Abstract: A voice and data terminals networking system comprises a plurality of voice terminals capable of communicating with one another within an intercom system. Each voice terminal is designated with a unique first code and intercommunicated among an intercom system. The system includes a plurality of data terminals each is associated to a corresponding voice terminal and designated with a unique second code consisted by at least first and second numbers and is interconnected to a LAN system. A transition gateway selected from one of the voice and data terminals for interfacing between internal and external communications. The system further includes a device that is used for selecting the first and second codes of the voice and the associated data terminals; wherein the second number of the second code of the associated data terminal is selected by the means such that the second number of the second code is completely identical to the first code of the voice terminal.

Abstract: A technique of assigning network addresses to workstations by using a system of unified identification codes for both voice and data communications is disclosed. This unified identification code is settable by the user directly. This identification code can be easily verified by the user without special training. Only one set of such identification code is needed per workstation, thus simplifying the management of such networks. This technique also bridges the traditional analog voice communicattion with the emerging digital data technology.

Abstract: A Local Area Network (LAN) having two or more computing devices equipped with Wide Area Network (WAN) access capability is conventionally predefined with the computing device having the best WAN link performance as the Gateway. In SOHO (Small Office Home Office) or residential settings where computing devices are powered on only when needed, the predefined Gateway often may not be ready to provide service. An active Client with WAN access capability could be utilized to establish an alternate link, temporarily. With an alternate WAN link established, other Clients' communication needs can be served by sharing such link. Even the Gateway, if it is powered on afterwards, would utilize this link instead of establishing its own which could disturb the ongoing traffic.

Abstract: A local networking system, offers integrated communication services to multiple local voice stations and data terminals via a common transmission medium. This system, utilizing Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM) signals as carrier, transports information with CSMA/CD protocol. Voice transmissions are organized in traditional TDMA format with fixed frame length and dynamically assigned time slots to avoid interference caused by other devices in the system. Data services operate in traditional CSMA/CD format, but restricted to specified blocks of time intervals. The voice service quality is guaranteed because the required channels and bandwidths, up to the designed maximum, are always available when needed. The grade of data service may be impacted by voice traffic volume which is automatically managed by data terminal's inherent design with CSMA/CD protocol. This unified digital multiplexing system is applicable to transmission media with restricted channels.