Abstract: A communications system (30) enables two communications devices (10, 12) to communicate with each other over an extended distance using a limited range communication protocol, such as the IrDA or Bluetooth protocol. The communications system includes a pair of repeaters (32, 34), each having a protocol stack (38) that includes a portion of the limited range communications protocol. The repeaters communicate with each other over an extended range communications channel (36) such as the PSTN, while each communications device utilizes its native, limited range communications technique to communicate with an associated repeater. Thus, each communications device can readily communicate with another like device using its native protocol over a distance otherwise beyond the range of that technique.

Abstract: A telephony device (101) communicates data between an external communications device (111), such as a laptop computer or Personal Data Assistant, and a communications network (12) via a wireless link while the telephony device carries a telephone call between the network and a telephone (20, 28). A control unit (22, 24) within the telephony device multiplexes data received from the external data communication device via a wireless data communications port for communication via an interface circuit (16, 161) to the communications network during the call. Further, the control unit de-multiplexes data received from the network via the interface circuit for communication to the external data communications device over the wireless link during the call.

Abstract: A caller ID system is disclosed in which a prescaler is coupled between a source of a caller ID signal and a caller ID receiver, and a processor is coupled to the caller ID receiver. The prescaler is responsive to the processor for scaling the caller ID signal.