Abstract: A LAN telephone which makes voice telephone calls over a local area network (LAN) data network. Acoustic voice sounds are digitally encoded and transmitted as data, over the LAN. The disclosed telephone simultaneously receives LAN data packets and decodes them, translating the data into acoustic audio voice sounds. All communications with the network occur through the use of the LAN, including data for call control and for voice signals. The disclosed LAN telephone uses a packet scheduling technique to prevent packet collision, delay or loss. The scheduling technique relies on time of transmission and arrival to switch packets. Additionally, the disclosed LAN telephone is operable to receive power from a data switch, using LAN wiring. The instrument further includes a means for attaching peripheral devices through an electronic interface system, as well as an internal system for allowing the telephone to be moved, from one connection to another, without changing the telephone number.

Abstract: An external speakerphone accessory system for a telephone, such as a LAN telephone, which enables the telephone user to place the speakerphone in a location that is convenient for multiple users, and which is not necessarily co-located with the attached telephone itself. The speakerphone accessory obtains all of its power, audio, and control signals from an attached telephone unit through a modified Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, and includes a power supply system which enables it to obtain a relatively high power level from the telephone to which it is attached. The speakerphone accessory uses a delay detected between when an audio signal is received at a left hand side microphone and when that audio signal is received at a corresponding right hand side microphone to define zones of maximum sensitivity with regard to users of the speakerphone accessory.

Abstract: A LAN telephone which makes voice telephone calls over a local area network (LAN) data network. Acoustic voice sounds are digitally encoded and transmitted as data, over the LAN. The disclosed telephone simultaneously receives LAN data packets and decodes them, translating the data into acoustic audio voice sounds. All communications with the network occur through the use of the LAN, including data for call control and for voice signals. The disclosed LAN telephone uses a packet scheduling technique to prevent packet collision, delay or loss. The scheduling technique relies on time of transmission and arrival to switch packets. Additionally, the disclosed LAN telephone is operable to receive power from a data switch, using LAN wiring. The instrument further includes a means for attaching peripheral devices through an electronic interface system, as well as an internal system for allowing the telephone to be moved, from one connection to another, without changing the telephone number.