Industry-Standard Devices

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Many industry-standard,single-linetelecommunications devices will work with the equipment controller:

Standard touch-tone, rotary, and cordless telephones (such as those you might have in your home), including feature phones with built-in feature buttons and lights

Fax machines

Answering machines

Modems

Credit card scanners.

Limitations

You can connect standard devices to your equipment controller, regardless of the manufacturer. The following limitations apply:

The device must be industry-standard and non-proprietary. That is, it cannot be made specifically for use on a particular telephone system. (For example, you cannot connect an AT&T MERLIN® phone, because it is specifically designed for use on a MERLIN system.)

NOTE:

You can connect a multiple-line device to the equipment controller, but for best results it should be installed and used as if it were a single-line device.

The device’s Ringer Equivalence Number (REN*) cannot be greater than 2.0. (The REN is shown on a label on the device, usually on the bottom.)

Connecting and Using Standard Devices

You can connect a standard device so that it is on an extension by itself, or so that it shares an extension with another piece of equipment (either another standard device or an MLS- or MLC-model phone). An extension with two devices connected to it is called a combination extension. For example, you can connect an MLS-model phone and a standard phone to the same extension, so that the standard phone can be used to place and receive calls in the event of a power failure. To connect two devices on one extension, you need an inexpensive AT&T 267F2 bridging adapter (two are provided with each 206 module).

Chapter 2 explains how to connect standard devices to the equipment controller and how to combine them on a single extension. (See page 2-5 for installation instructions for combination extensions.) For additional information on programming and using fax machines, answering machines, modems, or credit card scanners, see Chapter 7.

REN is a measure of the power it takes to ring a phone. A typical home phone line handles 4.0–5.0 RENs; each extension jack in your equipment controller can handle 2.0 RENs.

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AT&T II manual Industry-Standard Devices, Limitations, Connecting and Using Standard Devices, 10Overview

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.