Abstract: Alerts are provided for calls, where the alerts are indicative of the relationship of a caller to a call recipient in a social networking platform. An identifier for a calling device is used to access social network data that is descriptive of a relationship of the caller to the call recipient in the social networking platform. An alert option for a call is selected, from among multiple, different alert options, based on the social network data that is descriptive of the relationship of the caller to the call recipient in the social networking platform.

Abstract: A system and a method for processing calls. The system comprises a database including: a plurality of telephony identifiers; and for each telephony identifier, information regarding a group of persons that is associated with the telephony identifier, each person of the group of persons being reachable by placing a call to the telephony identifier, the information comprising, for each person of the group of persons, information related to processing of calls involving the person. The system also comprises a processing element having access to the database and being operative for: determining that a given call involves a particular person of the group of persons that is associated with a given one of the telephony identifiers; and processing the given call based on the information related to processing of calls involving the particular person.

Abstract: A method for provisioning a terminal device in a multi-user setting is disclosed. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a terminal device having a provisioning element that selectively establishes a telephony usage profile for each of a plurality of users sharing the terminal device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for an enterprise includes a telephone device operable to receive an incoming call directed from a caller to a called party, the telephone device being shared among a plurality of persons within the enterprise. A software or hardware (firmware) module with code that runs on a PBX system of the enterprise authenticates a person answering the incoming call as the called party before connecting the incoming call to the telephone device. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: Communications over a network are selectively routed to one of multiple mobile devices identified by the same mobile device number. In one example, a method includes identifying a first mobile phone associated with a first activation priority by a phone number and identifying a second mobile phone associated with a second activation priority by the same phone number. The activation priority indicates a priority with which the first and the second mobile phones are activated for communications on a network. Communications associated with the phone number are selectively routed to one of the first mobile phone or the second mobile phone having a highest activation priority. The phone number defines an address at which the communications are routed to the one of the first mobile phone or the second mobile phone having the highest activation priority without being routed to an intervening address defined by another device number.

Abstract: Communications over a network are selectively routed to one of multiple mobile devices identified by the same mobile device number. In one example, a method includes identifying a first mobile phone associated with a first activation priority by a phone number and identifying a second mobile phone associated with a second activation priority by the same phone number. The activation priority indicates a priority with which the first and the second mobile phones are activated for communications on a network. Communications associated with the phone number are selectively routed to one of the first mobile phone or the second mobile phone having a highest activation priority. The phone number defines an address at which the communications are routed to the one of the first mobile phone or the second mobile phone having the highest activation priority without being routed to an intervening address defined by another device number.

Abstract: A system and method for generating one-way speech signal samples may include, in a telecommunications network, establishing a call connection between a far-end telephone and a near-end telephone. A resistance component may be selectively configured in parallel with the far-end telephone, where the resistance component has a value representative of resistance produced by the far-end telephone being off hook. A speech signal being communicated from the near-end telephone may be recorded.

Abstract: The voice mixing method includes a first step for selecting voice information from a plurality of voice information, a second step for adding up all the selected voice information, a third step for obtaining a voice signal totaling the voice signals other than one voice signal, of the selected voice signals, a fourth step for encoding the voice information obtained in the second step, a fifth step for encoding the voice signal obtained in the third step, and a sixth step for copying the encoded information obtained in the fourth step into the encoded information in the fifth step.

Abstract: A PBX system with a shared line connected to a plurality of telephone devices includes one or more processors that control a connection for an incoming call from a caller, the one or more processors being operable to access a listing that includes one or more callers or calling numbers designated as private to a first telephone device. The one or more processors being further operable to send an alert to only the first telephone device in the event that the one or more callers or the calling numbers in the listing includes a caller or calling number associated with the incoming call. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: This disclosure describes audio mixing techniques that allow a user to select between two different audio signals for output in a perceptual foreground of a combined output. As an example, the two different signals may comprise a music audio and a phone call audio. In this case, the music audio and phone call audio may be initially combined such that the phone call is delivered in the perceptual foreground and the music audio is delivered in a perceptual background. However, a user is able to switch the music to the foreground and the phone call to the background by actuating a user input device. In this way, after receiving a telephone call, if a user wants to move the phone call into a perceptual background in favor of music in the foreground, the user is able to achieve this result, e.g., at the press of a button.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method that, when users who share one terminal or a plurality of terminals and one calling number or a plurality of calling numbers use individualized database information to utilize communication services, assigns a user identification number that identifies each of the service users in the same user group, attaches the user identification number to the service identification number in the form of a prefix and a suffix, provides the user identification number as a means whereby both an exchange and a server identify a user by the number inputted by the user when a phone is used, and classifies and saves information on each service user, thereby ensuring convenience and security when the user uses communication service. The present invention relates also to a computer-readable recording medium whereon is recorded a program to realize such functions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of telecommunications. More particularly, to an apparatus that would allow callers to time-share telephone, telecommunication or communication lines in order to truthfully vary the telephone line from which they are calling parties through the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN). The system would allow customers to manage the identity of their calls in ways that would maximize the probability that a called party would answer.

Abstract: A software-controlled communication method and an apparatus thereof is disclosed. The apparatus includes a radio frequency (RF) front end unit for sending a data signal or a voice signal to a cordless phone base station via an antenna, an analog-to-digital for converting an analog signal received from the RF front end unit into a digital signal and a digital-to-analog converter for converting a digital signal into an analog signal and providing the converted signal to the RF front end unit, and a baseband signal processor, having a plurality of signal processing modules for processing communication signals and a control module for controlling the signal processing modules installed therein as software modules, for providing cordless phone and handset transceiver functions.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and system for invoking service offerings. The method can include the steps of initiating (320) a push-to-service request, enabling (304) a Voice Recognition Server (VRS), ranking (306) a list of supported service offerings, and presenting the list on a display for identifying at least one service offering that is available as a service to the user. The method and system can include speaking (308) a voice request for selecting at least one service presented on the display, and establishing (310) a communication dialogue with a service provider of the service for connecting the service provider for providing the service to the user. The push-to-service request can be invoked by a user depressing a service button (120) on the first communication unit (100) using a push-action. The VRS (220) can handle the voice request and generate a list of service offerings ranked by priority for presentation on the display.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating via a packet telephony distribution system is defined that includes a dual-use/analog phone or phone adapter. Any communication device incorporating the adapter can dynamically receive incoming calls and transmit outgoing calls over analog phone lines and over derived phone lines such as VoIP (Voice Over IP). When receiving or transmitting calls, the adapter and an associated gateway perform operations that enable simultaneous communication over the analog phone lines or derived phone lines from any combination of communication devices. In cooperation with the communication devices, the gateway further dynamically controls the incoming and outgoing calls over the analog phone lines and derived phone lines.

Abstract: An apparatus to form a group of communication devices over a distributed network is claimed. A first node establishes a first channel with a first communication device. At least one second node establishes at least one second channel with at least one second communication device. A controller electrically connected to the first node and the at least one second node comprises a database module. The database module comprises identification information of each of the communication devices of the group. The controller is dynamically configurable such that any single communication device of the group is capable of sending packet data through its respective channel to the other communication devices of the group.

Abstract: A capability for routing calls that are destined to different called numbers to a single customer line is provided by including apparatus at the customer's line that detects called number ID signals. The detecting of called number ID signals is enabled by installing one or more called numbers ID signals in a memory of a customer premises instrument, or a coupler, that is connected to the customer's line. The installing is carried out in a process that first places the customer premises instrument, or the coupler, in a program mode, and then providing the one or more called number ID signals, for storing in the customer premises instrument, or the coupler. In one embodiment, the service provider provides the one or more called number ID signals.

Abstract: A method for establishing call connections with a plurality of extension communication units in a cellular communication is disclosed. A subscriber telephone number directory identifies a number of extension communication units assigned to receive a call. Each of said extension communication units further include a list of subscriber numbers from which said extension communication unit wishes to receive call connections. A conference call decision process allows the subscribers to then determine who will take the call. All subscribers have the same priority for answering the call and minimum resources are utilized to reach the correct extension communication unit. Conference call connections with multiple extension communication units are further provided.

Abstract: A system and method for emulating phone extensions in a packet telephony distribution system include using a gateway and an adapter. Signaling protocols between the gateway and the adapter provide procedures to enable typical analog phone system characteristics such as a dial tone and a line-in-use indicator. During an incoming or outgoing call, users of multiple phones on the packet telephony distribution system can make and receive calls or join a call in progress using methodologies commonly used for typical analog phone systems.

Abstract: A telephone loop monitoring and isolation device which can be connected to a wireless telephone subscriber unit providing an interface between an analog or digital central station network and the internal telephone wiring of a subscribers premises. The device is also operable with a cable telephone subscriber unit. The device provides passive real time loop status information as well as loop isolation if the voltage across the loop falls below a predetermined level. When normal loop impedance conditions are restored, the subscriber loop is automatically reconnected to the subscriber telephone unit. The device is effective for examining open circuit and abnormal impedance conditions and provides loop status information to the telephone subscriber.

Abstract: A telephone set device capable of vocalizing a telephone number being called. A line interface circuit serves as an interface between the tip and ring wires of a standard telephone circuit and the internal circuit. A ring detector detects whether a ring signal is being input. A controller provides the input of signals from the line interface circuit, the keypad, and the ring detector. A hybrid circuit divides the connecting terminals of the line interface into a voice input and a voice output. A keypad inputs the control signal or the number signal to the controller, and sets the address data in the internal memory of the controller to output the voice data. A DTMF generator generates DTMF signals to represent each key on the keypad. A number voice generator receives the address data and decompresses the corresponding compressed voice data retrieved from the internal memory. A handset receives/transmits a voice signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement, for improving a telephone system in which a plurality of analogue phones are connected to a single line, and for the purpose of providing an arrangement which can solve the problem related to interruption of an in progress conversation or modem connection in a group of parallelly connected telephones, it is according to the present invention suggested that said arrangement comprises voltage sensing means, said voltage sensing means being adapted to sense a first higher dc voltage across the line in standby mode, as well as a second lower dc voltage in the active (conversation) mode.

Abstract: Multiple cellular telephones, each having a unique ESN, share the same cellular telephone number (MIN). Data records at the MSC are modified to reflect the parent and extension cellular telephones configuration. Incoming calls are delivered to all telephones sharing a MIN simultaneously, sequentially, or in accordance with a caller's selection. An extension wireless telephone may interrupt a call in progress of another extension wireless telephone. Cellular telephones sharing a MIN may call each other using intercom extension numbers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for signalling a telephone switch to indicate the presence of a telephone of a pre-defined type on a subscriber loop. A subscriber loop is sensed to detect whether or not a telephone of a pre-defined type is connected to the subscriber loop. A first acknowledgement signal is transmitted to the telephone switch if the telephone of the pre-defined type is connected to the subscriber loop and off-hook and a second acknowledgement signal is transmitted to the telephone switch if the telephone of the pre-defined type is not off-hook.

Abstract: A network interface device that allows a user to simultaneously receive/send a plurality of calls from/to a telecommunications network by multiplexing/demultiplexing the calls on a single telephone line. The network interface device allows for the provisioning of an extra line on demand to the user for incoming and outgoing purposes. The network interface device further selectively connects the calls with a plurality of devices in accordance with each devices availability and the stored preferences of the party receiving the call. When a call ends, the network interface device terminates the temporary virtual line assignment.

Abstract: System-atypical plug-in locations are made available in a small system of an overall system series also comprising a mid-sized and, potentially a large system. These locations are supplied with signals in a different way than the system-specific plug-in locations. These signals and their handling by the system control are available in and of themselves in the corresponding system but are utilized in some other way. Additional plug-in locations are thus fashioned in a way that plug-in assemblies from the mid-sized and large systems can be utilized as peripheral assemblies. Solutions that are rarely applied can thus be realized in an economically justifiable way without complicated additional development. Performance features such as, for example, cordless integration, from a large system can thus be made directly available in a small system.

Abstract: An integrated computer-telephone system includes a personal computer and a plurality of telephone sets. Each of the telephone sets is coupled to multiple telephone lines via respective adapters. By activating a line button on an adapter, a respective telephone will be connected to a selected line to answer or place a call on the selected line. The integrated computer-telephone system enables the multiple telephone line access by using existing standard telephone sets in a house hold. The integrated computer-telephone system is able to control the access to the multiple telephone lines according to their operational status and to preventing the telephone sets at other extensions from being connected to a telephone line when a call is in progress on the telephone line.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved telephone system and method that determine the identity of the callee of an incoming telephone call. A distinctive ring is selected by one or more of the users of the telephone prior to activating the feature or at a later time. Information about the individual distinctive ring signals is stored in memory inside the telephone. When an incoming call is received from an external party, the telephone determines which one of the users is the callee of the telephone call. A distinctive ring signal is then generated corresponding to the identified callee of the incoming telephone call. The distinctive ring signal identifies the callee of the incoming telephone call to the telephone users. In order to identify the callee of the incoming telephone call, the telephone system, after answering the incoming telephone call, inquires the caller for the identity of the callee. In another embodiment, a callee is identified using voice recognition techniques.

Abstract: A method of automatically configuring a computer peripheral device as a primary device or as a secondary device. There are four possible cases: (1) no other device present, (2) legacy primary device present, (3) legacy secondary device present and (4) second unconfigured device present. Each unconfigured device determines whether there are any legacy devices already installed and whether there is another unconfigured device installed without requiring any changes to the host operating system software. Unconfigured devices assert a signal after reset with a first timing that is dependent on an electronically readable identification on the device. For case (4), the first device to detect the signal becomes the secondary device. In case of a tie, unconfigured devices continue to assert the signal with a second timing that is dependent on the electronically readable identification on the device. A device that detects the signal being present at the end of the second timing configures itself as a secondary device.

Abstract: A controller for residential telephone wiring. Apparatus associated with the controller provides multiple communication channels on ordinary residential telephone wiring. The controller (1) routes incoming calls to a selected telephonic device within the residence, (2) routes outgoing calls to a free external line servicing the residence, and (3) routes calls within the residence from one telephonic device to another.

Abstract: The system for party line suppressed ringing access enables a service provider to access both a subscriber line and the equipment that is connected to this subscriber line. The present system makes use of the availability of party line communication apparatus, in the form of a subscriber line network interface that is equipped to interface to two lines: the subscriber line, and a telemetry party line. When an incoming call is identified as a suppressed ringing telemetry access call, the serving central office accesses the subscriber line via a suppressed ringing connection on the telemetry party line. The service provider can poll a plurality of the subscribers that are connected to the telemetry party line by means of distinctive signaling to poll each subscriber network interface seriatim.

Abstract: A single-wire telephone distribution system is directed to use in passenger aircraft. It includes a set of twisted pair cables, electronics distribution boxes and repeaters. A single-wire transmission path is defined to enter and leave each distribution box at least once. The path is arranged so that its portions between distribution boxes occur in pairs and each path pair is formed by one of the twisted pair cables. A repeater is inserted into the transmission path prior to each of its exits from the distribution boxes. The repeaters regenerate the data signals to remove noise and jitter. Additionally, the regenerated signals have controlled rising and falling slopes to control signal emissions from the distribution system. A limited number of twisted pair cable sets are typically available in passenger aircraft cabins for passenger services. By using only a single set, the distribution system of the invention facilitates the incorporation of additional services into the aircraft cabin.

Abstract: A switching system for inclusion in domestic premises includes a master socket for connection to network termination equipment (e.g., wall socket) and for connection to a plurality of slave sockets each of which may be connected to normal communications apparatus such as telephone, fax or answering machines not shown. On receipt of an incoming telephone call from the network the master socket uses signals which identify the source of the call (calling line identity (CLI)) signals to determine which of the slaves is to be called. Using only four wires (i.e., the normal extension wiring pattern) the master socket can signal individual slave sockets to switch in or out of circuit so that a normal domestic telephony arrangement may be simply and economically converted to include switching.

Abstract: A programmable telephone line device (10) for selectively interconnecting two or more telephone lines between a plurality of communication instruments is disclosed. The device (10) includes an assignment matrix (24) for inter-connecting the telephone lines with the communication instruments and a control assembly (26) for automatically or manually directing the assignment matrix (24) to transfer a communication instrument from its primary telephone line to a roll-over telephone line if its primary telephone line is in use.

Abstract: An office line selecting technique of a telephone switching system includes: receiving an extension number so as to select an office line which is in an optimal state with respect to a specific extension; confirming whether the extension number can use an office line which is in an optimal state when an office line group number consisting of a plurality of office lines is selected through an extension; and connecting the specific extension to the office line which is in an optimal state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an auto-detecting dialing communication system used to make the display of caller numbers in host or communication system consist with that of an extension telephone or communication system, especially relates to an extension telephone or communication system that can also display caller numbers.The present invention offer a device for auto-detecting dialing of a parallel communication system, which composes: (1) a FSK decoder for acquiring a dial-in number. (2) an extension telephone detecting device for detecting whether the extension telephone is off hook. (3) a memory for storing the caller telephone numbers. (4) a ring-back signal detecting device for examining whether a ring-back signal is sent back. (5) a Dual Tone Multiple Frequency (DTMF) decoder for acquiring the outgoing call number.

Abstract: A reserved speech path forming method according to a first embodiment includes the steps of: determining whether or not another telephone within a parallel-connected telephone system is being used, enabling input of a reserved function key to reserve the speech path when another telephone within the parallel-connected telephone system is being used, providing a dial tone and enabling input of a reserved telephone number upon completion of use of the other telephone within the parallel-connected telephone system, dialing the reserved telephone number, and forming the reserved speech path.

Abstract: There is provided a phone control system for a life safety network which comprises a panel arrangement, a control center module, a loop controller module, a transponder and a remote handset. The panel arrangement has a local rail for receiving a plurality of control modules and for interconnecting the control modules in which inter-module data is transmitted and received along the local rail. The control center module and the loop controller module are control modules positioned on the local rail. The control center module includes a processor, a memory portion, input keys for receiving user input, an output screen for displaying alpha-numeric text output, a central handset for communication of voice messages along a voice communication line. Similarly, the loop controller module includes a processor, a memory portion, and a data line interface for receiving and transmitting loop controller signals along a loop controller line. The transponder and remote handset are position remote from the panel arrangement.

Abstract: In connecting a first digital key telephone to a second digital key telephone in a digital key telephone system, an additional connection module provides data transmission for a call between the first digital key telephone and the second digital key telephone. Synchronizing signal terminals and a B clock terminal of a transmitter of the connection module are connected to a transmitter of the first digital key telephone. Data transmission and receiving terminals, a D clock terminal and an input/output control port of a microprocessor of the first digital key telephone are also connected to the transmitter of the connection module. A transformer is connected to the second digital key telephone through a transmission line. The transformer is connected to transmission input and output terminals of the transmitter of the connection module through capacitors and diodes.

Abstract: A system is disclosed allowing a plurality of conforming customer premise equipment ("CCPEs") on a single telephone line to display a third party's caller information while users are communicating with a second party. Through a self-arbitration process, one CCPE of the plurality of CCPEs is a primary CCPE, whereas the remaining CCPE(s) are secondary CCPE(s). While the users are communicating with the second party using any one or more of the CCPEs, each CCPE detects whether a CPE alerting signal ("CAS") tone has been transmitted by the central office, thereby detecting when the third party is calling. Each CCPE responds by disconnecting the CCPE's telephone from the telephone line. After all of the CCPEs are on-hook, the primary CCPE then goes off-hook and transmits a CAS acknowledgement ("CAS ACK") signal to the central office. All of the CCPEs then wait for the central office to transmit the CID information in response to the CAS ACK signal.

Abstract: A keyset that connects to telephone switches via analog lines, wherein a processor in the keyset communicates with the switch via in-band signaling to provide keyset functionary. When a call comes into the switch for one of the directory numbers (DNs) associated with the keyset, the switch sends a frequency shift key (FSK) encoded message to all of the keysets associated with that DN. The FSK message includes at least the DN of the terminating telephone line, and may also include an extension number or other code. The processor in the keysets receives the message, decodes it, and then alerts the users of the incoming call.

Abstract: The invention provides a remote access telephone system that includes a telephone station which has two access numbers. The remote access telephone system responds to a first one of the two access numbers by providing remote access features and responds to a second one of the two access numbers by providing normal access features. The remote access telephone system also includes a remote access controller that prevents a remote caller from having access to the telephone station unless the remote caller dials a valid password. The remote access features includes remote dialing a number recalled from a directory memory based on a second party name spoken by the remote caller. A remote directory feature is provided when the remote caller speaks a remote directory command and a name. The remote access controller recalls a number corresponding to the name and outputs the number to the remote caller.

Abstract: An apparatus that after a time period settable by the user automatically returns an off-hook telephone to an on-hook condition. This apparatus thus electrically hangs up a telephone handset that is inadvertently left off-hook and allows normal handling of outgoing and incoming calls at other telephone extensions and in some embodiments, even allows calls to ring-in to the telephone having the inadvertently off-hook handset. The apparatus also senses when the inadvertently off-hook handset is returned on-hook and rapidly restores the automatic-return-to-an-on-hook condition switch to normal operation.

Abstract: A telephone station instrument add-on control subsystem with selectable addressing and ringing response delay techniques enhances any conventional instrument by providing added functionalities to ordinary telephone subscribers. When one or more of this enhanced station instruments are used on the same telephone line, a distributed single line PABX is formed. The formation of this system is based on the continuity of a pair of ordinary telephone wires. The specific routing of this wire pair does not affect the characteristics of the service features. A special case of this distributed system is to provide local dialed intercom services for communications among locations within an isolated area. A simplified version of this invention can be applied to improve the efficiency of data communication in a Local Area Network whose terminal information speed is comparable to the channel bandwidth of the transmission medium.

Abstract: An interdiction device and method to jam or delete selected video and telephony signals. The interdiction device includes amplifiers and forward couplers to prevent the telephony signals from appearing at other undesired subscriber locations on the network.

Abstract: In a single-line telephone, there are a plurality of extension telephone sets connected by a telephone line and each extension telephone set is connected to a communication controlling apparatus. The communication controlling apparatus includes an alternating current coupler and a power supply thus allowing two extension telephone sets to communicate with each other without being disturbed by a busy tone.

Abstract: A telecommunication network having a switching system connected to a called station by a line that provides notification to a called party of information relating to an incoming call. This information generally consists of the called number, but may also include an extension or other code. The called party identification is delivered to the called telephone station set during the silent period after ringing, or, advantageously, before ringing starts. A signal (e.g., FSK) is sent to the called telephone station set shortly before the ringing signal is sent to the called station. A converter at the customer premises receives the FSK signal and demodulates it. A control unit connected to the converter then causes the called DN to be displayed, may cause a distinctive ring to be made, or take other action depending upon its program.

Abstract: A method of establishing a telephone communication link from a calling line to one of plural peripheral devices associated with a single telephone number in a central office telephone switching system or PBX is comprised of storing in a memory a first table of directory numbers and equipment identifiers associated with each directory number, storing in a memory a second table of references to physical peripheral devices associated with each equipment identifier, receiving a request for service to a particular directory number, accessing the first table using the particular directory number and obtaining references to all equipment identifiers associated therewith, accessing the second table using the particular equipment identifiers associated with the particular directory number and identifying the particular physical peripheral devices associated with the particular identifiers, ringing all of the particular physical peripheral devices, detecting one of the particular physical devices going off-hook, ceasin

Abstract: The device and method of the present invention characterizes a telephone call by identifying a code, comparing the code to a predetermined access/ID code and generating a signal in response to the code. The device provides called party identification, calling party identification, and telephone number identification.

Abstract: A plurality of consoles (111-113) share use of a single landline (101) with minimal requirements for internal maintenance data signalling. As two or more consoles both share use of the link, a telephone interface (103) assigns one of the consoles to be responsible for maintenance signalling. If and when the assigned console concludes its communication needs or otherwise becomes unable to continue the maintenance signalling, the telephone interface will assign a new interested console to provide the maintenance signalling. This continues until no consoles remain having an interest in maintaining the communication link. In one embodiment, when the link is used by only a single console, a hold function can be accommodated. When two or more consoles are serviced, however, the hold function is not applied. Also, when the link has been placed on hold, any console can remove the hold condition.