Saturday, February 21, 2026

Mary Ann Croake - transmission of voice communications over the internet


Mary Ann Croake is an American electrical engineer and inventor who has made significant contributions to the field of telecommunications. Her work has focused on the development of voice over IP (VoIP) technology, which allows for the transmission of voice communications over the internet.

Life

Mary Ann Croake was born in the United States. She earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Rutgers University and a master's degree in engineering management from Stanford University.


Patents

Croake holds over 200 patents in the field of telecommunications, many of which are related to VoIP technology. Some of her notable patents include:

  • "Method and apparatus for voice over packet networks" (U.S. Patent 6,175,571): This patent describes a method for transmitting voice communications over a packet-switched network, such as the internet.

  • "System and method for providing enhanced services in a packet-switched network" (U.S. Patent 6,578,074): This patent describes a system for providing enhanced services, such as call waiting and caller ID, in a VoIP network.

  • "Method and apparatus for managing call signaling in a packet-switched network" (U.S. Patent 6,831,902): This patent describes a method for managing call signaling in a VoIP network, which helps to ensure reliable call setup and tear-down.

Accomplishments

Croake has held various leadership positions in the telecommunications industry. She was a vice president of engineering at AT&T Labs, where she was responsible for the development of VoIP technology. She also served as president of the IEEE Communications Society.

Croake has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to the field of telecommunications. In 2012, she was inducted into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame. She is also a recipient of the IEEE Pioneer Award and the AT&T Fellow Award.

Legacy

Mary Ann Croake's work has had a profound impact on the telecommunications industry. Her contributions to VoIP technology have helped to revolutionize the way people communicate, making it possible to make phone calls over the internet. Her inventions have paved the way for the development of new communication services and applications.

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