Abstract: This invention relates to arrangements for interconnecting a plurality of stand-alone switches by data and communication channels (the latter typically used for communicating voice signals) in such a way as to make the plurality of switches act as if they were one switch. The invention further relates to arrangements for permitting groups of lines, the groups connected to different stand-alone switches, to be treated essentially as if they were connected to a single switch. Each switch of a symbiotic network (a group of stand-alone switches) or a virtual symbiotic network (the grouping of the groups of lines) accesses pertinent data in its own data base or the data base of one of the other switches of the symbiotic or virtual symbiotic network and treats the results of such data base accesses as if they were made internally in the switch.

Abstract: A method or apparatus for offering multiple switch access to selected lines and trunks of a multiple telecommunications switch complex. The selected lines and trunks are connected to peripheral units whose outputs are distributed by a network to a group of switches. The switches are interconnected by a second network. Advantageously, the selected lines can be served by several switches so that the failure of one switch does not deprive these lines of service. Advantageously, the two networks and the group of switches form a giant switch having high reliability.

Abstract: This invention relates to arrangements for interconnecting a plurality of stand-alone switches by data and communication channels (the latter typically used for communicating voice signals) in such a way as to make the plurality of switches act as if they were one switch. The invention further relates to arrangements for permitting groups of lines, the groups connected to different stand-alone switches, to be treated essentially as if they were connected to a single switch. Each switch of a symbiotic network (a group of stand-alone switches) or a virtual symbiotic network (the grouping of the groups of lines) accesses pertinent data in its own data base or the data base of one of the other switches of the symbiotic or virtual symbiotic network and treats the results of such data base accesses as if they were made internally in the switch.

Abstract: Remote call pick-up is provided for analog telephones. Upon receiving a call request for a first analog CPE, a first record associated with the first CPE is read. The record contains a directory number for a second analog CPE. The first CPE is rung with a standard ring pattern and the second CPE is concurrently rung with an alternate ring pattern signifying that the second CPE is not the original call destination. The call is completed to the second CPE if a remote call pick-up code is received from the second CPE before the first CPE goes off-hook.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for serving selected lines and trunks from two or more switches. The selected line and trunks are connected to peripheral units each served by two or more switches. The switches each maintain translation information and the supervisory states of the selected lines and trunks. Advantageously, at low cost, the selected lines and trunks can be provided with service even when one of the switches is out of service.

Abstract: A destination telecommunication switch receives a request to establish a call to a first party served by the switch. The request includes call type data that identifies the party originating the call request as one of a plurality of call categories. A first record associated with the first party is read from a database. The first record includes at least one set of data which defines a call category and a corresponding call processing technique to be utilized for the call category. The switch processes the incoming call in accordance with the predetermined call category handling if the incoming call is identified by call category data in the database.

Abstract: A keyset that connects to telephone switches via analog lines, wherein a processor in the keyset communicates with the switch via in-band signaling to provide keyset functionary. When a call comes into the switch for one of the directory numbers (DNs) associated with the keyset, the switch sends a frequency shift key (FSK) encoded message to all of the keysets associated with that DN. The FSK message includes at least the DN of the terminating telephone line, and may also include an extension number or other code. The processor in the keysets receives the message, decodes it, and then alerts the users of the incoming call.

Abstract: This invention relates to arrangements for interconnecting a plurality of stand-alone switches by data and communication channels (the latter typically used for communicating voice signals) in such a way as to make the plurality of switches act as if they were one switch. The invention further relates to arrangements for permitting groups of lines, the groups connected to different stand-alone switches, to be treated essentially as if they were connected to a single switch. Each switch of a symbiotic network (a group of stand-alone switches) or a virtual symbiotic network (the grouping of the groups of lines) accesses pertinent data in its own data base or the data base of one of the other switches of the symbiotic or virtual symbiotic network and treats the results of such data base accesses as if they were made internally in the switch.