Abstract: An Internet appliance has added hardware and software functionality to allow communication where a dialing action request is authorization is verified using a personal identification means (PIM). A user first selects a communication access number by requesting a dialing action on a actual or a virtual keypad or by clicking a “hot spot” on a Web page. Selecting an access number (e.g., dialing of a telephone number), alerts the user of the Internet appliance of the selection process whether the user instigates or the selection is attempted from a remote device using the Internet appliance facilities. Either method will trigger software commands that prompt the user to enter a PIM either to authorize his own use or another one's use of the Internet appliance. The PIM may comprise, but is not limited to, keying in a personal identification number (PIN), a biometric identification, or a smart card stored number.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sharing bandwidth among a plurality of end users increases the bandwidth available to each user. A source signal originating from one user terminal is directed through a master bandwidth sharing device that is connected to a local telecommunications line. The master bandwidth sharing device wirelessly communicates with slave bandwidth sharing devices, each having a connection to a local telecommunications line, and aggregates the available bandwidth of the multiple telecommunications lines. Frequent and regular arbitration of the bandwidth sharing process evaluates the continued availability of slave telecommunications lines and either reconfigures the bandwidth sharing depending on bandwidth availability or terminates the wireless connection upon receipt of a release signal.

Abstract: A telephone network and a method and system for its use is disclosed. In a first aspect of the present invention, a telephone network is disclosed. The telephone network includes an internet service provider (ISP) coupled to a local switching exchange. The local switching exchange receives and transmits calls to a plurality of devices. The network includes a plurality of modems coupled to the ISP. The network also includes a plurality of phone systems. Each of the phone systems including a cordless unit and a base station. Each of the plurality of phone systems also is associated with one of the plurality of modems, wherein a call can be routed to or from each of the cordless units through any of the modems to any of the plurality of devices. In a second aspect, a method and system for sending a call from a phone system to a device is disclosed. The phone system comprises a cordless unit and a base station. The phone system is also coupled to a modem.

Abstract: An Internet appliance has added hardware and software functionality to allow communication where a dialing action request is authorization is verified using a personal identification means (PIM). A user first selects a communication access number by requesting a dialing action on a actual or a virtual keypad or by clicking a “hot spot” on a Web page. Selecting an access number (e.g., dialing of a telephone number), alerts the user of the Internet appliance of the selection process whether the user instigates or the selection is attempted from a remote device using the Internet appliance facilities. Either method will trigger software commands that prompt the user to enter a PIM either to authorize his own use or another one's use of the Internet appliance. The PIM may comprise, but is not limited to, keying in a personal identification number (PIN), a biometric identification, or a smart card stored number.