Abstract: A system and method for providing early detection of encrypted signals within a secure connection for voice over Internet protocol (VoIP). The system and method includes a non-complex, in-band, and early encryption detector within the voice path. A transmitter sends out a known pattern. Based upon the received pattern, the receiver decides whether its encryption capabilities match up with those of the transmitter. If the capabilities do not match, then the receiver waits for the signalling message for the correct mode of operation. No packets are utilized until the receiver and transmitter encryption capabilities are matched.

Abstract: A method of defining the operation of switching system peripherals is comprised of storing a software program for operating the peripherals in a switching system; storing at least one table of data for access by the program for defining operating parameters of a corresponding at least one peripheral; modelling a prototype of the peripheral in a remote host system by creating a human-machine-interface simulating the peripheral; storing a control table of data corresponding to the modelled prototype in a memory for the host system; and downloading the control table into the one table, whereby operation of the peripheral is controlled by the operating software programs and the data in the at least one table.