Abstract: A method performed by a videoconferencing device, the method comprising: maintaining a database (129) comprising multiple records, each record including bit rate information and relating to a particular endpoint identifier; initiating a videoconference call with a target endpoint (101, 103); identifying (S2) one or more records in the database (129) that relate to the endpoint identifier of the target endpoint (101, 103); identifying (S5) one or more records in the database (129) that relate to the endpoint identifier of one or more endpoints located in a common zone with the target endpoint (101, 103); using bit rate information from the identified records to calculate (S4, S7, S8) an initial video bit rate for the videoconference call; and initially transmitting video to the target endpoint (101, 103) at the calculated initial video bit rate. Apparatus configured to implement the foregoing method.

Abstract: A method performed by a videoconferencing device, the method comprising: maintaining a database (129) comprising multiple records, each record including bit rate information and relating to a particular endpoint identifier; initiating a videoconference call with a target endpoint (101, 103); identifying (S2) one or more records in the database (129) that relate to the endpoint identifier of the target to endpoint (101, 103); identifying (S5) one or more records in the database (129) that relate to the endpoint identifier of one or more endpoints located in a common zone with the target endpoint (101, 103); using bit rate information from the identified records to calculate (S4, S7, S8) an initial video bit rate for the videoconference call; and initially transmitting video to the target endpoint (101, 103) at the calculated initial video bit rate. Apparatus configured to implement the foregoing method.

Abstract: An auxiliary connection mechanism for allowing a Digital Switching System (DSS) to share an analog line with an analog device (via an auxiliary device port) is disclosed. The auxiliary connection mechanism includes a pair of relays for releasably connecting the auxiliary device port and the DSS to the analog line. When the analog line is idle, both the analog device and the DSS are connected to the line in order to receive incoming calls on the analog line. However, once one of the devices (either the analog device or the DSS) uses the line, the other device should not access the line. A busy line detect circuit is included to detect whether a device is using the line.

Abstract: An auxiliary connection mechanism for allowing a Digital Switching System (DSS) to share an analog line with an analog device (via an auxiliary device port) is disclosed. The auxiliary connection mechanism includes a pair of relays for releasably connecting the auxiliary device port and the DSS to the analog line. When the analog line is idle, both the analog device and the DSS are connected to the line in order to receive incoming calls on the analog line. However, once one of the devices (either the analog device or the DSS) uses the line, the other device should not access the line. A busy line detect circuit is included to detect whether a device is using the line.