Abstract: A personal communications system is described which includes components of software and hardware operating in conjunction with a personal computer. The user interface control software operates on a personal computer, preferably within the Microsoft Windows.RTM. environment. The software control system communicates with hardware components linked to the software through the personal computer serial communications port. The hardware components include telephone communication equipment, digital signal processors, and hardware to enable voice, fax and data communication with a remote site connected through a standard telephone line. The functions of the hardware components are controlled by control software operating within the hardware component and from the software components operating within the personal computer.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for fault-tolerant communication of data embodied in a packet. The communication includes transmission of a starting sequence signal, the starting sequence signal including a first character string followed by a second character string. Transmitting the packet of information after the starting sequence signal has been transmitted, and transmitting an ending sequence signal after the packet has been transmitted, the ending sequence signal including a third character string followed by a fourth character string. The present invention also includes receiving the starting sequence signal transmitted from the transmitting means, and comparing the first and second character strings for the starting sequence signal to first and second pre-determined character strings. A buffer is reset so that it may receive the packet if the first and second character strings match the first and second pre-determined character strings, respectively.

Abstract: Two Escape Methods for modem control are described, both of which are a form of TIES (Time Independent Escape Sequence). Since TIES is more descriptive of the methodology being used, as opposed to a specific protocol or standard, the present specification describes the protocol used in +++AT<CR> escape sequence (in-band escape) and <BREAK>AT<CR> escape sequence (out-of-band escape).