Abstract: In a first facsimile device, if a calling message does not include a called party subaddress and a subaddress of the device is stored, received image data is temporarily retained and the retained image data is either recorded or erased according to a user's instruction. In a second facsimile device, the image data are not received in the above case. a waste of recording paper due to an unnecessary recording of image data is avoided in both the first and second facsimile devices.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an optical communications network is provided, which network comprises control means for controlling the network and a plurality of stations each having an information emitter and receiver. The stations are interconnected by optical signal transmission supports and the control means. According to the present invention, main delays of the stations are controllably modifiable, as desired, by the control means. Particular utility is found in the area of private communications networks, although other utilities are contemplated.