Method for performing network-based telephone user identification

摘要

A network-based approach to calling user identification (Calling-user ID). A users identifies and authenticates himself directly to the telephone network. Each user is assigned a preferably unique identifier by a service provider. Before a user places a call, he identifies himself to the telephone network with use of the assigned identifier and authenticates his identity with use of a previously selected PIN (Personal Identification Number). When the user dials the call, the network propagates the saved user identification information corresponding to the provided identifier using the same conventional process used in prior art "Caller ID" systems for providing calling device information. Various telephony services including a service for providing the calling user identification to the called party (Calling-user ID), can then advantageously utilize this information.