Abstract: A method which, in response to an alerting signal from a source, manages a data transfer from the source, via a communications link, to at least two terminals coupled with the communications link. The method (a) dynamically designates one of the at least two terminals as a token terminal, (b) generates an acknowledgment signal with the token terminal, and (c) terminates the communications link during the data transfer with the token terminal. The dynamic designation of the token terminal is performed by (a) assigning a time delay for each of the terminals, and (b) determining, with each of the terminals, after the assigned time delay, whether the terminal will accept the data transfer from the source based on a condition of the communications link.

Abstract: A broadband customer premises equipment ("CPE") interface device interfaces with conventional telephones, screen phones, and broadband data and video devices. The interface device includes circuitry to connect with a telephone network via a first telephone connection and circuitry to connect with a broadband network via a second, broadband connection. The interface device can provide control of video information being pumped to the CPE via the broadband network by sending control signals to a video server via the telephone network. In addition, the interface device includes ADSI off-hook alerting ("AOHA") circuitry and adds ADSI script management server ("ASMS") circuitry to provide noninvasive programming of screen phone-type CPE devices. ASMS programming information for a CPE device is transferred to the interface device via the broadband network and stored in the interface device.