Abstract: A distributed teleconferencing bridge system is provided that allows an attendant to control multiple conferences on multiple bridges through a network interface unit. The attendant can add or delete conferees with a minimum of inconvenience to the conferees while maximizing the use of the bridges by setting up multiple conferences on multiple bridges from a single operating console. Multiple consoles allow multiple operators to control any number of conferences. The interface unit uses a Local Operating Network (LON) to reduce the number of physical wires to the network interface unit without sacrificing control or flexibility.