Abstract: An application programming interface (API) enables a telephone to utilize the hardware resources of a computer that is connected to the telephone in a master/slave relationship that causes the computer to function in the manner of a peripheral to the telephone. Specifically, the telephone attached to the computer can utilize the relatively large memory capacity of the attached computer to store excess telephone-specific data and can utilize the relatively high sophistication of the processing capability of the connected computer to perform intensive data processing operations. The API allows the functionality of the telephone to be extended without requiring a telephony-equipped computer.

Abstract: An application programming interface (API) enables a telephone to utilize the hardware resources of a computer that is connected to the telephone in a master/slave relationship that causes the computer to function in the manner of a peripheral to the telephone. Specifically, the telephone attached to the computer can utilize the relatively large memory capacity of the attached computer to store excess telephone-specific data and can utilize the relatively high sophistication of the processing capability of the connected computer to perform intensive data processing operations. The API allows the functionality of the telephone to be extended without requiring a telephony-equipped computer.

Abstract: A method for transmitting and receiving caller ID data (28) in a cordless telephone system is provided that comprises establishing a cordless telephone system having a base station (12) and a mobile unit (14). The method then provides for receiving caller ID data (28) at a base station (12) followed by terminating any current caller ID data (28) transmissions from the base unit (12) to the mobile unit (14). The method next provides for appending start (92) and end message codes (94) to the caller ID data (28) to generate a caller ID message followed by packetizing the caller ID message. The method next provides for transmitting the caller ID packets (72) from the base station (12) to the mobile unit (14). The method next provides for terminating the caller ID packet (72) transmission when the end message code (94) is transmitted. The method next provides for receiving the caller ID packets (72) at the mobile unit (14).

Abstract: An incoming call (100) is received from a public switched telephone network (PSTN) (21) at a base unit (12). A caller id interface (26) extracts caller id information (27) from the incoming call. An answering machine handler (33) compares the caller id information with other caller id information stored in a directory (37). If a match is found between the caller id information and the other caller id information, then a voice announcement is communicated to one or more mobile units (14). The voice announcement is played instead of the second ring at the mobile units which have an enabled speaker (65).

Abstract: An improved RF channel management scheme is described. In accordance with this scheme, decisions regarding whether to reserve or release a channel in a hold state are based upon system usage and configuration information. By this approach, the communication capacity of a wireless telephone system may be optimized for individual wireless communication environments. In one embodiment, whether an RF channel in a hold state is released or reserved is determined based, at least in part, upon a count of unused RF channels available to the wireless telephone system. In another embodiment, whether an RF channel in a hold state is released or reserved is determined based, at least in part, upon a class of service identifier assigned to a wireless telephone holding an RF channel in a hold state.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for synchronizing wireless communication devices. The method and system involve providing a first unit and a second unit for communication over a wireless communication link. Further, an identical identifier is assigned to the first and second units. Also, a data message is constructed having control data. The data message includes a plurality of data bytes and a portion of the control data corresponds to the identifier. The data message is split into a plurality of message portions and the message portions are transmitted from the first unit to the second unit. The message portions are received at the second unit. Control data from the message portions is assembled to form a control message at the second unit. The identifier portion of the control message is compared with the identifier assigned to the second unit. When the identifier portion of the control message matches the identifier assigned to the second unit, the second unit enters an in-synchronization state.

Abstract: An extended range cordless telephone system in which a cordless handset may be configured to extend the operating range of a base station is described. The local cordless handset is operable selectively to exchange wireless voice signals with the base station and to relay wireless communication signals between the base station and a remote cordless handset in response to a received mode selection signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing a multi-channel digital communications line provides dynamic bandwidth allocation of user data channels for supporting a data device and an audio device, such as a digital telephone. In the preferred embodiment, the communications line is an ISDN line in which both B-channels are dedicated to data transfers for the data device when the audio device is idle. However, the signaling channel is continuously monitored to detect events in which incoming and outgoing voice calls are indicated. One of the B-channels is surrendered in order to allow connectivity of the voice call. Reallocation of the surrendered B-channel to the support of a data transfer occurs upon detection of a D-channel signal that indicates that the audio device has released the channel.