Abstract: A system for real-time communication between a plurality of separated users, comprising at least one communication device for use by each of the plurality of users and having an associated display and at least one communication network to which at least first and second users can connect by logging in at their respective communication devices. Further included are at least one service record for the first and second logged in users, the at least one service record including user identification information and an associated location where each user is logged in no matter where they are located.

Abstract: A method of real-time communication between a plurality of users each with respective communication devices having associated displays, the method comprising the steps of providing each of the plurality of users with collaboration initiation software at their communication devices and allowing at least first and second users to connect to at least one communication network by logging in at their respective communication devices. Further, the method comprises maintaining service records for at least the first and second logged in users, the service records including user identification information and an associated location where each user is logged in.

Abstract: A system of communication that includes causing user identifiers to be displayed in a group or panel that has been previously created by the first user by selecting user identifiers of potential callees from a list, and further including user identifier information for the second user retrieved over at least one network is disclosed.

Abstract: Two or more users can log in using at least one device each. Addresses for the users are sent to servers associated with the users, these servers being separated by a wide area network. From a quick dial list of user identifiers, a user selects an identifier for another user to make a request for communication with the second user. At least one port associated with a collaboration service is specified.

Abstract: A communication system includes a network office and at least one twisted pair loop plant wiring path between the network office and a first premises network. The network office is transmits first data over the twisted pair loop plant wiring using Ethernet protocol to the first premises network, and receives second data over the twisted pair loop plant wiring using Ethernet protocol from the first premises network.