Abstract: Outgoing trunks of a switch are divided into reserved trunks and non-reserved trunks. A controller seizes reserved trunks equally for calls from subscriber terminals regardless of whether a call is a reserved call or a non-reserved call in an uncongested condition in which rate of reserved-trunk utilization is low and seizes reserved trunks preferentially for reserved calls in a congested condition in which rate of reserved-trunk utilization is high.

Abstract: In a PABX switching system: (a) apparatus for receiving dialed digits relating to a call, (b) apparatus for storing a table of groups of predetermined numbers of initial digits and for each group of initial digits storing a subtable, each subtable being comprised of a list of quantities of digits expected to follow a corresponding group of initial digits, each quantity being correlated with a central office or an alternate communication route, each list of quantities of digits being sorted in ascending order, (c) apparatus for selecting a group of initial digits in the table corresponding to first digits of the received dialed digits, and for pointing to a central office or alternate communication route corresponding to a lowest quantity of digits in a subtable of the selected group of initial digits, (d) apparatus for using the central office or alternate communication route for completion of the call in the event the dialed digits contain a quantity of digits corresponding to the lowest quantity of digits,

Abstract: A communications platform for enabling the cost-effective deployment of fixed wireless local loop telephone services to residential and commercial subscribers. The platform includes at least one Independent Central Office located within a new residential or commercial development, and connected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN), at least one subscriber base station, and subscriber terminals communicating with the fixed network via a fixed wireless local loop radio path. The customer premise equipment of the telephone subscriber is connected to a switch at the Independent Central Office facility via the fixed wireless local loop radio path, and the switch at the Independent Central Office facility is connected to the incumbent local exchange carrier (LEC) switch at the LEC Central Office facility via direct inward dialing (DID) and direct outbound dialing (DOD) services provided via respective DID and DOD trunk lines.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for transmitting calls generated by a first communication network over a second communication network to a third communication network, the first communication network operating in accordance with a first communication protocol which enables call services, the third communication network operating in accordance with a communication protocol which enables at least one of the call services enabled by the first communication protocol and the second communication network operating according to a second communication protocol different to the first. The apparatus includes means to produce a data message compatible with the second communication protocol indicative of the required service and means to transmit the call and data message over the second communication network to the third communication network, where the data message is read by further apparatus and an appropriate call service established to the third communication network.

Abstract: A telecommunications system incorporates a switch based private network having a transparent network signalling system and having a plurality of nodes interfacing each via a switch with an intelligent public network. The public network incorporates a service control point having associated therewith a database containing destination addresses corresponding to call numbers received from the private network. The database provides routing data for call independent signalling information in response to requests from a node on behalf of a private service provided to a user of that node and from a public network switch on behalf of a private service provided to a directly connected user of that switch.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there is provided an automatic person-following system for a telephone switching machine having at least one 2-way DID trunk operative for receiving incoming and transmitting outgoing calls, a 3-way calling feature connectable to the trunk, a bank of data storage cells accessible from the DID trunk, each cell having storage capacity for storing at least one pre-recorded voice message, at least one incoming voice message, and at least one pre-recorded telephone number; signaling apparatus for signaling a hookswitch flash to the DID trunk, and dialing apparatus for dialing the pre-recorded telephone number to the DID-trunk after sending a hookswitch flash signal.

Abstract: A telephone exchange apparatus having a memory for storing the status information of extensions and outside lines. Upon reception of a predetermined setup message from an extension ISDN telephone, if there is a held line, the apparatus connects the line with the extension ISDN telephone which has transmitted the setup message. Thus an extension ISDN telephone can respond to a held call.

Abstract: The multiple location, communications network is provided as an overlay application to, for example, one or more private networks. The network adds increased flexibility to an existing private network system by adding additional features, e.g., abbreviated dialing plans, function number dialing, automatic selection of routing, centralized access to private and public network facilities, outgoing call screening, and work-at-home functionality, that may not be currently available to the private network subscriber. Further, the network overlay application of the present invention is adapted to maintain and not disturb the subscriber's current service or the existing private network.

Abstract: A LEC bypass technique which provides analog voice grade communications from a caller to an independent Central Office (CO) for local services and/or to a long distance inter-exchange carrier ("IXC") for long distance services by utilizing existing tariffed network data services and existing tariffed commercial DID/DOD services. The telephone switching equipment of an Independent Central Office is located in a new residential housing development (single detached, attached, or multi-family) or a new commercial development and used to provide local and long distance calling services, as well as Internet access and other telecommunications services, to the residents of the residential housing development or the tenants of the commercial development.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adaptor for simulating the presence of a PBX device in a telephone network. The adaptor connects to an external line from the central office, and a test set. When the central office seizes the line, the adaptor responds by inducing a wink. The central office, believing that it has received an authentic PBX response, sends data to the PBX site responsive to the wink. The adaptor relays these signals to the external test set for analysis.

Abstract: A method of operating a communication switching system in conjunction with a PBX comprising: storing at the PBX equipment station identifiers in association with directory numbers, storing at the switching system the station identifiers in conjunction with the directory numbers and a PBX identifier, in the event of a station connected to the PBX going offhook, looking up at the PBX a station identifier associated with a directory number assigned to the offhook station, transmitting the looked up station identifier to the switching system, and upon receiving the transmitted station identifier at the switching system, looking up the corresponding directory number, and changing characteristics of a line between the switching system and the PBX over which communication is to take place, to suit predetermined characteristics based on the corresponding directory number.

Abstract: There is provided a method of adding a new private branch exchange interface (PBX port) to a data communication network having a number of existing PBX ports, each coupled to respective ones of data transport nodes for sending and receiving via high speed data links (e.g., T-1 lines) customer data to each of the other nodes. A network management system computer having a database is coupled to the network.

Abstract: An automatic private branch exchange apparatus controls connection between office lines and extension lines, respectively. The apparatus executes automatic calling to the office lines based on stored telephone number data in the telemarketing or the like. When, for example, one of the office lines responds to the calling, that is, a called party offhooks a telephone handset, the apparatus automatically selects one of the available extension lines and sends a ring sound request signal into the selected extension line. When the selected extension line responds, that is, an off-hook signal is sent through this extension line, the apparatus establishes connection between these responded extension and office lines.

Abstract: A telecommunication network includes first subscribers served by a first independent PBX supported by a first telecommunication switch. The first switch receives a first signal from the first PBX indicating that call origination services for a first subscriber are to be provided directly by a second switch disposed at a hierarchical level above the first switch. A second signal received by the second switch identifies the first subscriber. A record is located in a database coupled to the second switch based upon the identification of the calling subscriber. A group affiliation parameter stored in said record is identified; the group affiliation parameter defines one organization of which the one first subscriber is a member. The second switch transmits a call setup message to a third switch associated with the second subscriber; the call setup message includes the group affiliation parameter so that the first subscriber's membership in the one organization can be used in further call processing.

Abstract: A network hub system (200) is connected to a communications cloud (18) as well as messaging systems (202), (204), (206) and (208). A public access port (212) interacts with a public virtual messaging system (202a). A private access port (214) interacts with a private virtual messaging system (202b). Address translation tables are used to provide for identification of members of messaging communities which allow for the implementation of virtual private networks connected to hub system (200) and other hubs.

Abstract: A D channel packet communication system and a method of D channel packet communication in a private branch exchange allows connection control information conversion for a D channel packet which passes through a network, without call processor processing. The connection control information of D channel packet, such as a TEI, a LCGN and LCN, independently allocated for a communication between a packet terminal and a PBX (line side), and for a communication between the PBX and a network (network side) is adequately converted by the conversion control unit. The conversion control unit has first conversion information based on conditions of the connection control information to be used at the line side and at the network side, and derives second conversion information corresponding to each packet communication based on the first conversion information and connection control information contained in a packet of each packet communication.

Abstract: A system for providing a competitive access provider controls specific lines in a remote terminal connected to a monopoly service provider connected directly from the remote terminal to a competitive access switch. In order to control the line or lines in the remote terminal, the competitive access provider switch sends signals via a signaling network to the monopoly service provider. In this manner, a competitive access provider may control a plurality of lines in a remote terminal without having to change a physical plant other than directing one or more DS 1 s or other trunks from the remote terminal to a host digital terminal on the competitive access provider network.

Abstract: A telephone control apparatus connected to an exchange accommodating a plurality of lines. The apparatus calls a connected communication terminal in accordance with a calling signal inputted from the exchange. In the apparatus, response information corresponding to the type of calling signals is stored in RAM 12 in advance. The type of a calling signal inputted from the exchange is discriminated, and response information is read out of the RAM12 in accordance with the discrimination result, to determine a corresponding response process. Further, a telephone exchange apparatus which accommodates a plurality of outside lines and which selects and seizes one of the outside lines by outgoing calling from an extension. Upon outgoing call operation from an extension, the stored information is referred to and one of the plurality of outside line is selected based upon a number of incoming calls received on each of the outside lines or the time period each one of the outside lines has been occupied in communication.

Abstract: A network terminating unit, for interconnecting analog and digital communication systems to a digital network, having an analog voice module for connection to an analog private exchange, a high speed data communication module for connection to high speed communications devices, and an interface for common channel signalling connection to a digital network. The unit may further include a module for common channel signalling connectivity to a digital private exchange.

Abstract: A method of deciding whether an extension terminal is called or not is provided. The kind of communication is recognized on the basis of a set-up message received from the ISDN. Whether the extension terminal is called or not is decided on the basis of the result of comparison between the kind of the extension terminal and the kind of the communication recognized. There is also provided a private branch exchange comprising: a detector to detect a reception from an analog external line; a digital interface to connect a terminal corresponding to a procedure for a digital line; and a judging circuit to judge whether the terminal corresponds to a procedure for an analog line or not, wherein when the judging circuit decides that the terminal corresponds to the procedure for the analog line when the reception is detected by the detector, the digital interface transmits the set-up message to the terminal.

Abstract: A method for responding to a call to a called associated with a private branch exchange ("PBX") which is connected to a central office ("CO") by direct inward dial ("DID") trunks, which PBX is connected to a messaging system, the method includes the steps of: (a) responding to the call from the calling party and receiving the called address information; (b) determining whether to forward the call to the messaging system; (c) forwarding the call to the messaging system and transmitting the address information to the messaging system over a line; (d) detecting whether loop current is present or absent from the line after a predetermined interval; (e) if loop current is present, transmitting an answer signal to the CO, and (f) if loop current is absent, transmitting an identifying tone to the CO.

Abstract: A telecommunication method and equipment in a network in which at least two exchange units are connected between an originating data terminal and a terminating data terminal. A transfer rate selection unit is provided in each exchange unit, for selecting one rate arbitrarily from a plurality of transfer rates. An originating call is accessed by including a plurality of accessible transfer rates in a call setup message from the originating data terminal, and each transfer rate is determined in the transfer rate selection units in the exchange units in view of a free channel in a trunk line, from received transfer rate information. The call setup information is transferred to the terminating data terminal, and is modified, based on the transfer rate data included in the call connect message from the terminating data terminal in response to the call setup message by the transfer rate selection unit in each exchange unit.

Abstract: Telephone directory data that has been stored in a telephone exchange apparatus is retrieved by a specific extension terminal to select the dial number of a party. When an ordinary extension terminal other than the specific extension terminal calls the specific extension terminal, an outgoing call is generated in the specific extension terminal on an outside line in accordance with the retrieved dial number and the ordinary extension terminal is connected to the outside line based on the dial number. Further, when a cordless telephone accommodated in an extension of the telephone exchange is designated from the specific extension terminal and the specific extension terminal retrieves and selects a dial number, the cordless telephone calls the specific extension terminal so that a call based upon the dial number can be made from the cordless telephone.

Abstract: A call origination is made through a common carrier of the minimum line cost among a plurality of common carriers on the basis of input dial data. When a particular common carrier number is detected in the input dial data, a call origination is made preferentially through the particular common carrier corresponding to the carrier number. Thus a reduction in the communication cost using an ordinary LCR function is further made. In addition, an access to a desired common carrier is made by a very simple calling operation similar to the ordinary call operation.

Abstract: A call forwarding control system for use in a communication system which includes at least two terminals connected to a first network and at least two terminals connected to a second network which is coupled to the first network where the second network is an integrated services digital network and the first network is a public network. The call deflection control system being included within the second network. The call forwarding control system includes a forwarding accepter part for accepting a call forwarding request from a terminal of the second network upon that terminal receiving a call from a terminal of the first network. A judging part is included in the control system for judging whether the call forwarding request is a call forwarding to a terminal of the first or second network.

Abstract: Customers that have groups of stations served from multiple digital switching systems, which frequently include mixtures of PBXs and Centrex, require capabilities that will allow those station groups to operate as one global group. This invention permits customer station groups, including PBXs and Centrexes interconnected by private facilities or by the public switched telephone network (including long distance carriers), to act as a single entity that supports integrated voice and data communications. Advantageously, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) Primary Rate Interface (PRI) facilities are used to carry the communications and signaling to and from the PBXs.

Abstract: A PBX incorporates a table for storing information indicating whether a calling mode of each extension terminal designates an extension or a trunk. Upon reception of an incoming call from an ISDN, the PBX checks whether a calling party number is included in the "set-up" message. If a calling party number is included, the PBX checks the calling mode of an extension terminal as a called party by referring to the table. If the default designates an extension, the PBX adds a trunk access code to the calling party number in the "set-up" message, and sends the resultant number to the terminal as the called party. If, therefore, the terminal which receives the incoming call has a function of generating a call to the party of the stored calling party number, the terminal can generate an outgoing call regardless of whether the calling mode of the terminal designates a trunk or an extension.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for seizing a truck circuit in a telecommunications private branch exchange. In traditional private branch exchange, internal extension that have previously not been participating in an exchange connection are excluded from setting up an exchange connection given complete usage with outgoing and/including exchange traffic until at least one previously existing exchange connection is over for the purpose of a chronologically immediate set-up of an exchange connection. The present method and apparatus provides that the central controller of the private branch exchange, triggered by a corresponding command of an internal extension, checks the occupied truck circuits for disconnectability that is defined by a given criterion. Given a positive result of the check, the controller disconnects a trunk circuit and allocates this to the internal extension that triggered the command.

Abstract: A virtual private network connecting system in a virtual private network is formed by accommodating in a public network a plurality of PBX units each assigned a unique private office number (ON), the system executed by the units comprising in each of the PBX unit.

Abstract: A private branch exchange system includes a switch accommodating a plurality of tenants, each having a plurality of terminals, and a plurality of trunks coupled to the switch. The trunks are coupled to communication lines, and a plurality of routes coupling the private branch exchange system to a zone are formed via the communication lines. A memory stores, for each of the tenants, information indicating routes which can be used. A controller discriminates a tenant sending a call received via the switch and selects an optimal route from among the routes which can be used for a discriminated tenant by referring to the information stored in the memory, so that the call received is sent out to a corresponding one of the trunks which is connected to the optimal route.

Abstract: In a shared-tenant services arrangement, numbering-plan independence and cross-plan access is provided to tenant groups by a call-processing arrangement (200) that stores separate definitions of both syntax (320, 350) and grammar (400, 410) of each group's own extension numbering plan. In response to receipt from a member of an individual tenant group of an extension number unaccompanied by a network dial-access code (DAC), the received extension number is analyzed (210) using the syntax and grammar definitions of the extension numbering plan of the individual group. But in response to receipt from the member of the extension number accompanied by a DAC, the DAC is analyzed using the syntax and grammar definition of the extension numbering plan of the individual group to determine an extension numbering plan that corresponds to the received DAC, and the received extension number is then analyzed using the syntax and grammar definitions of whichever extension numbering plan corresponds to the received DAC.

Abstract: An Improved Local Switching System provides a full set of business telephone functions for at least two main switch telephone lines and a number of local stations. A Master Switching Unit (MSU) serves outgoing, incoming and local call requests and maintains stable talking connections. A call router (ACR) monitors one of the main switch lines for incoming calls, refers call requests to the MSU, accepts responsibility for transferring MSU stable talking connections to the call router; and handles outgoing calls when the MSU is not available to serve-an call origination request. A transfer switch, under control of the call router, transfers the main switch lines between the MSU and the call router.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transparent inband signaling during a telephone conversation provides an advantageous way of enabling a party to a telephone conversation to signal a telecommunications system to perform desired functions. A person signaling a system with a general inband signal, such as DTMF, can do so transparently, that is without the other party hearing the inband signals used. This innovation is based on detecting the inband signal, muting the inband signal to prevent the other party from hearing it, and determining which party generated it while allowing the conversation to continue substantially uninterrupted. The inband signal is delayed prior to muting for a short period of time in an alternate embodiment in order to compensate for the time delay in reliably detecting DTMF signals thus mute the inband signal more completely.

Abstract: In a private network where PBXs (1, 2) are connected through a primary rate interface (47, 48) to an ISDN network (45), one of the PBXs has routing data for virtual tie trunks for signaling and speech transmission, respectively, to be established via the ISDN to a distant PBX (2), and channel status data indicating their set-up or clear-down state according to time of day and calendar day. The stored data is periodically accessed, and depending on the contents of the channel status data, a call setup or clearing message is sent from the PBX (1) to the ISDN to set-up or clear-down the virtual tie trunks. On receipt of a response from the distant PBX, busy/idle status of the virtual tie trunks is changed according to the accessed channel status data. In response to a request from a user station, a path is established therefrom to the virtual speech tie trunk and a call setup message is sent direct to the distant PBX through the virtual signaling tie trunk.

Abstract: A device for responsively providing, in cooperative association with the 911 emergency system, the number and location of a telephone, especially a PBX extension telephone, from which such a 911 emergency call originates. A first device is installed between PBXs and the extensions thereof, with the number and location of each extension stored in the device's electronic memory. A second such device is installed at a Public Safety Answering Point. When 911 is dialed from an extension telephone of a PBX equipped with a device of the present invention, even if the extension receiver is still on-hook, the extension is connected over telephone lines to the second device installed at the PSAP. The device at the PSAP then interrogates the device at the PBX which responsively transmits the location of the extension telephone from which the call originated. The device installed at the PSAP relays the location information to at least one computer which informs an operator of the location of the calling phone.

Abstract: Instead of setting the type of a dial signal for a central office line connected to a private branch exchange to either a DTMF signal or a pulsed signal externally of the private branch exchange, the line is acquired and a DTMF signal is transmitted from the private branch exchange to the line so that the line is recognized as a dial line for the DTMF signal when a dial tone coming from the line disappears but as a dial line for the pulsed signal when the dial tone does not disappear. Results of recognition are set in the private branch exchange and the type of the dial signal for the line is set automatically in accordance with the results.

Abstract: A ground start key switch for use with a modular duplex adapter to permit momentarily shorting a pair of jack terminals includes a switch actuator mechanism adapted to be mounted onto the modular duplex adapter having a pair of jack terminals and a conductor member attached to the switch actuator mechanism. The switch actuator mechanism includes a resilient lever arm which is depressible for causing engagement of the conductor member with the pair of jack terminals so as to electrically short the pair of jack terminals together. When the resilient lever arm is released, the resiliency thereof returns the conductor member thereof to its normal position at which the conductor member is disengaged from the pair of jack terminals such that the latter are not longer shorted together.

Abstract: A universal PBX-to-central office interface for standards conversion is described for supporting normally incompatible telephone equipment in PBX environments. The present invention is adapted for connection between the central office and a PBX along DID and DOD trunk lines. The present invention will capture incoming signaling and data in any one of three dialing modes (DTMF, MF and pulse dial) and convert this standard to whatever dialing mode is required by the equipment attached to the interface. The present invention will also do signaling conversion for peripheral equipment attached to PBX systems such as voice mail systems. The interface is capable of capturing extension signals transmitted from the central office to the PBX and saving them in memory for later downloading to a voice mail system to recover the extension of the dialed party after it has been forwarded to the voice mail system.

Abstract: A DC signalling Detector (DCSD) circuit 10 for processing DC signalling information from a telephony loop. In accordance with the invention the DC signals are processed to indicate, during a first time interval, a tip lead at ground potential, a tip lead at battery potential, and a tip lead disconnected from any potential. During a second interval of time DC signals are processed to indicate a forward loop current, a reverse loop current and the absence of loop current. These six conditions are resolved by the DCSD circuit into two output status lines. The two output status lines are amenable for being input to a controller 2, such as a local microprocessor. The DCSD circuit of the invention thus advantageously combines within one circuit the functionality of a tip voltage detector and a loop current detector.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved trunk interface circuitry for telephone system common equipment, which is used to connect a local customer system to a central office of the telephone company. The improved trunk interface comprises an active two-terminal current sink for limiting the loop current in a non-linear manner, and means for monitoring the voltage across the trunk line which comprises a voltage-to-pulse width converter. The voltage-to-pulse width converter is designed to operate with a microprocessor which measures the time it takes to linearly discharge a capacitor which has been charged to the line voltage.

Abstract: A universal PBX-to-central office interface for standards conversion is described for supporting normally incompatible telephone equipment in PBX environments. The present invention is adapted for connection between the central office and a PBX along DID and DOD trunk lines. The present invention will capture incomping signaling and data in any one of three dialing modes (DTMF, MF and pulse dial) and convert this standard to whatever dialing mode is required by the equipment attached to the interface. The present invention will also do signaling conversion for peripheral equipment attached to PBX systems such as voice mail systems. The interface is capable of capturing extension signals transmitted from the central office to the PBX and saving them in memory for later downloading to a voice mail system to recover the extension of the dialed party after it has been forwarded to the voice mail system.

Abstract: An automatic route selection capability for a communication system is described which enables the system to utilize digits of a called party number to select in a predetermined manner a predefined group of line pools and a line therein over which the call is to be placed. Once the predefined group of line pools is selected, a priority scheme enables the system to sequentially search each line pool for an available line over which the call can be placed. The system dials the called party using route character digits which prefix or optionally replace one or more of the user-dialed digits.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a ground start circuit suited for use in telecommunication applications, illustratively in conjunction with a ground start line, and a method for use in the circuit for invoking ground start operation on such a line are described. In essence, as soon as a telephone line is connected across the inventive ground start circuit, a potential difference that appears between a ring side of a two-wire telephone line and earth ground causes a control voltage internal to the circuit to increase in magnitude. Once this control voltage reaches a threshold value, then the circuit establishes a low impedance path between the ring side of the line and earth ground in order to place the line in an unbalanced condition. This low impedance path is maintained until a central office connected to the line at a remote end thereof senses the unbalanced condition and, in response, applies battery voltage to the line to cause loop current to flow therethrough, i.e.

Abstract: A trunk circuit is disclosed for coupling a bidirectional lead pair, such as balanced tip and ring leads, to a pair of unidirectional leads such as unbalanced input and output leads. The trunk circuit incorporates a small inexpensive transformer for effecting this coupling and for providing large common mode signal isolation and correct longitudinal balance. Circuitry is provided for matching the nominal balanced AC and DC line impedances. The trunk circuit also provides circuitry for generating dial pulse signals under control of a microprocessor or other external controller.

Abstract: A communication system having remotely controllable signal receiving means for automatically setting the receive function for a start-signal transmitted from a terminal device and for changing the receive function when the terminal device is changed. At start-up, a main processor reads start-signal type information for each of the terminal devices from a main memory. The line circuits associated with the respective terminal devices are then set with a start-signal receive function according to the start-signal type information. When a terminal device is added or changed, the start-signal receive function is changed by merely updating the start-signal type information stored in the main memory.

Abstract: A digital progress tone detector, for connection to a telephone line and a PABX, comprising circuitry for generating one or more reference tones having user definable frequencies and performing single frequency discrete Fourier transforms on one or more signals received from the telephone line at the defined frequencies, and providing an output signal to the PABX in response thereto. The output signal provides an indication of whether or not a predetermined one or more progress tone frequencies have been detected in the received signals. Because the generated reference tone frequencies are user definable, the present invention can be easily adapted for use in various foreign countries having different progress tone frequency requirements. A preferred embodiment of the invention is implemented on a single microcomputer chip in conjunction with peripherals (such as codecs, crosspoint switches, etc.).