Method, apparatus and communications system for companion information and network appliances

A method for exchanging voice and data messages between a telephone and devices connected to a network, the telephone connected to the network, the method comprising:

• connecting the telephone with a portable computer;
• the portable computer exchanging telephone operating parameter data with the telephone, the operating parameter data providing options for communications between the telephone and the network connected devices;
• and
• responsive to a user indication of a desired communication, the portable computer exchanging call data with the telephone, the call data corresponding to the desired communication, the call data formatted according to an application layer protocol, and the underlying transport, network, and data link layer protocols, the application layer protocol having frame formats for telephony functions;
• the telephone exchanging messages with an addressed network connected device, the messages corresponding to the desired communication, the addressed network connected device having a network address, the message including data corresponding to the address of the addressed network connected device.

A portable computer adapted for connection to a telephone, the portable computer comprising:

• a port for connecting to the telephone, the telephone having capabilities;
• a memory storing user information corresponding to a user;
• and
• processing resources adapted to exchange data with the telephone, the data including the user information and data corresponding to the telephone capabilities;
• the exchange of the data enabling the portable computer to:
• discover capabilities of the telephone;
• provide the user information to the telephone;
• and
• establish telephone operating parameters for telephone communications with devices connected to the telephone based on the user information and the telephone capabilities.

A telephone adapted for connection to a portable computer, the telephone comprising:

• a port for connecting to the portable computer, the portable computer having user information corresponding to a user;
• network communication capabilities including a communication port;
• portable computer companion capabilities;
• processing resources adapted to exchange data with the portable computer, the data including:
• the user information,
• data corresponding to the network communication capabilities;
• and
• the portable computer companion capabilities;
• the exchange of data enabling the telephone to:
• discover user information and capabilities of the portable computer;
• provide the network communication capabilities and the portable computer companion capabilities to the portable computer;
• and
• indicate the network communication capabilities to devices connected to the telephone via a network.

A communications system comprising:

• a telephone having capabilities;
• a portable computer connected to the telephone, the portable computer including:
• a port for connecting to the telephone;
• a memory storing user information corresponding to a user;
• and
• processing resources adapted to exchange data with the telephone, the data including the user information and data corresponding to the telephone capabilities;
• the exchange of the data enabling the portable computer to:
• discover capabilities of the telephone;
• provide the user information to the telephone;
• and
• establish telephone operating parameters for telephone communications with devices connected to the telephone based on the user information and the telephone capabilities;
• and
• a network link connecting the telephone to network connected devices.