Patent ID: 6539085
Filing Date: 2003-03-25
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
A method of sharing a single telephone connection to a central office, the method comprising the steps of:(a) coupling a first device to a primary pair of conductors from a demarcation box; (b) establishing a first telephone connection between the first device and a central office; (c) coupling a second device to a secondary pair of conductors from the demarcation box; (d) monitoring the secondary pair of conductors to detect an off-hook condition of the second device; (e) in response to detecting an off-hook condition in step (d), terminating the first telephone connection and uncoupling the first device from the primary pair of conductors; (f) subsequent to step (e), coupling the secondary pair of conductors to the primary pair of conductors; and (g) subsequent to step (f), establishing a second telephone connection between the second device and the central office.