Abstract: A signaling arrangement where all terminal configuration data is stored in a switching system, but where each user terminal responds to a message from the system, defining one of the user terminal buttons as the selected call appearance at the terminal, by operating in a functional signaling mode to communicate with the system using functional messages concerning a call at the selected call appearance. Idle and ringing preference methods for use in terminating calls and auto-drop and auto-hold alternatives for use when moving from one call appearance to another are disclosed as well as methods for holding or dropping calls. Implicit and explicit conferencing methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stored directory is searched from a display station set to obtain the telephone number of a sought-after name. The arrangement uses the station set keypad to generate signals corresponding to the spelling of the sought-after name. The arrangement adds each entry it receives to previously formed sequence of entries and, for each newly formed sequence, returns to the station set the name and telephone number contained in a directory record having a string of characters that compare to the newly formed sequence. The arrangement also provides means for scrolling through the directory.