Any Centrex lines that are not connected to the equipment controller, while they are part of the larger Centrex system, are not considered to be part of the system described in this guide. For example, a hospital might subscribe to a large block of Centrex lines, but connect only the lines for administrative personnel to the equipment controller. In this situation, the telephones for administrative personnel would be managed by the equipment controller as a distinct system within the larger Centrex system.

One of the most important Centrex features is the assignment of one Centrex line for each extension in your system. This allows a caller to reach an extension directly, simply by dialing the extension’s phone number, as shown in Figure

1-2. The call rings at the extension immediately, so you do not need to have a receptionist who answers calls for all system extensions and then transfers each call to the appropriate user.

 

Public Phone

 

 

Network

Centrex

 

Central

Caller dials 555-1002

 

 

Office

Equipment

Controller

555-1000

555-1001

555-1003

555-1004

555-1005

Ringing

Figure 1-2. Dialing a System Extension

The equipment controller complements Centrex by automatically assigning a primary line to each extension (see “Primary and Secondary Lines” on the next page), and by passing Centrex ringing patterns through to phones. (The major benefits provided by your equipment controller and the AT&T phones that you connect to it are discussed in “Features and Capabilities” on page 1-6; in addition, Chapter 3 provides a more detailed discussion of the way your premises equipment and Centrex services work together.)

The equipment controller also provides optional features, some of which may be similar to Centrex services you have. (Optional equipment features are listed at the end of Chapter 4 in this guide.) If you have similar features available from Centrex and from the equipment controller, you should use the Centrex features.

NOTE:

The System Planner, available separately, provides forms you can use to plan your system configuration and to identify your Centrex services. If you do not already have a copy of the System Planner, see “Reference Materials” in “About This Guide.”

1-4Overview

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AT&T II manual Dialing a System Extension

II specifications

AT&T II, a pivotal case in the landscape of telecommunications regulation, emerged from the expansive antitrust actions against the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T). Following World War II, AT&T had established itself as a telecommunications behemoth, monopolizing the market. The ramifications of this dominance spurred a significant shift in regulatory measures, leading to the dissolution of the Bell System in 1984, which consisted of AT&T and its regional operating companies.

One key feature of AT&T II is its emphasis on promoting competition in the telecommunications sector. The court's decision aimed to dismantle the monopolistic practices that had stifled innovation and restricted consumer choice. By encouraging competition among various service providers, the ruling paved the way for an environment where new technologies could flourish.

The technologies that emerged post-AT&T II significantly transformed the telecommunications landscape. The introduction of new digital switching systems allowed for improved call quality and increased network efficiency. The evolution of fiber-optic technology also played a crucial role, enabling faster transmission speeds and greater data capacity. Moreover, innovative services, such as mobile telephony and broadband internet, proliferated as competition increased.

Another characteristic of AT&T II is its focus on accessibility and consumer protection. The ruling mandated that telecommunications services be available to a broader swath of the population, ensuring that underserved communities had access to essential communication services. This shift not only democratized access but also laid the groundwork for the modern internet revolution, fostering the growth of the digital economy.

The impact of AT&T II can also be seen in the regulatory frameworks that followed. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted policies aimed at enhancing market transparency and ensuring fair practices among competitors. These regulatory changes helped to create a more equitable playing field, allowing smaller companies to compete against established giants.

In summary, AT&T II marked a turning point in telecommunications history, characterized by a focus on competition, technological advancements, and consumer protection. The dissolution of AT&T's monopoly allowed for the rapid evolution of technology and services, ultimately benefiting consumers and fostering an environment ripe for innovation. This ruling not only redefined the telecommunications industry but also set a precedent for how markets are regulated in the United States.