Patent ID: 7260616
Filing Date: 2007-08-21
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A communication hub comprising: a control system configured to switch between either a configuration mode or an operation mode, wherein responsive to switching to the configuration mode the control system is configured to receive a registration request comprising an off-hook signal from an unauthorized communication device, process the registration request to generate a query message for the unauthorized communication device that includes a request for a device identifier, and process a response message from the unauthorized communication device that includes the device identifier to automatically authorize the unauthorized communication device for use with the communication hub as a newly authorized communication device and to assign a virtual connection between the newly authorized communication device and a network system, and wherein responsive to switching to the operation mode the control system is configured to control an exchange of communications between a plurality of previously authorized communication devices, the newly authorized communication device, and the network system; a mode selection interface configured to receive an input from a user that selects either one of the configuration mode or the operation mode, and process the input to cause the control system to enter the selected one of the configuration mode or the operation mode; and an interface system configured to receive the registration request and exchange the communications between the plurality of previously registered communication devices, the newly registered communication device, and the network system.