Importance

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Abstract

A no-ring access telecommunications system is connected to a subscriber's telephone line at the demarcation point between the public switched telephone network and the telephone line or at the utility meter site on the subscriber's premises, or at a central office. The telecommunications system comprises a processor, and a normally open switch which is selectively closed by the processor to connect the telephone line to another line servicing subscriber telecommunications equipment connected in parallel thereto. The telecommunications system is programmable to suppress the first power ring signal of an incoming call on the telephone line from a remote host system. The ring signal is analyzed for Caller ID, distinctive ringing or other special tone. If a valid Caller ID, distinctive ring signal or other special tone is provided, the switch is closed. The Caller ID is regenerated on the line servicing the subscriber telecommunications equipment. The subscriber telecommunications equipment is configured to monitor the line servicing it and to establish a connection with the host system or calling party when an incoming call is directed to it. The telecommunications system monitors the same line for an off-hook signal and can interrupt a data call to service a voice call. The telecommunications system is also programmable to remotely control an appliance via signals on a power line, or utility meters via a radio frequency transceiver, in response to a request by a host system via the telephone line.

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First Claim