System and method for providing carrier-independent VoIP communication

Abstract

Systems and methods for seamlessly providing carrier-independent VoIP calls initiated using an existing carrier-issued telephone number are provided. In exemplary embodiments, the existing carrier-issued telephone number to be called is received. Subsequently, a status regarding if the existing carrier-issued telephone number is a registered telephone number stored in a carrier-independent database is determined. If the existing carrier-issued telephone number comprises a registered telephone number in the carrier-independent database, a call is established via peer-to-peer connection using an address associated with the registered telephone number. However, if the existing carrier-issued telephone number is not a registered telephone number in the carrier-independent database, the call is placed via a standard route.

Claims

1. A method comprising: receiving, via a server, a first existing carrier-issued telephone number associated with a callee to be called by a caller associated with a second existing carrier-issued telephone number; determining, via the server, a status of a match between the first existing carrier-issued telephone number and a registered telephone number stored in a carrier-independent database; based on the status indicating a match between the first existing carrier-issued telephone number and the registered telephone number in the carrier-independent database, determining, via the server, an electronic address associated with the registered telephone number in the carrier-independent database and causing, via the server, a call to be placed from the caller to the callee based on the electronic address via a carrier-independent peer-to-peer connection, wherein the call is associated with the first existing carrier-issued telephone number and the second existing carrier-issued telephone number; and based on the first existing carrier-issued telephone number not matching the registered telephone number in the carrier-independent database as informed via the status, causing, via the server, the call to be placed via a standard route.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising testing the carrier-independent peer-to-peer connection to determine if a user specification is acceptable.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein if the user specification is not acceptable, automatically falling back to placing the call via the standard route.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein the user specification comprises quality standards for the carrier-independent peer-to-peer connection.

5. The method of claim 2 wherein the user specification comprises availability of the carrier-independent service.

6. The method of claim 2 wherein the user specification comprises a user-specific set of specifications.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the user-specific set of specifications including at least one of jitter, latency, sine-wave audio echo analysis, and live MOS scoring.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the standard route comprises a PSTN connection.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the standard route comprises a third-party VoIP connection.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: registering, via the processor, the first existing carrier-issued telephone number for carrier-independent VoIP calling service.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: performing, via the processor, a verification process on the first existing carrier-issued telephone number.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the verification process comprises requesting, via the processor, a DTMF sequence from a device associated with the first existing carrier-issued telephone number.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein the verification process comprises a re-verification of the registered telephone number.

14. The method of claim 1 further comprising determining a dynamic address for the registered telephone number.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the status is determined using the first existing carrier-issued telephone number as a lookup key in the carrier-independent database.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the carrier-independent database is updateable off a data source remote to the server, wherein the data source hosts a data source database, wherein the carrier-independent database is updateable off the data source such that the carrier-independent database contains a copy of the data source database.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the server is an iPBX server.

18. A system comprising: a server; a carrier-independent database accessible via the server, wherein the carrier-independent database stores a registered telephone number and an electronic address associated with the registered telephone number, wherein the server determines a status of a match between a first existing carrier-issued telephone number associated with a callee and the registered telephone number stored in the carrier-independent database, and provides the electronic address if the status indicates a match between the first existing carrier-issued telephone number and the registered telephone number in the carrier-independent database, and based on the status indicating a match between the first existing carrier-issued telephone number and the registered telephone number in the carrier-independent database, the server causes a call to be placed from a caller to the callee based on the electronic address via a carrier-independent peer-to-peer connection such that the call is associated with the first existing carrier-issued telephone number and a second existing carrier-issued telephone number associated with the caller, and based on the status indicating no match between the first existing carrier-issued telephone number and the registered telephone number in the carrier-independent database, the server causes the call to be placed via a standard route.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein the server performs a verification process on a telephone number being registered.

20. The system of claim 18 wherein the server automatically switched the call to the standard connection if the carrier-independent network does not meet user specifications.

21. The system of claim 18 wherein the server determines a dynamic address associated with the registered telephone number and provides the dynamic address to the carrier-independent database.

22. The system of claim 18 wherein the server determines quality and availability of the peer-to-peer connection.

23. The system of claim 18 wherein the server provides an updated copy of the carrier-independent database to coupled nodes.

24. A method comprising: receiving, via a processor, a first existing carrier-issued telephone number associated with a callee to be called by a caller associated with a second existing carrier-issued telephone number; performing, via the processor, a determination whether the first existing carrier-issued telephone number matches a registered telephone number stored in a carrier-independent database; returning, via the processor, a status based on the determination, wherein if the first existing carrier-issued telephone number matches the registered telephone number in the carrier-independent database, the status triggering, via the processor, a call from the caller to the callee via a peer-to-peer connection using an electronic address associated with the registered telephone number in the carrier-independent database and wherein if the first existing carrier-issued telephone number does not match the registered telephone number in the carrier-independent database, the status triggering, via the processor, the call via a standard route, wherein the call is associated with the first existing carrier-issued telephone number and the second existing carrier-issued telephone number; and based on a quality standard of the peer-to-peer connection not being acceptable during the call as determined, via the processor, during the call, automatically, switching, via the processor, the call from the peer-to-peer connection to the standard route during the call and without dropping the call.

25. A method comprising: receiving, via a server, a first existing carrier-issued telephone number associated with a callee to be called by a caller associated with a second carrier-issued telephone number; determining, via the server, a status of a match between the first existing carrier-issued telephone number and a registered telephone number stored in the carrier-independent database via using the first existing carrier-issued telephone number as a lookup key in the carrier-independent database; based on the status indicating a match between the first existing carrier-issued telephone number and the registered telephone number in the carrier-independent database: identifying, via the server, an electronic address stored in the carrier-independent database, wherein the electronic address is associated with the registered telephone number in the carrier-independent database, and causing, via the server, a call to be placed from the caller to the callee based on the electronic address via a carrier-independent peer-to-peer connection, wherein the call is associated with the first existing carrier-issued telephone number and the second existing carrier-issued telephone number; and based on the status indicating no match between the existing carrier-issued telephone number and the registered telephone number in the carrier-independent database, causing, via the server, the call to be placed via a standard route.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the carrier-independent database is updateable off a data source remote to the server, wherein the data source hosts a data source database, wherein the carrier-independent database is updateable off the data source such that the carrier-independent database contains a copy of the data source database.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the server is an iPBX server.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary environment in which embodiments of the present invention may be practiced.

(2) FIG. 2 is a diagram of an exemplary data center system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 3 is a diagram of an exemplary call management system according to one embodiment of the present invention

(4) FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary telephone number verification process.

(5) FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary call connection process.

(6) FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary call quality control process.

(7) FIG. 7 is an example of a screenshot for establishing dial plans.

(8) FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for providing carrier-independent VoIP communication.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(9) Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods for providing seamless and automated selection of a carrier-independent VoIP communications call route between users using standard carrier-issued phone numbers, when available, and automated fallback to a standard route when not available. At a high level, the present invention provides a toll or network bypass technology for conducting communications over an Internet Protocol (IP) network. At a more specific level, the present invention provides a service that uses a familiar address space or communication identifier of telephone numbers to connect any two network or communication devices or callers via IP, thus bypassing natural toll charges that may occur to one or both parties if the call were to traverse traditional carrier network(s). Embodiments may be practiced with no interaction required by the caller or user. For simplicity, the carrier-independent communication service provided by exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be referred to herein as trixNet service.

(10) In exemplary embodiments, the existing telephone numbers of any carrier is resolved to a hostname or address (e.g., IP address, SIP address, MAC address, or any other addressing scheme) so that users of a calling PBX may dial other users of a receiving PBX using standard carrier-issued telephone numbers (e.g., ANI numbers), yet actually connect to each other's PBX for free over IP. While exemplary embodiments are discussed in reference to telephone numbers, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other communication identifiers may be used. Advantageously, users do not need to switch carriers, as embodiments of the present invention are carrier-independent. As such, the telephone number can be issued and owned by any carrier or provider, but used by embodiments of the present invention. Users also do not need to know each other or even be aware that other users are participating in usage of the trixNet service as exemplary embodiments use the normal behavior patterns of dialing standard carrier-issued phone numbers. As a result, the telephone number of the caller and recipient may both be owned by different carriers, but the call remains 100% free.

(11) FIG. 1 shows an exemplary environment 100 in which embodiments of the present invention may be practiced. The exemplary environment 100 comprises user areas 102a and 102b and a data center system 104 coupled via an IP network 106. In one embodiment, the user area 102a may initiate a call to the user area 102b. In other words, user area 102a may comprise one registered user of the trixNet service and user area 102b may comprise another registered user of the trixNet service. The IP network 106 may comprise the Internet or any other wide area network configured to provide communications via IP. In contrast, a public switch telephone network (PSTN) 108 allows calls to be made using POTS.

(12) The data center system 104 is configured to provide enhanced calling service including providing carrier-independent VoIP service to users seamlessly. In exemplary embodiments, the user area 102 may communicate with the data center system 104 via a VPN connection. This allows for communication without the need to open any firewall ports at the user area 102. The data center system 104 will be discussed in more detail in connection with FIG. 2 below.

(13) The user area 102 may comprise, for example, an office area, home area, or any other area comprising one or more network devices 110 coupled to the IP network 106 and PSTN 108 via a call management system 112. Each network device 110 may be associated with an individual user. The network devices 110 comprise communication devices which are configured to place a call (e.g., an IP phones, computer, or softphones) including analog devices (e.g., analog phones or fax machines). The network devices 110 are also configured to receive a call via a receiving PBX. Furthermore, calls may also be received by mobile phone devices (if those calls are being forwarded or handed-off to a mobile device or registered to a carrier or provider that practices embodiments of the present invention).

(14) The call management system 112 is configured to route calls either through the IP network 106 or the PSTN 108. In exemplary embodiments, the call management system 112 functions as, or comprises, a PBX and a router. The PBX allows the network device 110 to make calls via the PSTN 108. In some embodiments, the PBX may be an iPBX server capable of serving VOIP communications. The router allows the network device 110 to make VoIP calls via the IP network 106 (in lieu of an iPBX). The call management system 112 will be discussed in more detail in connection with FIG. 3.

(15) In some embodiments, the IP network 106 may couple the user area 102a to one or more remote user areas 114. The remote user area 114 may be a location associated with an individual that remotely accesses the user area 102a. For example, the remote user area 114 may be a home office of an employee associated with the user area 102a. The remote user area 114 may also comprise one or more network devices 110 (e.g., a computer). Any number of remote user areas 114 may be coupled to the user area 102a. Additionally, it should be noted that remote as used herein refers to any environment external to an enterprise central location (i.e., user area 102a).

(16) According to exemplary embodiments, the users within any of the areas (e.g., user areas 102 and remote user area 114) may exchange calls. Ideally, the users want the phone call to be directed through a free VoIP service when available in order to save on phone charges. This VoIP call may be placed using the IP network 106. Alternatively, when VoIP is not available, the call may be placed via the PSTN 108. It should be noted that calls may also be accepted by an auto-attendant (e.g., interactive voice recognitionIVR) of the receiving PBX, or even initiated by an auto-attendant of the calling PBX and bypass the need for a user (i.e., human) on either or both ends of the call.

(17) In exemplary embodiments, trixNet service is network ubiquitous. That is, neither the calling nor receiving party needs to be geographically close to either the calling or receiving PBX. Users of either PBX can be telecommuters, fixed home workers, or mobile users so long as both parties are registered devices/users with their respective PBXs. The sending and receiving network devices 110 may simply be participating in the trixNet service. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the term PBX may be used interchangeably with the call management system 112.

(18) The trixNet service may take many forms. In one embodiment, trixNet service may be implemented as a remote network service, which elegantly folds into a hybrid-hosted architecture. trixNet may also be implemented in a peer-to-peer fashion whereby a directory (e.g., relational database of IP addresses) is stored on each node or on super nodes (e.g., on the call management system 112) such that resolving of phone numbers to network locations is decentralized. An exemplary discussion of a hybrid-hosted architecture can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/506,279 entitled Mobile Use of a PBX System, which is incorporated by reference. It should be noted that trixNet service does not necessarily have to be implemented on a PBX. trixNet may be used, in one embodiment, at a consumer level to connect any two network devices 110 (e.g., a computer) for a one-to-one calling relationship instead of between two PBXs for a many users-to-many-users calling relationship.

(19) Referring now to FIG. 2, the data center system 104 is shown in more detail. The data center system 104 is configured to provide enhanced calling service including providing carrier-independent VoIP communications to users seamlessly. In exemplary embodiments, the data center system 104 comprises a management interface module 202, registration module 204, relational database 206, verification module 208, routing instruction module 210, system monitoring module 212, and update module 214. It should be noted that the data center system 104 may comprise one or more servers.

(20) The exemplary management interface module 202 is configured to provide a user interface for management of the trixNet service. When a trixNet user opts to enroll a telephone number into the trixNet service, the user may enter a telephone number in this user interface. By providing the user interface over the IP network 106 (e.g., Internet), an administrator or user may manage any telephone number from any location in the world.

(21) The registration module 204 is configured to receive and process registration information for the trixNet service. In exemplary embodiments, the registration information may comprise at least an existing, standard carrier-issued phone number and an address (e.g., IP address, hostname, SIP address, MAC address, etc.) associated with the telephone number. The telephone number and the address may be stored in a relational database 206, which maps the telephone number and the address.

(22) In one embodiment, trixNet service comprises a verification process performed by the verification module 208. This verification process prevents people from stealing other people's telephone numbers and unethically diverting all in-network trixNet phone traffic to their PBX. In this embodiment, the verification module 208 will trigger a call to the carrier-issued telephone number being registered to verify ownership. The user may then be asked to press a certain key or series of keys (i.e., DTFM sequence) to verify that they want to add the carrier-issued telephone number into the trixNet service. Once a user has validated a telephone number by pressing the correct key(s), the carrier-issued telephone number is considered authorized and a formal part of the trixNet service to be reached, for free, by any other trixNet user dialing that carrier-issued telephone number. It should be noted that a carrier-issued telephone number may be re-verified at any time, which may gracefully handle carriers who use local number portability (LNP) to move telephone numbers to different users or carriers.

(23) The routing instruction module 210 is configured to determine a correct address associated with the carrier-issued telephone number. In exemplary embodiments, the routing instruction module 210 will receive the carrier-issued telephone number entered by the user via their network device 110 and sent via the call management system 112. The routing instruction module 210 then accesses the relational database 206 and uses the carrier-issued telephone number as a lookup key to determine if a corresponding address is mapped to the telephone number. The address may then be sent back to the call management system 112 in order to initiate the call via VoIP.

(24) The system monitoring module 212 is configured to test a peer-to-peer connection between two addresses. In some embodiments, when a request for a peer-to-peer connection is made, the system monitoring module 212 may check the connection to ensure quality and/or availability of the connection. The results of the test may be provided to the call management system 112. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the call management system 112 may perform the testing of the peer-to-peer connection, as will be discussed further below.

(25) The exemplary update module 214 is configured to provide updates to the call management system 112. In one embodiment, the update module 214 may provide software updates. In a decentralized embodiment, the update module 214 may provide updated relational database information to the nodes storing local versions of the relational database 206. These nodes may comprise other modules of the data center system 204. In one embodiment, the call management system 112 may comprise a node that maintains a local copy of the relational database, as will be discussed further below.

(26) Referring now to FIG. 3, the exemplary call management system 112 is shown in more detail. In exemplary embodiments, the call management system 112 comprises a PBX 302 and router 304. The PBX 302 is configured to provide communications via the PSTN 108, while the router 304 is configured to provide communications (e.g., VoIP) via the IP network 106. In some embodiments, the PBX may comprise an iPBX, which eliminates the need for the router 304. The call management system 112 may further include one or more memory devices 306. The memory device 306 comprises a communication interface module 308, dynamic address engine 310, settings module 312, call routing module 314, fallback module 316, and local relational database 318.

(27) The communication interface module 308 is configured to provide a user interface for configuring and managing functions of the call management system 112. For example, an administrator is able to create VoIP accounts and establish dial plans via the interface provided by the communication interface 306 of the call management system 112.

(28) In exemplary embodiments, the dynamic address engine 310 is configured to handle private addresses. The dynamic address engine 310 may operate to determine and maintain a list of private (internal) addresses associated with each network device 110 coupled to the call management system 112. The dynamic address engine 310 may comprise, at least, an address check module and local lookup module as discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/506,279 entitled Mobile Use of a PBX System, which is incorporated by reference.

(29) As such, embodiments of the present invention allow either the calling call management system 112 or the receiving call management system 112 (PBX or router) to use dynamic (constantly-changing) addresses. This is a by-product of the hybrid-hosted architecture which continually tracks the address of both the calling and receiving PBX. Addresses may change dynamically during a call and embodiments of the present invention will be able to keep the call active and prevent it from terminating. An example of the hybrid-hosted architecture may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/827,314, filed Jul. 11, 2007 and entitled System and Method for Centralized Presence Management of Local and Remote Users, which is incorporated by reference.

(30) The settings module 312 is configured to receive (via the interface provided by the communication interface 308) and maintain settings for the call management system 112. For example, VoIP accounts may be established and maintained via the settings module 312. Furthermore, dial plans for various calling options may be managed using the settings module 312.

(31) The exemplary call routing module 314 is configured to route the requested call through the proper network (i.e., IP network 106 or PSTN 108) to a proper telephone number or address. In some embodiments, the call routing module 314 may send a telephone number to the data center system 104 in order to determine if an address linked to that phone number is available for routing purposes. The call routing module 314 may then receive a response from the routing instruction module 210 of the data center system 104 comprising an associated address (e.g., hostname, IP address, SIP Address, MAC address, etc.), if available. The call routing module 314 may then instruct the PBX 302 or the router 304 to initiate the communication using the telephone number (for PSTN calls) or the address (for VoIP calls).

(32) The exemplary fallback module 316 is configured to monitor call quality and handle an auto-fallback process. The auto-fallback process may occur when the call management system 112 cannot reach a receiving call management system 112 (PBX or router) via the IP network 106. Furthermore, auto-fallback may occur when for example, the fallback module 316 determines that quality of the free trixNet call is, or will be, poor (e.g., by using any qualitative means of measurement such as round-trip ping time, jitter, sine-wave audio echo analysis, live MOS scoring). As such, the free trixNet call is able to automatically fall back to a normal trunking that the calling call management system 112 uses (e.g., VoIP, analog, or TDM). This fall-back occurs in milliseconds or seconds and may be transparent to the user. Advantageously, the user does not have to specify that they want to make a free call. The call management system 112 tries for the free call, then goes paid if it cannot or determines it does not want to (e.g., quality is poor) go free.

(33) The optional local relational database 318 stores telephone numbers of trixNet members in a relational database. In some embodiments, these telephone numbers may be mapped to a dynamic address associated with the dynamic address engine 310. If dynamic addresses are used (e.g., those used by cable modem or DSL services), the address associated with that telephone number is automatically updated. In other embodiments, the local relationship database 318 may comprise a copy of the relational database of the data center system 104, thus enabling peer-to-peer communications without access to the data center system 104.

(34) FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary telephone number verification process. When a trixNet user (e.g., subscriber to trixNet services) opts to enroll an existing carrier-issued telephone number, the user may enter the telephone number in a web interface provide by the management interface module 202. In order to avoid abuse, the verification module 208 will initiate the verification process. Initially, a membership request is sent from the call management system 112 to the data center system 104. The membership request may comprise, at least, a telephone number which the user wants to register for trixNet service.

(35) Upon receipt of the membership request, the verification module 208 initiates a PSTN call to the entered carrier-issued telephone number being registered. The PSTN call may request a user at the telephone number to provide a response to the verification module 208. In one embodiment, the response may be a DTMF entry of a validation code given via verbal instructions. Only if the code is entered correctly is the number entered into the relational database and registered for trixNet service. Should the number be re-assigned via the PSTN to another user, the number may be revalidated at any time by request of the owner of the telephone number in accordance with one embodiment.

(36) In some embodiments, trixNet service may be used on an opt-in (e.g., users must register phone numbers) or opt-out basis. As such, trixNet may be used in a partial manner on a PBX, whereby some phone numbers (e.g., DIDs) participate in trixNet services and some phone numbers do not.

(37) Referring now to FIG. 5, a diagram illustrating an exemplary call connection process is shown. When a carrier-issued telephone number is dialed at the network device 110, a request may be made via a data connection to the relational database 206 using the dialed carrier-issued telephone number as a lookup key. A status of the dialed carrier-issued telephone number is then returned by the routing instruction module 210. If the carrier-issued telephone number is not in the relational database 206, the call is routed via the standard third-party routes chosen by the user (or their administrator). The standard third-party route may comprise, for example, a third-party VoIP service, which may not be free. In other embodiments, the standard third-party route may comprise a communication over the PSTN 108. If the carrier-issued telephone number is in the relational database 206, a peer-to-peer VoIP connection may be initiated, connecting the call via the network 106 using the mapped address, which circumvents the PSTN 108 completely.

(38) Referring now to FIG. 6, a diagram illustrating an exemplary call quality control process is shown. When a call is placed from one trixNet user to another, the availability and quality of the connection may be tested or monitored in real-time. Connection quality can be determined by a user-specific set of specifications, including but not limited to jitter, latency, sine-wave audio echo analysis, and live MOS scoring. If quality is determined to be within specification, the call is placed via the peer-to-peer trixNet connection. If the quality is not within specification, the call may automatically fall back to the standard connection chosen by the user (e.g., third-party VoIP or PSTN). In exemplary embodiments, the monitoring and fallback may be performed by the fallback module 316. In some embodiments, the monitoring may be performed, in part, by the system monitor module 212.

(39) In one embodiment, the PBX 302 or call management system 112 administrators may build dial-plans that specifically include or exclude trixNet services. This allows a non-holistic implementation of trixNet services whereby a user can indicate on a per call basis if they want to participate in trixNet service. FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary user interface 700 provided by the communication interface module 308 for establishing dial plans. Via the dial plan user interface 700, dial strings, descriptions, type, and primary routes may be provided. For example, a dial plan may be established whereby the user first dials 8 to make a trixNet call or first dials 9 to make a normal call. Another example may comprise providing the users with a software application, such as HUD, whereby the users may indicate automatic or partial inclusion into the trixNet service on a per call or holistic basis. An exemplary discussion of the HUD application is found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/827,314, filed Jul. 11, 2007 and entitled System and Method for Centralized Presence Management of Local and Remote Users, which is incorporated by reference.

(40) FIG. 8 is a flowchart 800 of an exemplary method for seamlessly providing carrier-independent VoIP communication using existing standard carrier-issued telephone numbers. In step 802, dialing instructions are received from a registered trixNet user (e.g., via a registered trixNet network device having a registered telephone number). In exemplary embodiments, the dialing instructions comprise a carrier-issued telephone number associated with a call recipient. A request to check the relational database 206 is sent in step 804 to determine if the carrier-issued telephone number is a registered telephone number for trixNet service.

(41) Using the carrier-issued telephone number as a lookup key, a determination is made as to whether the carrier-issued telephone number is registered in the carrier-independent relational database 206 in step 806. If the carrier-issued telephone number is not in the relational database 206, then the call is routed via the standard third-party route chosen by the user (or their administrator) in step 808. The standard third-party route may comprise, for example, a third-party VoIP service, which may not be free. In other embodiments, the standard third-party route may comprise a communication over the PSTN 108.

(42) If the carrier-issued telephone number is in the relational database, this indicates that the carrier-issued telephone number is registered for trixNet service. Since both the caller and call recipient are using trixNet registered network devices (e.g., via their registered carrier-issued telephone numbers), the call may be established for free over a (trixNet) carrier-independent network. As such, a peer-to-peer connection may be requested in step 810. In exemplary embodiments, the mapped address is determined. The address may then be returned to the call management system 112, which requests establishment of the peer-to-peer connection.

(43) The peer-to-peer connection between the two addresses (of the caller and call recipient) may be tested in step 812 in order to ensure availability and quality. In one embodiment, the system monitoring module 212 of the data center system 104 may check the quality and availability of the IP network 106. In other embodiments, the fallback module 316 of the call management system 112 may check the quality or availability of the IP network 106.

(44) If in step 814, the peer-to-peer connection exceeds the acceptable specification established by user (or their administrator), then the VoIP call may be established in step 816. However, if the acceptable specifications are not exceeded, then the call is routed via the standard third-party route chosen by the user (or their administrator) in step 808.

(45) It should be noted that FIG. 8 is exemplary. More, less, or functionally equivalent steps may be embodied in alternative embodiments. Furthermore, the steps may be practiced in a different order. For example, the carrier-independent VoIP call may be initially established. Subsequently, the peer-to-peer connection may be tested (e.g., in real-time) for quality and other requirements established in the user-specified standard to determine if the call should fall back to the standard third-party route.

(46) It should be noted that trixNet can federate with other calling services such as Skype or GoogleTalk and even other calling directories such as eNUM, FWD, or other number resolving schemas. Additionally, trixNet can be extended with APIs so that other calling services or directories can federate with trixNet users.

(47) The above-described functions and components can be comprised of instructions that are stored on a storage medium. The instructions can be retrieved and executed by a processor. Some examples of instructions are software, program code, and firmware. Some examples of storage medium are memory devices, tape, disks, integrated circuits, and servers. The instructions are operational when executed by the processor to direct the processor to operate in accord with embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art are familiar with instructions, processor(s), and storage medium.

(48) The present invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made and other embodiments can be used without departing from the broader scope of the invention. For example, each node may comprise some or all of the functions and modules associated with the call data system 204 in decentralized embodiments. The node may be the call management system 112 in one embodiment. Therefore, these and other variations upon the exemplary embodiments are intended to be covered by the present invention.