Abstract: A docking station is provided, which functions to enable landline telephones connected to the docking station to send and receive “walkie-talkie” or “push-to-talk” (PTT)-type messages via a mobile telephone docked in the docking station. A processor of the docking station is programmed to recognize that when a predefined key of a landline telephone is used, the call is a PTT-type call. The predefined key functions in a manner similar a PTT button on a conventional PTT-type mobile telephone. However, unlike for conventional PTT-type calls, the user need not keep the predefined key pressed when speaking.

Abstract: A docking station, which connects a cellular telephone with one or more landline telephones, includes a connection switch configured to detect a condition of at least one landline of a premises and to establish a connection with a landline based on a detected condition, an interface configured to connect with any of a plurality of types of cellular telephones, and a processor configured to control a plurality of functions of the docking station and to communicate with each of the plurality of types of cellular telephones. An electrical characteristic of a cable or a wireless module connected to the cellular-telephone interface is used by the processor to identify a type of a cellular telephone connected to the docking station. The processor is programmed to enable a landline telephone connected to the docking station to send or to receive calls via the cellular telephone connected to the docking station, based on an identified type of the cellular telephone connected to the docking station.

Abstract: A telephone controller, which is connectable with two or more landline telephones, is provided. When a user of a landline telephone connected to the apparatus initiates an intercom function or a paging function, a processor of the apparatus causes a signal to be sent to the landline telephones. The signal causes the landline telephones to ring. When an off-hook condition occurs at one of the landline telephones, the processor causes the ringing to stop.