Abstract: A novel line-current protection circuit for detecting excessive line current from a telephone line and protecting line interface circuitry from the excessive line current is presented. The protection circuit is adapted to detect when an excessive current is present on the tip and ring lines indicative of the misconnection of the modem or other line interface device with a telephone network that presents an incompatible interface standard. The preferred embodiment appreciates the multimode hold current specifications throughout the world and evaluates the connection of the line interface circuit with a telephone line to determine the compatibility therewith. When excessive line current is detected, the line-protection circuit switches the vulnerable line interface out of the circuit. When compatible line current levels are detected, the present invention reconfigures the configurable hold circuit into its original operating (e.g., non-testing) state for call processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an illuminated connector that may be illuminated from a light source that is not immediately adjacent to the connector. The connector is illuminated by projecting a focused beam of light onto a translucent portion of the connector. The focused beam of light may then be redirected so as to illuminate selected sections of the connector in order to indicate diagnostic information or identify the source or model of the electronic device in which the connector is placed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the successful transmission of facsimile data over a wireless communication channel is provided comprising a facsimile machine, a wireless transceiver and a connector interfacing therebetween. The facsimile machine detects an interface with the wireless transceiver and notifies the facsimile machine of a wireless communication channel through which facsimile data will traverse. The facsimile machine, in conjunction with the wireless transceiver, establishes a wireless communication channel according to an initial data transfer rate corresponding with the capability of the wireless transceiver or known communication channel conditions. The facsimile machine then exchanges facsimile data over the wireless communication channel and a receiving facsimile machine evaluates the facsimile data to detect errors injected through the wireless communication channel.