An Internet speech gateway server

An Internet speech gateway server is proposed to integrate the Internet and PSTN to support speech communication among users using conventional telephones connected to the PSTN. In addition to cost savings, such a system enhances the usability and versatility of the conventional telephone system and adds a new dimension to the telecommunication industry. Each gateway comprises a hardware interface connected to the server computer and a set of server software. The hardware interface includes modules to convert audio signal into a digital form suitable for transmission over the Internet, establish and terminate a telephone connection with the local trunk line, and a buffering mechanism to buffer and store encoded voice data.