Abstract: A failsafe configuration for alternative network telephony is disclosed. An indication as to whether an alternative network telephony call processing system is available to process calls from an associated piece of telephone equipment is received automatically and transparently to a user of the telephone equipment. Calls placed from the telephone equipment at a time when the alternative network telephony call processing system is available to process calls are processed via alternative network telephony. Calls placed from the telephone equipment at a time when the alternative network telephony call processing system is not available to process calls are processed via the public switched telephone network (PSTN).

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for selective processing of calls using alternative network telephony. Called party data is received indicating a destination to which a calling party using a local telephone equipment desires to place a call. It is determined transparently to the calling party whether the called party data satisfies a first criteria for completing calls via alternative network telephony. The call is completed using alternative network telephony if it is determined that the called party data satisfies the first criteria. The call is completed via the public switched telephone network (PSTN) if it is determined that the called party data does not satisfy the first criteria.

Abstract: Providing multiple line functionality using alternative network telephony is disclosed. A local telephone installation comprises a first and second telephone equipment (associated with a first and second local node, respectively), and local telephone wiring connected to the first and second local nodes. The local telephone installation is associated for purposes of the public switched telephone network (PSTN) with a single telephone line. A request from a calling party to establish a connection with the local telephone installation is received at a third local node. It is determined whether the calling party desires to establish a connection to (1) a first telephone extension or (2) a second telephone extension associated with the first or the second local node, respectively. A connection is established from the third local node to the desired extension over the local telephone wiring in a manner that does not affect the other extension.