Abstract: There is provided a method of establishing voice communications over a packet network using a first computer having a first VoIP application, a first modem, a first modem audio subsystem, a microphone and a speaker. The method comprises establishing a VoIP connection with a second VoIP application using the first VoIP application; making a phone connection over a phone line using the first modem; placing the first modem in an audio mode; enabling the first modem audio subsystem to provide a voice communication path between the first modem and the first VoIP application; mixing an audio stream received from the first modem with an audio stream received from the microphone to generate a first mix; and sending the first mix to the first VoIP application.

Abstract: A connection controller suitable for use in a PBX. The connection controller can set up a media path to allow a user at a known terminal to receive audio information from an audio source. The connection controller has a directory of audio sources and a processing unit for searching the directory to select an audio source suitable to provide the audio information desired by the user. When the selection is made the processing unit generates and directs control signals to one or more components operative to establish the media path between the selected audio source and the known terminal.