System and method for utilizing circuit switched and packet switched resources
View Patent ↗A system and method for utilizing circuit switched and packet switched resources are disclosed. A voice communication system configured for routing calls from multiple users to circuit switched or packet switched resources generally comprises a hub in communication with at least one circuit switched channel, at least one packet switched channel, and a plurality of user devices. The system further includes a controller operable to select the circuit switched channel or the packet switched channel for connection with one of the user devices when a call is placed to or from the user device and a routing device operable to route the call from the user device to the selected channel.
1. A voice communication system configured for routing calls from multiple users to circuit switched or packet switched resources, the system comprising:
a hub in communication with at least one circuit switched channel, at least one packet switched channel, and a plurality of user devices, wherein at least two of said plurality of devices or users of said devices have a priority associated therewith such that calls at said devices or by said users have an associated priority;
a controller operable to select one of the circuit switched channel and the packet switched channel for connection with one of the user devices, and dynamically switch between the packet switched channel and the circuit switched channel; and
a routing device operable to route the call from the user device to the selected channel;
wherein the controller is configured to switch a low priority call from the circuit switched channel to the packet switched channel so that the circuit switched channel is available for a high priority call.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the controller is configured to select the circuit switched channel if available.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the controller is configured to select the channel based on cost of the call.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the controller is configured to select the channel based on a status of a user placing the call.
5. The system of claim 1 further comprising a digital subscriber line operating as a transmission media for the circuit switched channel and the packet switched channel.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein the digital subscriber line is an XDSL.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein said plurality of user devices comprises computers and telephones.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the user devices is a wireless device.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of user devices is configured to utilize voice over Internet protocol.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein the hub is interposed between said plurality of user devices and the packet switched and circuit switched networks.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein the controller is located in the hub.