TELECOM Digest     Thu, 26 May 94 13:56:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 254

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Bulk Call Display (Alan Leon Varney)
    Re: CNID and ANI - Will They Become One and the Same? (Alan Leon Varney)
    Re: SMDI Question (Al Farnham)
    Re: RBOCS & Video Remote learning in Schools? (Robert Virzi)
    Re: DTMF Decoding Help Needed (John Lundgren)
    Re: Cordless Phone Wanted With Ten Mile Range (John Lundgren)
    Re: Hunting Service From GTE (Jeff Hibbard)
    Re: Can a Unix Box Work as an Internet Router? (David Devereaux-Weber)
    Re: Can a Unix Box Work as an Internet Router? (Lars Poulsen)
    Re: Call Return (Hugh Pritchard)
    Re: Microsoft Telephony API (Guy Blair)
    Re: Internet Access from the Solomon Islands? (Don Newcomb)
    Re: How Can I Ring Up Myself? (Nathan N. Duehr)
    57x in Old Area 312 (Carl Moore)
    Announcing New FCC BBS - FCC World (avb@cais.com)

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----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Thu, 26 May 1994 08:29:47 +0600
From: varney@uscbu.ih.att.com (Alan Leon Varney)
Subject: Re: Bulk Call Display
Organization: AT&T Network Systems


In article <telecom14.245.11@eecs.nwu.edu> Paul Robinson <PAUL@TDR.COM> 
writes:

>>> So what interface are they using to receive the Call Display data?

>> I believe there is just such a bulk interface available, called
>> something like SMDA (Service Message Desk Accounting?).

> I think you mean "SMDF" -- Simplified Message Desk Format.  Some
> attendant console systems have the capability to use it in order to
> route calls automatically.  I know the system we have at my other
> office has it as an option.

   From the switch perspective, it's SMSI (Simplified Message Service
Interface), an early version of the Voice Messaging Interface.  Both
of these deliver the number of a forwarding telephone (so they will
know the client or "mailbox" they are representing for voice messaging
purposes) unless the call is "direct" to the VM system.

   Some switches offer a Bulk Calling Line ID interface -- basically
the same as SMSI/VMI.  In fact, both pieces of information can be
delivered if the message service is configured properly.  The standard
interface is RS-232 asynch, up to 9600 baud.  Bellcore has requirements 
for BRI and PRI to provide the same information.


Al Varney

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 26 May 1994 08:30:13 +0600
From: varney@uscbu.ih.att.com (Alan Leon Varney)
Subject: Re: CNID and ANI - Will They Become One and the Same?
Organization: AT&T Network Systems


In article <telecom14.245.8@eecs.nwu.edu> johnl@iecc.com (John R Levine) 
writes:

   [someone wrote]

>> With the FCC mandate for CNID service, is it not possible that the
>> telcos will use this to drop ANI?

> Considering that ANI is what they use to bill for toll calls, I would
> think that such a move is, to put it mildly, unlikely.

   Not only that but, for many classes of calls (many PBX, forwarded
calls, etc.), the CNID and ANI are different numbers.  I would not
like paying the toll charges when calling a local phone forwarded to
China -- particularly if it was made without using my favorite INC :).

>> Also it has been mentioned that "911 service requires special trunk lines
>> and equipment". Clearly CNID does not and needs only a low-cost display.

    CNID may only need a low-cost display; 911 needs a lot of other
things.  Even if 911 used CNID, it's likely that a few dedicated 911
trunks would be required.  At least they would after the first lawsuit
claiming that congestion on "public trunks" in competition with a 911
call lead to injury/death.

>> Will this make local 911 response a possibility?

   I'm not sure what this means -- 911 is a "local response" mechanism
today.  How would CNID change this????

> The hard part about 911 isn't delivering the ANI.  The hard part is
> creating a complete and reliable data base with accurate street
> addresses in which the number can be looked up. ....
> Whether the number comes from ANI or CLID is a nit.

   My friends down the hall (in AT&T Public Safety) would disagree.
The hard part of 911 is EVERYTHING ABOUT IT.  Getting it routed to the
right PSAP, insuring there are adequate (but not too many) trunks from
EVERY switch, getting a myriad of public agencies to cooperate,
funding on an ongoing basis, providing operator HOLD or RINGBACK where
needed, educating the PBX folks (and cellular), getting a myriad of
TELCOs and vendors to agree on standards, receiving/making daily
updates from multiple LECs, etc.  So maybe the database is a problem
 -- but it isn't the only (or hardest) one to handle.


Al Varney

------------------------------

From: AL.FARNHAM@hq.doe.gov
Date: 26 May 94 09:56:00 -0400
Subject: Re: SMDI Question


Here is the message format for an SMDI link between a switch and a
Message Desk (Voice Mail System).

The link is normally 1200bps full duplex without handshaking although
some new implementations run at 9600bps.

The Bell spec is TSR-TSY-000283.

SMDI Message protocol:

The system checks messages that it receives from the Message Desk for
adherence to the following message protocols.

Incoming messages - (Voice Mail System to Switch):

There are two kinds of incoming messages the switch can accept
from the message desk:

OP:MWI(SP)nnnnnnn!(D)
 
RMV:MWI(SP)nnnnnnn!(D) 

where:    nnnnnnnnnn = station number (can be 7 or 10 digits)
          (D) = control-D (End Of Transmission)   (SP) = space

The first message activates the message waiting indication. The second
deactivates the message waiting indication.

For example, if Station B (DN 234-2000) forwards calls to the Message
Desk and receives a message, the Message Desk activates message waiting
indication for Station B with the following message:

OP:MWI 2342000!(D)

After Station B retrieves the messages from the Message Desk, the Message
Desk deactivates message waiting indication for Station B with the
following message:

RMV:MWI 2342000!(D)


Outgoing messages - (Switch to Voice Mail System)

There are two groups of messages from the switch to the message desk.

Call details - These message types give items of information concerning
calls which the Message Desk received:

    (CR)(LF)MDgggmmmmannnnnnn(SP)yyyyyyy(SP)(CR)(LF)(Y)
    (CR)(LF)MDgggmmmmannnnnnn(SP)(SP)(CR)(LF)(Y)
    (CR)(LF)MDgggmmmma(SP)yyyyyyy(SP)(CR)(LF)(Y)

MWI change failure - The request to change the Message Waiting Indication
                     failed because it was either invalid (INV) or the switch
                     unable to perform the change when requested (BLK).

    (CR)(LF)MWInnnnnnn(SP)INV(CR)(LF)(DL)(DL)(Y)
    (CR)(LF)MWInnnnnnn(SP)BLK(CR)(LF)(DL)(DL)(Y)

where:
(CR)       = carriage return
(LF)       = line feed
(SP)       = space
(DL)       = delete character (ASCII value FF)
(Y)        = control-Y
ggg        = message desk number (001-063)
mmmm       = message desk terminal (0001-2047)
nnnnnnnnnn = forwarding from station number (can be 7 or 10 digits)
yyyyyyyyyy = calling station number (can be 7 or 10 digits)
a          = type of call 
             where D = Direct Calls, A = Forward All Calls, 
                   B = Forward Busy Calls, N = Forward No Answer Calls

For example, Station B (DN 234-2000) forwards all calls to the Message
Desk. Station A (DN 678-1234) calls Station B and forwards to Message
Desk number 002, terminal 009. The switch sends the following message
to the Message Desk:

(CR)(LF)MD0020009A2342000 6781234 (CR)(LF)(Y)

Hope this information answers the question.


Regards,

Al

------------------------------

From: rv01@gte.com (Robert Virzi)
Subject: Re: RBOCS & Video Remote learning in Schools?
Date: 26 May 1994 14:54:19 GMT
Organization: GTE Laboratories, Waltham, MA


In article <telecom14.248.6@eecs.nwu.edu>, Gerry Moersdorf <gerry@aiinet.
com> wrote:

> Does anyone have an opinion on what the RBOCS are trying to do by
> pushing TV remote learning grants and equipment to school systems?
> The schools in our district don't even have telephones in classrooms
> let alone a LAN for a client server teaching tool.  To me the priorities 
> are all turned around.  What possible business could RBOCS build with the 
> "poor" school districts?

Well, I have an *opinion*, which is probably worth what it cost you.  ;-)

Telcos want to get into the data highway business, whatever that
means.  There is much concern over the potential for creating a "data
underclass" that threatens the entire enchilada.  By showing a willingness 
(to congress, the FCC, the press) to support not just wealthy communities, 
the telcos could be buying a great deal of good will.  The goal is to
turn this good will into a multi-billion dollar business.

Of course, these are only my opinions, and do not in any way relate to
what my employer may or may not be doing in this arena.


Bob Virzi   rvirzi@gte.com   
Just another ascii character   +1 (617) 466-2881

------------------------------

From: jlundgre@ohlone.kn.PacBell.COM (John Lundgren)
Subject: Re: DTMF Decoding Help Needed
Date: 26 May 94 16:05:02 GMT
Organization: Pacific Bell Knowledge Network


DANIEL FINKLER (dfinkler@world.std.com) wrote:

> west_c212@orion.crc.monroecc.edu writes:

>> I am writing a program that needs to decode telephone touch tone
>> signals.  The problem is that I am having trouble finding a DTMF
>> decoder.  If anyone know where I can get ahold of one I would
>> appreciate it.

> You can use USRobotics courier modems' touch tone recognition feature.
> They can recognize DTMF tones, including A,B,C,D.

Also, ZyXEL modems can recognize DTMF.  There is a ZyXEL FAQ at
nctuccca.edu.tw.  Under /pc/zyxel/ directory.

There are other sites also.


John Lundgren - Elec Tech - Info Tech Svcs
Rancho Santiago Community College District
17th St. at Bristol \ Santa Ana, CA 92706 
VOI (714) JOHN GAB \ FAX (714) JOHN FRY   
jlundgre@kn.pacbell.com \ jlundgr@eis.calstate.edu

------------------------------

From: jlundgre@ohlone.kn.PacBell.COM (John Lundgren)
Subject: Re: Cordless Phone Wanted With Ten Mile Range
Date: 26 May 94 16:11:55 GMT
Organization: Pacific Bell Knowledge Network


Guorong Roger (hu_g@isis.cs.odu.edu) wrote:

> Is there any kind of CORDLESS PHONE which can be used for ten to
> twenty miles distance (not a cellular phone, not the regular cordless
> phone which can only be used within the house). The telephone should
> still use the regular telephone switching system. The master piece of
> the phone should be installed at home, and the handset could be bring
> ten to twenty miles away from the home but be still access the phone
> at home.

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: There are, but they are not legal for use
> in the USA. About the closest you can come to this legally in the USA is
> to use a manual phone patch attached to a CB radio or some other type of
> legal radio service. I have a phone patch here for example which I have

[stuff deleted]

> and hard to find here in the USA.  If you've got the money, you might con-
> sider setting up a little two meter arrangement of your own with a private
> phone line attached, etc.   PAT] 

The important point here is that the amateur radio service is for
recreational non-commerial use only, and the hams tend to police
themselves fairly well, especially in metro areas where the bands are
crowded.  And, naturally, the phonempany co doesn't want people to
bypass their cellular service.  So getting a legal ten mile phone is
not easy.


John Lundgren - Elec Tech - Info Tech Svcs 
Rancho Santiago Community College District 
17th St. at Bristol \ Santa Ana, CA 92706  
VOI (714) JOHN GAB \ FAX (714) JOHN FRY    
jlundgre@kn.pacbell.com \ jlundgr@eis.calstate.edu

------------------------------

From: jeff@bradley.bradley.edu (Jeff Hibbard)
Subject: Re: Hunting Service From GTE
Date: 26 May 1994 10:18:25 -0500
Organization: Bradley University


stevef@wrq.com (Steve Forrette) writes:

> In many states, GTE does not offer hunting to residential customers
> at any price (here in Washington State is an example), even though the
> RBOC in the same area does.

Both are also true in Illinois.  GTE here doesn't offer hunting on
residential lines at any price; Ameritech lets you have it for free.

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 26 May 94 10:15:18 CDT
From: David Devereaux-Weber <weberdd@clover.macc.wisc.edu>
Reply-To: David Devereaux-Weber <weberdd@macc.wisc.edu>
Subject: Re: Can a Unix Box Work as an Internet Router?


Most routers _are_ UNIX computers.  However, the routing software
within them is not trivial.

The purpose of requiring a router is to prevent traffic from going to
or coming from the outside network.  A router looks at each packet,
examining the protocol and destination.  Only packets whose protocols
and addresses are OK are forwarded.  This reduces unnecessary traffic
from the Internet to your network, and from your network to the
Internet.

Despite the cost of a router, you will be better off in the long run
to buy it.  Further, using a commercial router will reassure your
Internet provider -- they may even require it.

However, on lines slower than T1, many network implementors are using
lower cost bridges from companies like Combinet instead of routers.

Internet access can be provided on a 56 KBPS line, but that is slow.
ISDN is better, T1 is better than that, and so on.  It depends on how
may schools and computers you intend to connect, how many users will
be using the network, and how much the schools can afford.

Explore any benefits which may acrue to you because of your status as
an educational institution.  Is Ameritech your local telephone
provider?  They may be willing to set up a pilot ISDN project.  They
may be offering fiber to the schools as a deregulatory incentive to
state legislators.

If a router will be required, give several vendors a call.  They may
be able to give you some pointers to foundations who may be able to
help out.

Who is your local cable television provider?  You might want to
explore connectivity through them.  Who are you thinking of using for
your provider?  Are they local to Terre Haute?  If so, a cable
television connection may be feasible.


David Devereaux-Weber, P.E.             weberdd@macc.wisc.edu (Internet)
The University of Wisconsin - Madison   (608)262-3584 (voice) 
Division of Information Technology      (608)262-4679 (FAX)
Network Engineering

------------------------------

From: lars@Eskimo.CPH.CMC.COM (Lars Poulsen)
Subject: Re: Can a Unix Box Work as an Internet Router?
Organization: CMC Network Products, Copenhagen DENMARK
Date: Thu, 26 May 94 11:35:48 GMT


In article <telecom14.249.4@eecs.nwu.edu> xxmcleis@indsvax1.indstate.
edu writes:

> can a computer (ie Unix) function as an Internet router,

Certain UNIX systems include enough routing code that they can be
configured as routers. In general, however, this requires you to
install add-on hardware and software to drive multiple line interfaces.

This complicates both the network setup and the system management of
the unix system. In particular, I suspect that since you are
emphasizing your lack of money, the UNIX system in question is a
PC-based unix system, for which you do not have source code for the
system itself.

> or must we buy one of these routers like CISCO or WellFleet?
> If so, what's the *cheapest* router available?

Routers come in all sizes and price classes, depending on what you
want to connect to. One of the least expensive is the Rockwell
NetHopper, which is designed to connect a local area network to the
Internet over a dial-up modem connection. Including the built-in
V.32bis/V.42bis modem, the list price is $1695.

> Can a Unix box connect to a digital comm line (56k)?

Starting in August, we will be shipping a version of the NetHopper
with a synchronous line interface. This can be connected to either a
leased DDS-56 line, a switched-56 line, or an ISDN BRI line running at
up to 112 Kbps. I don't think pricing has been set yet.

These units can also be used to connect two LANs at different
locations using either Internet Protocol or Novell IPX or both.

Where the other options that you have mentioned require significant
investment in learning how to set them up, the NetHopper is very
simple to install and configure. The initial configuration asks you a
few simple questions (name of this box, management password, IP
address, remote IP address, remote phone number, and the like) and
leaves you with a working system, which you can then tune if you want
to.

Before I get accused of too blatant advertising, I hasten to mention
that there are other, similar products. The May 31 issue of {PC Magazine}
 has a comparative test of several routers in this class.

Claimer: I am one of the engineers working on the NetHopper products.

Lars Poulsen   Internet E-mail: lars@RNS.COM
Rockwell Network Systems Internets: designed and built while you wait
Hvidovre Strandvej 72 B         Phone: (011-) +45-31 49 81 08
DK-2650 Hvidovre, DENMARK Telefax:      +45-31 49 83 08

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 26 May 94 10:38 EST
From: Hugh Pritchard <0006348214@mcimail.com>
Subject: Re: Call Return


I used Call Return once.  It didn't quite work as advertised.

I was at home, and just missed a call which I was sure had been from
my wife at work.  Instead of using our speed-dial, I chose to dial
*69, Call Return.  I reached the firm in the basement of her building!
The building's owner has his own offices in the basement, and
apparently Call Return saw the "main" number for the building -- even
though each firm in that three-level building has its own phone system
(not quite -- there's an intercom capability between floors, possibly
meaning a single PBX for the entire building).

I re-placed the call, using the speed-dial.  The original call I'd
missed had indeed been from my wife at work; moreover, she was annoyed
that I'd "wasted" 75 cents trying Call Return.


Hugh Pritchard, Hugh_Pritchard@MCImail.com

------------------------------

From: blair@salem.intel.com (Guy Blair)
Subject: Re: Microsoft Telephony API
Date: 25 May 1994 23:57:48 GMT
Organization: Intel Corporation


In <telecom14.243.10@eecs.nwu.edu> mpinones@netmon.mty.itesm.mx (Marco
A. Pinones) writes:

> I would like to know if there is any advance on Microsoft efforts to
> provide a "standard" programming interface for PBXs and telephony
> services.  I sent mail to people at Ericcsson about this and they told
> me they are working on it.  Does somebody know if other companies are
> working on it?  

Marco,

THere are over 40 vendors developing Service Providers for the
Telephony API (TAPI) developed by Intel and Microsoft.  There is a
list of companies in in a Technical Note included with the TAPI SDK
you can get (free of charge) off CompuServe (GO WINEXT) or via
anonymous ftp from ftp.microsoft.com \devtools\tapi.  The list
includes products, estimated release dates and contact names/phone
numbers/email addresses.

Service providers from PBX vendors, analog add-in board vendors,
isoethernet, switch to host link, client server, ISDN, etc. have been
announced and demonstrated this year. If you have specific questions,
either post them on GO WINEXT or send to telephon@microsoft.com.  I
can try to help you as well.


Regards,

Guy Blair   Intel Architecture Labs

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 26 May 1994 10:19:29 -0500
From: don newcomb <newcomb@us2.navo.navy.mil>
Subject: Re: Internet Access from the Solomon Islands?
Organization: Naval Oceanographic Office


In article <telecom14.249.6@eecs.nwu.edu> TELECOM Digest Editor notes:

> In response to your side note, I certainly hope your comments were not
> driven by any cannibalphobic attitudes on your part. If the Solomon Islands
> do join the Internet and get a news feed, will someone issue a Call For
> Votes on a newsgroup devoted to cannibalism? I wonder where such a news-
> group would go in the Usenet hierarchy?  Probably under
rec.food.cannibalism.

Pat, how dare you?! Don't you know it's not called "cannibalism" any
more; that is a term of oppression! The Politically Correct term is
"human recycling."  Have a nice day.


Donald R. Newcomb              * newcomb@pops.navo.navy.mil         
Naval Oceanographic Office     * drn@fiddle.noo.navy.mil
Stennis Space Center, MS 39522 * Voice: (601) 688-5998
FAX: (601) 688-5485            * DSN: 485-5998


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: You have a nice day also, and thank you
for sharing.  PAT]

------------------------------

From: nduehr@netcom.com (Nathan N. Duehr)
Subject: Re: How Can I Ring Up Myself?
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 261-4700 guest)
Date: Wed, 25 May 1994 10:21:50 GMT


Joseph Herl (jherl@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu) wrote:

> Our family is moving to a new house next week, and we will have the
> same telephone number at both places for several days.  How can I call
> between them?

Pat replied with information regarding how to ring back a phone in the
Illinois area.  For the the information of others on the net, in the
Denver, Colorado area use the same technique described by Pat except
with a 99x prefix and do not dial a 1 before the prefix.

I live in the North Glenn/Westminster area and 996 works here.

It appears that it works in exactly the way as Pat described his to
work.


Regards,

Nate Duehr   nduehr@netcom.com

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 26 May 94 6:07:50 EDT
From: Carl Moore <cmoore@brl.mil>
Subject: 57x in Old Area 312


In old area 312, I found all 57x in use and all of them moving to 708.
And you mention 1-57x (with that leading 1)?


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Well, in the old, old, old days of
312, it was just 571, get new dial tone, click, get high pitched tone,
dial 6, hang up, get ringback, go off hook, end ring back. Needless to
say, we had no 312-571 exchange in those days. No matter what your number
was, that did it.

In the more recent 'old 312' times, even though we had a 312-571 prefix,
doing it as 1-571 (and as per above) worked. Then finally it changed to
the present scheme where it became 1-57x-last four, etc. 

Another excursion into weird numbers here are the 'prefix-1-prefix' num-
bers. I don't know if those are around in other than Illinois Bell terri-
tory or not. For example, 708-329-1329 or 708-677-1677; and there are
lots more. After the area code (312 or 708) dial the prefix, then a one,
and the prefix again. Quite a few respond with a high-pitched tone, and
others respond with a rapid busy or reorder tone. All the old 9954/9955
loop-arounds are dead though; they were all killed after that scandal
several years ago.  PAT]

------------------------------

From: avb@cais.com (FCC World)
Subject: Announcing New FCC BBS - FCC World
Date: 26 May 1994 17:57:39 GMT
Organization: Capital Area Internet Service


The Washington, DC telecommunications law firm of Smithwick &
Belendiuk proudly announces the launch of a new BBS -- FCC WORLD --
featuring information on the Federal Communications Commission.  We
feature FCC documents on-line (many you cannot find on Internet),
texts of important FCC Reports and decisions (IVDS, PCS Auction info --
on-line now!), Forums on hot FCC issues, free Classified ads and more!
The best thing -- its free and without a daily time limit.  Give it a
try at 202-887-5718 (14.4 baud)!


------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #254
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