Abstract: A method and system for selecting a frequency for communication within a premises network are disclosed that offer significant operational advantages. According to one aspect of the present invention, a system for selecting a frequency for communication within a premises network may include a telephone line interface, a transceiver, and a logic/control unit coupled to both the telephone line interface and the transceiver. The telephone line interface may be operable to couple to a premises network. In some embodiments, the logic/control unit may be operable to select a first channel. The first channel may correspond to a first frequency over which communications may be sent from the transceiver to other devices within the premises network.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing power over a premises network is provided. The system comprises a power receiving module operable to be coupled to a premises network located in a user site. A power source module is operable to be coupled to the premises network and a power supply. The power source module is operable to receive electrical power from the power supply and provide electrical power over the premises network such that the power is contained within the premises network.

Abstract: A method and system interface a digital data stream having at least one telephony data set with a telephony network, such as a single twisted wire pair telephony network installed in a residence or business. The telephony data set is converted to a telephony signal for use by conventional telephony devices, such as telephones, and is transmitted through the telephony network in a telephony network band. The telephony network band can be located outside of the voiceband to avoid interference with central office signals. Plural data telephony data sets can each provide a telephony signal directed to one or more telephony devices associated with the telephony network. Telephone control modules interfaced associated with the telephony devices can translate telephony signals from the telephony network band to the voiceband for use by the associated telephony devices. The method and system can support plural simultaneous telephony communications through a single twisted pair or other telephony network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting remote options to a digital telephone base. Physical and communications protocols for connections and a flexible control scheme which can be as simple or elaborate as a given option requires are provided. The digital telephone includes an option bay connection, having a hierarchical control protocol. The option bay connection makes available several types of information, including: local analog audio, analog voice, digital voice, digital data and telephone control streams.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a programmable computing device to a digital telephone via an adapter. The digital telephone includes an option bay connection, having a hierarchical control protocol. The option bay connection makes available several types of information including local analog audio, and analog voice, digital voice, digital data and telephone control streams. The adapter passes the telephony control data to and from a programmable computing device such as a personal computer, enabling an application operating on the computing device to control or monitor the operation of the telephone. The adapter includes a microcontroller and an interface for a serial port and can thus be connected to the serial port of the programmable computing device.

Abstract: A system and method of synchronizing visual indicators in digital telephone including at least one attached auxiliary device. Visual indicators on the base telephone and the auxiliary device are first set to an initial state. Later, as various telephony features are activated, corresponding ones of the visual indicators on the base telephone and the auxiliary device are operated at predetermined cadences. When the cadence control mechanism (and thus the visual indicators) of the base telephone reaches a predetermined state, a state machine in the base telephone sends a synchronization message to the auxiliary device and then continues to operate the visual indicators on the base telephone at their predetermined respective cadences. Upon receipt of the synchronization message, the auxiliary device sets its cadence control mechanism to the predetermined state, thus synchronizing them with their like cadence counterparts in the base digital telephone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preprocessing digital voice data enroute to or from a Telephone's CODEC. The apparatus supports a CODEC directly connected to an internal bus and using a separate CODEC clock and sync signal to control transfers between a telephony link/internal bus interface and the CODEC. According to an embodiment of the present invention, an auxiliary processing device (connected to the internal bus side of the phone) is provided with means to process the digital voice information before sending it uplink or to the CODEC. This is accomplished without changing the position of the incoming voice field.