Abstract: A method for configuring data communication paths between a central controller and a plurality of devices is provided. The method ensures a first appliance is active. For each of the devices, a first communication capability is determined between the first appliance and the device. Signals indicative of the first communication capabilities are transmitted to the central controller. Respective communication paths are mapped between the central controller and the devices via the first appliance as a function of the first communication capabilities. The method ensures an automatic appliance failover is obtained.

Abstract: A device (1200) for concentration of unused subscriber lines in a telecommunications or data network comprising a first distribution matrix (104) connected to a crossover matrix (108) and a second distribution matrix (106) connected to said crossover matrix (108), wherein the crossover matrix (108) is adapted to be connected to a distribution cable (1212, 1214) and crossover switching elements for switching of connections within said crossover matrix (108) and distribution switching elements for switching of connections within said distribution matrices (104, 106) are controlled from a remote location, wherein the first distribution matrix (104) and the second distribution matrix (106) are adapted to be connected to a main cable and/or to a node for providing a plurality of telecommunications or data services (1208, 1210).

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a plurality of alternative telecommunications services to a plurality of users (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) of a telecommunications network (10) comprising a primary cross-connect (26) in communication with a node (12) of the network for supplying a first selected telecommunications service to the users (14, 16, 18, 20, 22), and a secondary cross-connect (28) in communication with the node (12) and the primary cross-connect (26). The primary cross-connect (26) is provided with switches (34). The switches (34) are operable from a remote location (36) to disconnect a selected user (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) from the telecommunications services, and the secondary cross-connect (28) is are operable from a remote location (36) to reconnect the selected user (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) to an alternative telecommunication service through the secondary cross-connect (28).

Abstract: A path redundant, hardware efficient communications interconnect (1) has embodiments that can present true any-to-any interconnect capability for first and second pathways (2) and (3) and can utilize double throw switches (25) with or without single throw switches (24) perhaps in staged collectives of sub arrays (4), (5), (6), (9), and (10). A loop-back communications interconnect (22) can be accomplished by an interleaved sub array (26). A quadrilateral center stage sub array (21) can be combined with asymmetric side stage sub arrays for hardware savings that are tenths of a percent of a traditional interconnect and even present eight fold savings over prior reduced hardware interconnects.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes interface problems between proprietary handset ports on telephone base units and voice/data accessory products by allowing a user to automatically calibrate the telephone accessory product for an optimal interface match with the intended telephone base unit. This is accomplished through the use of a “Smart Interface Technology” (SIT) integrated chip set consisting of a full custom analog and semi-custom digital integrated circuit. The SIT incorporates three different methods for “learning” the characteristics of 4-wire port modular interfaces found in all telephone station sets. Basically, these methods determine the appropriate 4-wire terminal configurations, the transmit and receive channels of the intended telephone base unit, and adjust the channel sensitivities until an optimal and clear signal is provided for the user.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring remote computer access and associated costs is provided. The system includes a remotely located communication server in communication with multiple host computer networks and in communication with a network access server. First and second memory devices contain a list of authorized users for the host computer networks and a user log for use by a billing computer to generate bills. The method includes the steps of creating starting and ending time stamps for each authorized user accessing a respective one of the multiple host computer networks and creating a user log to generate bills and monitor host computer network usage.

Abstract: A system and method for processing telephone calls and providing enhanced services is presented. The call processing system includes a network control processor for controlling the processing and routing of the calls and for providing enhanced features, and a matrix switch for routing calls from an originating location to a terminating location. Operator consoles can be included to provide operator assistance to the caller. The network control processor comprises a central message processor that receives call data, determines the type of call, determines the processing required, and determines whether operator assistance is required. A call route distributor allocates an operator console to the call if required. A billing server is used to track billing information for the call while it is in progress. A database server is provided for database look-ups and storage.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a multi-point matrix switch (13) to route signals in a communication system (11). The invention identifies source and destination ports (129, 133) in the communication system (11) and then polls identified ports (129, 133) to recognize those that are available for communication. Identified and recognized ports (129, 133) are displayed graphically, so that at least one path (139) between recognized source ports (129, 133) and associated recognized destination ports (129, 133) may be selected graphically by user (159) input. Selected path (139) information is then submitted to switch (13) to cause switch (13) to route signals through the selected paths (139) by connecting recognized source ports (129, 133) to associated recognized destination ports (129, 133).