Abstract: An alpha-numeric string electronic telephone and client service provider communication system is superimposed over the existing Internet, telephone and pager legacy systems to provide a much simpler communication system that will work seamlessly with the existing communication systems. The new system will allow an unlimited number of connections and unlimited number of signal type protocols to be used in the future and eventually phase out all of the separate numeric only telephone systems world wide and at the same time integrate the legacy e-mail system of the Internet with the legacy world wide numeric communication systems in a seamless and more powerful manner.

Abstract: A splitter separates telephony traffic (POTS) from digital subscriber line (ADSL) traffic occupying a higher frequency band. The splitter comprises a low-pass filter for passing the telephony traffic, the low-pass filter being operable to vary its filtering response between a first low-pass response for use during telephony speech traffic, and a second, more restrictive, low-pass response for use during at least part of the time that telephony signalling traffic is present. During speech traffic a filter is used which provides a good impedance match with a telephony terminal or linecard so as to minimize detrimental effects on sidetone and echo performance which may impair a user's speech quality. The filter response can be varied according to a detected property of the telephony traffic, such as amplitude or rate of change of amplitude of the traffic.

Abstract: A communication apparatus includes circuitry operable to facilitate communication over a digital subscriber line. The apparatus also includes a filter operable to be coupled between the circuitry and the digital subscriber line. The filter has a corner frequency and is operable to attenuate transients associated with the circuitry when the apparatus is in use. The filter is tuned to an impedance of the circuitry.

Abstract: A home network environment is implemented in a customer premises having a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) for outputting analog telephone signals onto twisted pair wiring arranged in a star topology, by adding a high pass filter in parallel along the twisted pair wiring. The high pass filter enables transmission of network data signals between the telephone line pairs connected to the PBX, without interference of the switching operations by the PBX of analog telephone signals. The high pass filter may be implemented within the PBX as an improved PBX system that accommodates home networking, or alternatively the high pass filter may be added externally to the PBX system as a retrofit operation for existing customer premises.

Abstract: In a system including a plurality of telephones coupled to an asymmetric digital subscriber line, a circuit operable to facilitate communication using the asymmetric digital subscriber line includes a filter having a corner frequency and being operable to be coupled between one of the plurality of telephones and the asymmetric digital subscriber line. The filter is also operable to attenuate transients associated with the telephone operating in an off-hook state. The circuit also includes a switch coupled to the filter. The switch is operable to effect a change in the corner frequency of the associated filter depending on whether the telephone coupled to the filter is operating in an on-hook or an off-hook state, the change in the corner frequency operating to attenuate parasitic interference associated with telephones in an on-hook state.

Abstract: A connected apparatus detection system for externally transmitting and receiving information of an information apparatus by means of a communication function of a communication apparatus, with the communication apparatus and the information apparatus connected, in which a signal line for use in the connection between the communication apparatus and the information apparatus includes an external apparatus connection detection line for transmitting and receiving a connection detection signal indicating whether the communication apparatus and the information apparatus are connected or not, the information apparatus has a function of transmitting an identification signal indicative of information which specifies a kind of the information apparatus through the external apparatus connection detection line, and the communication apparatus has a function of receiving the identification signal to change setting of the communication apparatus into setting contents adapted to the information apparatus.

Abstract: A full-featured data access arrangement (DAA) for connecting a modem to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) includes a bridge current loop circuit, a line in use detection circuit, an off hook relay, a loop current sense circuit, and an extension/remote event detector circuit. The off hook relay is connected in series with the current loop circuit to enable the DAA to detect external off hook and on hook events when the modem is in an on hook state. The DAA is configured to detect the off hook and subsequent on hook status of an extension telephone at a location even though the modem and a handset sharing a line connector with the modem are both in an on hook state. The DAA is also capable of detecting an off hook state of an extension telephone even though the modem is in an off hook state. In addition, the DAA can detect when a remote telephone device that initiates an incoming call is placed on hook.

Abstract: An apparatus (and method) for connecting a first network and a second network operating at different clock frequencies to transfer data between them, includes a first interface to the first network, a second interface to the second network, a buffer memory connected to the first interface for storing data to be transferred, a clock converter connected between the buffer memory and the second interface performing a clock conversion according to a controlled clock signal corresponding to the first network and an extracted clock signal from the second network, a buffer monitor for monitoring an amount of data stored in the buffer memory and producing a buffer status signal, and a clock adjuster for adjusting the controlled clock signal depending on the buffer status signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods consistent with the present invention include a peripheral device connected to a telecommunications network via a telephone line and connected to a multimedia network via a high-speed serial interface. The peripheral device establishes and maintains multiple logical connections between devices in the multimedia network and devices in the telecommunications network.

Abstract: A computer system is used with a telephone that is operable by a user to furnish a predetermined command. The processing unit and a control circuit. The central processing unit is connected to communicate with the interface port, and the control circuit is connected to the telephone. The control circuit is configured to detect the predetermined command and in response to detection of the predetermined command, change a connection status between the telephone and the interface port.

Abstract: Methods and systems for configuring communication systems to access public telephone networks. communication systems, such as modems, that connect to public telephone networks are required to meet certain access requirements defined by the telephone network. The present invention provides a list of countries/locations to select from in configuring a communication system to operate with a particular telephone network. The methods and systems also include an import feature to address political changes such as the change of a country's name as well as telephone network equipment changes that necessitate modifying how a communication system and telephone network interact. Because political boundaries do not always indicate differing telephone access requirements, the present invention may also store a unique country/location identifier where the communication system groups political subdivisions together so that a configuration can be associated with a single country/location.

Abstract: A modem utilizing a DAA having line side circuitry including a telephone network interface and system side circuitry including a host system interface. The line side circuitry and the system side circuitry are separated by a high voltage isolation barrier. In accordance with the invention, the high voltage isolation barrier and other DAA circuitry are configured such that data and control information may be communicated between the system side circuitry and the line side circuitry using a serialized digital communication protocol. In one embodiment of the invention, the line side circuitry of the modem includes detection and measurement circuitry that is programmable to measure or establish electrical characteristics (e.g., tip/ring voltage and loop current) of the telephone line interface connection. Command information for the programmable circuitry is multiplexed with data communicated across the high voltage isolation barrier.

Abstract: An interface for coupling a modem port with a transmission line includes a hybrid converter having a variable gain amplifier coupling a transmit path of a first differential polarity and a received path of a second differential polarity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for maintaining communication across an isolation barrier even if the external circuitry to which it is connected enters a low-power mode. In normal operation the isolation barrier local clock is synchronized with a clock signal provided by the external circuitry. If the external circuitry enters a low-power mode, its clock signal often slows or stops. In that case, the local clock in the isolation barrier switches to a free-running mode, wherein a VCO voltage input is provided by a bias voltage generator instead of by a PLL circuit. The VCO thus continues to provide a local clock signal in order to allow communication of information across the isolation barrier even if the external circuitry is not active. This enables the isolation barrier to receive and process an external signal, such as a ring signal, in low-power mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively connecting different types of devices at a customer's premises to an incoming telephone call. A database of usage codes includes caller ID values and prioritization values for each type of device. A determination is made whether the outside line is being accessed by two or more of devices at the same time. If so, the prioritization values of the devices accessing the outside line are compared. The device with a higher prioritization value is then connected to the outside line. The devices can include telephones, modems, and data collection devices such as are used in the utility meter reading industry. A processor makes determinations, and connections to the devices are made via relays actuated by the processor. The apparatus detects, duplicates and uses an initial sequence of signal indicia associated with the incoming call representing a targeted call receiving device.

Abstract: A splitter assembly is provided that comprises a terminal block for mounting to a main distribution frame and a splitter circuit for combining/splitting POTS signals and xDSL signals onto/from a single wire pair. The terminal block is pivotally mounted to a housing and the splitter circuit is on a card that is located in the housing. The terminal block may be mounted to the same housing that contains the splitter card. The POTS line contacts, xDSL line contacts and combined line contacts of the splitter circuit are connected to respective pairs of terminals in the terminal block.

Abstract: In a subscriber loop interface circuit, a novel method and apparatus for measuring loop impedance. Measurement of loop impedance including charging and discharging a capacitor using current derived from loop current and loop voltage. The discharge time interval of the capacitor may provide information on loop impedance. A look-up table in a subscriber loop interface circuit may include previously calculated impedance values corresponding to discharge time.

Abstract: Computers commonly connect to remote computers and networks using the telephone lines. A telephone line is composed of a positive line (Ring) and a negative line (Tip). Because there is no guarantee, in general, which line on a two-conductor telephone jack will be positive and which will be negative, diode bridges are often used to assure correct polarity of devices coupled to the telephone lines. Commonly computers connect to telephone lines using modems, which plug into the computer. The modems often contain two jacks, one to connect the modem to the telephone line, the other to provide an outlet for a telephone. Commonly both jacks are wired in parallel. Embodiments of the inventions provide for wiring the telephone jacks in opposite polarity, or switching polarity via jumpers. A method is provided to detect a telephone plug in the jack of incorrect polarity. A user may be instructed in advance or prompted to switch jacks or jumpers if necessary and the need for the diode bridge is eliminated.

Abstract: A telephone line interface or data access arrangement (DAA) includes a shunt regulator in series with a line modulator. A sense resistor is placed in series between the shunt regulator and line modulator to provide a measurement of an amount of noise in the DAA shunt regulator, which is fed back to the line modulator. The line modulator is capable of adjusting the AC modulation and DC termination presented to the telephone line. The method includes drawing power from the telephone line using a shunt regulator, modulating the telephone line in series with the shunt regulator, sensing a level of noise in the shunt regulator, and feeding back the sensed level of noise to the line modulator.

Abstract: A data interface apparatus (10) provides an interface between an analog communications link (a2) and a digital communications link (d2). Analog dialling codes on the analog communications link (a2) are converted to control codes for controlling a digital communications interface (12) attached to the digital communications link (a2) for providing access to a digital communications network (16, 18, 20). Access to the digital communications link (a2) is selectively enabled by the data interface apparatus (10) in response to a password encoded as an analog dialling sequence on the analog communications link (a2) The data interface apparatus (10) delays call set-up with a modem (6) connected to the analog communications link (a1,a2) so as to synchronize completion of call set-up with another call set-up procedure performed on a remote analog link (a3,a4) connected to the digital communications network (16, 18, 20).

Abstract: A modem configurable to operate in a normal mode to perform data communications on the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) additionally configurable to operate in a duplex speakerphone mode. Preferably, the modem is a Personal Computer Memory Card Industry Association (PCMCIA) card for insertion into a connector in a portable computer. The computer includes a sound system with associated microphone and speaker that is incorporated in or associated with the portable computer as the audio input and output for the speakerphone operation. The modem incorporates an interface which allows digitized audio samples from the coder portion of a voice coder-decoder (CODEC) on the modem to be communicated to the computer and digitized audio samples from the computer's sound system to be communicated to the decoder portion of the modem's CODEC. The interface is configured in a manner which is transparent to the modem's normal data communications functions, i.e.

Abstract: A signal coupler is provided which decreases the number of discreet elements required to provide low pass filtering for the plain old telephone service (POTS). The low pass filtering is shifted to areas of the signal coupler circuit which do not operate with the high battery voltage present on telephone lines The low voltage filtering reduces the need for components which are capable of operating in the high voltage environment and therefore reduces the space on the circuit board which is occupied by each of the signal couplers. In this way, the number of individual subscriber lines that a given circuit board can accommodate can be increased.

Abstract: A telephone wiring terminal for use in an office building environment connects dedicated telephone lines and PBX or KEY telephone extensions to selected office jacks within an office building. The terminal comprises a customer programmable, electronic cross-connect device in the form of a wall mountable chassis-box with an internal non-volatile switch bank, an internal computer system controlling the switch bank, external telephone line connectors leading to and from the switch bank and external programming access to the computer system. The dedicated lines and extensions connect to one set of connectors while telephone lines leading to the jacks connect to a second set of connectors. Programming access may include a keypad and display on the front of the chassis-box, as well as com and modem ports on the chassis.

Abstract: An Internet telephony gateway that connects a PSTN with an IP network and a method for operating the Internet telephony gateway are disclosed. When abnormal services due to matching between networks are interrupted, the Internet telephony gateway performs a flow for terminating a call with a corresponding subscriber terminal unit using an internal failure alarm system. The flow includes a message of a failure alarm, a tone, and an announcement.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a convenient living information guidance system, which is easily used for a resident of an apartment house, and reduces the load of management work for a management company of the apartment house, and includes such a shopping function that a dealer providing commodities or services can carry on more effective business.

Abstract: Disclosed is a local loop interceder which interfaces between the local loop and the central office and which provides access to lie public switched telephone network (PSTN). The local loop interceder establishes a first signal pathway from the local loop to the PSTN and a second signal pathway from the local loop to a high speed data modem. The local loop interceder alternates between the first and second pathways depending upon whether the end user desires voice or data communication on the local loop. In a second embodiment, the high speed data modem is a simultaneous voice and data (SVD) modem. In such case, the local loop interceder provides a third signal pathway from the SVD modem to the PSTN for voice communication which is demodulated from a simultaneous voice and data signal received by the SVD modem through the second signal pathway.

Abstract: An electronic system such as a modular telephone which includes one or more module slots used to add features. The module slots are configured to receive modules adding the software and hardware necessary to provide the desired features.

Abstract: A programmable modem or PSTN interface whose electrical characteristics can be programmed by software to satisfy multiple international telecommunication standards is implemented. Specifically, this modem configures a data access arrangement (DAA) circuit to provide a telephone connection having characteristics suitable for each unique country standard, without requiring the DAA to be replaced or to have any hardware modifications. Furthermore, the required changes to the DAA may be made “on the fly” during homologation testing.

Abstract: A telephone wiring terminal for use in an office building environment connects dedicated telephone lines and PBX or KEY telephone extensions to selected office jacks within an office building. The terminal comprises a customer programmable, electronic cross-connect device in the form of a wall mountable chassis-box with an internal non-volatile switch bank, an internal computer system controlling the switch bank, external telephone line connectors leading to and from the switch bank and external programming access to the computer system. The dedicated lines and extensions connect to one set of connectors while telephone lines leading to the jacks connect to a second set of connectors. Programming access may include a keypad and display on the front of the chassis-box, as well as com and modem ports on the chassis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a voiceband modem circuit to a common phoneline connector, the common phoneline connection having a ring line connection and a tip line connection which couples a ring/tip line pair to a subscriber loop circuit, the voiceband modem circuit operating in a voiceband modem operating frequency band and having a voiceband modem interface ring line and a voiceband modem interface tip line. The voiceband modem interface ring line is coupled to the ring line and the voiceband modem interface tip line is coupled to the tip line connection by inserting, between the ring line connection and the voiceband modem interface ring line and between the tip line connection and the voiceband modem interface tip line, a series pair of inductors. A first inductor of the series pair has a low inductance and a high self-resonant frequency and a second inductor of the series pair has a high inductance and low self-resonant frequency.

Abstract: A digital access arrangement for (i) isolating downstream components from twisted pair copper wire and (ii) separating upstream and downstream communications channels. The line isolation is performed with relatively small, lightweight components, such as an optical isolation unit for example, and can be operated with signals modulated at relatively high frequencies and having relatively high data rates and amplitudes.

Abstract: A network interface for home networking implemented upon an existing 4-wire (two-pair) phone line system is disclosed. The interface comprises two transmitters, two line isolators and a receiver. The two transmitters transmit data simultaneously to both of the pairs of wires in the phone line system so that all devices coupled to the phone line system, regardless which pair of wires being coupled onto, can receive the data. Because all the pairs carry the data, there is therefore needed one on receiver in the interface to receive the data transmitting over the phone line system. The disclosed interface provides a solution to the home networking which no longer requires the knowledge of the underlying wiring structure in the phone line system.

Abstract: A customer premises system having two-wire buses for transmission of digital telephony signals between digital terminal ends of a private branch exchange (PBX) and respective digital end equipment units includes low pass filters coupled to terminal ends of the two-wire buses serving the digital equipment, for isolation of a home PNA signal from the digital end equipment units and the digital terminal ends of the PBX, and a first high pass filter configured for cross coupling the home PNA signal across the two-wire buses. A second high pass filter is used for cross coupling home PNA signals across two-wire (e.g., tip and ring) buses used to connect analog end equipment to analog terminal ends of the PBX.

Abstract: A high voltage isolation barrier includes first and second capacitors, each having a first terminal connected to a system-side input signal source. A first diode is connected between second terminals of the first and second capacitors, and a second diode is connected to the second terminal of the first capacitor and to a first terminal of a third capacitor. Application of an alternating polarity squarewave across the first terminals of the first and second capacitors results in generation of a line side voltage on the third capacitor and in transfer of a clock signal at the squarewave frequency across the isolation barrier to the line side.

Abstract: A customer premises system having two-wire buses for transmission of digital telephony signals between a private branch exchange (PBX) and respective end equipment units includes low pass filters coupled to PBX and end equipment unit terminal ends of the two-wire buses, for isolation of a home PNA signal from the end equipment units and the PBX, and a high pass filter configured for cross coupling the home PNA signal across the two-wire buses.

Abstract: A teleconferencing system for voice and data provides interconnections among user sites via a central station. User stations at user sites each alternate operation between a data mode connecting a user computer and modem to a user telephone communication path and a voice mode connecting a telephony circuit to the communication path. The teleconferencing system is adapted for conducting a voice conference over standard telephone lines while allowing simultaneous viewing of data objects such as slides, graphs, or text. A host computer connected to the central station serves as a central repository for storage and retrieval of data objects for use in teleconferences.

Abstract: A telecommunications system includes a digital subscriber line, a plurality of analog telephone terminals, at least one digital data terminal, a power supply having a high voltage alternating current input and a low voltage direct current output, and a telecommunications customer service terminal (CST) having a signal input terminal for connection to the digital subscriber line (DSL), having a plurality of analog telephone output terminals for connection to individual ones of the plurality of analog telephone terminals, having at least one digital data output terminal for connection to the at least one digital data terminal, and having a low voltage direct current power input terminal for connection to the low voltage direct current output of the power supply.

Abstract: ISDN telecommunications network and method for the monitoring and checking of subscriber connections of the ISDN telecommunications network. The telecommunications network includes a plurality of subscriber connections, and at least one checking station that is connectable to a desired one of the plurality of subscriber connections. Each of the plurality of subscriber connections includes an answering station adapted to receive messages from and send messages to the checking station. The at least one checking station includes a device to establish a connection with the desired one of the plurality of subscriber connections, and the answering station is adapted to be placed into a monitoring state. Signaling information exchanged over the D channel associated with the desired one of the plurality of subscriber connections is transmitted to the checking station.

Abstract: A system (100) for integrating a telephone (106) to a computer. The system allows the computer to be coupled to a Public Branching Exchange (PBX) (108) and perform telephone functions. The telephone is coupled to the computer as a stand alone device, or as a means for command input to the system. A pop-up screen comprising of a sequence of menus is displayed on the computer monitor (101) to guide the user through various telephone functions. A voice guide is heard through the telephone. The user can use the telephone's or the computer's I/O devices to communicate with a distant caller. Answering machine capability (e.g., phone mailbox, etc.) is also provided by this system. A quick-dial service is also provided such that the user can dial directly from a look-up table with pre-set telephone numbers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ascertaining states of a telephone line. A communication device, such as a modem, is coupled to a telephone line that also has other communication device or devices coupled to the line. The state of the line is determined before the modem goes off-hook. An energy level of a capacitor that is coupled to the telephone line is ascertained by a data pump of the modem. Should the energy level of the capacitor exceed a threshold, then the telephone line is in use and the modem does not go off-hook. If the energy level is at or below the threshold level, then the modem goes off-hook. In another implementation, an energy profile is established for the other communication devices when they transition from an on hook state to an off hook state and vise versa. The energy profile can be detected by the data pump to ascertain the state of the telephone line or the state of the communication device.

Abstract: A modem utilizing a DAA having line side circuitry including a telephone network interface and system side circuitry including a host system interface. The line side circuitry and the system side circuitry are separated by a high voltage isolation barrier. In accordance with the invention, the high voltage isolation barrier and other DAA circuitry are configured such that data and control information may be communicated between the system side circuitry and the line side circuitry using a serialized digital communication protocol. In one embodiment of the invention, the line side circuitry of the modem includes detection and measurement circuitry that is programmable to measure or establish electrical characteristics (e.g., tip/ring voltage and loop current) of the telephone line interface connection. Command information for the programmable circuitry is multiplexed with data communicated across the high voltage isolation barrier.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the stability associated with an individual telecommunications line interface circuit comprises measuring a phase angle between a battery voltage and an output voltage. The phase angle measurement is processed by a digital signal processor for synthesizing a comparator circuit to generate an output voltage if the phase angle is a value other than forty-five degrees (45°). The new output voltage is then applied to the line interface circuit and the phase angle is recalculated to determine if it is a closer approximation of 45°. In an alternative embodiment, a database including a plurality of output voltage and electrical parameter values is stored in the digital signal processor and indexed by measured phase angles between the battery voltage and the output voltage. If a phase angle other than 45° is measured, the measured phase angle is used to obtain a new output voltage and electrical parameters from the database.

Abstract: A modem utilizing a data access arrangement (DAA) having line side circuitry including a telephone network interface and system side circuitry including a host system interface. The line side circuitry and the system side circuitry are separated by a high voltage isolation barrier. In accordance with the invention, the high voltage isolation barrier and other DAA circuitry are configured such that information may be communicated between the system side circuitry and the line side circuitry in a digital format. In one embodiment of the invention, the high voltage isolation barrier comprises a single capacitor for communicating bidirectional digital data. In another embodiment of the invention, a pair of capacitors are provided in the high voltage isolation barrier, with the digital signals being driven is a differential manner.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a system and method for protecting an electronic device connected to a telephone line. The system includes a detector, sensor and protector. The detector determines a resistance built-in to the telephone line, the sensor utilizes the resistance of the telephone line to determine if the telephone line is a digital line and the protector prevents the electronic device from prolonged connection with the telephone line if it is a digital line.

Abstract: A method and system interface a digital data stream having at least one telephony data set with a telephony network, such as a single twisted wire pair telephony network installed in a residence or business. The telephony data set is converted to a telephony signal for use by conventional telephony devices, such as telephones, and is transmitted through the telephony network in a telephony network band. The telephony network band can be located outside of the voiceband to avoid interference with central office signals. Plural data telephony data sets can each provide a telephony signal directed to one or more telephony devices associated with the telephony network. Telephone control modules interfaced associated with the telephony devices can translate telephony signals from the telephony network band to the voiceband for use by the associated telephony devices. The method and system can support plural simultaneous telephony communications through a single twisted pair or other telephony network.

Abstract: The invention is a telephone answering device that permits the number of rings before the call is answered, and the speaker volume, to be programmed to vary depending on the time of day and day of the week, or to be set at desired levels for specific lengths of time. The device contains a timer 19 and a microcomputer 10, said microcomputer 10 having a programmable ring register 23 and a programmable speaker register 24. A program ring button 25, a program speaker button 26, a time ring button 27, a time speaker button 28, a plus button 29, and a minus button 30 located on a control module 14 enable the user to access programmable ring register 23 and programmable speaker register 24, to set the number of rings before answering and the speaker volume. Incoming telephone calls are handled by a ring detector circuit 13 and microcomputer 10. When the number of cumulative ring signals matches the appropriate programmed setting, the incoming call is sent to an answering apparatus 18.

Abstract: In an apparatus for supplying a tip and ring telephone line with voice band and broadband signals, a first pair of drivers supply at least DC signals to the respective tip and ring line components, and a second pair of drivers supply broadband signals to the tip and ring line components. Feed components combine the outputs of said respective drivers for the respective tip and ring components of the telephone line.

Abstract: An adaptive handset interface method and apparatus for interfacing a two-wire analog telephone instrument, such as a modem, fax modem, facsimile machine or teleconferencing device, to a digital, analog or hybrid telephone system, such as a private branch exchange (PBX). The interface device is suitable for use with a variety of PBX's produced by different manufacturers, despite differences in signalling characteristics between the PBX and an associated PBX-compatible telephone. In a preferred embodiment, the invention does not require access to a handset port of a PBX-compatible telephone. The interface device is connected to the extension line along with a PBX-compatible telephone. An analog telephone instrument is then connected to the interface device. In order to communicate with the PBX using a communication protocol appropriate to the PBX, the interface device “learns” the characteristics of the PBX.

Abstract: Updated operating code and parameters can be reprogrammed into a modem system with no disassembly of the modem hardware. The modem system includes a memory chip in which operating code and parameters are stored. Two control programs control the reprogramming of updated operating code. One of the control programs is designed for manufacturing and testing purposes. The other control program allows remote reprogramming of updated operating code or parameters from a remote location such as a customer site. A user can thus remotely upgrade system firmware with updates, bug fixes, enhancements or other new releases of system operating code by downloading the update over a phone line to a host PC and reprogramming the memory chip of the modem over the serial port from the host PC. The user can also remotely upgrade the modem system firmware by directly programming the memory chip of the modem without the assistance of the host PC. The modem system is portable, obtaining power from a standard 9 volt battery.

Abstract: A telephone system including improved automated routing of telephone calls based upon caller ID data. If caller ID data is received, it is used as a search key to search a routing table listing extensions normally called by one or more persons identified by their caller IDs. If a match is found, the call is automatically transferred to the extension or voice mail box listed in the routing table. In some embodiments, the caller is given options to block the automatic routing or block recording of a voice mail message in favor of transfer to a caller specified extension or to an attendant. Also disclosed is improved voice mail wherein a digital signal processor scans data to be recorded in a voice mail message to find DTMF tones or DTMF mimics in the voice data and removes them from the recording so that no false DTMF commands will be recognized during playback by any DTMF detector which is active during the playback.