Patent ID: 7623653

Claim:
A system for passing through an alternative network device feature to a plain old telephone system (POTS) device, comprising: an interface coupled to an alternative network device in communication with an alternative network, wherein the interface is configured to pass through feature data associated with the alternate network device feature contained within alternative network signaling data generated by the alternative network device to the POTS device; wherein the interface comprises: a docking station configured to interface with the alternative network device, wherein the docking station is configured to receive the alternative network device signaling data from the alternative network device and convey the alternative network device signaling data from the alternative network device; and an interface controller, wherein the interface controller is configured to: receive the alternative network device signaling data from the docking station; parse the signaling data for the feature data; determine if the POTS device is capable of receiving the feature data contained within the signaling data; if the POTS device is capable of receiving the feature data contained within the signaling data, then pass the feature data through to the POTS device; and if the feature data is not capable of receiving the feature data contained within the POTS device, then translate the feature data into a protocol compatible with the POTS device and then pass the feature data through to the POTS device; and a POTS connector configured to couple the POTS device to the interface, wherein by receiving the feature data, the POTS device is capable of providing the alternative network device feature, wherein the interface includes an audio relay configured to receive an audio-control signal and transmit an analog-audio signal between the POTS device and the alternative network device in response to the received audio-control signal, and wherein the system detects an analog-audio signal that is indicative of the alternative network device being in use.