Abstract: The invention describes a method and device of comfort noise generation for echo cancelers. The invention stores the actual background noise of a channel in a noise buffer. When the echo suppressor is activated by the echo canceler to suppress any unwanted signals on the channel, the buffer provides the stored noise to the channel to provide continuous background noise. To ensure that neither speech nor impulse noise enters the buffer, hangover delays and energy threshold levels are provided such that signals within the delay period or signals which exceed the energy threshold level are screened from entering the buffer.

Abstract: A signal classifier and a echo suppressor for a facsimile calls in an echo prone network. The signal classifier quickly and reliably differentiates facsimile calls from voice and modem calls. The echo suppressor suppresses echo and has a variable hangover time which avoids attenuating and distorting a return transmission signal.