Importance

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a communication system which includes a plurality of N communication links coupled to a central office. A plurality of N-1 user devices are coupled to N-1 of the N communication links with each of the N-1 user devices including a memory for storing a translation table relating a device identification code for each of the N-1 user devices to a directory code associated with each of the communication links. An input is situated at each of the N-1 user devices, for allowing a user to supply a device identification code of another user device to be called. A translating circuit is situated at each of the N-1 user devices, for translating the device identification code to it's associated directory code responsive to the input of a device identification code by the user by reading the translation table. A call is initiated responsive to the translating circuit for and a manager station is coupled to the remaining one of the N communication links, for updating each of the memories responsive to changes in the relationship between device identification codes and directory codes due to changes in the configuration of the communication system. The manager device is used to maintain the translation table and may also be used to manage extended features of the communication system.

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First Claim