Abstract: A communication device that includes a base. The base includes a line interface for receiving incoming communications over a network line and sending outgoing communications over the network line, a communication transceiver for interfacing the communication device over a communication link to other communication devices in a same in-home network and for interfacing other communication devices in the same in-home network to the line interface via the communication link, and a storage medium for storing communication software that allows the communication device to communicate with other communication devices through the transceiver. The communication device also includes a processor coupled to the storage medium and to the line interface. The processor is configured to run the communication software and to receive incoming communications through the line interface and to send an outgoing communications through the line interface. The communication transceiver can be a RF short range transceiver.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for establishing secure wireless links between a handset and a base station in cordless telephone systems are described. A method of generating a secure wireless link between a handset and a base station includes initiating a linking procedure, generating a security code, trasmitting the security code from a sound transmitter, receiving the security code at a sound receiver and then establishing a radio frequency link between the handset and the base station utilizing the security code. A cordless telephone system capable of generating a secure wireless link includes both a handset and a base station. The handset includes a control circuit, an rf transmitter and an rf receiver coupled to the control circuit along with a sound receiver also coupled to the control circuit.

Abstract: a communication device that includes a base. The base includes a line interface for receiving incoming communications over a network line and sending outgoing communications over the network line, a communication transceiver for interfacing the communication device over a communication link to other communication devices in a same in-home network and for interfacing other communication devices in the same in-home network to the line interface via the communication link, and a storage medium for storing communication software that allows the communication device to communicate with other communication devices through the transceiver. The communication device also includes a processor coupled to the storage medium and to the line interface. The processor is configured to run the communication software and to receive incoming communications through the line interface and to send an outgoing communications through the line interface. The communication transceiver can be a RF short range transceiver.