Abstract: An incoming call (100) is received from a public switched telephone network (PSTN) (21) at a base unit (12). A caller id interface (26) extracts caller id information (27) from the incoming call. An answering machine handler (33) compares the caller id information with other caller id information stored in a directory (37). If a match is found between the caller id information and the other caller id information, then a voice announcement is communicated to one or more mobile units (14). The voice announcement is played instead of the second ring at the mobile units which have an enabled speaker (65).

Abstract: An improved RF channel management scheme is described. In accordance with this scheme, decisions regarding whether to reserve or release a channel in a hold state are based upon system usage and configuration information. By this approach, the communication capacity of a wireless telephone system may be optimized for individual wireless communication environments. In one embodiment, whether an RF channel in a hold state is released or reserved is determined based, at least in part, upon a count of unused RF channels available to the wireless telephone system. In another embodiment, whether an RF channel in a hold state is released or reserved is determined based, at least in part, upon a class of service identifier assigned to a wireless telephone holding an RF channel in a hold state.

Abstract: An extended range cordless telephone system in which a cordless handset may be configured to extend the operating range of a base station is described. The local cordless handset is operable selectively to exchange wireless voice signals with the base station and to relay wireless communication signals between the base station and a remote cordless handset in response to a received mode selection signal.

Abstract: A broadband gateway that communicates with a broadband computer network and narrow band cordless devices is provided. The gateway houses together a connector to a broadband network, which is connected to a broadband modem. The broadband modem provides a broadband computer network outlet. The broadband modem is also connected to a narrow band cordless device. The narrow band cordless device may be formed by a translation board connected to the broadband modem, a microprocessor connected to the translation board, a burst mode controller connected to the microprocessor and the translation board, and a transceiver electrically connected to the burst mode controller. A codec device may also be connected to the burst mode controller to allow the use of a conventional telephone.

Abstract: A cordless communication system employing an air interface capable of providing both isochronous (e.g., voice) and asynchronous (e.g., data) communication is described. The air interface combines advantages of the HomeRF SWAP and WDCT protocols to provide high quality voice and data service without unnecessarily increasing the complexity of the cordless communication system.

Abstract: A cordless digital telephone system which allows audio broadcasts is provided. Time division multiple access (TDMA) cordless phone systems provide a base unit which is able to provide connections for a plurality of mobile units, such as handsets. With time division, the mobile units are synchronized to different time slots. A broadcast mode is provided that causes the mobile units to be placed in a receive only mode and to synchronize to the same time slot where a broadcast message is sent.

Abstract: A method for receiving and storing messages generally comprises receiving an audio message from a caller at an answering device and converting the audio message to a compressed digital message. The compressed digital message is transferred from the answering device to a personal computer for storage of the compressed digital message. When play back of the audio message is requested, the compressed digital message is transferred from the personal computer to the answering device. The method further includes converting the compressed digital message to the original audio message and playing the audio message from the answering device.

Abstract: A frequency hopping cordless telephone system is provided, including a base station and one or more mobile units. The base station and mobile units are adapted to determine if a carrier frequency has been interfered with. If so, and if a next frame has slots available, the lost slot(s) are resent, along with those next in queue. A ring buffer memory is provided to receive both the resent slot(s) and the current one. The slots are read into the memory at a first rate and read out at a higher rate.

Abstract: A cordless digital telephone system which allows broadcast over broadcast is provided. Time division multiple access (TDMA) cordless phone systems provide a base unit which is able to provide connections for a plurality of mobile units, such as handsets. With time division, the mobile units are synchronized to different time slots. A broadcast mode is provided that causes the mobile units to be placed in a receive only mode and to synchronize to the same time slot where a broadcast message is sent. In this way, a cordless telephone base unit in a broadcast mode receives a radio or streaming audio signal. A call controller unit included in or coupled to the base station then sends the received radio or streaming audio signal to at least one mobile unit in communication with the base station.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for a failed computer system to send a report of the failure to a remote site without dependency on a service processor or maintenance processor. The computer system is capable of reporting system failure to a remote site independent of whether the system may be successfully rebooted. The system includes a CPU, and, coupled to the CPU, a non-volatile control store, a main memory, a storage device storing a computer operating system, and a data modem. Firmware is resident in the non-volatile control store of the main computer system for reporting system failure to a remote site independent of whether the system may be successfully rebooted by reloading the operating system into main memory. The firmware is invoked upon occurrence of a non-recoverable error and provides for assembling failure-related information, establishing communication with the remote site, and transmitting the failure-related information to the remote site.