Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting remote options to a digital telephone base. Physical and communications protocols for connections and a flexible control scheme which can be as simple or elaborate as a given option requires are provided. The digital telephone includes an option bay connection, having a hierarchical control protocol. The option bay connection makes available several types of information, including: local analog audio, analog voice, digital voice, digital data and telephone control streams.

Abstract: Rapid and efficient memory testing is provided by using direct memory access techniques. This hardware-based scheme operates at a considerably faster rate than a software-dependent solution running on a system's central processor.

Abstract: A method is provided for coordinating and controlling the execution of processes related to internetworked voice mail communications. In the method of the invention, status signals defined by an internetworking protocol and representing status information respecting the transfer of voice mail messages between dissimilar voice mail networks are operated on by one or more of the internetworked voice mail networks in a manner to cause such signals to be translated to processes carried out by such an internetworked voice mail network, such processes being generally of a character to provide information or functions useful to operators and/or users of such a voice mail network.

Abstract: A system and method for modifying a composite Ring AC/Message Waiting (RAC/MW) signal to prevent bell tap on analog telephones. The composite RAC/MW signal comprises AC signals and DC signal alternately spaced in time. At a zero crossover point the composite RAC/MW signal is ramped from a given bias voltage level to a desired Message Waiting voltage level at a slope sufficient to prevent bell tap. Near the end of the Message Waiting portion of the composite signal the composite signal is ramped to the bias voltage level at a slope sufficient to prevent bell tap.