CALL FORWARD MANAGED REROUTING

A method and system of managing call forwarding includes establishing criter ia for selecting among possible links between nodes for forwarding calls from a n originating node to a destination node. In the preferred embodiment, the selection of the possible links is made at a called node from which the call is to be forwarded. Based upon the administrable criteria, there is a determination as to whether an intermediate node along the call path between the originating node and the called node is to be selected for initiating th e forwarding path. If an intermediate node is selected, a request is transmitt ed to the intermediate node to initiate the forwarding path to the destination node. On the other hand, if no intermediate node is selected, a determinatio n is made as to whether to initiate the forwarding path from the originating node or from the called node. Again, the determination is made according to the administrable criteria. Typically, the most important factor in selectin g among the nodes relates to minimizing the link necessary to connect the calling party to the forwarded-to party, thereby releasing links for other u se within a network. A method and system of managing call forwarding includes establishing criteria for selecting among possible links between nodes for forwarding calls from an originating node to a destination node. In the preferred embodiment, the selection of the possible links is made at a called node from which the call is to be forwarded. Based upon the administrable criteria, there is a determination as to whether an intermediate node along the call path between the originating node and the called node is to be selected for initiating the forwarding path. If an intermediate node is selected, a request is transmitted to the intermediate node to initiate the forwarding path to the destination node. On the other hand, if no intermediate node is selected, a determination is made as to whether to initiate the forwarding path from the originating node or from the called node. Again, the determination is made according to the administrable criteria. Typically, the most important factor in selecting among the nodes relates to minimizing the link necessary to connect the calling party to the forwarded-to party, thereby releasing links for other use within a network.