Virtual PBX based on Feature Server Modules

Abstract

A virtual private branch exchange is formed by a plurality of interconnected feature server modules, each having an integral feature server that is configured and operates independently of the other feature server modules. Within a virtual private branch exchange, the feature server modules may be logically arranged in a hierarchy having at least a main feature server module and one or more subordinate feature server modules. A particular feature server module may operate in multiple virtual private branch exchanges, and may have a distinct set of rules for handling calls originating in different virtual private branch exchanges.

1 . A peered Internet telephone system comprising:
 a first Internet telephony feature server at a first location; and   a second Internet telephony feature server at a second location peered with the first Internet telephony feature server to form a virtual private branch exchange, wherein the first Internet telephony feature server operates to direct Internet phone calls according to a first rule set that is different than a second rule set for the second Internet telephony feature server.   
     
     
         2 . The peered Internet telephony system of  claim 1 , wherein the first Internet telephony feature server manages telephony for a first plurality of users and the second Internet telephony feature server manages telephony for a second plurality of users. 
     
     
         3 . The peered Internet telephony system of  claim 2 , wherein both the first Internet telephony feature server and the second Internet telephony feature server are capable of being accessed by a first telephone number. 
     
     
         4 . The peered Internet telephony system of  claim 3 , wherein the first plurality of users and the second plurality of users receive calls via the same range of extensions accessed via the first telephone number. 
     
     
         5 . The peered Internet telephony system of  claim 1 , wherein the first Internet telephony feature server is coupled with at least one third Internet telephony feature server in a hierarchy having at least two tiers. 
     
     
         6 . The peered Internet telephony system of  claim 1 , wherein the first Internet telephony feature server is configured to be a primary feature server and the second Internet telephony feature server is configured to be a subordinate feature server. 
     
     
         7 . The peered Internet telephony system of  claim 1 , wherein the Internet phone calls utilize Voice over Internet protocol (VOIP). 
     
     
         8 . The peered Internet telephony system of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second Internet telephony feature servers are capable of operating independently of each other. 
     
     
         9 . An Internet telephony system comprising:
 a first Internet telephony feature server; and   a second Internet telephony feature server coupled to the first Internet telephony feature server to form a virtual private branch exchange, wherein the first Internet telephony feature server is capable of directing Internet phone calls both independently of the second Internet telephony feature server and with the assistance of the second Internet telephony feature server.   
     
     
         10 . The Internet telephony system of  claim 9 , wherein the virtual private branch exchange includes a plurality of feature server modules logically coupled in a hierarchy having at least two tiers. 
     
     
         11 . The Internet telephony system of  claim 10 , wherein the hierarchy includes a primary feature server module and at least one subordinate feature server module. 
     
     
         12 . The Internet telephony system of  claim 11 , wherein the primary feature server module is configurable to direct telephone calls to the at least one subordinate feature server module, and wherein each subordinate feature server module is separately configurable to manage telephone calls forwarded by the primary feature server module. 
     
     
         13 . The Internet telephony system of  claim 9 , wherein the first Internet telephony feature server manages telephony for a first plurality of users and the second Internet telephony feature server manages telephony for a second plurality of users. 
     
     
         14 . The Internet telephony system of  claim 13 , wherein both the first Internet telephony feature server and the second Internet telephony feature server are capable of being accessed by a first telephone number. 
     
     
         15 . The Internet telephony system of  claim 14 , wherein the first plurality of users and the second plurality of users receive calls via the same range of extensions accessed via the first telephone number. 
     
     
         16 . The Internet telephony system of  claim 9 , wherein the Internet phone calls utilize Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP).