-1 managed by the communication company X acquires the above-explained telephone communication starting record and also telephone communication end record in such a manner that the IP telephone service operation/management server 36-1

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 periodically, or temporarily transmits/receives an inquiry IP packet with respect to both the network node apparatus 8-2 and

8-4. Also, the IP telephone service operation/management server 36-1 checks as to whether or not the internal resources of the IP telephone network managed by the communication company X are operated under normal condition by using such a means for transmitting/receiving an ICMP packet(namely, failure management). These internal resources are, for instance, the routers 19-8, 19-9, 19-10; the domain name server

31-1, and the communication lines among the routers. Also, the IP telephone service operation/management server 36-1 monitors as to whether or not the congestion of the IP packets within the IP telephone network is excessively increased(namely, communication quality control) in order that the IP telephone network of the communication company X” may be operated/managed in a unified mode.

Similarly, the IP telephone service operation/management server 36-2 managed by the communication company Y acquires the above-explained telephone communication starting record and telephone communication end record in such a manner that the IP telephone service operation/management server 36-2 periodically, or temporarily transmits/receives an inquiry IP packet with respect to both the network node apparatus 7-2 and 7-4. Also, the IP telephone service operation/management server 36-2 operates/manages the

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 v

failure management and the communication quality of the IP telephone network of the communication company Y in a unified mode.

It should also be noted that the record about the telephone communication commencement defined at the Step S68, and the record about the end of the telephone communication defined at the Step S72 among the above-explained procedure may be omitted. In this alternative case, the acquisitions of both the telephone communication starting record and the telephone communication end record by the communication company X and the communication company Y may be omitted.

It should also be noted that both the IP telephone service operation/management servers 36-1 and 36-2 may be subdivided into an IP telephone service server which exclusively manages the IP telephone services, and also an IP telephone network operation/management server which exclusively manages the resources of the IP telephone network.

i,_THIRD EMBODIMENT USING MEDIA ROUTER INSIDE CATV

COMMUNICATION NETWORK:

Referring now to FIG. 88, a description will be made of a third embodiment featured by that since the media router according to the present invention is used inside a CATV communication network, terminals are communicated/connected to each other with employment of an IP transfer network.

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Τ'

A media router 115 is located within a CATV gateway 113-2 employed inside a CATV network 113-1, and is connected via a communication line 112 to a network node apparatus 111 provided in an integrated IP transfer network 110. Also, the media router 115 is connected via any one of a CATV line interface

114, and CATV lines 119-1 through 119-4 to IP terminals 116-1 through 116-3; an analog telephone set 117, a dependent type

IP telephone set 118-1, and a dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 118-2. The CATV lines 119-1 to 119-4 contain communication lower layers(namely, communication physical layer and data link layer) specific to the CATV lines, and also have functions for transferring IP packets in a communication network. An IP packet transmitted from the IP terminal 116-1 is entered via the CATV line 119-1 to the CATV line interface

114 in which the IP packet is derived. The derived IP packet is sent to the media router 115. The media router 115 is arranged in a similar manner to that of the media router 14-1 shown in FIG. 23, and contains the same function as that of the media router 14-1, for example, a domain name server.

Because of this reason, the media router 115 can convert an

IP packet containing call control data into DNS inquiry response format data, and can send out the converted IP packet to the communication line 112.

Also, such an IP packet is transmitted via the media router 115 to the communication line 112. The IP packet is

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 inputted from the analog telephone set 117, the dependent type

IP telephone set 118-1, or the dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 118-2 through the CATV lines 1.19-2 to 119-4 and the

CATV line interface 114. Conversely, an IP packet which is sent from the network node apparatus 111 via the communication line 112 may be transmitted via the media router 115, the CATV line interface 114, and thereafter any one of the CATV lines

119-1 to 119-4 to any one of the IP terminal 116-1, the analog telephone set 117, the dependent type IP telephone set 118-1 and the dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 118-2.

As previously explained in other embodiments, the IP terminal 116-1, the analog telephone set 117, the dependent type IP telephone set 118-1 and the dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 118-2 provided inside the CATV network

113-1 can establish the terminal-to-terminal communications via the integrated IP transfer network 110 with respect to other various terminals connected to the integrated IP transfer network 110, namely an IP terminal, an analog telephone set, an IP telephone set, and an IP voice/image apparatus, while using the domain name server within the integrated IP transfer network.

Since the IP terminal 116-1 indicates a host name of an

IP terminal functioning as a communication counter party to the domain name server within the integrated IP transfer network 110 via the CATV line 119-1 and the CATV gateway 113-2

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 so as to acquire an IP address of the IP terminal of the counter party and subsequently data is transmitted/received from/to the IP terminal 116-1 to the IP terminal of the counter party, a terminal-to-terminal communication for transmitting/receiving data can be carried out. Similarly, since the analog telephone set 117 indicates a host name of an analog telephone functioning as a communication counter party, i.e., a telephone number of a telephone set thereof to the domain name server within the integrated IP transfer network 110 via the CATV line 119-2 and the CATV gateway 113-2 so as to acquire an IP address of the telephone set of the counter party and subsequently voice data is transmitted/received from the analog telephone set 117 to the analog telephone set of the counter party, a telephone communication can be carried out.

Similarly, since the dependent type IP telephone set

118-1 indicates a host name of an analog telephone set functioning as a communication counter party, i.e., a telephone number of a telephone set of the counter party to the domain name server within the integrated IP transfer network 110 via the CATV line 119-3 and the CATV gateway 113-2 so as to acquire an IP address of the analog telephone of the counter party and subsequently voice data is transmitted/received from the analog telephone set 117 to this analog telephone set of the counter party, a telephone communication can be carried out.

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4. FOURTH EMBODIMENT USING GATEWAY WITH WIRELESS INTERFACE:

Referring now to FIG. 89, a fourth embodiment will be explained in which while a terminal connective wireless apparatus is combined with the gateway according to the present invention, terminals are connected/communicated with each other by employment of an IP transfer network.

In this drawing, reference numeral 120 shows an integrated IP transfer network, reference numeral 121 denotes a network node apparatus, reference numeral 122 represents a gateway apparatus, 123 indicates a wireless transmission/reception unit, reference numeral 124-1 shows a wireless interface conversion unit, reference numeral 1242 represents a communication line, reference numeral 125 indicates a wireless communication path, reference numeral 126 shows a terminal connective wireless apparatus, reference numeral 127 indicates a wireless transmission/reception unit, reference numeral 128-1 is an IP terminal, reference numeral

128-2 represents a dependent type IP telephone set, reference numeral 128-3 shows a dependent IP voice/image apparatus, and reference numerals 129-1 to 129-3 indicate wireless interface conversion unit. The gateway 122 owns the same function as that of the above-described gateway 9-1 shown in FIG. 68. When terminals such as an IP terminal, an H323 terminal and an analog telephone set are connected via the communication line 124-2,

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 the gateway 122 may be employed for carrying out a terminal-to-terminal communication. Because of this reason, since an IP terminal, an IP telephone set, and an IP voice/image apparatus are connected to each other by using the communication line 124-2, the gateway 122 may perform the terminal-to-terminal communication.

Both data having a DNS inquiry/response format sent from the IP terminal 128-1 and text data which will be transmitted/received are converted into an input data format of a wireless transmission/reception unit by the wireless interface conversion unit 129-1, and then the converted data format is entered into the wireless transmission/reception unit 127, and further supplied via the wireless communication path 125 to the wireless transmission/reception unit 123.

Then, the data format is converted into such a data format of an IP packet which is applicable to a gateway in the wireless interface conversion unit 124-1, and then the converted IP packet is sent out via the communication line 124-2 to the gateway 122. Both telephone call controlling data and digitally-represented voice(speech) data to be transmitted/received, which are transmitted from the dependent type IP telephone set 128-2, are converted into the input data formats of a wireless transmission/reception unit by the wireless interface conversion unit 129-2, and then the converted data formats are inputted to the wireless

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 transmission/reception unit 127. The converted data formats are supplied via the wireless communication path 125and the wireless transmission/reception unit 123 to the wireless interface conversion unit 124-1 so as to be converted into data formats of IP packets which is applicable to a gateway. These data formats are sent to the gateway 122 via the communication line 124-2.

Both call control data of an IP voice/image apparatus and digitally-expressed voice/moving image data to be transmitted/received, which are transmitted from the dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 128-3 are converted into the input data formats of a wireless transmission/reception unit by the wireless interface conversion unit 129-3, and then the converted data formats are inputted to the wireless transmission/reception unit 127 . The converted data formats are supplied via the wireless communication path 125and the wireless transmission/reception unit 123 to the wireless interface conversion unit 124-1 so as to be converted into data formats of IP packets which is applicable to a gateway. These data formats are sent to the gateway 122 via the communication line 124-2. Also, as a data flow along a direction opposite to the above-described direction, for instance, an IP packet of an IP telephone supplied from the network node apparatus 121 is delivered via the gateway 122, the communication line 124-2, the wireless

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 interface converting unit 124-1, the wireless transmission/reception unit 123, the wireless communication path 125, the wireless transmission/reception unit 127, and the wireless interface conversion unit 1.29-2 to the dependent type IP telephone set 128-2.

Furthermore, the IP terminal 128-1, the dependent type

IP telephone set 128-2 and the dependent type IP voice/image apparatus 128-3, which are connected to the terminal connective wireless apparatus 126, may establish the terminal-toterminal communication with respect to other various terminals which are connected via the integrated IP transfer network 120 to the integrated IP transfer network 120, namely an IP terminal, an analog telephone set, an IP telephone set, an IP voice/image apparatus and the like.

FIFTH EMBODIMENT WITH GATEWAY HAVING DIFFERENT STRUCTURE:

This fifth embodiment is a gateway having a different structure from that of the gateway 9-1 shown in FIG. 68 of the second embodiment, and will now be explained with reference to FIG. 90.

In this drawing, reference numeral. 9-5 shows a gateway, reference numeral 74-5 shows a router, reference numeral 78-5 denotes a domain name server, and reference numeral 79-5 represents a RAS mechanism. This RAS mechanism 79-5 manages registration/certification of terminals to the gateway 9-5,

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 and also internal states (for example, communication state and rest state) of the gateway 9-5. In this case, registration of terminal implies that a terminal is connected to the gateway, whereas certification of terminal is to confirm as to whether or not a terminal can be formally utilized in accordance with a connection permission condition of the terminal. Reference numeral 80-5 shows an information processing mechanism for executing an information process operation within the gateway

9-5. Reference numeral 81-5 shows an operation input/output unit of the gateway 9-5, and reference numeral 72-5 represents a charging unit. Reference numeral 82-3 represents a gateway unit for H323 communication procedure(H323-GW), reference numeral 75-3 denotes an H323 connection control unit, reference numeral 76-3 shows an H323 termination unit, and reference numeral 77-3 denotes an SCN interface. Also, reference numeral 82-4 indicates a gateway unit for SIP communication procedure(SIP-GW), reference numeral 75-4 shows an SIP connection control unit, reference numeral 76-4 denotes an SIP termination unit, and reference numeral 77-4 represents an SCN interface. Reference numeral 52-3 shows an IP communication line to which an IP terminal is connectable, reference numeral

53-3 indicates a communication line to which an IP telephone set of H323 communication procedure is connectable, and reference numeral 53-4 shows a communication line to which an

IP telephone set of SIP communication procedure is connectable.

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Also, reference numerals 17-3 and 17-4 denote communication lines connected to a public switched telephone network, respectively.

The gateway 9-5 of FIG. 90 is replaceable by the gateway

9-1 shown in FIG. 68 of the second embodiment, and the router

74-5 is replaceable by the router 74-1. Also, the domain name server 78-5 is replaceable by the domain name server 78-1, the

RAS mechanism 79-5 is replaceable by the RAS mechanism 791, the information processing mechanism 80-5 is replaceable by the information processing mechanism 80-1, and the operation input/output unit 81-5 is replaceable by the operation input/output unit 81-1. Also, the charging unit 72-5 is replaceable by the charging unit 72-1, the H323 connection control unit 75-3 is replaceable by the H323 connection control unit 75-1, the H323 termination unit 76-3 is replaceable by the H323 termination unit 76-1, and further, the SCN interface

77-3 is replaceable by the SCN interface 77-1. Under such a circumstance, after the gateway 9-5 of FIG. 90 has been replaced by the gateway 9-1 of FIG. 68, a communication may be carried out by the following manner. That is, an IP terminal is connected to a tip of the IP communication line 52-3, an IP telephone set of H323 communication procedure is connected to a tip of the communication line 53-3, an analog telephone set is connected to a tip of the communication line 17-3, and also is connected via the gateway 9-5 to the terminals 11-10 and

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18-6 of FIG. 69 in the second embodiment, which are connected to the integrated IP transfer network 2. Further, reference numeral 82-3 of H323-GW indicates gateway communication interface function unit for H323 communication procedure.

Similarly, symbol SIP-GW 82-4 is a gateway communication interface function unit for SIP communication procedure, and is connected to the telephone set 18-6 of FIG. 69 from the IP telephone set for SIP communication procedure connected to a tip of a communication line 53-4 via the communication line

53-4, the SIP termination unit 76-4 which operates the terminal in accordance with the SIP communication procedure, and also the SIP connection control unit 75-4 and the router 74-5, for connecting the terminals in accordance with the SIP communication procedure, so that the communication can be carried out. Moreover, SIP-GW 82-4 is connected from a telephone set connected to a tip of the communication line 17-4 via the SCN interface 77-4 to the telephone set 18-6, so that the communication can be carried out.

Both H323-GW 82-3 and SIP-GW 82-4 may provide communication line interfaces corresponding to the two communication procedures. In future, when a communication means is newly developed, a gateway used for this new communication means may be additionally provided at the locations of both the gateways 82-3 and 82-4. Alternatively, since a plurality of gateway communication interface function

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 units depending upon a sort of communication procedures are employed, the gateway may be applied to various telephone connection controls for various communication procedures.

6, SIXTH EMBODIMENT USING TELEPHONE MANAGEMENT SERVER:

In FIG. 91, reference numeral 201 is an integrated IP communication network, reference numeral 202 indicates an IP data network, reference numeral 203 shows an IP telephone network, and reference numeral 204 represents a voice/image network. Also, reference numeral 206-1 shows a range of an integrated IP communication network which is operated/managed by a communication company 1, and reference numeral 2062 denotes a range of an integrated IP communication network which is operated/managed by a communication company 2.

Referring now to FIG. 91 and FIG. 92, a preparation of a telephone communication is explained as follows. That is, a description is made of a terminal-to-terminal communication control method by which a telephone communication is made from an analog telephone set 213-5 to another analog telephone set

214-4 via a media router 212-1, a communication line 210-1, a network node apparatus 208-1, an internal structure of an

IP telephone network 203, a network node apparatus 209-2, a communication line 210-5 and also a media router 212-2. In this embodiment, reference numerals 219-1 to 219-10 and 221-2 represent routers .

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Also, various sorts of severs are installed within the integrated IP communication network 201, and IP addresses are applied to the respective servers. As indicated in FIG. 91, various sorts of servers, the routers, and the node apparatus are connected to each other via IP communication lines, and may exchange data with each other by transmitting/receiving

IP packets by using IP communication means owned in the respective units. Reference numerals 209-1 to 209-2 show telephone gateways by which a telephone communication can be carried out, for example, from the analog telephone set 209-4 via a public switched telephone network 209-3 to other telephone sets (which has been explained in other embodiments ).

It should be noted that telephone administration servers 313-5 and 314-5 are substantially equal to the connection servers

1-5 and 1-6 of FIG. 18. Both the gateways 209-1 and 209-2 are substantially equal to the relay connection server 1-7 of FIG.

18. The functions of these gateways will be described in other embodiment.

Reference numerals 213-1 and 214-1 show PBX for storing analog telephone sets, and reference numerals 213-2 to 213-6 and 214-2 to 214-6 represent analog telephone sets. The telephone sets 213-2 to 213-3 are connected to the PBX 213-1, whereas the telephone sets 214-2 and 214-3 are connected to the PBX 214-1. The telephone sets 213-4 to 213-6 are connected to the media router 212-1, and the telephone sets 214-4 to 214-6

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CA 02340293 2002-06-14 are connected to the media router 212-2.

An IP address EA01 is applied to the media router

212-1, and an IP address EA02” is applied to the media router 212-2. A representative telephone number Tel-No-l is applied to the telephone sets 213-4 to 213-6, a representative telephone number Tel-No-2 is applied to the telephone sets 214-4 to 214-6, and extension telephone numbers 2132, 2133, 2142 and 2143 are applied to the telephone sets 213-2, 213-3, 214-2 and 214-3, respectively.

«PREPARATION OF TELEPHONE COMMUNICATION»

A user 227-1 who wishes to use an IP telephone requests an IP telephone acceptance person 228-1 belonging to the communication company 1 to use an IP telephone service(Step P100 of FIG. 92). The IP telephone acceptance person 228-1 acquires from the user 227-1, a user name, a user address, a payment way of a communication fee, and a user telephone number Tel-No-l, which constitute the propose information of the IP telephone. Also, an external

IP address EA01

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 applied to the media router 212-1, a circuit identification code L210-1 of the communication line 210-1 used to be connected to the media router 212-1 by the user, and also a network node apparatus identification number

NN-208-1 of the network node apparatus 208-1 to which the communication line 210-1 is connected are notified to a user service server 313-6(Step P101). In this case, the user 227-1 indicates the IP address EA01 to the IP telephone acceptance person 228-1.

The user sets the IP address EA01 to the media router

212-1, which is used in correspondence with the user telephone number Tel-No-1. Next, the user service server 313-6 applies to the user 227-1, a user identification symbol UID-1 used to identify the accepted telephone user, and determines an internal IP address IA01 for the user 227-1 while the symbol UID-1 is made in correspondence with the external IP address EA01. Then, the user service server 313-6 stores information into a database of the user service server(Step

P102) . This information is related to the user name, the user address, the payment way of the communication fee, the user telephone number Tel-No-1, and the external IP address EA01

Since the telephone set 213-5 uses the external IP address

EA01 corresponding to the telephone number Tel-No-1, such a representation that the external address of the telephone set 213-5 is equal to EA01” in the telephone communication

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Next, the user service server 313-6 notifies at least the above-described user telephone number Tel-No-l, external IP address EA01, internal IP address IA01 of the

IP telephone request person to the telephone administration server 313-5 by employing the IP communication means(Step

P103).

The telephone administration server 313-5 notifies one set of corresponding information, namely, the user telephone number Tel-No-l, the external IP address EA01 and the internal IP address IAOl , to the telephone domain name server

313-2(Step P105). The telephone domain name server 313-2 saves the user telephone number Tel-No-l”, the external IP address and internal IP address in such a format as the resource records which are determined based on the operation rule of the domain name server defined as RFC 1996(Step P106) .

Furthermore, the telephone administration server 313-5 notifies four addresses EA01, EA81, IAOl, IA81 to a table administration server 313-3(Step P107). It should be understood that the telephone administration server 313-5 continuously saves both an external IP address EA81 and an internal IP address IA81 of a telephone proxy server 313-1.

When the table administration server 313-3 notifies the above-explained four addresses EA01, EA81, IAOl, IA81 with respect to the network node apparatus 208-l(Step P108), the

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 network node apparatus 208-1 holds four addresses EAOl, EA81,

IA01, IA81(Step P109). These four addresses are indicated on a first record of the address administration table 3601 provided in the network node apparatus 208-1 as indicated in FIG. 93. In this case, the address IA01 corresponds to an IP address which is applied to a joint point (logic terminal) between the communication line 210-1 and the network node apparatus 208-1. This IP address IA01 will be referred to as an internal IP address hereinafter, which is applied to the logic terminal of the communication line 210-1. At this time, a record indicated in a second row of the address administration table 360-1 is empty.

It should be understood that the record indicated in the first row of the address administration table 360-1 is called as an IP communication record of the address administration table of the network node apparatus, and then the IP communication record is defined based upon the source external

IP address EAOl, the destination external IP address EA81, the source internal IP address IA01 , and also the destination internal IP address IA81. In particular, this IP communication record is referred to as the IP communication record of an address administration table of a network node apparatus which defines an IP communication path established between the telephone proxy server 313-1 and the media router

212-1.

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Similarly, a user 227-2 who wishes to use an IP telephone requests an IP telephone acceptance person 228-2 belonging to the communication company 2 to use an IP telephone service(Step P110 of FIG. 92). The IP telephone acceptance person 228-2 acquires from the user 227-2, a user name, a user address, a payment way of a communication fee and a user telephone number Tel-No-2”, which constitute the propose information of the IP telephone. Also, the external IP address

EA02” applied to the media router 212-2, a circuit identification code L210-5 of the communication line 210-5 used to be connected to the media router 212-2 by the user, and also a network node apparatus identification number

NN-209-2 of the network node apparatus 209-2 to which the communication line 210-5 is connected are notified to a user service server 314-6(Step Pill) . In this case, the user 227-2 indicates the acquired IP address EA02 to the IP telephone acceptance person 228-2.

The user sets the IP address EA02 to the media router

212-2, which is used in correspondence with the user telephone number Tel-No-2. Next, the user service server 314-6 applies to the user 227-2, a user identification symbol UID-2” used to identify the accepted telephone user, and determines an internal IP address IA02 for the user 227-2 in correspondence with the external IP address EA02 . Then, the user service server 314-6 stores information into a database

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 of the user service server(Step P112). The information is related to the user name, the user address, the payment way of the communication fee, the user telephone number Tel-No-2 and the external IP address EA02. Since the telephone set

214-4 uses the external IP address ^,,EA02 corresponding to the telephone number Tel-No-2, such a representation is used that the external IP address of the telephone set 214-4 is equal to EA02 in the telephone communication by using the IP telephone network 203.

Next, the user service server 314-6 notifies at least the above-described user telephone number Tel-No-2, external IP address EA02, internal IP address IA02 of the

IP telephone request person to the telephone administration server 314-5 by employing the IP communication means (Step P113)

The telephone administration server 314-5 notifies one set of corresponding information, namely, the user telephone number

Tel-No-2, the external IP address EA02 and the internal

IP address IA02, to the telephone domain name server

314-2(Step P115). The telephone domain name server 314-2 saves one set of such information which is made in correspondence with the user telephone number Tel-No-2, the external IP address EA02 and internal IP address IA02 in such as format as the resource records(Step P116).

Furthermore, the telephone administration server 314-5 notifies four addresses EA02, EA82, IA02, IA82 to a table

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 administration server 314-3(Step P117).

It should also be noted that the telephone administration server 314-5 continuously saves the external IP address EA82 and the internal IP address IA82 of the a telephone proxy server 314-1. Also, both the telephone domain name servers

313-2 and 314-2 owns a recursive call function similar to that of a domain name server used in the Internet. Thus, the telephone domain name servers 313-2 and 314-2 may exchange there own information to each other, if necessary(Step P120).

When the table administration server 314-3 notifies the above-explained four addresses EA02, EA82, IA02, IA82 with respect to the network node apparatus 209-2(Step P118), the network node apparatus 209-2 holds four addresses EA02, EA82,

IA02, IA82(Step P119). These four addresses are indicated on a first record of the address administration table 3602 provided in the network node apparatus 209-2 as indicated in FIG. 94. In this case, the address IA02 corresponds to an IP address which is applied to a joint point (logic terminal) between the communication line 210-5 and the network node apparatus 209-2. At this time, a record indicated in a second row of the address administration table 360-2 is empty. In particular, this IP communication record, is referred as an IP communication record of an address administration table of a network node apparatus which defines an IP communication path established between the telephone proxy server 314-1 and the

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«COMMUNICATION PATH ESTABLISHING PHASE»

Referring now to FIG. 91, and FIG. 93 to FIG. 95, a description will be made of a method for controlling a terminal-to-terminal communication connection in which a telephone call is made from the telephone set 213-5 to the telephone set 214-4.

The media router 212-1 holds both the telephone number of Tel-No-1 and the external IP address EA01, and the media router 212-2 holds both the telephone number of Tel-No-2 and the external IP address EA02. When the telephone set 213-5 establishes a telephone communication with another telephone set, the telephone number of TelNo-1 applied to the media router 212-1 is used, whereas when the telephone set 214-4 establishes a telephone communication with another telephone set, the telephone number of Tel-No-2 applied to the media router 212-2 is employed.

«CONNECTION PHASE»

In the case that the user picks up the handset of the telephone 213-5(off hook), dials the telephone number of Tel-No-2 of the telephone set 214-4 functioning as the communication counter party, and then transmits the inputted telephone number to the media router 212-1(Step P200), the media router 212-1 replies(Step P201).

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Next, the media router 212-1 produces such an IP packet(refer to 379 of FIG. 96) which contains at least the source telephone number Tel-No-1, the destination telephone number Tel-No-2, and the user individual information(User-Info.), and then transmits the IP packet to the network node apparatus 208-1, so that the media router 212-1 commences a procedure of telephone call setting operation(Step P204). It should be noted that the user individual information(User-Info.) may be delivered to the media router 212-2 at a Step P219(will be explained later). This user individual information is constituted, for example, by a telephone call identifier C-id used to manage, a telephone call on the user side, and an identification symbol of a voice(speech) compression or a voice coding codes system for an IP telephone. A payload portion of an IP packet 379 shown in FIG. 96 may be used as an UDP segment. For instance, both a source port number and a destination port number may be employed as 5060 in order that a program for controlling the telephone communication connection provided inside the media router 212-1 and 212-2 is discriminated from other programs.

Upon receipt of the IP packet, the network node apparatus 208-1 retrieves the address administration table 360-1 shown in FIG. 93 so as to seek such a record that the source IP address is EAOl as the external IP address and the destination IP

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 address of EA81 is contained. In this example, when the network node apparatus 208-1 finds out the record indicated in the first row of the address administration table 360-1 from the top row, namely, the record being equal to EA01, EA81,

IA01, IA81, the network node apparatus 208-1 applies the encapsulation method of the IP packet to form an IP packet 380 equal to an internal IP packet shown in FIG. 97 by using the

IP addresses IA01 and IA81, which are described in third and fourth addresses inside the record. Thereafter, the network node apparatus 208-1 transmits such a telephone proxy server 313-1 whose IP address is equal to IA81(Step P205).

In this case, a payload portion of the IP packet 380 corresponds to 379 of the IP packet.

When the telephone proxy server 313-1 receives the IP packet 380, the telephone proxy server 313-1 produces an IP packet 381 whose payload portion is equal to the IP packet 379, and sends the produced IP packet 381 to the telephone administration server 313-5 whose IP address is equal to

IA91(Step P206) . The telephone administration server 313-5 determines a circuit identification code (CIC-1-2) as, for instance, CIC-1-2 = Tel-l-No-1 + Tel-No-2, depending upon a combination between the source telephone number Tel-No1 and the destination telephone number Tel-No-2, and then saves the circuit identification code (CIC-1-2) into the telephone administration server 313-5. In this case, symbol

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 + implies that the telephone number is arranged(namely, coupling of data).

The telephone administration server 313-5 notifies both the source telephone number Tel-No-1 and the destination telephone number Tel-No-2 , which are received at the previous

Step P206, to the telephone domain name server 313-2(Step P207).

The telephone administration server 313-5 receives from the telephone domain name server 313-2, the external IP address of EAOl corresponding to the telephone number Tel-No-1 in a 1-to-l correspondence relationship; the internal IP address of IAOl; and both the IP address EA02 and the internal IP address IA02, which correspond to the telephone number

Tel-No-2 in a 1-to-l correspondence relationship (Step P208 ) .

In this case, the telephone domain name server 313-2 inquires

IP address information of the telephone number Tel-No-2 to the telephone domain name server 314-2 by employing the recursive call function so as to acquire the IP address information. The telephone administration server 313-5 checks as to whether or not the IP address EAOl received from the telephone domain name server 313-2 is made coincident with the source IP address EAOl which has been acquired from the inside of the IP packet 381 at the Step P206. When the IP address is not made coincident with the source IP address , the telephone administration server 313-5 stops the telephone connection procedure. To the contrary, when the IP address is made

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 coincident with the source IP address, the telephone administration server 313-5 additionally saves the IP address

EA01 of the source telephone set, the internal IP address

IAOl thereof, the IP address EA02 of the destination telephone set, and also the internal IP address IA02 thereof into the information of the held circuit identification code (CIC-1-2) . It should be noted that as to the IP packet of the communication among the servers provided inside the integrated

IP communication network, an IP packet 382 having a format shown in FIG. 99 is transmitted/received by employing the internal

IP address.

The network node apparatus is not equal to the server.

The IP packet transmitted/received between the network node apparatus and the telephone proxy server corresponds to such an IP packet having a encapsulated format shown in FIG. 97 and

FIG. 101, whereas the IP packet transmitted/received between the network node apparatus and the media router corresponds to an IP packet before being encapsulated, to which the external

IP address as shown in FIG. 96 has been applied.

Next, the telephone administration server 313-5 transmits such an IP packet(IAM packet) via a representative server 313-7 of the communication company 1”(Step P214) and via a representative server 314-7 of the communication company 2(Step P215) to the telephone administration server 3145 of the communication company 2(Step P216). The IP packet

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 contains the IP address EA01 of the source telephone set, the internal IP address IA01 thereof, the source telephone number Tel-No-l, the IP address EA02 of the destination telephone set, the internal IP address IA02 thereof, the destination telephone number Tel-No-2, the user identification number(User Info.), and the circuit identification code (CIC-1-2). Then, the telephone administration server 314-5 receives the four IP addresses

EA01, IA01, EA02, IA02; the two telephone numbers Tel-No-l and Tel-No-2 ; the circuit identification code CIC-1-2 ; and the user identification information(User-Info.), and saves all of the received items other than the user identification information (User-Info.) thereinto.

Furthermore, the telephone administration server 314-5 whose internal address is IA92 notifies the IP packet 383 of FIG. 100 to the telephone proxy server 314-1 whose internal

IP address is equal to IA82(Step P217). In this case, the

IP packet 383 contains the IP address EA01 of the sourcesource telephone set, the IP address EA02 of the destination telephone set, the sourcesource telephone number Tel-No-l, the destination telephone number Tel-No-2, and the user additional information(User-Info.). Then, the telephone proxy server 314-1 forms an IP packet 384 shown in FIG. 101 and sends the IP packet 384 to the network node apparatus 209-2(Step P218). The network node apparatus 209-2 performs

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 the decapsulation of such an IP packet by removing the header of the IP packet 384 to form an IP packet 385 shown in FIG.

102, and then transmits the IP packet 385 to the media router

212-2(Step P219). The media router 212-2 acquires the IP address EAOl of the source telephone set, the IP address

EA02 of the destination telephone set,, the source telephone number Tel-No-l, the destination telephone number TelNo-2 and the user additional information(User-Info.).

Next, the media router 212-2 returns the reception of the above-explained information for notifying the telephone reception in connection with two sets of the telephone numbers

Tel-No-l and Tel-No-2 to the telephone administration server 314-5(Steps P221, P222, P223). This telephone administration server 314-5 restores the circuit identification code(CIC-1-2) from the two telephone numbers

Tel-No-l and Tel-No-2, and then transmits a reception confirmation(acknowledgment) IP packet(ACM packet) of above-explained information containing the circuit identification code(CIC-l-2) via the telephone administration server 313-5 to the media router 212-l(Steps P224 to P229).

Next, the media router 212-2 notifies the telephone call(call reception) to the telephone set 214-4(Step P230), and when the telephone set 214-4 accepts the telephone call, the telephone set 214-4 produces telephone calling sound. The media router 212-2 notifies such a fact that the telephone

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 set 214-4 having the called telephone number Tel-No-2 is being called via the network node apparatus 209-2(Step P231) and further via the telephone proxy server(Step P232) to the telephone administration server 314-5, while attaching a set of the source telephone number Tel-No-1 and the destination telephone number Tel-No-2(Step P233). The telephone administration server 314-5 of the communication company 2 restores the circuit identification code(CIC-l-2) by employing the set of the source telephone number Tel-No-1 and the destination telephone number Tel-No-2 sent from the media router 212-2 . Next, the telephone administration server

314-5 forms a reception confirmation IP packet(CPG packet) of the above-explained information containing the circuit identification code(CIC-l-2), and then sends the CPG packet to the telephone administration server 313-5(Steps P234, P235,

P236). The telephone administration server 313-5 receives the

CPG packet and reads the circuit identification code(CIC-l-2) from the CPG packet.

Next, while the telephone administration server 3135 employs the circuit identification code(CIC-l-2), in such a case that the telephone administration server 313-5 reads out both the address and the telephone number which are recorded/saved at the Step P214, and then transmits at least the IP address EAOl of the media router 212-1 connected to the source telephone set; the IP address EA02 of the media

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 router 212-2 connected to the destination telephone set; the source telephone number Tel-No-l; and the destination telephone number Tel-No-2” to the telephone proxy server

313-1(Step P237), these items are notified via the network node apparatus 208-l(Step P238) to the media router 212-l(Step P239)

The media router 212-1 informs that the destination telephone set 214-4 is being called to the source telephone set 2135(Step P240), and the source telephone 213-5 produces the telephone calling sound.

On the other hand, when the user of the telephone set

214-4 hears the telephone calling sound to take up the handset of this telephone set(off hook), the IP telephone set 2144 notifies the off hook condition to the media router 2122(Step P241). Then, the media router 212-2 notifies the off hook notification via the network node apparatus 209-2(Step

P242) , and further, via the telephone proxy server (Step P243) to the telephone administration server 314-5(Step P244) . The telephone administration server 314-5 of the communication company 2 restores the circuit identification code(CIC-l-2) from the set of both the source telephone number Tel-No-l and the destination telephone number Tel-No-2, and forms a reception confirmation IP packet(ANM packet) of the aboveexplained information containing the circuit identification code(CIC-l-2) to transmit the ANM packet to the telephone administration server 313-5(Steps P245, P246, P247). The

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 telephone administration server 313-5 receives the ANM packet so as to read out the circuit identification code(CIC-l-2) from the ANM packet.

While the telephone administration server 314-5 employs the circuit identification code(CIC-l-2) held at the stage of the Step P245, the telephone administration server 314-5 reads both the IP address and the telephone number which are held/stored at the previous Step P217. Next, the telephone administration server 314-5 notifies both the IP address EA01 and the internal IP address IAOl of the source telephone set and the IP address EA02 and the internal IP address IA02 of the media router 212-2 connected to the destination telephone set to the table administration server 314-3(Step

P250) . The table administration server 314-3 saves thereinto a set of the circuit identification code(CIC-l-2); both the

IP address EA01 and the internal IP address IAOl of the source telephone set; and both the IP address EA02 and the internal IP address IA02 of the destination telephone set, and also stores these IP addresses into the address administration table 360-2 contained in the network node apparatus 209-2(Step P251). This condition is indicated as a record of a second row of the address administration table

360-2 of FIG. 94.

While using the read circuit identification code(CIC-l-2), the telephone administration server 313-5

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 reads out both the IP address and the telephone number saved/stored at the Step P214. Next, the telephone administration server 313-5 notifies the circuit identification code(CIC-l-2), both the IP address EA01 and the internal IP address IA01 of the transmission-sided media router 212-1; and both the IP address EA02” and the internal

IP address IA02 of the destination media router 212-2 to the table administration server 313-3(Step P252). The table administration server 313-3 holds thereinto the communication circuit identification code(CIC-l-2); both the IP address

EA01 and the internal IP address IAOl of the source telephone set; and both the IP address EA02 and the internal

IP address IA02 of the destination telephone set, and further holds these items into the address administration table 360-1 provided in the network node apparatus 208-l(Step P253). This condition is indicated as the record of the second row of the address administration table 360-1 of FIG. 93.

The record of the second row in the address administration table 360-1 of FIG. 93 corresponds to an IP communication record of address administration table which is set into the network node apparatus.. The content of the

IP communication record is ruled based upon such a definition made of the source external IP address EA01” , the destination external IP address EA02, the source internal IP address

IAOl, and the destination internal IP address IA02.

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The IP communication record of the second row of the address administration table 360-1 contains both the external

IP address EA01 and the external IP address EA02, and determines such an IP communication path defined between the media router 212-1 to which the external IP address EA01” is applied, and the media router 212-2 to which the external IP address EA02 is applied. Also, the IP communication record of the second row of the address administration table 3602 determines an IP communication path established between the media router 212-1 and the media router 212-2.

It should be noted that the source external IP address

EA01 is determined in a 1-to-l correspondence relationship with respect to the telephone number Tel-No-l , and similarly, the destination external IP address EA02 is determined in a 1-to-l correspondence relationship with respect to the telephone number Tel-No-2, and when the source is not discriminated from the destination, the IP communication record of the address administration table of the network node apparatus is merely equal to a record of an address administration table for determining an IP communication path between the telephone number Tel-No-l and the telephone number Tel-No-2.

The above-explained Step P245 corresponds to such a procedure capable of notifying response information for confirming a call setting operation, namely capable of

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 notifying such a possibility that the telephone communication between the telephone set 213-5 and the telephone set 2144 is commenced. The telephone administration server 314-5 notifies, for instance, the circuit identification code(CIC-l-2) ; the IP address EA01 of the source media router

212-1; the IP address EA02 of the destination media router

212-2; the source telephone number Tel-No-1 ; the destination telephone number Tel-No-2 to a charging administration server 314-4 on the basic of such a time instant when the telephone communication can be started(Step P254) . Then, the charging administration server 314-4 can record/hold thereinto the circuit identification code(CIC-l-2) ; the source telephone number Tel-No-1; the destination telephone number Tel-No-2; the IP address EA01 of the source media router 212-1; and the IP address EA02 of the destination media router 212-2(Step P254).

Similarly, the charging administration server 313-4 can record/hold thereinto the source telephone number Tel-No1; the destination telephone number Tel-No-2; the IP address

EA01” of the source telephone set; and the IP address EA02 of the destination telephone set(Step P255). Also, the telephone administration server 313-5 notifies to the telephone set 213-5, such a fact that the user of the destination telephone set 214-4 takes up the handset so as to respond to the telephone call. In other words, the telephone

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CA 02340293 2002-06-14 administration server 313-5 notifies the response to the telephone call via the telephone proxy server 313-1 (Step

P256), and furthermore via the network node apparatus 208l(Step P257) and the media router 212-1(Step P258) to the telephone set 213-5(Step P259).

A series of the above-explained steps defined from the Step P200 up to the step P259 will be referred to as a connection phase of a telephone communication. At the Step P200, the user of the IP telephone set 213-5 takes up the handset. At the Step P259, the completion of the call setting operation is notified to the telephone 213-5.

Also, in the above-explained terminal-to-terminal connection control, such a communication line connected from the network node apparatus 208-1 via the communication line 370-1, and also via the router 219-1, the representative servers 313-7 and 314-7, the router 219-2, and the communication line 370-5 to the network node apparatus 209-2 will be referred to as a connection control line inside the IP telephone network 203. The connection control line is used in order to transmit/receive an IP packet for controlling the terminalto-terminal communication connection.

«COMMUNICATION PHASE»

Referring now to FIG. 103 to FIG. 106, a communication phase will be described. Voice entered into the telephone set 213-5 is transferred to a media router 212-1(Step P300), and the media

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CA 02340293 2002-06-14 router 212-1 digitalizes the voice to form an IP packet 387, and transmits the IP packet 387 to the network node apparatus 208-1(Step P301). The IP packet 387 is encapsulated and then is converted into an internal IP packet 388. This internal packet 388 is reached via a communication line 370-3; routers 219-5, 219-7, 221-1, 21910 and 219-9; a communication line 370-6 to a network node apparatus 209-2(Step P302). Then, the IP packet 387 is decapsulated by removing the IP header to be converted into an IP packet 389. This IP packet 389 is delivered via a media router 212-2(Step P303) to a telephone set 214-4 (Step P304). Voice of a user of the telephone set 214-4 is transferred along a direction opposite to the aboveexplained direction. In other words, the voice of the user of the telephone set 214-4 is reached via the media router 212-2(Step P305), the network node apparatus 209-2(Step P306), and the routers 219-9, 219-10, 221-1, 219-7, 219-5 to the network node apparatus 208-1(Step P307), and then is delivered via the media router 212-1(Step P308) to a telephone set 213-5(Step P309).

In the above-explained communication phase, while payload portions of the IP packets 387 and 389 are used as UDP segments, both a source UDP port number and a destination UDP port number are changed into, for example, 5004, 5006”, 5010, 5012, 5016 etc., so that a telephone communication for transferring other voice can be established. An IP packet

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01

388 containing digitalized voice is transferred through a communication line which connects from the network node apparatus 208-1 via the communication line 370-3; the routers

219-5, 219-7, 221-1, 219-10, 219-9; and the communication line

370-6 to the network node apparatus 209-2. As a result, the

IP communication line is called as a voice communication line employed in the IP telephone network 203. The voice communication line may be discriminated from the abovedescribed connection control line of the IP telephone network

203 in the connection phase.

In the communication phase, a record indicated on a second row of an address administration table 360-1 shown in

FIG. 93 is carried out by employing a record of an address administration table for determining the IP communication path between the telephone number Tel-No-1 and the telephone number Tel-No-2, namely the IP communication record equal to the source external IP address EA01; the destination external IP address EA02; the source internal IP address

IA01; and the destination internal IP address IA02.

<<RELEASE PHASE>>

Referring now to FIG. 107, a release phase is explained.

In such a case that the user of the telephone set 213-5 puts on the handset thereof in order to accomplish the telephone communication and then notifies the end of the telephone communication to the media router 212-l(Step P400), the media

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 router 212-1 produces such an IP packet which contains at least an indication of a request for releasing a telephone communication, the source telephone number Tel-No-l , and the destination telephone number Tel-No-2.. When the media router

212-1 sends the produced IP packet to a network node apparatus

208-l(Step P401), this network node apparatus 208-1 produces such an IP packet made by that the received IP packet is encapsulated by employing a record of a first row of the address administration table 360-1 shown in FIG. 93, and then transmits the produced IP packet to the telephone proxy server 313-1 (Step

P402). Next, the telephone proxy server 313-1 produces such an IP packet containing the indication of the telephone release request, the source telephone number Tel-No-l, and the destination telephone number Tel-No-2, which have been produced by the media router in the beginning and transmits the produced IP packet to the telephone administration server(Step P403). The above-explained formats of the IP packets and the setting method of the IP addresses used in the above-explained Steps P401, P402, P403 are identical to those of the Steps P204, P205, P206 in the telephone communication connection phase.

The telephone administration server 313-5 restores the circuit identification code (CIC-1-2) from both the telephone numbers Tel-No-l and Tel-No-2 so as to produce an IP packet(REL packet) containing both the indicative of

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 requesting the release of the telephone communication and the circuit identification code (CIC-1-2), and then sends the IP packet to the representative server 313-7 of the communication company 1(Step P404). The IP packet is reached via the representative server 314-7 of the communication company

2(Step P405) to the telephone administration server 314-5 under management of the communication company 2(Step P406).

Next, the telephone administration server 313-5 returns such a release completion IP packet via the telephone proxy server 313-1 and the network node apparatus 208-1 to the media router 212-1 ( Steps P407 , P408, P409). This release completion

IP packet reports that the release request defined at the Steps

P400 to P403 is carried out. Also, the telephone administration server 313-5 transmits an IP packet containing the circuit identification code(CIC-l-2) to the table administration server 313-3(Step P433). Since the table administration server 313-3 holds the address corresponding to the circuit identification code (CIC-1-2 ) after the process operation of the Step P252 has been carried out, the table administration server 313-3 confirms to receive an instruction for deleting the four IP addresses EA01, EA02, IA01, IA02, and then deletes the record indicated on the second row of the address administration table 360-1 employed in the network node apparatus 208-1 shown in FIG. 93. In other words, the table administration server 313-3 deletes the source external IP

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 address EAOl; the destination external IP address EA02;

the source internal IP address IAOl ; the destination internal

IP address IA02 ; and the IP communication record(Step P434).

That is to say, the table administration server 313-3 deletes the record of the address administration table which determines the IP communication path between the telephone number

Tel-No-l and the telephone number Tel-No-2.

When the telephone administration server 314-5 receives the IP packet containing both the circuit identification code(CIC-1-2) and the indication of the release request at the

Step P406, the telephone administration server 314-5 forms a release requesting IP packet and sends the IP packet to the telephone proxy server 314-1. The IP packet for implying the instruction of the release request is reached via the network node apparatus 209-2 to the media router 212-2(Steps P411, P412 ,

P413). Also, since the telephone administration server 314-5 reports that the process operation of the Step P411 is accomplished, the telephone administration server 314-5 produces an IP packet(RLC packet) containing the circuit identification code(CIC-l-2), and then sends the RLC packet to the representative server 314-7 of the communication company 2(Step P414). The RLC packet is reached via the representative server 313-7 of the communication company l(Step P415) to the telephone administration server 313-5 under administration of the communication company l(Step P416).

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The telephone administration server 313-5 which receives the release completion IP packet notifies the end of the telephone communication to the charging administration server 3134(Step P442), this charging administration server 313-4 knows such a fact that the telephone communication is ended, which is identified by circuit identification code(CIC-l-2), and then records the result inside the server.

Next, the telephone administration server 314-5 transmits the IP packet containing the circuit identification code(CIC-l-2) to the table administration server 314-3(Step

P431), and this table administration server 314-3 deletes a set of 4 addresses defined by EA02, EA01, IA02, IA01 corresponding to the content of the record on the second row of the address administration table 360-2 provided in the network node apparatus 209-2 shown in FIG. 94(Step P432) . When the media router 212-2 knows the release request of the telephone communication at the Step P413, the media router

212-2 instructs the telephone set 214-5 to cut off the telephone communication(Step P420), and subsequently returns the release completion IP packet to the network node apparatus

209-2, the telephone proxy server 314-1, and the telephone administration server 314-5(Steps P421, P423, P424). The IP packet reports that the release request is carried out at the

Step P413. When the telephone administration server 314-5 notifies the end of the telephone communication of the call

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 number to the charging administration server 314-4(Step P441) , this charging administration server 314-4 knows such a fact that the telephone communication is ended, which is identified by circuit identification code(CIC-l-2), and then records the result inside the server.

&lt;&lt;ITEMS RELATED TO TELEPHONE COMMUNICATION CONNECTION

CONTROL>>

The following case is conceivable. That is, a telephone user keeps a telephone communication for a long time, and does not accomplish this telephone communication. Namely, a telephone ending Step P400 shown in FIG. 107 is not executed.

In this case, such a risk may be expected that a telephone communication fee is increased to an infinite amount. To avoid such a risk, for example, the telephone administration server

313-5 may inquire such a long time telephone communication to the charging administration server 313-4 every a long time period(e.g., 24 hours). When the telephone administration server 313-5 detects the long time telephone communication, the telephone administration server 313-5 may separately carry out the process operations defined at the Steps P404, P407,

P433, P442 by omitting the process operations defined from the

Steps P400 to P403 of FIG. 107.

<<COLLECTING METHOD OF OTHER COMMUNICATION FEES>>

As to a communication fee, for instance, a charging information collection server for the communication company

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01

T is installed inside the integrated IP communication network

201to collect charging information collected from the charging administration server 313-4 is and to notify the user service server 313-6, and then the telephone fee may be charged to the telephone user from the charging server. Similarly, a charging information collection server may be installed in the communication company ”2. The above-explained collected charging information may be exchanged between the communication company 1 and the communication company 2 by employing the IP communication means via the representative servers 313-7 and 314-7 of the communication companies.

<<IN CASE OF SINGLE COMMUNICATION COMPANY>>

Even in such a case that the operation/management range

206-2 of the communication company 2 shown in FIG. 91 is not present, and the IP telephone network 203 constitutes the operation/management range of the communication company ” 1, the operation of the above-described telephone connection phase is available. As a result, as represented in FIG. 108, the operation/management range 206-2 of the communication company 2 is changed into the operation/management range of the communication company 1 , the representative server 314-7 of the communication company 2 is avoidable, and the IP communication line is employed so as to connect the router 219-1 to the router 219-2 with each other. As a consequence, in the connection phase of the telephone communication, the Steps P214

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CA 02340293 2002-06-14 to P216 shown in FIG. 95 become a Step P214X shown in FIG.

109; the Steps P224 to P226 shown in FIG. 95 become another Step P224X indicated in FIG. 109; the Steps P234 to P236 shown in FIG. 95 become another Step P234X indicated in FIG. 109; and the Steps P245 to P247 shown in FIG. 95 become a further Step P245X indicated in FIG. 109; and also other Steps of FIG. 95 are identical to those of FIG. 109.

A series of all telephone communication preparations of the communication company 2 are changed into those of the communication company I. Among a series of the aboveexplained steps described in both the telephone communication connection phase and the telephone communication release phase, the communication established between the telephone administration server 313-5 and the telephone administration server 314-5 is left, and a series of the processing steps which are carried out by both the representative server 313-7 of the communication company 1 and the representative server 314-7 of the communication company 2 are omitted. Moreover, such a telephone administration server may be formed by merging the telephone administration server 313-5 and the telephone administration server 314-5. As a result, in the above-described telephone communication connection phase, the Steps P214X, P224X,

P234X, P245X, P254 indicated in FIG. 109 are omitted; the Steps P217, P223, P233, P244, P250, P251 become P217x,

P223x, P233x, P244x, P250x, P251x shown in FIG. 110,

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 respectively; and other Steps shown in FIG. 109 are identical to those of FIG. 110.

«EXPLANATION NO. 1 RELATED TO CONNECTION CONTROL OF TELEPHONE

ADMINISTRATION SERVER>>

In the above-explained Step P214 in which the communication is made from the telephone administration server

313-5 to the representative server 313-7 of the communication company, before inquiring to the telephone domain name server

313-2, it can be known as to whether the destination telephone number Tel-No-2 belongs(/is joined) to the IP telephone network managed/operated by the own communication company, or the IP telephone network managed/operated by another communication company. This process operation is carried out as follows:

The telephone administration server 313-5 may solve the above problem by employing communication company section table of telephone number . A description will now be made of an example of the communication company section table of the telephone number shown in FIG. Ill. As a record of a serial

No. 1 of the communication company section table, ”81-35414-xxxx is indicated in the column of telephone number; No is denoted in the column of own communication company ? ;

and Com-130 is indicated in the column of identification information of another communication company . Symbol xxxx implies decimal notation of 0000 to 9999. In this case.

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 the telephone numbers 81-3-5414-0000 to 81-3-5414-9999 show such a fact that these telephone numbers belong to the

IP telephone network managed by the communication company identified by symbol Com-130. Also, a telephone number

1-2245-5678 described on a record of a serial No. 2 of the communication company section table belongs to the IP telephone network operated/managed by the communication company identified by symbol Com-025. Also, a telephone number

81-47-327-3887 described on a record of a serial No. 3 of the communication company section table belongs to the IP telephone network operated/managed by the communication company to which the telephone administration server 313-5 belongs .

&lt;&lt;EXPLANATION NO. 2 RELATED TO CONNECTION CONTROL OF TELEPHONE

ADMINISTRATION SERVER>>

In the above-explained Step P214 in which the communication is made from the telephone administration server

313-5 to the representative server 313-7 of the communication company, even when it can be seen that the IP telephone set of the destination telephone number Tel-No-2 is operated/managed by the own communication company, it is possible to know as to whether or not such a telephone set whose telephone number is Tel-No-2 and to which another telephone administration server is connected is joined to which network node apparatus, which will be explained as follows: The

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 telephone administration server 313-5 may solve this problem by way of a telephone administration server section table of telephone number. An explanation will be made of an example of a telephone administration server section table of telephone numbers shown in FIG. 112.

The telephone number 81-47-325-3887 on the record of the serial No. 1 of the telephone administration server section table represents such a fact that the telephone set is joined (namely, the communication line is connected) to the network node apparatus operated/managed by the telephone administration server 313-5. The telephone number 812245-56xx described on the record of the serial No.2 of the telephone administration server section table indicates such a fact that the telephone numbers of 81-2245-5600 to 12245-5699” are joined(namely, communication line is connected) to the network node apparatus which is operated/managed by such a communication company in which the

IP address of the telephone administration server is equal to

100.10.11.40. Next, the telephone number 81-6-1234-xxxx described on the record of the serial No. 3 of the telephone administration server section table indicates such a fact that the telephone numbers of 81-6-1234-0000” to 81-6-1234-9999” are joined(namely, communication line is connected) to the network node apparatus which is operated/managed by such a communication company.

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 &lt;&lt;OPERATION/MANAGEMENT OF NETWORK BY OPERATION/MANAGEMENT

SERVER> >

While the operation/management server 313-9 of the communication company 1 periodically, or temporarily uses internal resources of the operation/management range 206-1 of the communication company 1, namely the network node apparatus 208-1, 208-2; the routers 219-1, 219-3, 219-5, 219-6,

219-7; the telephone domain name server 313-2; the telephone administration server 313-5; the telephone proxy server 313-1;

the table administration server 313-3; the charging management server 313-4; the representative server 313-7; the user service server 313-6; and the telephone gateway 209-1; and further the

IP communication means, or the means for transmitting/receiving the ICMP packet, the operation/management server 313-9 checks as to whether or not these resources are operated under normal conditions.

Alternatively, the operation/management server 313-9 checks as to whether or not the communication lines among the resources are operable under normal states(failure management), or checks as to whether or not congestion of the IP packet within the network becomes excessively large(communication quality control). As a result, the operation/management server 313-9 operates/manages the internal resources of the operation/management range 206-1 of the communication company in a unified mode. Both the failure condition and the

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 communication quality condition of the network resources containing the communication line, which are acquired by the operation/management results, may be reported via the user service server 313-6 to the telephone user 227-1.

Similarly, while the operation/management server 314-9 of the communication company 2 periodically, or temporarily communicates various sorts of resources provided inside the operation/management range 206-2 of the communication company

2, the server checks as to whether or not these resources are operated under normal condition. Alternatively, the operation/management server 314-9 checks as to whether or not the communication lines among the resources are operable under normal states(failure management), or checks as to whether or not congestion of the IP packet within the network becomes excessively large(communication quality control). As a result, the operation/management server 314-9 operates/manages the internal resources of the operation/management range 206-2 of the communication company in a unified mode. Both the failure condition and the communication quality condition of the network resources containing the communication line, which are acquired by the operation/management results, may be reported via the user service server 314-6 to the telephone user 227-2.

Since the above-described network operation/management are carried out by the operation/management servers 313-9 and

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CA 02340293 2002-06-14

314-9, it is possible to improve the reliability in the terminal-to-terminal communication connection control of the telephone network 203 provided inside the IP transfer network 201 established between the IP telephone set 213-5 and the IP telephone set 214-4. Similarly, since the network operation economical base of the communication company can be supported by the collecting means of the communication fees by the charging administration servers 313-4 and 314-4, it is possible to improve the reliability in the terminal-to-terminal communication connection control of the telephone network 203 within the IP transfer network 201.

The contents of the embodiment 6 will now be summarized with supplemental information as follows: That is, the IP transfer network contains at least the network node apparatus, the telephone administration server, the telephone domain name server and the table administration server. A user i(i = 1,2,3,···) sets the individual external IP address EA-i to the media router of the user located outside the IP transfer network, one, or more telephone sets are connected to the media router of the user i, and the media router is connected via the communication line to any one of the network node apparatus. An internal IP address IA-i used for the communication of the user i is applied to the termination unit(logic terminal) on the side of the network node apparatus of the communication line, and also the

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 telephone number of the individual user is applied to the media router. Also, the telephone domain name server holds the set constituted by the telephone number of the individual user;

the external IP address EA-i of the media router; and the internal IP address IA-i. When the telephone domain name server is inquired as to the telephone number of the individual user, the telephone domain name server responds both the external IP address and the internal IP address, and also sets the IP communication record for determining the IP communication path established between the media router and the telephone proxy server into the network node apparatus.

The IP communication record is used to request the source telephone set, and is transferred via the telephone proxy server to the telephone administration server.

The telephone administration server requests the telephone domain name server so as to acquire both the external IP address and the internal IP address( EA-i, IA-i) of the source media router from the source telephone number, and both the external

IP address and the internal IP address (EA-j, IA-j) of the destination media router from the destination telephone number.

Then, the table administration server sets these IP addresses to the network node apparatus on the source side and the network node apparatus on the destination side as the IP communication records which are used in the telephone communications between the source telephone set and the destination telephone set.

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When the telephone set on the source side requests the call setting operation, the media router on the source side sends the IP packet containing both the destination telephone number and the source telephone number to the telephone administration server on the source side. Then, the telephone administration server on the source side exclusively determines the circuit idendification code(CIC) for identifying the communication line for the telephone voice based upon the set of the destination telephone number and the source telephone number.

Next, the telephone administration server on the transmission source transmits IAM packet for requesting telephone call setting operation which contains the source telephone number, the destination telephone number, and the circuit identification code to the telephone administration server on the destination side. The telephone administration server on the destination side notifies the call reception to the media router on the destination side. When the telephone reception of the telephone set is allowed, the telephone administration server on the destination side transmits the above-explained ACM packet for notifying reception of IAM packet via the telephone administration server on the transmission source to the media router on the transmission source side. Also, the media router on the destination side requests the telephone set on the destination side to execute the telephone call setting operation. When the telephone set

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 produces the telephone calling sound, the media router informs to the telephone administration server on the destination side, such a fact that the telephone set is being called. The telephone administration server on the destination side transmits CPG packet for notifying call reception to the telephone administration server on the transmission source, and then, the telephone management server on the transmission source side notifies the call reception via the media router to the telephone set on the transmission source side.

In response to the call setting request, the telephone set on the destination side notifies the response via the media router on the destination side to the telephone administration server on the destination side. The telephone administration server on the destination side produces ANM packet for indicating response to call setting request, and transmits the

ANM packet to the telephone administration server on the transmission side. The telephone administration server on the transmission source side notifies the response to request the call setting operation to the media router on the transmission source side. The telephone set on the transmission source side stops the calling sound, and is advanced to the communication phase. When the telephone communication of the telephone set on the transmission source side, or the destination side is ended, and also the cut request of the telephone calling operation is notified, this cut request is notified via the

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 media router to the telephone administration server.

The telephone administration server which requests telephone call interruption forms REL packet for requesting end of telephone communication by employing the circuit identification code(CIC), and then, transmits the REL packet to the telephone administration server on the call interrupt side. This telephone administration server on the call interrupt side returns RLC packet for reporting reception of

REL packet. The telephone administration server on the call interrupt side notifies the end report of the telephone communication to the media router on the interrupt request side.

After the telephone communication is ended, the telephone administration server may collect the telephone communication record containing the circuit identification code, the communication time instant, and the telephone number, and then may notify the telephone communication record to both the operation managing server and the charging server. In the terminal-to-terminal communication connection control established between the telephone administration server and the relay telephone administration server, and also the terminal-to-terminal communication connection control established between the two telephone administration servers , the above-explained IAM, ACM, CPG, ANM, REL and RLC are transmitted/received. The IP packet is transmitted/received

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 between the telephone administration server and the media router so as to perform the terminal-to-terminal connection control.

While the payload portion of the IP packet is used as the UDP segment, and also both the telephone call connection phase and the telephone release phase are used as a single port number, a single call control program for managing both the connection phase and the telephone release phase may be utilized in the different telephone communications. Also, in the telephone communication phase, since the UDP port numbers different from each other every telephone set are allocated, even when the media router is only one IP address , the different voice every telephone set may be transferred. In order that one telephone administration server may solely play both the function of the telephone administration server on the transmission side and the function of the telephone administration server on the reception side, the aboveexplained telephone administration server may perform the procedures of both the telephone communication connection phase and the telephone release phase in combination with both the transmission source media router and the destination media router via the telephone proxy server.

In order that the telephone administration server may know as to whether the destination telephone number belongs to the IP telephone network operated/managed by the own

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 communication company, or by another communication company, the telephone administration server may employ the communication company segment table of the telephone number.

Also, in order to know such a fact that the telephone set having the destination telephone number is joined to which network node apparatus, the telephone administration server may employ the telephone administration server segment table of the telephone number. Since the operation/management server of the communication company exchanges the information with respect to the network node apparatus of the operation/management range of the communication company, the various sorts of servers, and also the telephone gateway so as to operate/manage the internal resources of the network in the batch node, the reliability in the terminal-to-terminal communication connection control inside the network can be improved. Otherwise, the operation/management server can improve the reliability of the terminal-to-terminal communication connection control of the IP transfer network in conjunction with the charging administration server.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned IP encapsulation and de-capsulation by the network node apparatus can be replaced to the simple encapsulation which forms an internal packet by adding a simple header to an external IP packet and the simple de-capsulation which removes the simple header from the internal packet, respectively.

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7. SEVENTH EMBODIMENT IN WHICH STRUCTURES OF MEDIA ROUTERS

ARE DIFFERENT FROM EACH OTHER:

FIG. 113 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method for applying an IP address and a telephone number with respect to a media router. FIG. 114 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an encapsulation relation item of an IP packet of a network node apparatus. Referring to these drawings, a seventh embodiment will now be explained.

Amedia router 530 stores IP telephone sets 515-1 to 515-4, and analog telephone sets 516-1 to 516-3, and is connected from the line interface unit 533 via logic communication lines 539-1 through 539-3 for transmitting/receiving IP packets to a network node apparatus 540. In this case, a physical communication line 538 contains all of these logic communication lines 539-1 to 539-3.

The media router 530 executes a telephone call control, and other major process operations of the media router 530.

The media router 530 contains an analog interface unit 532 having a connection interface between a media router major unit

531 and an analog telephone set, a line interface unit 533, an address telephone number correspondence table 534, and a telephone set administration table 535. The media router major unit 531 contains thereinto IP addresses EAOl, EA12 ,

EA13 and ADR. The IP address EAOl is made in 1-to-l

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 correspondence with the telephone number Tel-No-l; the IP address EA12 is made in 1-to-l correspondence with the telephone number Tel-No-12; and also the IP address EA13 is made in 1-to-l correspondence with the telephone number

Tel-No-13. This condition is indicated in an address telephone number correspondence table 534. Telephone numbers applied to both an IP telephone set and an analog telephone set are managed by employing an address administration table.

As a result, when a telephone number is changed, the address administration table is rewritten.

While ports 538-1 to 538-7 are provided inside the media router major unit 531, such port numbers as 1 to 7 are applied to these ports. Furthermore, these ports are directly connected via communication lines to IP telephone sets, or indirectly connected via an analog interface unit 532 to analog telephone sets 516-1 to 516-3. To these IP telephone sets 515-1 to 515-4, such identifier names as Id-5 to ”Id-8 and IP addresses AD01 to AD04 are applied. This condition is represented on such records within a telephone set administration table 535 in which port numbers are selected to be 1 to 4. Symbol D within the telephone set administration table shows an IP telephone set, and symbol A denotes an analog telephone set. The IP address EAOl is applied to the port 532-1, the IP address EA12 is applied to the port 532-2, and the IP address EA13 is applied to the

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 port 532-3. Both the ports 538-1 and 532-1 are connected to each other by the communication line, and both the ports 538-7 and 532-3 are connected to each other by the communication line.

Since the IP telephone set 515-1 is connected via the communication line 517-1 to the port 538-1, when the IP telephone 515-1 is connected via the media router 530 to the network node apparatus, the IP address EA01 may be employed.

Similarly, the IP address EA13 is fixedly allocated to the analog telephone set 516-3. When the analog telephone set

516-3 is connected via the media router 530 to the network node apparatus, the IP address EA13 may be continuously employed.

This condition is indicated in such a record equal to the port of the telephone set administration table 535, and also such a record equal to the port 7 thereof.

Both the port 538-4 and the port 538-5 are connected to each other via the communication line. The IP telephone set

515-4 is connected via the communication line 517-4; the ports

538-4 and 538-5; the analog interface 532; and the communication line 518-1 to the analog telephone set 516-1, so that the IP telephone set 515-4 can establish the telephone communication with the analog telephone set 516-1. Similarly, the IP telephone set 515-2 is connected via the communication line 517-2; the ports 538-2 and 538-3; and the communication line 517-3 to the IP telephone set 515-3, so that the IP telephone set 515-2 can establish the telephone communication

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The telephone communication between two analog telephone sets may be established by a function of an analog interface unit 532. The IP telephone sets 515-1 to 515-4 digitalize voice, and superimpose the digitalized voice on an IP packet to thereby send the IP packet, and also restore the digitalized voice to obtain analog voice as a reverse function. The analog interface unit digitalizes the voice received from the analog telephone sets 516-1 to 516-3 and then sends the digitalized voice to the media router major unit 531, and also restores the digitalized voice received from the media router major unit 531 to obtain analog voice as a reverse function thereof, and then supplies the analog voice to the analog telephone set.

«A SERIES OF PROCEDURES EXECUTED IN MEDIA ROUTER AND

NETWORK NODE APPARATUS FOR TELEPHONE CONNECTION»

When the handset of the IP telephone set 515-1 is taken up, a calling IP packet 520 is transferred via.the communication line 517-1 to the media router major unit 531. In this case, a source IP address is AD01, and a destination IP address is ADR, which are written in a header contained in the IP packet 520. The media router major unit 531 returns an IP packet of call acceptance to the IP telephone set 515-1. Next, when the user of the IP telephone set 515-1 dials the telephone number Tel-No4 of the communication counter party, such a call setting IP packet is produced inside the IP telephone

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 set 515-1, and then is transmitted to the media router 530.

The IP packet contains the source telephone number Tel-No-l and the telephone number Tel-No-4 of the communication counter party in the payload of the IP packet.

The media router 530 receives the above IP packet in the media router major unit 531, and produces such an IP packet containing at least both the source telephone number TelNo-l” and the destination telephone number Tel-No-4, and then transmits the produced IP packet to the network node apparatus

540 so as to commence the call setting procedure.

When the network node apparatus 540 receives an IP packet

521, an address administration table 541 shown in FIG. 114 is retrieved so as to seek such a record which contains the source

IP address of EA01 as the external IP address and the destination IP address of EA81. In this case, when the network node apparatus 540 finds out a record indicated on a first row of the address administration table 541 from a top row, namely such a record described as EA01, EA81, IA01, IA81, the network node apparatus 540 produces an internal IP packet

542 by using the IP address of IA01 and IA81 described in a third row and a fourth row with the record by applying the encapsulation method of the IP packet, and then transmits the

IP packet 542 to such a telephone proxy server 545 whose IP address is equal to IA81 . In this case, the payload portion of the IP packet 542 is the IP packet 521. It should be understood

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GA 02340293 2001-08-01 that since the physical communication line 538 contains all of the logic communication lines 539-1 to 539-3 in the above-explained case, the logic terminals 543-1 to 543-3 are selected to be all of the same internal IP address values

IA01.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned IP encapsulation and de-capsulation by the network node apparatus can be replaced to the simple encapsulation which forms an internal packet by adding a simple headier to an external IP packet and the simple de-capsulation which removes the simple header from the internal packet, respectively.

8. 8TH EMBODIMENT FOR EXECUTING CLOSED-AREA TELEPHONE

COMMUNICATION:

In FIG. 115, reference numeral 1001 shows an integrated

IP communication network, reference numeral 1002 indicates an

IP data network, reference numeral 1003 represents an IP telephone network, reference numeral 1004 denotes an IP voice/image(audio/visual) network, reference numeral 1005 indicates a range of an integrated IP communication network operated/managed by a communication company 1 , and reference numeral 1006 represents a range of an integrated IP communication network operated/managed by a communication company 2. Also, reference numerals 1002 to 1004 also correspond to IP transfer networks having IP packet transfer

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 functions. These IP transfer networks may exchange information by employing the IP communication means for transmitting/receiving IP packets inside the IP transfer networks. An IP address used outside the integrated IP communication network 1001 is called as an external IP address, whereas an IP address employed inside the integrated IP communication network 1001 is referred to as an internal IP address. Also, reference numerals 1011 to 1017 indicate telephone sets. Reference numerals 1021 to 1025 show media routers, and reference numerals 1080 and 1081 indicate telephone gateways. Reference numerals 1082 and 1083 show public switched telephone networks ( PSTN), and reference numerals 1084 and 1085 represent telephone sets.

Next, a description will now be made of a method for controlling terminal-to-terminal communication connection in which a telephone communication connection is carried out from the telephone set 1011 via the media router 1021, the communication line 1040, the network node apparatus 1031, the inside of the IP telephone network 1003, the network node apparatus 1032, the communication line 1041 and the media router 1022 to the telephone set 1012.

The users of the telephone sets 1011 to 1013 previously determine telephone numbers, and values of external IP addresses which are applied to the media routers connected to these telephone sets. Referring now to FIG. 117 and FIG. 118,

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the telephone set 1011 uses the telephone number Tel-No-1, and the external IP address EAl is applied to the media router

1021. Also, telephone set 1012 uses the telephone number

Tel-No-2, and the external IP address EA2 is applied to the media router 1022, and further, the telephone set 1013 uses the telephone number Tel-No-3, and the external IP address EA3 is applied to the media router 1023. Also, such a setting operation is made as follows. That is, when the telephone number Tel-No-1 is indicated, any of the telephone number servers 1026 to 1028 answer the external IP address EAl . When the telephone number Tel-No-2 is indicated, any of the telephone number servers 1026 to 1028 answer the external IP address EA2. Also, when the telephone number Tel-No-3 is indicated, any of the telephone number servers 1026 to 1028 answer the external IP address EA3. This method may be realized by applying the known technique of the domain name server(DNS) in which, for example, a telephone number group such as extension telephone numbers 100 to ”199 is made in correspondence with a domain name 1 by way of a predetermined rule, for instance, 100-digit numbers are set to 1.

&lt; PREPARATION OF TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS

A preparation of a telephone communication will now be explained with reference to FIG. 115 and FIG. 116, a user 1060 proposes a telephone acceptance person 1061 to use a telephone(Step A100 of FIG. 116). The telephone acceptance

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 person 1061 acquires from the user 1060, a user name, a user address, a payment way of a communication fee, and the external IP addresses EAl and EA2 which constitute the propose information of the telephone, an identification symbol L1040 of the communication line 1040 and also a network node apparatus identification number NN-1031 of the network node apparatus 1031, an identification symbol L-1041 of a communication line 1041, and an identification symbol NN1032 of a network node apparatus 1032, and then notifies these acquired items to a user service server 1041(Step A101). The user service server 1041 determines a user identification symbol UTD-1 used to identify the user 1060, and saves the user propose information such as the external IP addresses

EAl” and EA2 and the user name acquired from the above acceptance into a database owned in the user server 1041(Step

A102).

Next, when the user service server 1041 notifies to a telephone administration server 1042, the external IP addresses EAl and EA2 ; the identification symbols L-1040 and L-1041” of the communication line; and the identification symbols NN-1031 and NN-1032 of the network node apparatus, which are obtained by the above procedure(Step A103), the telephone administration server 1042 determines internal IP addresses IA1 and IA2, and notifies the four addresses EAl,

EA2, IA1, IA2 to the table administration server 1043(Step

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A107). In this case, the internal IP address of IAl is such an internal IP address applied to a joint point between the communication line 1040 and the network node apparatus 1031, and the internal IP address of IA2 is such an internal IP address applied to a joint point between the communication line

1041 and the network node apparatus 1032, which are values internally determined by the integrated IP transfer network

1001 by employing the identification symbols NN-1031 and

NN-1032 of the network node apparatus, and the identification symbols L-1040 and L-1041 of the communication line. Both the telephone administration servers 10^42 and 1065 exchange information with the IP communication means so as to confirm that these values are identical to each other in advance.

When the table administration server 1043 notifies the above-explained four addresses to the network node apparatus

1031 ( Step A108 ) , the network node apparatus 1031 holds the four addresses EAl, EA2, IAl, IA2 as a first record of the address administration table 1034 provided in the network node apparatus as shown in FIG. 117(Step A109) . A record of a first row in the address administration table 1034 is defined as an

IP communication record between the media router 1021 having the external IP address EAl and the media router 1022 having the external IP address EA2. The IP communication record may provide address information contained in an IP header, while the IP packet is capsulated to produce the internal IP

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CA 02340293 2002-06-14 packet. Similarly, as a record of a second row of the address administration table 1034, the four addresses EAl,

EA3, IAl, IA3 are set as the IP communication record.

Another user 1062 proposes the telephone acceptance person 1063 to receive a telephone service in a similar manner.

As indicated in FIG. 118, an IP communication record is set between the media router 1022 having the external IP address EA2 and the media router 1021 having the external IP address EAl within the network node apparatus 1032 in a similar procedure(namely, Steps A110 to A119 of FIG. 116). In accordance with the same principle idea, an IP communication record between the media router 1022 having the external IP address EA2 and the media router 1023 having the external IP address ΕΛβ is set, and another IP communication record is set as shown in the second record to the fourth record of the address administration table 1035. Instead of the abovedescribed procedure in which the user 1062 proposes to telephone acceptance person 1063 so as to set the IP communication record between the media router 1022 and the media router 1021, another user 1060 may propose another telephone acceptance person 1061 so as to set an IP communication record between the media router

1022 and the media router 1021. As a result, when the telephone administration server 1042 executes the above Step A107, this server simultaneously executes the step A117-2(refer to FIG. 116) in order to request the table administration server 1066

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CA 02340293 2001-08-01 to set the IP communication record.

<<CONNECTION PHASE>>

The user takes up the handset of the telephone set 1011 to dial the telephone number Tel-No-2 of the telephone set

1012 of the communication counter party, and sends a telephone call to the media router administration unit 1056 provided inside the media router 1021 (Step A200 of FIG. 119). The media router administration unit 1056 confirms the telephone call(Step S201).

The media router administration unit 1056 indicates the telephone number Tel-No-2 to the telephone number server

1026(Step A202), acquires the corresponding IP address EA2 of the media router 1022(Step A203), and produces an external

IP packet 1070(refer to FIG. 120) used to set a telephone calling operation, and then sends the external IP packet 1070 to the network node apparatus 1031(Step A204). The external

IP packet 1070 contains the source telephone number Tel-No-l , the destination telephone number Tel-No-2, the telephone call identifier C-ID, and the connection control relative information Info-1”. In this case, such an example is made that an IP address area of an IP header of the external IP packet

1070 corresponds to both the source IP address EAl and the destination IP address EA2 ; a payload portion of the external

IP packet 1070 corresponds to a UDP segment; the source port number is 5060; and the destination port number is 5060.

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DEMANDES OU BREVETS VOLUMINEUX

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CECI EST LE TOME 1 DE 2

NOTE: Pour les tomes additionels, veillez contacter le Bureau Canadien des Brevets.

JUMBO APPLICATIONS / PATENTS

THIS SECTION OF THE APPLICATION / PATENT CONTAINS MORE THAN ONE VOLUME.

THIS IS VOLUME 1 OF 2

NOTE: For additional volumes please contact the Canadian Patent Office.