Patent ID: 6304649
Filing Date: 2001-10-16
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
A method of processing an incoming call without the use of special directory number to one of a plurality of lines where each line terminates on a single switch, the method comprising the steps of:(a) provisioning the plurality of lines terminating on the switch as a single group;(b) in response to an incoming call to any one line of said group, determining at said switch if group alerting has been provisioned against said one line;(c) in response to group alerting being provisioned against said one line, said switch alerting said one line along with each other line of said group; and said step (c) comprising the steps of:(i) alerting said one line with a first alerting signal and alerting each other line of said group with a second alerting signal which is distinguishable from the first alerting signal;(ii) determining that at least one of the lines is busy and subsequently applying a call waiting indication to said busy line; and(iii) determining that said busy line is a line other than said one line and applying a distinctive call waiting indication to said busy line;(d) in response to group alerting not being provisioned against said one line, said switch alerting only said one line.