Virtual pbx based on feature server modules

Abstract

In one embodiment, an internet telephony apparatus includes a network interface, connectable to a communication network, for sending and receiving internet telephony signals over the communication network. The apparatus further includes a telephone interface, connectable to an analog telephone device, for sending telephone control signals to the telephone device and receiving telephone control signals entered through a keypad of the telephone device. The apparatus further includes a controller operably coupled between the network interface and the telephone interface, the controller implementing a private internet telephony feature server for directing telephone calls, intended for the telephone device, received as internet telephony signals over the network interface and managing telephone services on behalf of the telephone device based on the telephone control signals received from the telephone device over the telephone interface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An internet telephony apparatus comprising:
 a network interface, connectable to a communication network, for sending and receiving internet telephony signals over the communication network;   a telephone interface, connectable to an analog telephone device, for sending telephone control signals to the telephone device and receiving telephone control signals entered through a keypad of the telephone device; and   a controller operably coupled between the network interface and the telephone interface, the controller implementing a private internet telephony feature server for directing telephone calls, intended for the telephone device, received as internet telephony signals over the network interface and managing telephone services on behalf of the telephone device based on the telephone control signals received from the telephone device over the telephone interface.