Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for facilitating multiple data communications with a first platform (100, 102, and 104) using a single communication conduit (108) having first and second channels. First data are transmitted between the first platform and a second platform (114) via the first and second channels (202). It is determined whether an incoming call comprises second data of a particular type (206). Where the incoming call comprises the second data of the particular type (208), transmission of the first data via the second channel is inhibited (226) thereby enabling reception of the second data by the first platform via the second channel while the first data continue to be transmitted via the first channel. The second data are then received at the first platform via the second channel (230). Transmission of the first data via the first and second channels is resumed in response to termination of transmission of the second data (266).

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring channels and controlling calls. Multiple channels provided by at least one digital line are monitored. Based on this monitoring, the present invention determines when all of the multiple channels are occupied. At least one of an incoming call and an established call is given priority when all of the multiple channels are busy. The priority is based on predetermined inputs from a user. The call with priority is provided on one of the multiple channels. The present invention then determines when one or more of the multiple channels are available. When one of the multiple channels becomes available, the action based on the call priority is automatically disabled.

Abstract: A method for operating an ISDN PBX?110! for connecting M BRI lines?13-15! connected to a central office?12! to N terminals?21-28, 31-38, 41-48! connected to the PBX?110! (N>M), such that any B channel of any of the BRI lines?13-15! can be connected to any terminal utilizing a connect in accordance with Bellcore National Standard NI-2. Each of the terminals?21-28, 31-38, 41-48! is associated with one, and only one, of the BRI lines?13-15!. The present invention achieves its advantages over the prior art by defining a plurality of EKTS groups?1-4!. Each of the EKTS groups?1-4! includes at least one of the terminals?21-28, 31-38, 41-48! associated with each of the BRI lines?13-15!. When an incoming call is received for a terminal associated with a BRI line that is currently busy, the call is connected by emulating a connection to a second terminal that is assigned to free BRI line and which is also assigned to the EKTS group to which the first terminal is assigned.

Abstract: A method and system for initializing ISDN terminals include selecting a set of call service features and formulating a keymap, the keymap constituting a correlation between the selected service features and feature keys associated with the terminal. The keymap is entered into a memory of the terminal and is uploaded from the terminal to a central office without the necessity of a database administrator entering the keymap data into a central office database. Communication between the terminal and the central office can be facilitated by a universal SPID. After the keymap is uploaded, the central office downloads a SPID unique to the terminal for use in future calls made from the terminal. After the initialization of the terminal is complete, the selection of ISDN service features and the keymap may be revised by entering updated keymap data into the terminal memory and uploading the updated data from the terminal to the central office.

Abstract: An office point is connected to a central office using a plurality of basic rate interface (BRI) lines. A physical layer of the office point provides connection to the BRI lines. A second layer uses a first table for accessing terminal endpoint identifiers (TEIs) using port numbers and logical link numbers. A third layer uses a second table for accessing logical terminal number using the port numbers and the logical link numbers. The third layer also uses a third table for using logical terminal numbers to access service profile identifiers.