Abstract: A telephony system that accepts inputs, such as account codes, from a variety of devices and interfaces. The system includes a server with a telephony management software (TMS) unit, a telephony application programming interface (TAPI) unit, and an application unit. The application unit includes a control module, a call status module, an endpoint interface module, a storage interface module, a call transfer module, a TAPI interface module, a configuration module, and an extension library module. A server is capable of prompting several devices for an input and then accepting an input from any of the devices. Thus, a server enables a user to initiate a phone call on one device and then input information using a different device.

Abstract: A menu routing service routes calls made to a customer's toll-free number according to customized routing instructions. A service provider establishes service parameters, which include the toll-free number and a restriction associated with at least one of the customer and the service provider. To customize call routing, a web server receives instructions from the customer to associate the toll-free number with a terminating number, such as a directory number or switch ID and trunk group numbers. When the restriction prohibits the association, the web server determines whether the service parameters further include an override indicator associated with the customer that overrides the restriction. The toll-free number is associated with the terminating number when service parameters include the override indicator.

Abstract: A system and method of telephony resource management and security for monitoring and/or controlling and logging access between an enterprise's end-user stations and their respective circuits into the public switched telephone network (PSTN). One or more rules are defined which specify actions to be taken based upon at least one attribute of a call. Calls are detected and sensed to determine attributes associated with each call. Actions are then performed on selected calls based upon their attributes in accordance with the defined rules.

Abstract: The IP-PBX includes a multimedia gateway controller in which a call control data master table stores call control data for all terminals falling under the control of the IP-PBX. In the event of failure of a PH accommodating IP phones and the like via the LAN, the multimedia gateway controller transfers the contents of the call control data slave table existing on the PH to the call control data slave table on another PH.

Abstract: A telecommunications service controls and monitors telephone calls by storing at a service control point (SCP) restricted telephone numbers and priority telephone numbers. Upon receiving call data relating to a call between a subscriber telephone number and an outside telephone number, the SCP determines whether the outside telephone number matches the restricted or priority telephone numbers. When the outside telephone number matches a restricted telephone number, the call is terminated and the SCP stores the call data. When the outside telephone number does not match a restricted telephone number, or matches a priority telephone number, the call is connected. The SCP transmits stored call data to a service management system, which is accessible by the subscriber via the Internet or an interactive voice response, for generating reports. The service further includes time schedules for implementing call restrictions and personal identification number for bypassing call restrictions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a secure telephone call management system for authenticating users of a telephone system in an institutional facility. Authentication of the users is accomplished by using a personal identification number, preferably in conjunction with speaker independent voice recognition and speaker dependent voice identification. When a user first enters the system, the user speaks his or her name which is used as a sample voice print. During each subsequent use of the system, the user is required to speak his or her name. Voice identification software is used to verify that the provided speech matches the sample voice print. The secure system includes accounting software to limit access based on funds in a user's account or other related limitations. Management software implements widespread or local changes to the system and can modify or set any number of user account parameters.

Abstract: A system includes a first interface to connect with a network, and a second interface to connect with a telephone device of an enterprise. A unit controls a connection between the first and second interfaces for an outgoing call from the telephone device to a remote telephone device connected to the network. A processor subsystem coupled with the unit operates to initiate communications with a telephone device associated with a supervisor having authority to allow or deny the call. The processor subsystem also operates too present the supervisor with information that includes a purpose or reason for the outgoing call. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: An short message service switching private branch exchange system and a method can reduce costs. The method can include certifying whether a usable DSP exists or not when an office line and a speech path are connected to each other, and transmitting an short message service signal transmitted from the office line to the DSP through a PCM channel if the usable DSP exists. A main processor of the private branch exchange can certify an extension line terminal that will receive short message service, generate an short message service signal having a format corresponding to a kind of the extension line terminal by using the DSP, and transmit the formatted SMS signal to an extension line interface unit of a corresponding extension line terminal. The system switches an SMS signal between an office line and an extension line by sharing the DSP, for example, by time division.

Abstract: The present invention delivers both voice and real-time communications over telephony infrastructure. The telephony infrastructure will effectively couple a DSL server in a local telephony exchange to telephony terminals and DSL modems at any number of user locations. Each DSL modem will be coupled to a computing device, such as a personal computer, that is capable of facilitating real-time communications. The DSL server is directly or indirectly coupled to a packet network. In addition to being coupled to the DSL server, telephony cabling at the local telephony exchange is also coupled to a telephony switch to support circuit-switched voice communications. As such, circuit-switched voice sessions may be established via the telephony switch with the telephony terminal over the same telephony cabling. Real-time communications may be provided over the telephony cabling using DSL service between the DSL modem and the DSL server.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for bridging mobile phone networks with other telephone networks. A telephone network comprises multiple individually addressable telephone lines connected to telephones and to a gateway, which in turn is connected to one or more mobile phones and potentially to one or more landlines. When the gateway receives an inbound call from one of the mobile phones, or an outbound call from one or the telephones, the gateway applies routing rules to determine how to route the call. Routing may depend on a variety of factors, such as time of day, cost, the mobile phone receiving an inbound call. To help identify the mobile phone as the source of an inbound call, a distinctive ring may be selected. To account for differences in the mobile phone network and the telephone network, the gateway translates signals between the two networks.

Abstract: A system for handling special number calls placed from a phone coupled at a connection locus in a private network; includes: (a) a private switch controlling communications with the phone from outside the private network during a call session; (b) a control facility coupled with the private switch and with a special number call system for effecting communications between the private network and the special number call system; and (c) a contact parameter storage unit coupled with at least one of the private switch and the special number call system for identifying at least one contact parameter relating to the connection locus at least during the call session. The private switch, the control facility and the special number call system cooperate in using the contact parameter to effect call back from the special number call system to the phone at least during the call session.

Abstract: A PBX connected to a public exchange includes a separate caller ID service unit for providing a caller ID and/or a system tone by performing a digital signal process. To display the caller ID on a receiver terminal, or caller ID phone, a line is established with the PBX through general switched telephone network, and a CID received through the line is converted and stored in the caller ID service block mounted with at least one memory through a switching block, under control by a control block. Then, the control block transmits all or part of the stored CIDs to the caller ID phone through the switching block and/or a subscriber line convergency unit.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for maintaining a universal call-log in a Home Network telephone system. The method comprises: transceiving calls on at least one external telephone line; bridging calls to a plurality Home Network endpoints; and, logging the bridged calls. Bridging calls to a plurality Home Network endpoints includes initiating an outgoing call from an endpoint. Then, the outgoing calls initiated from endpoints are logged. Likewise, incoming calls received on an external telephone line addressed to an endpoint and bridged, and logged. Logging the bridged calls includes cross-referencing entries such as call time, the call duration, the type of call, the external telephone involved, the external line telephone number from which an incoming call is received, the external telephone line telephone number to which an outgoing call is addressed, the endpoint to which an incoming call is addressed, and the endpoint initiating an outgoing call.

Abstract: A system and method to provide secure access across the untrusted public switched telephone network is described. The system and method can be initiated by a security policy defining actions to be taken based upon at least one attribute of the call.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method to perform a telecommunication between a caller terminal and a callee terminal identified by an identification code, such as a phone number. Method wherein it comprises the steps of: collecting routing information related to the identification code of the callee, after entering said code at the caller's terminal and before activating the telecommunication or establishing the telecommunication link, then displaying at least a part of said collected routing information at the caller's end, for example directly on the caller terminal and finally either activating the telecommunication in order to establish the telecommunication link corresponding to the entered code or cancelling the current attempt to establish a telecommunication link based on said dialed code.

Abstract: A telecommunications service controls and monitors telephone calls by storing at a service control point (SCP) restricted telephone numbers and priority telephone numbers. Upon receiving call data relating to a call between a subscriber telephone number and an outside telephone number, the SCP determines whether the outside telephone number matches the restricted or priority telephone numbers. When the outside telephone number matches a restricted telephone number, the call is terminated and the SCP stores the call data. When the outside telephone number does not match a restricted telephone number, or matches a priority telephone number, the call is connected. The SCP transmits stored call data to a service management system, which is accessible by the subscriber via the Internet or an interactive voice response, for generating reports. The service further includes time schedules for implementing call restrictions and personal identification number for bypassing call restrictions.

Abstract: A telephony system for completing conference calls includes a premise-based network having a local controller coupled to local endpoints, a proxy, and a conference bridge. The telephony system includes a public telephone network coupled to the premise-based network. A request call is initiated to the proxy for setting up the conference call. The request call is routed to the conference bridge. A plurality of local endpoints for participation in the conference call is provided to the proxy via the request call. The local controller contacts the plurality of local endpoints and routes successful connections to the conference bridge. The request call and the successful connections are then bridged at the conference bridge.

Abstract: The PBX system includes an analog to digital, and digital to analog, (A/D) conversion where the sample size and the sample rate are selectively adjustable. The A/D structure includes registers which hold values indicating the sample size and the sample rate for the conversion. When the A/D structure is configured, the A/D structure reads the values in the register and configures itself to the sample rate and sample size indicated by the registers. When the sample size and sample rate is to be changed, the values in the registers are changed and the A/D structure is reconfigured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system with a redirect functionality that removes the potential of a bottleneck inherent with a central redirect server. In a communications system according to the present invention, the central redirect server is eliminated in favor of a distributed redirect server. This distributed redirect server is distributed to, and hosted on, telephony access nodes (TANs) in the system. This configuration resolves both the problem of a potential bottleneck and provisioning of redundant redirect server capability.

Abstract: A method for operating an integrated communications system providing voice and data communications to a plurality of users and simulating a key system. An outside line appearance is provided on a telephone coupled to the system; the outside line appearance is associated with a predetermined outside telecommunications trunk and has associated therewith a button and a lighting implement. In response to activation of the button, a lighting condition of the lighting implement is changed and a dial tone to the telephone by the integrated system. Digits are entered by a user depressing keys on the telephone and collected by the system. Restriction rule are applied to determine if a telephone number dialed by the user is restricted, and if restricted an error tone is provided. Caller ID information may be determined for the user.

Abstract: A hardware authentication system and method for equipment including at least one removable hardware component comprising a processing unit within the equipment that includes a first pseudo-random number generator responsive to at least one non-deterministic event for generating a pseudo-random number. A second pseudo-random number generator is provided on the removable hardware component. The second pseudo-random number generator is also responsive to the at least one non-deterministic event and generates a pseudo-random number. The processing unit compares the pseudo-random numbers generated by the first and second pseudo-random number generators to detect coincidence and thereby determine authenticity of the hardware component.

Abstract: A PBX switch incorporates methods and apparatus for automatically configuring Call Appearance values in an ISDN BRI. The methods and apparatus include providing means for one PDN to call the other PDN in the same BRI, recording the Call Appearance data for the first call, placing the first call on hold and calling the same number again, recording the Call Appearance data for the second call, and repeating the process until all Call Appearance values have been recorded. According to the invention, the process is repeated for both PDNs in each BRI coupled to the PBX switch.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for maintaining a universal call-log in a Home Network telephone system. The method comprises: transceiving calls on at least one external telephone line; bridging calls to a plurality Home Network endpoints; and, logging the bridged calls. Bridging calls to a plurality Home Network endpoints includes initiating an outgoing call from an endpoint. Then, the outgoing calls initiated from endpoints are logged. Likewise, incoming calls received on an external telephone line addressed to an endpoint and bridged, and logged. Logging the bridged calls includes cross-referencing entries such as call time, the call duration, the type of call, the external telephone involved, the external line telephone number from which an incoming call is received, the external telephone line telephone number to which an outgoing call is addressed, the endpoint to which an incoming call is addressed, and the endpoint initiating an outgoing call.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a voice storage device includes a port control unit for monitoring a service state of a port of a PBX extension circuit, and a private branch exchange is configured to transmit, upon receipt of an incoming call, an incoming signal including caller information and the number of a port receiving the incoming call to the voice storage device without bringing an outside line to an off-hook state. As the voice storage device receives the incoming signal, the port control unit detects the port, which is available. When the port is available, paging directed to an individual extension telephone is performed through the private branch exchange by use of this available port, and until the outside line goes off-hook, a caller keeps hearing a ringback tone with the ringing signal being sent from a telephone office to the caller.

Abstract: A method and system of processing a call from a calling party to a called party are provided to enable selective call waiting which involves determining whether the called party is busy on another call; receiving a password from the calling party; and providing a call waiting signal to the called party only if the password corresponds to at least one predefined password associated with the called party.

Abstract: A clock generating circuit generates a clock of a rate corresponding to a Dch rate in response to a specification from the exterior. A counting circuit detects completion of reception of one frame by counting the clock number up to “11” at timing at which a start bit detecting circuit detects a start bit in a serial signal. An S/P converting circuit fetches a serial Dch signal bit by bit in synchronism with the clock, outputs the latest fetched 10 bits in a parallel form and latches eight bits of a real data portion among the output data into a latch circuit at the time when reception of one frame is completed. In parallel with the above operation, a parity calculating circuit and flag/interruption generating circuit set various flags and generate a reception completion interruption.

Abstract: Methods for enabling a non-DID station of a PBX or MLTS to receive a PSAP call back include assigning a special DID number for use by non-DID stations behind the PBX/MLTS, detecting when a non-DID station dials an emergency number, storing the station number of the non-DID station which dialed the emergency number, setting an emergency flag and a countdown timer, forwarding the special DID to the PSAP, detecting a call to the DID, routing the call to the DID to the stored station number so long as the timer has not expired, and dropping the emergency flag when the timer expires. An apparatus according to the invention includes a PBX switch coupled to a number of local stations, at least some of which are non-DID stations. The PBX preferably includes a processor, software, and storage registers. The PBX software is modified to carry out the methods described above.

Abstract: A system and method of telephony security for controlling and logging access between an enterprise's end-user stations and their respective circuits into the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A security policy, i.e., a set of security rules, are defined for each of the extensions, the rules specifying actions to be taken based upon at least one attribute of the call on the extension. Calls are detected and sensed on the extensions to determine attributes associated with each call. Actions are then performed on selected calls based upon their attributes in accordance with the security rules defined for those extensions.

Abstract: A system and method of telephony resource management and security for monitoring and/or controlling and logging access between an enterprise's end-user stations and their respective circuits into the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A set of security rules is defined for each of the extensions which specify actions to be taken based upon at least one attribute of the call on the extension. Calls are detected and sensed on the extensions to determine attributes associated with each call. Actions are then performed on selected calls based upon their attributes in accordance with the security rules defined for those extensions.

Abstract: A method and system include restricting destinations of a telephone call from a calling station, which has been assigned a privilege class. A service control point (SCP) stores blocking tables, based on privilege classes, and a privilege class control table, which associates the blocking tables with each privilege class. The SCP ascertains the assigned privilege class of the calling station and determines whether the telephone call corresponds to one of the types of blocking tables. When the telephone call does correspond, the SCP determines whether the assigned privilege class corresponds to the blocking table that corresponds to the attempted call. When there is no privilege class correspondence, the SCP bypasses validation of the called number. When there is privilege class correspondence, the SCP validates the called number and blocks the call when the called number is validated or continues call processing when the called number is not validated.

Abstract: Each of ISDN extension terminals which are connected in a point-multipoint connection mode transmits call initiation information while identification information thereof is contained in the call initiation information when a call is initiated: a private branch exchange includes a main memory for storing a table representing the corresponding relationship between the extension number and service class information, and a central processing equipment for searching the service class information corresponding to the extension number contained in call initiation information from the table when the call initiation information is received from an extension, and performing call processing in accordance with the service class information thus searched, whereby even when a plurality of extension terminals are connected to an exchange in the point-multipoint connection mode, the service class management can be performed for every extension terminal.

Abstract: A private branch exchange comprising means, including at least an extension terminal, for connecting the extension terminal to a communication network, means for transmitting to the communication network a call including information relating to a caller number, when a transmission call is made from the extension terminal, means for sending, when a call is received from the communication network and the call includes information on a number, the call to the extension terminal corresponding to the called number, memory means for storing information on a predetermined number which is preconfirmed to function as a called number for callback, determination means for determining, when a call has been received from the extension terminal, whether or not the predetermined number is obtained, which corresponds to a caller number received from the extension terminal or a caller number corresponding to the extension number, with use of the information stored in the memory means, and means for employing, when the acquisi

Abstract: A system and method to provide secure access across the untrusted public switched telephone network is described. The system and method can be initiated by a security policy defining actions to be taken based upon at least one attribute of the call.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a ringing voltage to a communication device such as a telephone or a modem. Typically, communication devices are coupled to a ringing voltage providing telephone network, such as a Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) network. The POTS network generally provides the necessary ringing voltages to the communication device. However, in other telephone networks, such as a PBX system, ringing voltages are not provided by the telephone network. The apparatus provides ringing voltages to the communication devices coupled to the non-ringing voltage providing telephone networks. The apparatus includes a switching regulator that provides the necessary ringing voltages to an indicator such as a bell or other output indicator.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a telephone exchange, a telephone system comprising such an exchange as well as a method for connecting a computer to a computer network via an exchange and a telecommunication network, where the exchange comprises a switch core, a switch control means responsible for setting up connections between users of the exchange and at least one network connection device that is connected between the switch core and the computer network. The network connection device comprises a signal processing means that converts the signal structure of data signals, received from computers via the telecommunication network and the switch core, to data packets having a signal structure suitable for data communication and supplies these data packets to the computer network. The exchange comprises means for monitoring every connection set up between such a computer and the computer network.

Abstract: A method for operating an integrated communications system providing voice and data communications to a plurality of users and simulating a key system. An outside line appearance is provided on a telephone coupled to the system; the outside line appearance is associated with a predetermined outside telecommunications trunk and has associated therewith a button and a lighting implement. In response to activation of the button, a lighting condition of the lighting implement is changed and a dial tone to the telephone by the integrated system. Digits are entered by a user depressing keys on the telephone and collected by the system. Restriction rule are applied to determine if a telephone number dialed by the user is restricted, and if restricted an error tone is provided. Caller ID information may be determined for the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system with a redirect functionality that removes the potential of a bottleneck inherent with a central redirect server. In a communications system according to the present invention, the central redirect server is eliminated in favor of a distributed redirect server. This distributed redirect server is distributed to, and hosted on, telephony access nodes (TANs) in the system. This configuration resolves both the problem of a potential bottleneck and provisioning of redundant redirect server capability.

Abstract: A system for providing a secure interface to a PBX system comprising a PBX having a command executor; a plurality of telephony devices connected to the PBX; one or more programmable computing devices connected to the PBX; wherein each programmable computing device has a telephony service provider component which communicates with the PBX command executor through a PBX command interface resident on the programmable computing device to request and obtain a list of telephony device identifiers corresponding to a set of telephony devices which are permitted to be monitored or controlled by the programmable computing device.

Abstract: After a camp-on to a telephone B has been registered by a telephone A, when a callback is returned by detecting call termination of the telephone B, the callback can be temporarily released or the camp-on can be released by performing a release operation from a telephone D registered in the same group as the telephone A.

Abstract: When a telephone call is received via an internal line, an information control/storage device transmits an electronic mail to a terminal device via an information line. The electronic mail includes information about the caller of the telephone call. When a user of the internal line cannot respond to a telephone call, an electronic mail is transmitted to a user designated as a substitute answerer. In this case, the electronic mail includes information indicating the user to whom the telephone call is originally addressed. After completion of the response to the telephone call, the substitute answerer transmits a message by an electronic mail to a terminal device of the user to whom the telephone call was originally addressed.

Abstract: A telephone system is operatively coupled to a private automatic branch exchange (PABX) system and to a voice mail system, where the telephone system permits a user to retrieve recorded voice messages from the voice mail system. The telephone system includes one or more telephones, where each telephone further includes a handset, a message waiting indicator configured to inform the user that the voice message is pending with the voice mail system, a message retrieval key for retrieving the voice message from the voice mail system, and an audio speaker configured to provide the user with audio output corresponding to the voice message. A single action by the user of activating the message retrieval key causes the voice message to be retrieved and the audio speaker to be automatically activated such that the voice message is output on the audio speaker without the user lifting the handset.

Abstract: An integrated telephone switching apparatus interconnects a plurality a PBX's to a single voice mail system. The apparatus includes a plurality of input ports for accepting calls from the voice mail extensions of different PBX's, a plurality of output ports for directing the calls to the voice mail ports of the voice mail system, and a switching circuit for switching the calls from input ports to the output ports. An internal switching control system selectively cross-connects incoming calls from the input ports to the output ports. The control system receives call information from the PBX's via a digital data connection, or by in-band dial tones, matches each set of call information with an associated call, creates a new set of call information for each of the calls, and supplies the new set of call information to the voice mail system when the call is switched so that the voice mail system can answer the call and play the required greeting.

Abstract: A system and method of telephony security for controlling and logging access between an enterprise's end-user stations and their respective circuits into the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A security policy, i.e., a set of security rules, are defined for each of the extensions, the rules specifying actions to be taken based upon at least one attribute of the call on the extension. Calls are detected and sensed on the extensions to determine attributes associated with each call. Actions are then performed on selected calls based upon their attributes in accordance with the security rules defined for those extensions.

Abstract: A method for carrying out an outgoing call reservation service, method comprises the steps of determining whether there is an input of the outgoing call reservation request from a calling subscriber of an exchange system, when a called party is determined to be in a busy state; concurrently re-dialing the called party over a plurality of available central office lines; detecting when one of said central office lines connects to the called party; terminating the re-dialing over the remaining plurality of available central office lines when one of the central office lines connects to the called party; and connecting the central office line that made the connection to the called party to the calling subscriber.

Abstract: An authentication system is applied for a voice network in order to provide the same security as that attained by a data network. Provided is a voice network access system wherein a one-time password system, which is used as an access authentication system, is applied for a voice network that is constituted by an private automatic branch exchange that includes an external interface; wherein the private automatic branch exchange is connected to a computer telephony server across the external interface for the exchange of sender number information that is received from a public network; and wherein the private automatic branch exchange is also connected via the external interface to an authentication system server, which receives a user's name from the computer telephony server and performs a personal authentication process using the user's name.

Abstract: A plurality of audio sources are provided in a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) and monitored to determine if audio is available from any of the sources. Once an audio source with an audio presence has been found, that audio source is connected to the PBX and the PBX uses the audio from that source to provide audio-on-hold to the telephone users at that PBX. The audio coming from that audio source is substantially continuously monitored. When it is determined that this particular audio source is no longer providing audio, this particular audio source is disconnected from the PBX network and another audio source having an audio presence, is connected instead.

Abstract: A direct inward-outward dialing (DIOD) trunk circuit having a DIOD detecting/sending circuit connected to tip and ring terminals connected to a central office line and a primary coil of a transformer, for detecting a polarity of the voltage potential at the tip and ring terminals and the current flowing therethrough to determine reception of one of an incoming and outgoing telephone call, and a switch, controlled by a relay driver responsive to an interface circuit used for interfacing the DIOD trunk circuit with a switching circuit of a private branch exchange (PBX), for enabling the current to flow between the tip and ring terminals through the DIOD detecting/sending circuit via one of a low or high impedance path, wherein the low impedance path is used to establish a speech path between a central office line subscriber and a corresponding extension subscriber of the PBX.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for maintaining established local calls at an access module in case of change of the call control for a distributed PBX over a communications network, e.g. WAN or LAN, especially an IP network. In accordance with a first main embodiment, the system is composed of one Call Server controlling the call processing of other PBX access modules in a normal situation. These access modules have the ability to operate in Stand Alone or Survival mode if the link to the Call Server is down for any reason. In a second main embodiment, two call servers may be used, an active call server and a hot-standby server. The active call server controls the call processing of the access modules. In case the link between one access module and the active call server fails, the hot-standby Call Server can take over the control of the access module.

Abstract: A system and method of telephony security for controlling and logging access between an enterprise's end-user stations and their respective circuits into the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A security policy, i.e., a set of security rules, are defined for each of the extensions, the rules specifying actions to be taken based upon at least one attribute of the call on the extension. Calls are detected and sensed on the extensions to determine attributes associated with each call. Actions are then performed on selected calls based upon their attributes in accordance with the security rules defined for those extensions.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a number of POT CPE customer lines and a plurality of assigned called numbers that are associated with the POT CPE customer lines. The number of assigned called numbers may be greater than, equal to, or smaller than the number of customer lines. The arrangement includes a coupler that is responsive to the plurality of POT CPE customer lines, and includes a number of POT CPE output ports. A storage element maintain a record of which assigned called number(s) is (are) associated with a particular output port, and a switching arrangement, under control of a processor that is coupled to the storage element, controls the switching arrangement. Both hunting and key telephone functions can be implements with the aid of the disclosed coupler.