Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing the number of unit attentions provided to a set of initiator devices by eliminating unnecessary unit attentions from queues in which unit attentions for each of the initiator devices are stored. In one embodiment, a system comprises a processor and a memory implemented in a router that is coupled between a target device and multiple initiator devices. As each unit attention is generated by the target device, it is forwarded to the initiator device that prompted the unit attention, and is stored in a queue for each of the other initiator devices. Periodically, the queues are examined to determine whether any of the unit attentions stored therein are unnecessary. One or more of the unit attentions that are determined to be unnecessary may be eliminated from the respective queues, reducing the number of unit attentions that are provided to the respective initiator devices.

Abstract: A method apparatus for selectively passing various types of telephony information between a data communications port on a digital telephone and a computer run application program. In one embodiment, the application program can select a subset of telephony events by way of a telephony command to the telephone's data communication port. This command is processed by a telephony command processor within the data communications controller which, in turn, sets a programmable event mask within the telephone. In response to the event mask being set, only the selected telephony events are spontaneously reported to the host computer and application program.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the telephony features assigned to a telephone connected to a central switch. By communicating with the central switch, the telephone generates a list of assigned telephony features. The list of telephony features is stored in a nonvolatile memory and displayed to the telephone user.

Abstract: A dynamically configurable telephone 10 has an intelligent controller 42 which implements a communication protocol to receive commands and parameters and to transmit status indicative of particular phone features. Upon receipt of the parameters, the controller translates the parameters into configuration settings for the telephone and also stores the parameters in a non-volatile memory 44 if such is installed. The telephone accommodates many different country-specific requirements without hardware or firmware changes being made to the phone itself. The controller returns solicited or unsolicited status messages, or events, to a PABX 14 over a bit serial digital data link 12. An event can be indicative of error conditions, such as data packet errors, timeouts, or data storage errors. An event can also be a reply to a previously received command, such as configuration status, internal test results, a phone serial number or a controller firmware revision level.