Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods related to memory pooling between selected memory resources via a base station are described. A system using a memory pool formed as such may enable performance of functions, including automated functions critical for prevention of damage to a product, personnel safety, and/or reliable operation, based on increased access to data that may improve performance of a mission profile. For instance, one apparatus described herein includes a first memory resource, a first processor coupled to the first memory resource, and a wireless base station coupled to the first processor. The first memory resource, the first processor, and the base station are configured to enable formation of a memory pool between the first memory resource and a second memory resource at a vehicle responsive to a request to access the second memory resource from the first processor transmitted via the base station.

Abstract: Disclosed is a precision queuing (PQ) system that automatically and dynamically revises the values of precision queue step rules (PQSRs) with customizable thresholds based on current contact center conditions such as varying hours of operation and number of agents available.

Abstract: A network system can receive, from a user device of a requesting user, a query related to a first service. If the network system determines that a first service provider is in progress of providing a second service for the requesting user, the network system can identify, based on a service location of the second service, a plurality of entities that provide items available for selection in association with the first service. The network system can further determine whether to select the first service provider to fulfill the request for the first service based on an estimated first service duration associated with the first service and an estimated duration remaining for the second service. The first service duration can be estimated based on respective timing information associated one or more items selected by the requesting user. The network system can update a route for the first service provider.

Abstract: A system for handling calls in a network includes a memory storing instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions to perform operations. The operations include receiving information about the calls for a time interval, determining, for the time interval, a total cost associated with handling the calls, including a network cost associated with transmitting data over the network, a processing cost for processing the information related to the calls, and a cost of dynamically reassigning master and slave roles to a plurality of nodes in the network. The operations further include determining an assignment of the master and slave roles for a plurality of accounts being handled by the plurality of nodes that results in the total cost having a minimum value, and implementing the optimal assignment among the plurality of the accounts based on the determination.

Abstract: The method may include simulating a call and determining a propensity score associated with the call. The method may also include selecting a first destination, from a plurality of destinations, for the call based on a routing algorithm and the propensity score. The method may include routing the call to the first destination and updating a first call load associated with the first destination based on the call. The method may also include comparing the first call load to a plurality of other call loads. Each of the other call loads may be associated with at least one of the plurality of destinations. The method may also include updating the routing algorithm based on the comparing.

Abstract: A method and a virtual network element of a virtual telecommunications network comprising a cloud infrastructure. The cloud infrastructure comprises a hypervisor arrangement managed by a cloud manager for allocating physical resources to the virtual network element. The virtual network element further comprises a module that retrieves from the hypervisor manager or from the hypervisor arrangement resource identification information identifying the physical resources (HW; NW; disk) allocated to the virtual network element managing service application.

Abstract: An electronic device and method thereof are provided. The electronic device includes a communication module configured to communicate with a communication server; an input module configured to receive a user command; and a processor configured to receive a device changing command, via the input module, during a call between the electronic device and a first external electronic device, and transmit, to the communication server, via the communication module, a message for changing the call between the electronic device and the first external electronic device to a call between a second external electronic device and the first external electronic device. The second external electronic device uses a same subscription information as the electronic device, and the message includes call state information of the call between the electronic device and the first external electronic device.

Abstract: Techniques for benchmarking performance in a contact center system are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for benchmarking contact center system performance comprising cycling, by at least one computer processor configured to perform contact center operations, between a first contact-agent pairing strategy and a second contact-agent pairing strategy for pairing contacts with agents in the contact center system; determining an agent-utilization bias in the first contact-agent pairing strategy comprising a difference between a first agent utilization of the first contact-agent pairing strategy and a balanced agent utilization; and determining a relative performance of the second contact-agent pairing strategy compared to the first contact-agent pairing strategy based on the agent-utilization bias in the first contact-agent pairing strategy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for enabling a caller to specify call coverage and bridging treatment preferences and or directives. The treatment may be specified by using SIP header parameters of an INVITE request associated with the call. The treatment may also be specified by an enterprise communication system, or equivalent, by engaging an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system to collect a caller's coverage preferences.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods including obtaining a location data of a source; obtaining at least one performance measure; correlating the location data and the at least one performance measure to obtain a correlation; and analyzing the correlation to obtain an analysis report. The present disclosure is further directed to systems that include a source related to a contact center, and a processor configured to: obtain a location data of the source; derive at least one performance measure; correlate the location data and the at least one performance measure to obtain a correlation; and analyze the correlation to obtain an analysis report.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium for improving collaborative communications that can be implemented using either centralized or decentralized modes, or combinations thereof. An exemplary method comprises receiving information corresponding to a user of a collaboration platform, the collaboration platform being associated with a plurality of collaboration channels; determining at least one of the collaboration channels to be most relevant for the user based on the received information; and routing the user to the at least one collaboration channel determined to be the most relevant for the user. The disclosed embodiment further utilizes discussions as a way of communicating to solve problems and incidents.

Abstract: Location information of a mobile communication terminal is registered promptly. When the mobile communication terminal receives a first location registration response signal, in which a predefined value indicative of a cause of rejecting the registration of the location information is set, the mobile communication terminal transmits a location registration request signal to a second mobile communication network when there is the second mobile communication network over which the mobile communication terminal can communicate, based on the predefined value. When it is determined that there is not the second mobile communication network or the location registration of the mobile communication terminal in the second mobile communication network is not completed, the mobile communication terminal carries out a first location registration operation of retransmitting the location registration request signal to the first mobile communication network.

Abstract: To provide a consistent (i.e., single-mode) user interface in each mode of operation available on a multi-mode mobile terminal, aspects of the user interface used for a second mode (e.g., the CDMA mode) are emulated by the mobile terminal when the mobile terminal is operating in a first mode (e.g., the GSM mode). Responsive to receiving, while operating in a first mode, an indication of a given user interface interaction, the multi-mode mobile terminal determines the call state. Based on the given user interface interaction and the call state, the multi-mode mobile terminal selects a candidate message corresponding to operation of the multi-mode mobile terminal in a second mode. The multi-mode mobile terminal then converts the candidate message to one or more first-mode messages and transmits the one or more first-mode messages to the MSC at the second wireless network subsystem.

Abstract: A system for processing phone calls comprising a network of servers in communication with telephonic communication devices, and software stored on and executable by the servers, the software being configured to receive inputs from a user, generate an ordered set of PBX Feature definitions executable by the server network in a distributed fashion to perform respective PBX Feature tasks related to telephone calls, and write the PBX Feature definitions to a distributed database system that is accessible by the servers. The ordered set may evaluate the current state of a phone call, and each PBX feature definition may perform a respective task responsive to the evaluated state. Each PBX Feature definition is executable to define and store a new state of the phone call. Each PBX Feature definition generated by the software is configured to be combined with any other PBX Feature definition generable by the software.

Abstract: A method for providing a remote PBX service by a customer's phone service provider. More than one telephone number is assigned to one customer's telephone communication link in communication with at least one telephone. A connect signal is received by the customer's phone service provider including one of the telephone numbers assigned to the customer's telephone communication link. A called telephone code is generated indicative of the number included in the connect signal. The called telephone code is sent to the customer's telephone communication link whereby a user of the customer's telephone communication link is capable of knowing which of the more than one telephone numbers assigned to the customer's telephone communication link was called prior to answering the telephone connected to the customer's telephone communication link. Thus, the customer's phone service provider provides the remote PBX service for the customer without the necessity of a local PBX.

Abstract: A system for configuring and registering Internet Protocol (IP) phones has at least one IP phone coupled to a private branch exchange (PBX) through a switch. A boot server stores a plurality of configuration files used to configure IP phones, and the IP phone downloads a default configuration file having a default extension identifier from the boot server in order to allow the IP phone to initiate a registration session with the PBX. Once the registration session is initiated, the PBX is configured to automatically learn a media access control (MAC) address of the IP phone and to generate at least one unique configuration file identified by the learned MAC address. The IP phone is then configured according to the generated unique configuration file without an administrator having to associate the MAC address with the extension identifier.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for populating a least cost routing database. In one aspect, a method includes receiving from a carrier a bid for routing a telephone call to a destination; automatically loading the received bid into a least cost routing database to generate an updated least cost routing database; and making the updated least cost routing database accessible for use in determining one or more least cost routes. Further, the received bid can be analyzed to generate a projected business result and the projected business result can be presented to the carrier before loading the received bid into the least cost routing database. Additionally, input can be received from the carrier specifying an historical period and the projected business result can be generated based on data associated with the specified historical period.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and storage media provide for receiving a message pertaining to setting up a telephone call; inserting in the message a branch identifier that indicates a branch office of an enterprise from which the message originated; transmitting the message including the branch identifier to a private branch exchange device; and generating billing information for the telephone call based on the branch identifier.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide ways to locally store and deliver voicemail messages on personal communication devices. An illustrative method includes initiating a call to a recipient's device, receiving an indication the call cannot be established, prompting the user to leave a voicemail, storing the voicemail locally on the communications device, and sending the voicemail to the recipient's device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for maintaining the maximum achievable data rate on a DSL line, up to and including a rate to which a user subscribes is described. Performance monitoring is conducted on the DSL line on an ongoing basis to determine noise margins in each direction. Each noise margin is compared against pre-determined decreasing/increasing thresholds to determine whether the line characteristics dictate a data rate change without loss of synchronization. The invention supports dynamic provisioning changes including application driven service level change requests, e.g., new bandwidth-on demand services. In some embodiments, a combination of existing and new embedded operations channel (EOC) messages are used to implement the modem data rate changes. New EOC messages may be implemented using some of the reserved and/or vendor proprietary Opcodes currently permitted. Modem assigned data rate changes are implemented without a disruption of service, e.g.

Abstract: A method for providing a remote PBX service by a customer's phone service provider. More than one telephone number is assigned to one customer's telephone communication link. The one customer's telephone communication link is in communication with at least one telephone. A connect signal is received by the customer's phone service provider. The connect signal includes one of the telephone numbers assigned to the one customer's telephone communication link. A called telephone code is generated. The called telephone code is indicative of the one of the telephone numbers included in the connect signal. The called telephone code is sent to the customer's telephone communication link whereby a user of the customer's telephone communication link is capable of knowing which of the more than one telephone numbers assigned to the one customer's telephone communication link was called prior to answering the at least one telephone connected to the customer's telephone communication link.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for programming shortcut keys on a computing device, such as a digital telephony device. One method comprises extracting user context information for a user from a server in communication with the digital telephony device. Key feature grouping information can be created based on the user context information. A key mapping layout can be generated for the digital telephony device by applying rules to designate an order in which selected groups in the key feature grouping information are assigned to selected keys on the digital telephony device to generate a key mapping layout. The keys on the digital telephony device can be programmed using the key mapping layout.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a telephone system including; a plurality of exchanges interconnecting a plurality of communication terminals through a communication network, each exchange receiving from each communication terminal a connection request including an extension number of each communication terminal, based on authentication processing and including; a management data base where the extension number is correlated with an address information of a prescribed exchange; an acquisition processing unit retrieving the management data base based on the extension number when the connection request is received from the communication terminal and acquiring the address information; and a notification processing unit notifying the communication terminal of the address information of the acquired prescribed exchange.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that provides the sharing of a station-mapping description with a first private-branch exchange, where the description has been initialized and maintained at a second private-branch exchange. Such a description describes a logical association between a station extension of an enterprise deskset and a telephone number of an off-premises terminal, such as a cell phone. As a result of the sharing across private-branch exchanges, an incoming call from a second employee's cell phone can be recognized, by a first employee being called, as coming from the calling second employee. This is because the incoming call is identified with the telephone extension of the calling employee's deskset terminal in spite of the call being placed from the cell phone, or other telephone number at large. This is particularly important where a large company engineers its enterprise's telecommunications system across multiple private-branch exchanges.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed for use by organizations that have PBXs at a plurality of sites. The invention pertains to cell phone calls from an to his or her “home” private branch exchange. For example, an employee who works at the Chicago branch office might call the Chicago office's PBX to invoke a feature such as setting up call forwarding, retrieving voice mail, etc. In the illustrative embodiment, such calls might be automatically and transparently directed to another PBX when it is advantageous to do so (e.g., for the purposes of security, reducing toll charges, because of unavailability of a particular PBX, etc.) Factors that might be used to determine whether to re-direct a call and to which PBX to re-direct a call include the day and time of the call, the network that the cell phone is currently connected to, etc.

Abstract: When a telephone a belonging to an office a calls up a telephone b belonging to an office b, a subscriber of the telephone a operates a WS a connected to a computer network and edits camp-on request information when the telephone b is busy. The camp-on request information is transferred from the WS a to a CTI server b belonging to the office b connected to the computer network. The CTI server unit b performs camp-on control between the telephone b belonging to the office b and the telephone a belonging to the office a by controlling a private branch exchange b based on a schedule corresponding to the received camp-on request information.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a telephone system includes a plurality of telephone exchange apparatuses generate call information events specifying a plurality of telephone terminals to which call connections are made, a server apparatus which is connected to the plurality of telephone exchange apparatuses through the transmission paths, and a management unit executes call-state management of the plurality of telephone terminals, wherein each of the plurality of telephone exchange apparatuses include a determining unit which determines presence or absence of disconnections of call connections among the plurality of telephone exchange apparatuses and a transmitter which adds identification information to the call information event to be transmitted to the server apparatus, and the server apparatus includes a controller which controls execution and stop of the call-state management by the management unit based on the identification information, when the identification information is added to the received call in

Abstract: A query message-based call routing mechanism for a limited access cooperative telecommunication network initially determines whether the called party is commonly located at the same node as the calling party. If not, the calling party node broadcasts a query message to all other nodes in the network to locate the called party. Only the node having local knowledge of the called extension will reply to the query message. Once the node sourcing the query message has received this reply message, it will place a call to the node servicing the called extension.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to manage call control in a Computer Telephone Interface (CTI) system includes: a computer terminal to generate a call control message including call control identification information using a CTI application program in response to a call control command from a user, and transmitting the generated call control message; wireless terminals to perform call control upon receipt of the call control message; and an exchange to receive the call control message from the computer terminal, and to maintain the call control message generated by the computer terminal unchanged and to interface it to a corresponding one of the wireless terminals in response to the call control identification information being detected from the received call control message.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method for realizing direct dialing to an extension across Private Branch Exchanges (PBXs), in witch firstly a calling terminal of a PBX seizes a PBX circuit; secondly the calling terminal initiates a call to a called extension terminal in a PBX cluster by dialing a called extension terminal number directly; then a exchange system resolves the number of the PBX switchboard to which the calling terminal belongs according to a calling terminal number, and obtains a number of the PBX switchboard to which a called extension terminal belongs according to information of the called extension terminal number; and then the exchange system initiates a call to the PBX switchboard to which the called extension terminal belongs, and, when receiving an answer to the call from the PBX switchboard, sends the called extension terminal number, to connect the calling terminal with the called extension terminal.

Abstract: A user interface for a telephone system may include a telephone portion operable to provide telephone administration functionality for each of a plurality of telephones of a telephone system. The telephone portion may include a telephone icon corresponding to at least one telephone of the plurality of telephones, the telephone icon operable to provide the telephone administration functionality for the at least one telephone. Other portions of the user interface may include an external line portion, an extension portion, or a user portion, which may include, respectively, an external line icon, an extension icon, and a user icon, where each icon may provide associated administration functionality. Accordingly, the user interface allows an administrator of the telephone system to easily view and administer the devices and elements of the telephone system.

Abstract: A system and method for providing PBX-like functionality at a remote office location includes the capability of maintaining a network session with a mobile number associated with the remote worker once the worker terminates the remote office session. The system utilizes a remote office platform interposed between a data communications network and a conventional PBX switch (located either at a subscriber-based office location or within the communication network and shared by a number of different subscribers). A remotely located individual (such as a telecommuter) “logs in” to the remote office platform and, once the individual is authenticated, a graphical user interface (GUI) emulating a PBX station set is enabled at the remote employee's personal computer, the GUI including a field for entry of the user's mobile number.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed for use by organizations that have PBXs at a plurality of sites. The invention pertains to cell phone calls from an affiliated terminal to her “home” private branch exchange. For example, an employee who works at the Chicago branch office might call the Chicago office's PBX to invoke a feature such as setting up call forwarding, retrieving voice mail, etc. Such calls might be automatically and transparently directed to another PBX when it is advantageous to do so. In the illustrative embodiment, the need or desirability to redirect such calls to another PBX is ascertained while the caller is still in the process of entering all of the required calling information. The effect of assessing whether to redirect the call in parallel with the caller entering the information is to reduce the delays otherwise experienced by the caller when placing calls outside of the enterprise area served by the home private branch exchange.

Abstract: The present invention realizes a telephone system which enables calling with ease from an outside line to a desired extension telephone terminal in an extension telephone network having a plurality of representative numbers.

Abstract: A method of handling incoming calls directed to a virtual communication subscriber is disclosed. An incoming call intended for the virtual communication subscriber is received at a first communication device. A call is placed to a second communication device using contact information provided by the virtual communication subscriber. Extension information is provided to a guest PBX when the call is answered which corresponds to a communication line associated with the second communication device. Upon connection to the second communication device, the incoming call is bridged with the call placed to the second communication device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a telephone exchange system includes a first telephone exchange apparatus, a second telephone exchange apparatus which is connected to the first telephone exchange apparatus via a first communication network, a computer apparatus which establishes a communication link with the first telephone exchange apparatus via the first communication network and executes a part of function regarding exchange processing by the first and the second telephone exchange apparatuses, a second communication network which connects among a plurality of telephone terminals and the first and the second telephone exchange apparatuses, a communicator which connects a telephone terminal of a request source to the first telephone exchange apparatus via the second communication network, and a controller which executes the service based on a communication result by the communicator.

Abstract: Enhanced call management services to users receiving incoming calls on extensions on a private branch exchange (PBX) is provided by an application server configured to provide call management services to at least one of the users and a protocol proxy configured to receive call information from the PBX according to a protocol for establishing call sessions. The application server is further configured to receive the call information from the protocol proxy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for routing calls over an organization's private network of private branch exchanges. In particular, when a member of the organization (e.g., an employee, etc.) places a call from his or her affiliated off-premises telecommunications terminal (e.g., cell phone, etc.), the call is automatically routed to its destination through at least a portion of the private network of private branch exchanges when doing so reduces the cost of the call. In the illustrative embodiment, the call routing is performed automatically and transparently via software on the affiliated terminals (i.e., employees' cell phones) and on the organization's private branch exchanges.

Abstract: A Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) enabled device sends feature information about remotely configurable features that are offered by the SIP enabled device to a central server. The central server uses the feature information to determine if the features that are offered by the SIP enabled device are compatible with features that are offered by the central server. The central server remotely configures the features that are offered by the SIP enabled device to ensure interoperability with the features that are offered by the central server. The SIP enabled device notifies the central server if a feature button associated with a feature, which has been disabled by the central server, has been pressed by a user of the SIP enabled device. The central server seamlessly provides a comparable feature to the user, including the setting of a Light Emitting Diode, which is associated with the feature button, to an appropriate state.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a method that can comprise automatically modifying a schedule of a transfer of a plurality of groups of units from a first system to a second system. The method can comprise performing one or more recursive neighborhood searches on the schedule. The schedule can be determined initially via iterative determinations of a next unit to be transferred as a unit with a relatively low determined value of an objective function.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a subscriber to send a video scan of an interior space to a network based interior design application are disclosed. In one embodiment, the network may create a blueprint of the room based on the video scan provided by the subscriber and may suggest interior design changes to the existing space. The network can also provide specific products to be used to enhance the overall appearance of the room. Through the network, the subscriber can also request more information regarding product suggestions including detailed product and purchase related information.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for configuring a connection for a port in an electronic device. The system comprises: an interface circuit to process signals for the connection for the port; an interface circuit connection bus connecting to the interface circuit; a port connection bus connecting to the port; and a removable wiring adapter providing a connection circuit connecting tracks in the interface connection bus to tracks in the port connection bus.

Abstract: A computer system 1 has a PBX 2, a terminal device 3, and a management server 4. The PBX 2 has a line controller, an extension controller 2b, an interface, a memory that stores identification information and an enciphered file, a decoder that decodes the enciphered file, a comparator that compares the identification information and the enciphered file decoded by the decoder, and a controller. The terminal device 3 reads the identification information from the PBX 2 and transmits that to the management server 4. The management server 4 has an authenticator that receives a request for authentication when the terminal device 3 logs in, an issuer that issues the enciphered file according to the identification information, and a database that stores the issue date in correlating with the identification information.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a media signal at an interface device in communication with and disposed between an Internet Protocol private branch exchange (IP-PBX) and a first endpoint. The media signal is associated with the first endpoint and is associated with a session established between the first endpoint and a second endpoint within a session over internet protocol network. The session is established at least in part by the IP-PBX based on a session control signal received at the interface device from the first endpoint and sent from the interface device to the IP-PBX. The method also includes modifying the media signal at the interface device based on a per-device service associated with at least one of the first endpoint or the second endpoint.

Abstract: An architecture for resource management in a telecommunications network includes two or more nodes connected over a logically direct path in a peer-to-peer manner. At each node, local events typically trigger the node to transmit a broadcast to every other node. Broadcast information comprises a status of the local node's resources. Remote nodes receive the local node's broadcast and independently transmit their own broadcasts with similar information. Each node stores the received broadcast information in a local storage for future retrieval. When a session is desired with a remote node, the local node simply retrieves the remote node's resource status information from its local storage and determines if a session can occur. In this manner, every node of the network is aware of the nodal addresses of the other nodes, remote node's resource status, and can quickly retrieve, from its own local storage, the availability of the remote node's resources.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transmitting communication data in a communication system (CSY) between a calling first communication unit (IPPA) and a called second communication unit (IPPD), wherein, in a first step a primary connection is set up starting from the first communication unit (IPPA) via at least one node unit to the second communication unit (IPPD) with transmission of addressing data of the communication units (IPPA,IPPD) and node units participating in the setup of the primary connection. Following this, the first communication unit (IPPA) and/or a first node unit disposed along the primary connection which have a valid addressing data element are registered as the ingress node. Furthermore, the second communication unit (IPPD) and/or a last node unit disposed along the primary connection which have a valid addressing data element are registered as the egress node.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring connectivity at a hub having a plurality of subscriber lines from a plurality of subscriber premises and a plurality of feeder lines from a central office. The hub provides connectivity between the plurality of subscriber premises and the central office. The method and apparatus include categorizing the plurality of subscriber lines into a plurality of groups based on penetration rates and churn rates of the plurality subscriber lines. Each group of subscriber lines are connected to feeder lines based on the penetration and churn rates for POTS and/or DSL services. Subscriber line groups with high penetration rates and high/low churn rates are coupled directly to feeder lines. Subscriber line groups with low penetration rates and high/low churn rates are terminated at the hub. Subscriber lines with an intermediate penetration rate are candidates for being connected to the feeder lines via an automatic switch.

Abstract: A communications module for communicating between a computer network (1, 2, 3, 4) and a private branch exchange (5), where the communications module is arranged and adapted so as: a. to receive commands from the computer network (1, 2, 3, 4) (computer network commands 13)); b. if necessary to translate the computer network commands (13) into a form suitable for input into the private branch exchange (5) (private branch exchange commands (14)); and c. to send the private branch exchange commands (14) to the private branch exchange (5); to effect programming of the private branch exchange (5).

Abstract: A method, system and memory are provided for enabling interoperability. A communication session between different communication systems, such as radio systems, operating using different protocols is initiated by receiving a scenario identifier from one of the user devices. An interoperability server receives the scenario identifier and accesses interoperability data to obtain the connection information corresponding the scenario matching the scenario identifier. The data includes scenarios for communication sessions and the connections required for each scenario. Once the interoperability server obtains the connection information, the communication session is initiated.

Abstract: A switching system that receives communications over a trunk incoming from a communications network and routes them to its subtending communications terminals responds to a stimulus, such as actuation of an actuator, by either (a) returning all of the communications that it receives on the incoming trunk at least subsequently to the stimulus to the network over a trunk outgoing to the network with instructions directing the network to redirect the returned communications to a second switching system for routing to communications terminals served by the second system, or (b) routing all of the communications that it receives on the incoming trunk at least subsequently to the stimulus to the second switching system over a trunk outgoing to the second switching system for routing to the communications terminals served by the second switching system.