Abstract: A coupler for connecting a first communications network to a second communications network. The coupler implements its functionality in software.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining real-time busy status information for a plurality of telephone extensions connected to a Private Branch Exchange (PBX). The invention includes a database for storing busy status information obtained by a server from signaling information generated by the PBX. The signaling information is obtained via a communication link connecting the PBX and the server. The present invention further includes an interface adapter for converting the protocol of the signaling information into a protocol suitable for storing the busy status information in the database by the server.

Abstract: A line condition data collecting system for a telephone exchange includes an image memory in a central processing unit which stores line condition data to reduce the amount of time the central controller in the central processing unit waits for the line condition data. A signal receiving memory in the telephone exchange stores the line condition data and is sequentially accessed by an image memory controller autonomously from the central controller in the central processing unit. When the central controller requires line condition data, the image memory is checked and if the line condition data stored therein is valid, it is supplied to the central controller. If the line condition data in the image memory is invalid, a conventional access request is made to the signal receiving memory, but this occurs less frequently than in a conventional system.