Abstract: A quantity sensing storage device enables automatic ordering of a product using an ordering engine that monitors quantity signals generated by a quantity sensor that is configured to provide the quantity signals based on a quantity of a first set of a product stored at the quantity sensing storage device. Base on the quantity of the first set, the ordering engine determines whether an order threshold has been satisfied. The quantity sensing storage device automatically provides instructions to a service provider device via a wireless communication subsystem to order a second set of the product in response to determining that the order threshold has been satisfied. The ordering engine continuously updates the order threshold such that when the second set of the product is received by a user of the quantity sensing storage device, an optimal portion of the first set of the product remains stored in the storage enclosure.

Abstract: An EHF receiver that determines an initial slicing voltage level and dynamically adjusts the slicing voltage level and/or amplifier gain levels to account for characteristics of the received EHF electromagnetic data signal. The architecture includes an amplifier, detector, adaptive signal slicer, and controller. The detector includes a main detector and replica detector that convert the received EHF electromagnetic data signal into a baseband signal and a reference signal. The controller uses the baseband signal and reference signal to determine an initial slicing voltage level, and dynamically adjust the slicing voltage level and the gain settings of the amplifier to compensate for changing signal conditions.

Abstract: A gateway apparatus for allowing a plurality of apparatuses on a first network to co-operate with each other includes: a message monitoring unit which monitors messages communicated on the first network, and detects an apparatus discovery message for discovering an apparatus that satisfies an arbitrary requirement; an activation state managing unit which checks whether at least one target apparatus among the apparatuses that satisfies the requirement indicated by the apparatus discovery message is in an activated state for communication on the first network; a predicted activation time determining unit which determines a predicted activation time predicted as required to activate the at least one target apparatus; and a proxy response unit which transmits, in proxy of the at least one target apparatus, a response message including information indicating the predicted activation time when the at least one target apparatus is not in an activated state.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a device. The apparatus comprises a test control module and a test analysis module. The test control module is operable to generate and transmit first prober and handler (PH) requests to a supervisor module. The supervisor module is operable to transmit first PH commands to a prober and handler for execution thereof. The test analysis module is operable to generate and transmit second PH requests to the supervisor module. The supervisor module is further operable to transmit second PH commands to the prober and handler for execution thereof. The execution of the second PH commands are performed transparently to the test control module.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a Unified Messaging System having a controller element to submit to a Calling Card Server (CCS) over a primary call leg a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) SUBSCRIBE message requesting outdial event notification for a call placed on a secondary call leg responsive to a reply of a voicemail message, and receive over the primary call leg a SIP NOTIFY message from the CCS indicating outdial events associated with placing the call over the secondary call leg. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Configurable analog input circuits are provided. An analog input circuit may include a plurality of configurable input channels, at least one analog-to-digital converter, and at least one processor. Each input channel may include a plurality of switches utilized to select a type of input signal received via the input channel and a set of input terminals selectively utilized to correspond with the selected type of input signal. The at least one analog-to-digital converter may be configured to convert, for each of the plurality of input channels, the selected type of input signal into a digital output. The at least one processor may be configured to control operation of the plurality of switches associated with each of the plurality of configurable input channels.

Abstract: A method for processing non-standard facilities frames by T.38 gateways, wherein the T.38 gateways includes at least one transmitting gateway and at least one receiving gateway, the transmitting gateway is connected with a transmitting facsimile machine, and the receiving gateway is connected with a receiving facsimile machine. The method includes: a) the transmitting gateway and the receiving gateway determining the types of all received V.21 frames; b) when the receiving gateway or the transmitting gateway receives a non-standard frame NSF, modifying the non-standard frame NSF, so that the corresponding receiving facsimile machine or transmitting facsimile machine is unable to receive a correct NSF frame; c) the receiving gateway encapsulating the modified NSF frame data, or the transmitting gateway modulating the modified NSF frame data and transmitting the modulated frame data. The method modifies the rate negotiation performed with proprietary frames as a negotiation performed with standard frames.

Abstract: A computer system (a method) for exchanging information such as a Universal Resource Locator (URL) or a Universal Resource Identifier (URI) over a communication channel in general and over a telephone communications channel in particular in a unified communications system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a phone URL exchange unit configured to receive a phone URL exchange request from a first endpoint, to determine the URL to be sent and URL encoding method based on the request, to encode the URL into audio data or as a part of the communications control signals using the URL encoding method and to send the encoded data to a second endpoint over the telephone communications channel. The phone URL exchange unit is further configured to receive audio data or the communications control signals embedded with a URL and to decode the received data to reveal the URL.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating at least one mobile radio transmission/radio receiving device (Intern 1) operating according to a wireless telecommunications standard on a stationary radio transmission/radio receiving device (Basis) operating according to the wireless telecommunications standard, and a stationary radio transmission/radio receiving device (Basis) and a mobile radio transmission/radio receiving device (Intern 1) for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method to prevent TTY/TDD (teletypewriter/telecommunications device for the deal) probing and unwanted TTY/TDD tone generation on voice gateways comprises detecting a PSTN textphone in a call path, if any; and providing visual clues to an end user, thereby avoiding generation of unwanted text by the end user. The visual clues may be in the form of a dialog box on a computer, warning messages on a phone, and/or the like.

Abstract: A method, system, apparatus and machine-readable medium for managing bandwidth in a communication network via a Turbo Button Service (TBS) are provided. The communication network includes a Regional/Access Network (RAN). The bandwidth management includes varying the bandwidth according to the usage requirement. The method comprises invoking a request for the TBS. The invocation of the request results in a change in a default bandwidth associated with a user's access connection.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a connection between an xDSL modem (160) and a central office (120) is provided. The method includes detecting whether a signal on a telephone line is a ring signal; setting a ring signal flag if the signal on the telephone line is the ring signal; and maintaining a connection between the xDSL modem and the central office. An xDSL modem using the method is also provided.

Abstract: An IP version storage section included in the server stores an IP version implemented in the destination terminal under the control of the server. A message receiving section receives a message from the source terminal. An IP version acquisition section acquires the IP version implemented in the destination terminal corresponding to the message from the IP version storage section. An IP version comparison section compares an IP version which is implemented in the source terminal and which is included in the message with the IP version which is implemented in the destination terminal and which is acquired by the IP version acquisition section. A comparison result sending section sends a result of the comparison by the IP version comparison section to an address converter which makes an address conversion so that IP versions of data frames exchanged between the source terminal and the destination terminal will match.

Abstract: A method for providing communication protocol interoperability may include receiving a request from a first endpoint to establish a communication session with a second endpoint, the request uses a first communication protocol. The method also includes receiving a first response from the second endpoint, the first response uses a second communication protocol different than the first communication protocol. The method may also include initiating a timer for receiving a set of capabilities from the second endpoint and establishing the communication session between the first endpoint and the second endpoint.

Abstract: A modem uses information from prior calls in a current call if the current communication line is similar to the communication line of a prior call. During modem training, the current communication line is compared to a communication line used during at least one prior call. If the characteristics are substantially similar, stored data mode information from the prior call(s) is used to design a signal constellation for use during the current call's data mode. If the number of prior calls exceeds a value, then the signal constellation may be designed using previously stored data mode information without using information from the current call's training mode. If the number of prior calls does not exceed the value, then the signal constellation may be designed using the previously stored data mode information and information from the current call's training mode.

Abstract: An improved method and system for connecting Super Group 3 fax machines over network gateways that operate using the un-enhanced T.38 protocol. With the present invention, the CM tone is suppressed. Thus a gateway that generates an AnsAm tone, will not receive a CM tone in response. The T.38 protocol does not specify what occurs if a CM tone is not received; however, it has been found that, in practice, existing fax machines fall back to V.21 mode if a CM tone is not received.

Abstract: A method and system for connecting V.34 enabled fax machines (that is fax machines capable of operating at 33,600 bps) over network gateways that use the un-enhanced T.38 protocol, that is, gateways that have not been upgraded to handle the V.34 33,600 bps protocol in fax relay mode. When a gateway detects a V.8 protocol signal, the signal is modified so that the fax machines fall back to non V.34 protocol and operate at a slower speed which the un-enhanced T.38 gateway is capable of handling.

Abstract: In one embodiments, a system includes a processing platform that provides processing at multiple levels to multiple endpoints coupled to the processing platform via one or more intermediate networks. The system includes an optical transceiver coupled to the processing platform that receives from the processing platform multimedia content processed at the processing platform. The multimedia content delivers multiple services to the endpoints. The optical transceiver converts the multimedia content to light signals for communication to the endpoints via the intermediate network and communicates the converted multimedia content to the endpoints via the intermediate networks for display to subscribers at the endpoints.

Abstract: A method for communicating information to a caller on a telephone network is herein proposed. The method includes the steps of (a) generating a signal suitable for producing an audible dial tone, (b) transmitting the signal to the receiver of a telephone set, when the caller initially takes the receiver off-hook, to thereby produce the audible dial tone, and (c) superimposing an audible information message over the audible dial tone while the audible dial tone is produced. The audible information message may, for example, be a branding-type message that identifies a provider of local telephone service to a caller. The audible information message may be superimposed over the audible dial tone in a whisper-like or low-decibel manner to avoid interfering with modems that operate on a “wait for dial tone” (WFDT) basis.

Abstract: A method for handling media in a make-before-break handoff between wireless networks is provided that includes communicating with a mobile station to facilitate a session handoff between two call legs of a session. The method also includes identifying a relevant frame of one of the legs, performing a cross correlation operation, generating a delay difference estimate between the two legs, and performing a level difference estimation for the two legs.

Abstract: A modem to modem communication system supports call waiting services by exchanging hold request and acknowledge signals before relinquishing the line servicing incoming calls. Thereafter, the modem to modem session is reestablished without having to redial. The hold request may be denied or accepted, and may define the duration a modem will hold before hanging up. The holding modem maintains the session by fooling the higher protocol layers, making them believe that the modem is not on hold. Three-way calling services are also used to free up the shared line for outgoing calls while maintaining the session with holding modems. A table may be employed to screen incoming calls through a comparison of the caller ID information with that in the table. The table may be within the modem or the host computer.

Abstract: An apparatus for communicating between an access endpoint and a mobile device endpoint comprising a network service center attached to the access endpoint. A memory stores a prototype corpus representing historical communication information. The network service center includes a processor to train the prototype corpus and create a plurality of records including a protocol trigger, training data and a user dictionary. The access endpoint sends the training data to endpoints to produce training data specific to classes of endpoints. The access endpoint and the mobile device endpoint communicate with one another, and the network service center collects communication data related to the communications interaction and stores the communication data in the memory. The processor generates feedback data based at least in part of the communication data. Advantages of the invention include the ability for network operators to optimize communication techniques based on network traffic.

Abstract: In a communications system having a plurality of endpoints (240,242,246) each including a logical entity and its physical counterpart, a system for controlling and managing session between at least two endpoints. The system including a registration manager (202), an application layer router (204), a session controller (206), a group database manager (208), and at least one group entity (210).

Abstract: Electronic apparatus, such as a personal computer, is described comprising main operative functionality and a power provisioning system for powering the apparatus from an external power source, the power provisioning system comprising:—a main power supply output for energizing the main operative functionality of the apparatus when said power provisioning system is connected to said external power source, and a standby power source for energizing a subset of the components of the apparatus when said main power supply output is not energized, the apparatus further comprising a self contained subsystem including a memory for storing at least one parameter reflecting an internal state of the apparatus, said self contained subsystem being powered by said standby power source and including an encoder for encoding the parameters in an output signal and a transducer for generating a wireless transmission from the output signal, which transmission can be detected in the vicinity of the apparatus, so as to enable the p

Abstract: Selecting a profile for an interface of a network device includes accessing profile sequences, where each profile sequence corresponds to an interface. Each profile sequence includes profiles that provide parameters for communicating data. The following are repeated for a profile sequence for an interface until a link satisfies a sequence criterion or until a last profile of the profile sequence is reached to select a profile for the interface. A current profile is accessed, and a link for the interface is initiated according to the current profile. Whether the link for the interface satisfies the sequence criterion is determined. A next profile of the profile sequence is accessed if the link does not satisfy the sequence criterion, and the current profile is selected if the link satisfies the sequence criterion. Data is communicated according to the selected profile.

Abstract: Selecting a profile for an interface of a network device includes accessing profile sequences, where each profile sequence corresponds to an interface. Each profile sequence includes profiles that provide parameters for communicating data. The following are repeated for a profile sequence for an interface until a link satisfies a sequence criterion or until a last profile of the profile sequence is reached to select a profile for the interface. A current profile is accessed, and a link for the interface is initiated according to the current profile. Whether the link for the interface satisfies the sequence criterion in accordance with the margin set is determined. A next profile of the profile sequence is accessed if the link does not satisfy the sequence criterion in accordance with the margin set, and the current profile is selected if the link satisfies the sequence criterion. Data is communicated according to the selected profile.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments of the present invention generally provide improved communications over a subscriber loop that is loaded with at least one and potentially a plurality of load coils. The preferred embodiments of the present invention will work over loaded subscriber loops that also support a native POTS interface as well as over loaded subscriber loops that are not providing a native POTS interface. Furthermore, although the preferred embodiments of the present invention are intended to address the technical and business problems of service providers delivering digital subscriber line service over loaded loops, the preferred embodiments will also work over unloaded loops.

Abstract: A fast startup procedure for a modem system utilizes known characteristics of a previously established communication channel to reduce the initialization period associated with subsequent connections over the same channel. In response to the establishment of a call, the modem devices determine whether the fast connect protocol is supported. If so, then the called modem transmits a modified answer tone to the calling modem. The calling modem analyzes the signal received in response to the modified answer tone to determine whether characteristics of the current channel are similar to stored characteristics associated with a previous connection over the same channel. If a channel “match” is found, then the modem devices carry out a fast initialization routine that eliminates, abbreviates, or modifies a number of procedures or protocols that are carried out in conventional modem startup processes.

Abstract: An image input section pre-inputs an image. A temporary storage section temporarily stores the image input by the image input section. An attribute control section controls at least attribute information of the input information temporarily stored in the temporary storage section. A selection section permits a user at the origin of image request to select a desired one of already stored images stored in the temporary storage section in accordance with the attribute information controlled by the attribute control section. An image transfer section reads out the desired image selected by the selection section from the temporary storage section at the time of the request by origin of the image request and transfers the desired image to the origin of the image request via a network.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing compatibility between teletype telephone devices. In particular, embodiments of the present invention alter the described duration of tones used to encode individual characters generated in accordance with a first protocol so that the description complies with a second protocol. Other embodiments of the present invention, in response to receiving a description of tones expressed according to a first protocol, generate tones in accordance with a second protocol. Where a protocol used by a sending device is capable of transmitting text at higher rates than a protocol used by a receiving device, the descriptions of the tones may be buffered. Embodiments of the present invention may additionally provide feedback to the users of transmitting files when data is buffered, to indicate that the transmission is in progress.

Abstract: In a communications network, communications terminals exchange call control capability data which mutually identifies selected call control protocols and network address types. The terminals subsequently set up a call using protocols chosen from those identified. The terminals may continuously monitor for a request for the exchange of such data, allowing other parties to join a session subsequently, after the initial set up.

Abstract: A method of forming a V.90 connection on an all digital connection. The method includes transmitting a request to connect from a digitally connected client modem (28) to a digitally connected server modem (24) and transmitting, by the client modem (28) to the server modem, a message requesting to form a V.90 connection, identifying the digitally connected client modem (28) as an analog connected modem.

Abstract: A fast startup procedure for a modem system utilizes known characteristics of a previously established communication channel to reduce the initialization period associated with subsequent connections over the same channel. In response to the establishment of a call, the modem devices determine whether the fast connect protocol is supported. If so, then the called modem transmits a modified answer tone to the calling modem. The calling modem analyzes the signal received in response to the modified answer tone to determine whether characteristics of the current channel are similar to stored characteristics associated with a previous connection over the same channel. If a channel “match” is found, then the modem devices carry out a fast initialization routine that eliminates, abbreviates, or modifies a number of procedures or protocols that are carried out in conventional modem startup processes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling multiple protocol communication over a network are disclosed. A first circuit communicates first signals in a first frequency band using a first data protocol and attenuates second signals in a second frequency band using a second data protocol. The first data protocol supports a first modulation technique and a second modulation technique. A second circuit communicates the second signals in the second frequency band using the second data protocol.

Abstract: A first device receives and processes signals from a communication link that supports a plurality of signal protocols. The device comprises a converter, coupled to the communication link, that outputs a sampled data stream, and a digital filter that filters the sampled data stream to separate signals associated with different signal protocols. A second device receives a first input sampled data stream representative of a first signal to be transmitted and associated with a first signal protocol and a second input sampled data stream representative of a second signal to be transmitted and associated with a second signal protocol, and combines the data streams into an output data stream which may be coupled to the communication link.

Abstract: An improved interface is provided for transmitting data messages between a telephone switching system and an adjunct processor. The interface hardware includes multiple connectors for connecting the interface to the telephone switching system and a single connector for connecting the interface to an adjunct processor. The interface software provides multiple transmission links for processing and transmitting the data messages between the telephone switching system and the adjunct processor. The multiple links provided by the interface of the present invention result in a system with improved performance and reliability.

Abstract: A fast train protocol for use by a high-speed point of sale (POS) modem is disclosed. In one aspect, the fast train protocol may include he following exemplary steps: receiving an instruction to connect to a remote modem; transmitting a tonal signal to the remote modem for a pre-determined period of time in response to receiving the instruction, where the tonal signal identifies the POS modem as being capable of supporting the fast train protocol; receiving an S signal from the remote modem in response to transmitting the tonal signal; receiving an S\ signal from the remote modem following receiving the S signal; receiving one or more remote PP signals from the remote modem following receiving the S\ signal; and receiving a remote parameter sequence from the remote modem following receiving the one or more remote PP signals.

Abstract: The startup, retrain, renegotiation quick connect or other processes of handshaking between communication systems involve the exchange of certain modulation, constellation, precoder, prefilter and other communication related information. The communication systems exchange one long information sequence including all the necessary communication information. Subsequently, the communication systems start transmitting short sequences, including an acknowledgement information portion. If one of the communication systems does not receive an acknowledgement within a predetermined time or event, that communication system may retransmit another long information sequence. After such retransmission, the retransmitting communication system may continue transmitting the long information sequences or may start transmitting the short sequences once again. Eventually, each of the communication systems should receive a long information sequence and acknowledge their receipt of such sequence.

Abstract: A modem to modem communication system supports call waiting services by exchanging hold request and acknowledge signals before relinquishing the line servicing incoming calls. Thereafter, the modem to modem session is reestablished without having to redial. The hold request may be denied or accepted, and may define the duration a modem will hold before hanging up. The holding modem maintains the session by fooling the higher protocol layers, making them believe that the modem is not on hold. Three-way calling services are also used to free up the shared line for outgoing calls while maintaining the session with holding modems. A table may be employed to screen incoming calls through a comparison of the caller ID information with that in the table. The table may be within the modem or the host computer.

Abstract: A fast startup procedure for a modem system utilizes known characteristics of a previously established communication channel to reduce the initialization period associated with subsequent connections over the same channel. In response to the establishment of a call, the modem devices determine whether the fast connect protocol is supported. If so, then the called modem transmits a modified answer tone to the calling modem. The calling modem analyzes the signal received in response to the modified answer tone to determine whether characteristics of the current channel are similar to stored characteristics associated with a previous connection over the same channel. If a channel “match” is found, then the modem devices carry out a fast initialization routine that eliminates, abbreviates, or modifies a number of procedures or protocols that are carried out in conventional modem startup processes.

Abstract: A quick startup procedure for a modem system utilizes known characteristics of a previously established communication channel to reduce the initialization period associated with subsequent connections over the same channel. In response to the establishment of a call, the modem devices determine whether the quick connect protocol is supported. If so, then the called modem transmits a modified answer tone to the calling modem. The calling modem analyzes the signal received in response to the modified answer tone to determine whether characteristics of the current channel are similar to stored characteristics associated with a previous connection over the same channel. If a channel “match” is found, then the modem devices carry out a quick initialization routine that eliminates, abbreviates, or modifies a number of procedures or protocols that are carried out in conventional modem startup processes.

Abstract: A digital audio transmitter system capable of transmitting high quality, wideband speech over a transmission channel with a limited bandwidth such as a traditional telephone line. The digital audio transmitter system includes a coder for coding an input audio signal to a digital signal having a transmission rate that does not exceed the maximum allowable transmission rate for traditional telephone lines and a decoder for decoding the digital signal to provide an output audio signal with an audio bandwidth of wideband speech. A coder and a decoder may be provided in a single device to allow two-way communication between multiple devices.

Abstract: A communication apparatus at a remote location is connectable to a communication apparatus at a central location. The apparatus includes a negotiation data transmitter that transmits negotiation data to the communication apparatus at the central location. The negotiation data includes an identification field that includes at least modulation independent information, a standard information field that includes at least modulation dependent information, and a non-standard information field that includes information other than information associated with the identification field and information associated with the standard information field.

Abstract: A communication system includes a plurality of subscribers having a telephone set and different types of home modems coupled using twisted pairs to a local server that includes a plurality of downstream repeaters, a central office coupled to a local server using twisted pair subscriber lines. The central office includes a telephone switch that provides telephone service to the subscribers and a concentrator that connects a plurality of upstream repeaters with a number of office modems that provide data service to the subscriber. A communication system uses CAP or DMT line signals with time division. The line signal transmits with different time framing. Every subscriber line can work in one of three operation modes Asymmetrical mode, Half-Asymmetrical mode, and Symmetrical mode.

Abstract: The startup, retrain, renegotiation quick connect or other processes of handshaking between communication systems involve the exchange of certain modulation, constellation, precoder, prefilter and other communication related information. The communication systems exchange one long information sequence including all the necessary communication information. Subsequently, the communication systems start transmitting short sequences, including an acknowledgement information portion. If one of the communication systems does not receive an acknowledgement within a predetermined time or event, that communication system may retransmit another long information sequence. After such retransmission, the retransmitting communication system may continue transmitting the long information sequences or may start transmitting the short sequences once again. Eventually, each of the communication systems should receive a long information sequence and acknowledge their receipt of such sequence.

Abstract: A digital audio transmitter system capable of transmitting high quality, wideband speech over a transmission channel with a limited bandwidth such as a traditional telephone line. The digital audio transmitter system includes a coder for coding an input audio signal to a digital signal having a transmission rate that does not exceed the maximum allowable transmission rate for traditional telephone lines and a decoder for decoding the digital signal to provide an output audio signal with an audio bandwidth of wideband speech. A coder and a decoder may be provided in a single device to allow two-way communication between multiple devices.

Abstract: The startup, retrain, renegotiation quick connect or other processes of handshaking between communication systems involve the exchange of certain modulation, constellation, precoder, prefilter and other communication related information. The communication systems exchange one long information sequence including all the necessary communication information. Subsequently, the communication systems start transmitting short sequences, including an acknowledgement information portion. If one of the communication systems does not receive an acknowledgement within a predetermined time or event, that communication system may retransmit another long information sequence. After such retransmission, the retransmitting communication system may continue transmitting the long information sequences or may start transmitting the short sequences once again. Eventually, each of the communication systems should receive a long information sequence and acknowledge their receipt of such sequence.

Abstract: A voice transmitter includes a first selector for selecting an output of DTMF encoding means or that of voice-DTMF encoding means; DTMF transmission control means for monitoring each state, and for controlling selecting operation of the first selector; DTMF detecting means; and a second selector for selecting an output of voice encoding means or an output signal selected by the first selector by the DTMF detecting means.

Abstract: An interworking unit (14) for providing an interface between a digital communication network (12) and a public switched telephone network (PSTN) (16) includes a de-vocoder (30), a protocol termination unit (32), and a signal combiner (34) for processing signals being transferred from the digital network (12) to the PSTN (16). A digital communication signal received by the interworking unit (14) from the digital network (12) is processed by both the de-vocoder (30) and the protocol termination unit (32). The outputs of the de-vocoder (30) and the protocol termination unit (32) are then combined into a uniquely formatted signal that is then delivered into the PSTN (12). Similar functionality is also provided for processing signals in the reverse direction. The interworking unit 14 is capable of processing signals traversing the interface between the networks (12, 16) without a priori knowledge of the signal type being processed.

Abstract: A fast startup procedure for a modem system utilizes known characteristics of a previously established communication channel to reduce the initialization period associated with subsequent connections over the same channel. In response to the establishment of a call, the modem devices determine whether the fast connect protocol is supported. If so, then the called modem transmits a modified answer tone to the calling modem. The calling modem analyzes the signal received in response to the modified answer tone to determine whether characteristics of the current channel are similar to stored characteristics associated with a previous connection over the same channel. If a channel “match” is found, then the modem devices carry out a fast initialization routine that eliminates, abbreviates, or modifies a number of procedures or protocols that are carried out in conventional modem startup processes.