METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ASSOCIATING AN END-TO-END CALL IDENTIFIER WITH A CONNECTION IN A MULTIMEDIA PACKET NETWORK

Method and apparatus for associating an end-to-end call identifier with a connection in a multimedia packet network. An end-to-end call identifier (EECID) is provided to uniquely identify a call leg across a packet network, regardless of the number of nodes used in completing the network path. The EECID allows for call association with a bearer connection so that high level call processing and low level bearer connection management can function independently but correlated by media gateways and media gateway controllers. Either a media gateway or media gateway controller can generate the EECID before establishing a connection for a call. The EECID is then sent to remote media gateways and media gateway controllers. The bearer connection can be setup by a media gateway at either end of the connection with respect to where the EECID is generated. The invention is useful in a connection oriented packet network that is connected to a TDM telephone network through a media gateway controlled by a media gateway controller.