System and apparatus for enhancing a network link

• Main Authors: HASSELL SUZANNE, CILETTI VINCENT, CALDERON PETER
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 12.03.2002
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE; ELECTRICITY; TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION

A system for providing robust and secure communications connections in a telecommunications network is disclosed. The system includes an apparatus supporting functions directed to the establishment of a backup link in the event of a network fault, security, and network connection prioritization. Each of these features are uniquely achieved by utilizing caller identification information associated with the calling party when users are interconnected via private branch exchanges to local area networks. The features of the invention are uniquely achieved by retrieving and utilizing data-link connection identifiers or Internet protocol addresses associated with the accessing user when users are connected to the network via frame relay routers. The apparatus establishes a backup link for rerouting data in a network by establishing a primary network link between a calling party and a called party, by examining call/link setup information at the called party to identify the calling party. The apparatus stores and accesses user identification information associated with each calling party. Thereafter, upon identifying a fault condition in the network link between the calling party and the called party, the apparatus retrieves the stored user identification information associated with the calling party from the called party. Using the retrieved user identification information, the apparatus establishes a backup network connection between the initial calling party and the called party.