Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for connecting a headset alternately to a telephone line and an audio device. The apparatus includes an audio connector for connecting the apparatus to the audio device, a telephone connector for connecting the apparatus to the telephone line, and a headset connector for connecting the apparatus to the headset. The apparatus also includes a switching circuit connected to the audio, telephone and headset connectors. The switching circuit connects the telephone connector to the headset connector in response to sensing a voltage greater than a predetermined threshold on the telephone line. When the voltage sensed returns to a value less than the predetermined threshold value, the switching circuit reconnects the headset connector to the audio connector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for escaping from transparent mode in which the Data Communication Equipment will escape from transparent mode (into command mode) if a user programmed escape character string is received in coincidence with the toggling of a control signal such as Request To Send (RTS). Advantageously, this escape method can be used in conjunction with time/data escape methods that are based soley on activity on the received data line. When the two methods are used together, a supervisor program or control device can force an escape notwithstanding the user programmed time constraint parameters in the DCC.

Abstract: A telephone includes means for switching the LEDs, on the face of the phone, between a normal operating mode in which the lights indicate the status of telephony features, such as mute or hold, to a diagnostic operating mode in which the LEDs indicate the status of the telephone's data communications signals. The modes are toggled by entry of a code on the telephone keypad or by way of a command from a workstation coupled to the telephone by way of a data communications port.