Abstract: A method includes receiving a first identification signal, where the first identification signal corresponds to a first control. The method also includes determining an active device function to which the first control corresponds, where the active device function is a first function of a first device when the first device is active and where the active device function is a second function of a second device when the second device is active. The method also includes triggering emission of an audible signal identifying the active device function.

Abstract: Hybrid cables for communication networks are disclosed. An example cable includes a plurality of electrical conductors disposed along a central axis of the cable. The plurality of electrical conductors includes a first twisted pair cable in a twisted configuration with a second twisted pair cable. The cable also includes a first jacket surrounding the plurality of electrical conductors and a plurality of optical fibers adjacent to an outer surface of the first jacket.

Abstract: A computer readable medium stores a program for a calling party controlled ringback tone service. The service enables a calling party to control ringback tones, even overriding called party selected ringback tones. The service can operate in a wireless or wireline network, such as a voice over IP (VoIP) network or time division multiplexed (TDM) network. The calling party can be periodically billed for the ringback tone control service, as well as the ringback tones. The subscriber can configure the service via the web.