Importance

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Abstract

A system and method for placing long distance calls from a telephone through the Internet and for receiving telephone calls on a telephone from the Internet is disclosed. A phone server bridge circuit associated with a CPU includes an incoming line for receiving dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) telephone numbers and normal voice signals. The received telephone numbers are supplied to a lookup table, which provides an Internet protocol (IP) address corresponding to the dialed number. A digital signal processor receives the Internet provider address and the normal voice signals associated with it and converts this information into Internet packets of digital data signals, including compressed voice signals. The packets of digital data signals then are supplied to a local area network, from which a router directs the Internet packets with compressed voice to the Internet provider associated with the Internet address. At the other end, the information is decompressed; and the dialed number is compared on a lookup table to provide the corresponding local called party telephone number. This telephone number and the decompressed and converted normal or analog voice information then is supplied to a PBX for routing to conventional telephones and keysets. The system therefore functions to permit long distance telephone calls to be placed through the Internet via local telephone lines.

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First Claim