Method and apparatus for providing extension management in voice over internet protocol premises
A method and apparatus for allowing all the extensions connected to an enhanced Terminal Adaptor (TA) associated with a single phone number to place and receive phone calls independently are disclosed. For example, in the case of a call waiting scenario, if an extension is already engaged in an ongoing phone call, then the enhanced TA provides call waiting handling to the engaged extension similar to traditional call waiting when a subsequent incoming call is received. However, the enhanced TA also rings the remaining extensions that are not currently engaged in phone calls when the subsequent incoming call is received.
1. A method for providing extension management in a communication network, comprising:
processing a first phone call using a Terminal Adaptor (TA) having only a single assigned telephone number, where said TA is connected to a plurality of extension telephones;
processing a second phone call simultaneously using said TA, where said first phone call and said second phone call are connected to at least one of said plurality of extension telephones via said TA;
receiving a flash hook signal from one of said plurality of extension telephones that is off hook and is actively engaged in said first phone call;
placing said first phone call on hold; and
connecting said one of said plurality of extension telephones that is off hook to said second phone call that is actively engaged with another extension telephone from said plurality of extension telephones, wherein said connecting further comprises:
sending an audible tone to said another extension telephone for indicating that said one of said plurality of extension telephones that is off hook is joining said second phone call; or
sending a request to said another extension telephone for indicating that said one of said plurality of extension telephones that is off hook is requesting to join said second phone call.
2. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon a plurality of instructions, the plurality of instructions including instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform steps of a method for providing extension management in a communication network, comprising:
processing a first phone call using a Terminal Adaptor (TA) having only a single assigned telephone number, where said TA is connected to a plurality of extension telephones;
processing a second phone call simultaneously using said TA, where said first phone call and said second phone call are connected to at least one of said plurality of extension telephones via said TA;
receiving a flash hook signal from one of said plurality of extension telephones that is off hook and is actively engaged in said first phone call;
placing said first phone call on hold; and
connecting said one of said plurality of extension telephones that is off hook to said second phone call that is actively engaged with another extension telephone from said plurality of extension telephones, wherein said connecting further comprises:
sending an audible tone to said another extension telephone for indicating that said one of said plurality of extension telephones that is off hook is joining said second phone call; or
sending a request to said another extension telephone for indicating that said one of said plurality of extension telephones that is off hook is requesting to join said second phone call.