AUFGETEILTES RECHNERGESTEUERTES VERMITTLUNGSSYSTEM ZUR BILDUNG EINES VIRTUELLEN NETZES ZWISCHEN ENTFERNT GELEGENEN RECHNERGESTEUERTEN VERMITTLUNGSSTELLEN

摘要

A distributed CBX system which provides a virtual network between remotely located CBXs is disclosed. The CBXs are connected to both a voice network and a packet network. A first CBX may interrogate a second CBX to determine, by way of example, the status of a called station at the second CBX over the packet network. The second CBX not only provides the status of the called station but also provides, if the called station is clear, the number of a free incoming line at the second CBX. In this manner, the first CBX can place a call to both an available line and station at the second CBX. Alternatively, because of facility availability or tariff structures, the call may be originated over common carrier facilities in the reverse direction originating over common carrier facilities from the called party end.