Patent ID: 7542555

Claim:
A communication method comprising: providing a graphical user interface program executable on a personal computer with a modem, the modem operable for connection to a telephone line; providing a telephone line caller identification interface for use in determining whether a caller is permitted to have access to the modem, wherein providing the caller identification interface comprises: programming a memory device with access parameters; detecting a telephone call on the telephone line connected to the modem; receiving caller identification information without answering the telephone call; decoding the caller identification information; and comparing the caller identification information with the access parameters to determine whether the access is authorized or unauthorized; if access is authorized, allowing the modem to receive incoming packets using the modem communicated from at least one packet switched network, the incoming packets comprising at least compressed incoming digital voice information, wherein each of the incoming packets comprises at least one header, wherein the at least one header comprises information used to route the incoming packets within the communication apparatus, wherein allowing the modem to receive incoming packets further comprises: decompressing the compressed incoming digital voice information into incoming digital voice information; converting the incoming digital voice information to produce voice signals for conveyance to a local user; and conveying the voice signals to the local user; if access is unauthorized, placing the telephone line connected to the modem off hook and hanging up so as to prevent access to the modem.