Abstract: A unified communications system enables a user to simultaneously manage real time voice communication with background audio streams such as a music. In one embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of devices connected through a persistent voice over IP channel, where each device is playing background audio independently, and each device is operatively coupled to a microphone. When a connected user speaks, Voice Activity Detection results in the automatic adjustment of background audio on other connected devices, the adjustments based upon user-input settings on each device.

Abstract: A portable encryption key installation system is disclosed that includes a portable keying device for installing a data communications encryption key in an electronic terminal. The portable keying device securely reprograms the encryption key in the electronic terminal without having to remove the terminal from its shipping container or ship the electronic terminal offsite. Furthermore, the portable keying device securely reprograms the encryption key in the electronic terminal without having to dismantle the terminal, deactivate any anti-tampering features, or re-bond the terminal.

Abstract: A network apparatus in a collaboration system with a plurality of participants, the apparatus comprising: a processing structure; and a memory including computer program code, wherein the memory and the computer program code are configured, with the processing structure, to cause the network apparatus to at least: present content on a display coupled to the processing structure; select a portion of the display for sharing, the portion having the shared content; simultaneously send said shared content to said display and to an encoder for encoding; automatically discover a network server configured to distribute the shared content with the plurality of participants; couple the apparatus to the network server and transmit the shared content to the network server for distribution to at least one of the plurality of participants, such that the shared content is encoded and decoded, and displayed in real-time.

Abstract: Event data messages can be provided by an interactive voice response (IVR) system to a complex events processor (CEP). The event data messages can include a Stream_ID and a series of textual elements. The Stream_ID can uniquely identify a call session between a caller and the IVR system. The series of textual elements can represent speech input provided by the caller. The CEP can create a text string from the series of textual elements of event data messages having the same Stream_ID. The text string can inherit the Stream_ID of the event data messages. The CEP can utilize user-defined business rules to process the text string. When the CEP issues an action message, the Stream_ID of the text string can be appended to the action message sent to the IVR system. The IVR system can modify the call session associated with the Stream_ID of the action message accordingly.

Abstract: An adaptive hybrid system is coupled to a loop for adjusting trans-hybrid loss. The system comprises a fixed portion comprising a first receiver transfer function block and a first hybrid transfer function block. The fixed portion is configured to receive a far-end signal and mitigate frequency dependent attenuation experienced by the far-end signal. The system also comprises a variable portion comprising a second receiver transfer function block and a second hybrid transfer function block configured to subtract a transmit echo from the received far-end signal.

Abstract: Event data messages can be provided by an interactive voice response (IVR) system to a complex events processor (CEP). The event data messages can include a Stream_ID and a series of textual elements. The Stream_ID can uniquely identify a call session between a caller and the IVR system. The series of textual elements can represent speech input provided by the caller. The CEP can create a text string from the series of textual elements of event data messages having the same Stream_ID. The text string can inherit the Stream_ID of the event data messages. The CEP can utilize user-defined business rules to process the text string. When the CEP issues an action message, the Stream_ID of the text string can be appended to the action message sent to the IVR system. The IVR system can modify the call session associated with the Stream_ID of the action message accordingly.

Abstract: Configurable analog input circuits are provided. An analog input circuit may include a plurality of configurable input channels, at least one analog-to-digital converter, and at least one processor. Each input channel may include a plurality of switches utilized to select a type of input signal received via the input channel and a set of input terminals selectively utilized to correspond with the selected type of input signal. The at least one analog-to-digital converter may be configured to convert, for each of the plurality of input channels, the selected type of input signal into a digital output. The at least one processor may be configured to control operation of the plurality of switches associated with each of the plurality of configurable input channels.

Abstract: A computer system (a method) for exchanging information such as a Universal Resource Locator (URL) or a Universal Resource Identifier (URI) over a communication channel in general and over a telephone communications channel in particular in a unified communications system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a phone URL exchange unit configured to receive a phone URL exchange request from a first endpoint, to determine the URL to be sent and URL encoding method based on the request, to encode the URL into audio data or as a part of the communications control signals using the URL encoding method and to send the encoded data to a second endpoint over the telephone communications channel. The phone URL exchange unit is further configured to receive audio data or the communications control signals embedded with a URL and to decode the received data to reveal the URL.

Abstract: The communication terminal device includes a handset, a central controller, a telephone network adaptor unit for converting analog signals transmitted/received between telecommunication network and the communication terminal device into digital signals, an interface unit physically isolating the central controller from the telephone network adaptor unit, and transmitting/receiving the converted digital signals between the central controller and the telephone network adaptor unit, and a telephone circuit unit which transmits the voice signals generated by processing the digital signals received from the telephone network adaptor unit to a handset through the interface unit and transmits the digital signals generated by processing the voice signals received from the handset to the telephone network adaptor unit through the interface unit.

Abstract: Method of installing software for enabling a connection of a phone to an interconnected network A method of installing a software on a computer using an operating system in order to enable a connection of a phone to an interconnected network, said method comprising the steps of: reading (303) audio input and audio output keys in operating system registers, said keys indicating devices which will be used for recording and playback, respectively, checking (304) if audio input and audio output key contents match with the phone, if yes, asking (305) end user to unplug the phone and returning to the reading step, if no, saving (306) audio input and audio output keys in a buffer, inviting (307) end user to plug in his phone to the computer, —installing (308) the software, writing (310) the saved audio input and audio output keys in the operating system register.

Abstract: A computer system (a method) for exchanging information such as a Universal Resource Locator (URL) or a Universal Resource Identifier (URI) over a communication channel in general and over a telephone communications channel in particular in a unified communications system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a phone URL exchange unit configured to receive a phone URL exchange request from a first endpoint, to determine the URL to be sent and URL encoding method based on the request, to encode the URL into audio data or as a part of the communications control signals using the URL encoding method and to send the encoded data to a second endpoint over the telephone communications channel. The phone URL exchange unit is further configured to receive audio data or the communications control signals embedded with a URL and to decode the received data to reveal the URL.

Abstract: A modem adapter is provided to adapt a modem to operate with a telephone system. The modem adapter includes a conductor detector, a voltage generator, and a dial-tone generator. The conductor detector is configured to detect live conductors on a telephone jack. The voltage generator is configured to generate an on-hook line voltage comparable to that normally expected by the modem and to deliver the generated on-hook line voltage to the modem. The dial-tone generator is configured to generate and deliver to the modem a first dial tone different from the second dial tone delivered by a telephone system to which the modem is attempting communication. A method for adapting a modem to a telephone system is also provided.

Abstract: A broadband communication channel access network comprises an Ethernet device disposed in a serving area interface. The Ethernet device serves as an Ethernet bridge for a neighborhood service area. The Ethernet device communicates with a plurality of customer premises modems in the neighborhood service area. An Ethernet switch disposed at a central office communicates with the Ethernet device via a fiber optic medium using an Internet Protocol over a second Ethernet standard. The Ethernet switch provides a packet data core network termination.

Abstract: A method for providing communication protocol interoperability may include receiving a request from a first endpoint to establish a communication session with a second endpoint, the request uses a first communication protocol. The method also includes receiving a first response from the second endpoint, the first response uses a second communication protocol different than the first communication protocol. The method may also include initiating a timer for receiving a set of capabilities from the second endpoint and establishing the communication session between the first endpoint and the second endpoint.

Abstract: A digital subscriber line access network comprises a remote Ethernet device disposed in a serving area interface. The remote Ethernet device serves as an Ethernet bridge for a neighborhood service area. The remote Ethernet device communicates with a plurality of customer premises modems in the neighborhood service area using an Internet Protocol over an Ethernet standard with a digital subscriber line physical layer. An Ethernet switch disposed at a central office communicates with the remote Ethernet device via a fiber optic medium using an Internet Protocol over a second Ethernet standard. The Ethernet switch provides a packet data core network termination.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for processing an incoming call and providing an interactive voice response unit with application flow control and call arrival and departure control. The system includes a call router including rules for handling call arrival and call departure and an interactive voice response unit. The interactive voice response unit includes a state and event table for operation as a state machine for intermediate processing between call arrival and call departure. An additional external resource is provided for updating the state and event table in order to control interactive voice response application flow. The method includes processing call arrival at the call router, performing intermediate processing with the state machine at the interactive voice response unit, and handling call departure procedures at the call router. The method additionally includes updating the state and event tables and providing application flow control using an external resource.

Abstract: A communication apparatus including a network control unit for interfacing with a telephone line. The network control unit comprises a direct current circuit in which a loop state direct current can flow, and a direct current limiting device for limiting the loop state direct current to a prescribed value when communication with a foreign country that has adopted a different communication standard is performed.

Abstract: A system enhances automation of activating network service between a customer modem and a central office modem over a digital subscriber line (DSL) link. The central office modem couples the customer modem to a network for providing the network service. The system comprises a polling system coupled with the central office modems. The polling system polls inactive central office modems in order to detect the presence of an associated customer modem. A discovery application is coupled with the polling system and the central office modems for selectively enabling ones of the central office modems in accordance with a result of the polling system. If the polling system detects the presence of the customer modem, the associated central office modem is enabled for providing network service to a customer.

Abstract: A modem utilizing a DAA having line side circuitry including a telephone network interface and system side circuitry including a host system interface. The line side circuitry and the system side circuitry are separated by a high voltage isolation barrier. In accordance with the invention, the high voltage isolation barrier and other DAA circuitry are configured such that data and control information may be communicated between the system side circuitry and the line side circuitry using a serialized digital communication protocol. In one embodiment of the invention, the line side circuitry of the modem includes detection and measurement circuitry that is programmable to measure or establish electrical characteristics (e.g., tip/ring voltage and loop current) of the telephone line interface connection. Command information for the programmable circuitry is multiplexed with data communicated across the high voltage isolation barrier.

Abstract: An information handling system comprises a TCP/IP network connecting a hub to a multimedia server and the hub to a data server, and the hub to an IP telephony device that is then coupled to a network device. Data sent from the network device is addressed for transmission to the data server and is transmitted through the IP telephony device to the TCP/IP network. The IP telephony device monitors when an amount of data being received over the network falls below a predetermined threshold. If this occurs, the IP telephony device will send a signal to the multimedia server, which will then generate a congestion signal to send to all or selected IP telephony devices in the network to throttle data being received by the IP telephony devices from their respective connected network devices.

Abstract: A first device receives and processes signals from a communication link that supports a plurality of signal protocols. The device comprises a converter, coupled to the communication link, that outputs a sampled data stream, and a digital filter that filters the sampled data stream to separate signals associated with different signal protocols. A second device receives a first input sampled data stream representative of a first signal to be transmitted and associated with a first signal protocol and a second input sampled data stream representative of a second signal to be transmitted and associated with a second signal protocol, and combines the data streams into an output data stream which may be coupled to the communication link.

Abstract: A method of displaying an advertisement on a display of a mobile communication terminal is provided. According to the method of displaying the advertisement, advertisement data is received through a wireless Internet network. The received advertisement data is compared with advertisement data stored in a storage device of a mobile communication terminal, to thus update the received advertisement data. It is determined whether the mobile communication terminal is activated and advertisement data to be displayed on a display of the mobile communication terminal is selected from the storage device according to the determination result. The selected advertisement data is displayed on the display of the mobile communication terminal.

Abstract: A communications device, method and service are provided that integrate broadband and dial-up internet access in a seamless service package. A modem is provided that combines both broadband and dial-up connectivity in a single device. The modem includes an auto-sense procedure for switching between the two types of connections. Additionally, a connectivity utility allows a user to interact with a modem that combines both broadband and dial-up connectivity in a single device. The connectivity utility receives various event notifications from the modem and provides the user with the ability to receive off or on-line help, current modem or connection status, the status of an order for service, control of modem parameters, billing information, and other features.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a muting signal. The apparatus includes an audio signal detector for remotely receiving an audio signal and a processor in communication with the detector. The processor is configured to compare the received audio signal with a predetermined audio signal generated by a device and generate a muting signal when at least a component of the received audio signal matches the predetermined audio signal.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a system comprising a modem adapted to be integrated into a programmable logic controller and adapted to facilitate communications with a main processor of the programmable logic controller via a communications medium. At least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a method comprising receiving a message from a main processor of a programmable logic controller, modulating the message within the programmable logic controller, and transmitting the message via a communications network. At least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a method comprising receiving a message at a programmable logic controller from a communications network, demodulating the message within the programmable logic controller, and delivering the message to a main processor of the programmable logic controller.

Abstract: A network termination (NT) which is universally applicable and permits fair billing. The network termination (NT) according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a switching facility (DET, 1, 2, 3) whereby the interface (a/b, U) on the network side is switchable from an analog one (a/b) to a digital one (U). A subscriber who needs a digital interface, for example because he wants to have two B channels of the ISDN at his free disposal, can release a digital interface (U) or have it released. A subscriber who wants only an analog access can release an analog access or have it released. To accomplish this, the network termination (NT) contains a switch (3) and a detector (DET). The switching between analog access and digital access on the network side can be effected without replacement of the network termination (NT).

Abstract: A technique is provided for an electrical device to automatically detect one of a plurality of interface standards to operate in accordance with. More particularly, a direct access arrangement (DAA) for communicating with telephone lines is provided for utilization with modem communications over a phone line. The DAA may be configured to automatically detect and operate in accordance with a plurality of interface standards for communications to a host system. For example, the DAA may detect that communications are to be provided in accordance with the AC-97 interface standard or the Azalia interface standard. In one embodiment, a clock signal may be monitored to determine the proper interface mode. In another embodiment, the automatic detection of the proper interface mode may be accomplished by monitoring the data presented to the DAA through the interface standard.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a software configurable wireless modem that can be configured using software downloaded by a host computer. The user can select a preferred mode of operation, or mode selection can be done automatically based upon whether one or more predetermined criterion, such as a location of the modem, are met.

Abstract: A digital subscriber line access network comprises a remote Ethernet device disposed in a serving area interface. The remote Ethernet device serves as an Ethernet bridge for a neighborhood service area. The remote Ethernet device communicates with a plurality of customer premises modems in the neighborhood service area using an Internet Protocol over an Ethernet standard with a digital subscriber line physical layer. An Ethernet switch disposed at a central office communicates with the remote Ethernet device via a fiber optic medium using an Internet Protocol over a second Ethernet standard. The Ethernet switch provides a packet data core network termination.

Abstract: A communication apparatus including a network control unit for interfacing with a telephone line. The network control unit comprises a direct current circuit in which a loop state direct current can flow, and a direct current limiting device for limiting the loop state direct current to a prescribed value when communication with a foreign country that has adopted a different communication standard is performed.

Abstract: A communication apparatus including a network control unit for interfacing with a telephone line. The network control unit comprises a direct current circuit in which a loop state direct current can flow, and a direct current limiting device for limiting the loop state direct current to a prescribed value when communication with a foreign country that has adopted a different communication standard is performed.

Abstract: An improved modem architecture and associated method are disclosed that integrate modem functionality and line-side isolation functionality while also providing flow control of internal data between an isolation interface, digital-signal-processor (DSP) circuitry, and an analog input. The integrated modem and line-isolation circuit may also have an analog output for which data flow control is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely diagnosing, trouble shooting, and/or programming an end user telephone by a customer service representative using a modem in communication with the user's telephone during a live telephone call between the customer service representative and the user are disclosed. The user telephone and modem system generally comprises a telephone having a remotely controllable feature and a user modem that alternates between voice and data signal transmissions and communicates with a remote customer service modem. The user modem receives control signals from the remote customer service modem for controlling the controllable feature of the user telephone. The user telephone may be a DSP-enabled telephone with the user modem being embodied in the DSP. Examples of remotely controllable features include volume, frequency response, compression ratio, knee point, programmable memory, an LED light, self-diagnostic test, and/or user hearing test administration.

Abstract: Disclosed is an operation, administration, and maintenance method for very high bit rate digital subscriber line, which has a simplified frame structure, can be easily modified, and can provide various information. In very high bit rate digital subscriber line system which performs a link set between central office and customer premises equipment connected to each other by a very high bit rate digital subscriber line by transmitting/receiving very high bit rate digital subscriber line overhead control frame having operation code, unique operation codes are identically set at the central office and the customer premises equipment. Unique operation codes prescribe all kinds of messages to be transmitted between central office and customer premises equipment. Operation, administration, and maintenance for customer premises equipment is performed by exchanging messages by central office and customer premises equipment in very high bit rate digital subscriber line overhead control frames.

Abstract: A modem utilizing a DAA having line side circuitry including a telephone network interface and system side circuitry including a host system interface. The line side circuitry and the system side circuitry are separated by a high voltage isolation barrier. In accordance with the invention, the high voltage isolation barrier and other DAA circuitry are configured such that data and control information may be communicated between the system side circuitry and the line side circuitry using a serialized digital communication protocol. In one embodiment of the invention, the line side circuitry of the modem includes detection and measurement circuitry that is programmable to measure or establish electrical characteristics (e.g., tip/ring voltage and loop current) of the telephone line interface connection. Command information for the programmable circuitry is multiplexed with data communicated across the high voltage isolation barrier.

Abstract: A method and system for adaptively adjusting modem operating characteristics is disclosed. A modem includes a line interface circuit and a controller. The modem is programmed (such as by user-input) with an indication of a location (e.g., country or region) where the modem is operating. When going off hook, the controller sets the modem off hook impedance to a level that would be likely to be sufficient and acceptable under applicable governmental regulations. Upon going off hook, the controller then senses the actual line voltage at the modem, and, if it turns out that the modem is not within an acceptable operating range, the controller adjusts the off hook impedance of the modem so as to bring the modem into an acceptable operating range. The invention advantageously helps reduce the need to produce numerous different versions of a given modem, instead facilitating the production of a “global” modem.

Abstract: In an arrangement where users are connected to an ISP through a bank of modems, a time-out threshold is then selected for the user based on the user's connection pattern. The threshold is varied dynamically in response to access patterns, in an attempt to trade the benefit accrued by using the ISP's modem and phone line for a shorter period of time, against the inconvenience to the user from having to reestablish a connection to the ISP. Specifically, the time interval between the last disconnection by the user and the time of reconnection is evaluated, and when this time interval is shorter than a preselected threshold, then the time-out threshold is increased. When this time interval is longer than the preselected threshold, then the time-out threshold is decreased. Typically, when the time-out threshold is decreased, it is decreased by a significantly smaller amount that the amount by which it is increased, when it is increased.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically establishing a data connection includes a telephone line interface circuit coupled to a subscriber telephone line, and a modulator and demodulator circuit coupled to the telephone line interface circuit. A control circuit is coupled to the modulator and demodulator circuit and conditions the modulator and demodulator circuit to establish a connection to the subscriber telephone line and comprises circuitry to determine whether a central office to which the subscriber telephone line is connected is a tone-dial central office or a pulse-dial-only central office, whether a dialing prefix is necessary to access the subscriber telephone line, and whether the call waiting feature is activated on the subscriber telephone line.

Abstract: Ring-detect interface circuit is disclosed for digital DAA circuitry to provide a plurality of selectable signals, including a ring monitor signal, on a ring-detect output pin. The interface circuitry allows the digital DAA circuitry to interface with advanced controllers, such as advanced DSPs, while still being compatible with older controllers that expect only a ring monitor signal on the ring-detect pin. The interface circuitry may include a multiplexer that receives multiple status bits or signals, including the ring monitor signal, and that has its output controlled by a multiple-bit control register. In addition, the ring monitor signal may be communicated as a digital signal across an isolation barrier from phone line side circuitry to powered side circuitry and ultimately made available on the ring-detect output pin. Corresponding methods for improving compatibility of digital DAA circuitry through the ring-detect interface circuit are also disclosed.

Abstract: An aural information is expanded correspondingly to a compression system and a compression rate when a receiving signal from a digital telephone circuit is the aural information and a control signal received from the digital telephone circuit indicates that the aural information is compressed. When the control information indicates a stereo system including a right voice system and a left voice system, right and left voices are separated and output. Thus, a stereo communication is realized with an improved tone quality with using a digital telephone set.

Abstract: A connected apparatus detection system for externally transmitting and receiving information of an information apparatus by means of a communication function of a communication apparatus, with the communication apparatus and the information apparatus connected, in which a signal line for use in the connection between the communication apparatus and the information apparatus includes an external apparatus connection detection line for transmitting and receiving a connection detection signal indicating whether the communication apparatus and the information apparatus are connected or not, the information apparatus has a function of transmitting an identification signal indicative of information which specifies a kind of the information apparatus through the external apparatus connection detection line, and the communication apparatus has a function of receiving the identification signal to change setting of the communication apparatus into setting contents adapted to the information apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and systems for configuring communication systems to access public telephone networks. communication systems, such as modems, that connect to public telephone networks are required to meet certain access requirements defined by the telephone network. The present invention provides a list of countries/locations to select from in configuring a communication system to operate with a particular telephone network. The methods and systems also include an import feature to address political changes such as the change of a country's name as well as telephone network equipment changes that necessitate modifying how a communication system and telephone network interact. Because political boundaries do not always indicate differing telephone access requirements, the present invention may also store a unique country/location identifier where the communication system groups political subdivisions together so that a configuration can be associated with a single country/location.

Abstract: A programmable modem or PSTN interface whose electrical characteristics can be programmed by software to satisfy multiple international telecommunication standards is implemented. Specifically, this modem configures a data access arrangement (DAA) circuit to provide a telephone connection having characteristics suitable for each unique country standard, without requiring the DAA to be replaced or to have any hardware modifications. Furthermore, the required changes to the DAA may be made “on the fly” during homologation testing.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for changing the functional mode of a telephone terminal in a private branch exchange (PBX) is presented. A user can issue a command via the keypad indigenous to a telephone terminal, causing the telephone terminal to transmit a request to an interface module, requesting a change in the functional mode of operation of the requesting phone. The interface module responds by causing the software module supporting the current functional mode of operation of the telephone terminal to terminate the logical software link to the telephone terminal and causing the software module supporting the requested functional mode of operation to establish a logical software link to the telephone terminal, thereby changing the functional mode of operation of the telephone terminal.

Abstract: A high voltage isolation barrier includes first and second capacitors, each having a first terminal connected to a system-side input signal source. A first diode is connected between second terminals of the first and second capacitors, and a second diode is connected to the second terminal of the first capacitor and to a first terminal of a third capacitor. Application of an alternating polarity squarewave across the first terminals of the first and second capacitors results in generation of a line side voltage on the third capacitor and in transfer of a clock signal at the squarewave frequency across the isolation barrier to the line side.

Abstract: A modem utilizing a DAA having line side circuitry including a telephone network interface and system side circuitry including a host system interface. The line side circuitry and the system side circuitry are separated by a high voltage isolation barrier. In accordance with the invention, the high voltage isolation barrier and other DAA circuitry are configured such that data and control information may be communicated between the system side circuitry and the line side circuitry using a serialized digital communication protocol. In one embodiment of the invention, the line side circuitry of the modem includes detection and measurement circuitry that is programmable to measure or establish electrical characteristics (e.g., tip/ring voltage and loop current) of the telephone line interface connection. Command information for the programmable circuitry is multiplexed with data communicated across the high voltage isolation barrier.

Abstract: A modem utilizing a data access arrangement (DAA) having line side circuitry including a telephone network interface and system side circuitry including a host system interface. The line side circuitry and the system side circuitry are separated by a high voltage isolation barrier. In accordance with the invention, the high voltage isolation barrier and other DAA circuitry are configured such that information may be communicated between the system side circuitry and the line side circuitry in a digital format. In one embodiment of the invention, the high voltage isolation barrier comprises a single capacitor for communicating bidirectional digital data. In another embodiment of the invention, a pair of capacitors are provided in the high voltage isolation barrier, with the digital signals being driven is a differential manner.

Abstract: The present invention allows characteristics of individual distributed telephone sets to be controlled by a central telephone switch. In one embodiment, configuration files are stored locally on the phone set, but control of the configuration files is provided by the phone switch. Alternatively, configurations files may be stored on the phone switch. When modifying the configurations of a particular phone set, the phone switch dynamically determines the options that are available based on factors such as phone set model and additional hardware connected to the phone set. The phone switch provides a menu or other means for modifying characteristics of the phone set. The menu provides options only for characteristics available on the phone set. The user of the phone set interacts with the menu to confirm or modify the characteristics of particular phone set.

Abstract: A modem which enables re-negotiation of the selected modem technology subsequent to the original negotiation which takes place at initiation of the modem connection. The invention includes means for one modem to interrupt data transfer and transmit a signal to the other modem indicating a request that a different modem technology be used. The request may be made as a result of changing line conditions, changing system demands, changing data transfer requirements, or other altered conditions under which the modems are operating. If the modem receiving the request accepts the request, both modems re-enter negotiation to select the best modem technology under the changed conditions. The modems are then re-trained to select the best bit rate within that technology under the existing line conditions. After the new modem technology and bit rate are selected, the modems resume transferring data.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for enabling communications devices to recognize call progress tones that may be used in foreign countries. The call progress tone detection system includes a communications device (50) having one or more frequency decoders (113) for determining the frequency of call progress tones, a cadence decoder (126) for determining the on/off pattern for the call progress tones and a table (122) for storing the call progress tone frequencies and the cadences. Recognition of call progress tones is accomplished by enabling the communications device (50) to receive one or more foreign call progress tones, enabling the user to associate the type of call progress tone for each call progress tone received and storing each call progress tone to a table (122) for later cross reference when initiating a call.