A packet-data network is made intelligent in the sense of a
connection-oriented, switched telephony (COST) network by enhancing one
or more interconnected IP routers in the network with computer-telephony
integration (CTI) processors executing CTI applications.
No-charge-to-calling-party IP addresses are assigned and sponsored by
various enterprises, who may also maintain call centers having at least
one CTI-enhanced IP router connected to the network, and agent stations
having IP telephones connected to the call-center-located IP router. With
appropriate software and the CTI link to IP routers the performance of
well-known conventional telephone systems may be provided in packet
networks like the Internet.