Importance

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Abstract

A system and method for transmitting aural signals across a wide area network (WAN) from a local phone coupled to a computer, e.g., a PC-phone, to a remote phone coupled to a KTS, PBX, or PSTN, for example. This capability is provided by the gateway unit of the present invention. The system of the present invention is quickly installed in a server or a personal computer coupled to a local area network. The system is connected to one or more of a PSTN, a private branch exchange, a key telephone system, a telephone, a facsimile machine, and a modem. In the case of voice transmission, a gateway unit translates received telephony signal into a format that is compatible with the telephone system or equipment connected thereto. The present invention can provide a voice quality that approaches, equals, or exceeds the voice quality of conventional telephone switched networks. This high voice quality is achieved by utilizing a high quality voice digitization algorithm on both the PC-phone and the gateway, by ensuring a low maximum network delay between the PC-phone and the gateway, by permitting a dynamic compensation for variations in network delay, and by utilizing a forward error correction technique for transmission over WANs that can recreate lost or delayed signals in a manner that recreates the signal so the lost signal is typically not detectable by a user.

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First Claim