Abstract: A network system and method use a distributed network and a network processor connected to the network. System data storage is provided connected to the processor. Administrator data packets including contact telephone data and voice packets are sent by the processor when the network processor receives alert data including one or more of status data, fault data and error data. The administrator data packets include voice data sent as voice packets. The system is advantageously used with a telephone line network interface connected to a public telephone line and connected to the network. The voice packets may be converted to analogue voice signals at the telephone line network interface for the call or the data may be sent to a remote device and converted to analogue at the remote device (or a device connected to the remote device). The system may also be used with network telephones. Each network telephone is connected to the network and sends packets to and receives packets from the network.

Abstract: A plurality of audio sources are provided in a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) and monitored to determine if audio is available from any of the sources. Once an audio source with an audio presence has been found, that audio source is connected to the PBX and the PBX uses the audio from that source to provide audio-on-hold to the telephone users at that PBX. The audio coming from that audio source is substantially continuously monitored. When it is determined that this particular audio source is no longer providing audio, this particular audio source is disconnected from the PBX network and another audio source having an audio presence, is connected instead.

Abstract: A network system and method use a distributed network and a network processor connected to the network. System data storage is provided connected to the processor. Administrator data packets including contact telephone data and voice packets are sent by the processor when the network processor receives alert data including one or more of status data, fault data and error data. The administrator data packets include voice data sent as voice packets. The system is advantageously used with a telephone line network interface connected to a public telephone line and connected to the network. The voice packets may be converted to analogue voice signals at the telephone line network interface for the call or the data may be sent to a remote device and converted to analogue at the remote device (or a device connected to the remote device). The system may also be used with network telephones. Each network telephone is connected to the network and sends packets to and receives packets from the network.