Patent ID: 6011909
Filing Date: 2000-01-04
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
An apparatus for multimedia communications with multiple network functionality, the apparatus comprising:a first network interface, the first network interface coupleable to a first network for communication of a first network signal, wherein the first network is selected from a set of networks consisting of a cable network, an integrated services digital network or a public switched telephone network;a second network interface, the second network interface coupleable to a second network for communication of a second network signal, wherein the second network is also selected from the set of networks, but a different selection from the first network;a user interface for reception of a plurality of control signals; anda processor arrangement coupled to the first network interface, to the second network interface and to the user interface, the processor arrangement responsive through a set of program instructions, when operably coupled,to determine a presence of a first network communication session,to further determine an occurrence of a second network signal requesting establishment of a session on the second network,and upon the occurrence of the second network signal during the first network communication session, to provide a distinctive alert to the user interface during the first network communication session indicating the occurrence of the second network signal.