Importance

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Abstract

A self-configuring telephone device interconnected by a network to other network telephone devices. The network telephone device is especially adapted to connect to other similar devices on a network, such as a local area network, without the need for a central controller or secondary wiring. A network telephone sends a broadcast over the network with a predetermined number. If there is no other telephone on the network, the network telephone assigns the predetermined number to itself and notifies the network. If there is another telephone on the network, the phone receives a message so indicating and a directory of numbers from which to choose a non-conflicting telephone number. When a non-conflicting number is found, the telephone adopts the number and informs the network. Voice mail and calls between outside lines and a network phone are supported as well.

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First Claim