Method and apparatus for on-hold switching

Abstract

The invention provides an on-hold switching device that permits a subscriber to be engaged in other activities through a telephone network while being placed on-hold by another party. When placed on-hold, the on-hold switching device disconnects the subscriber from the other party and connects the subscriber to the telephone network so that the subscriber may engage in other activities. The on-hold switching device monitors the signal bus connected to the other party to determine whether the on-hold condition is removed. When the on-hold condition is removed, the subscriber is reconnected to the other party. Thus, the on-hold switching device permits a subscriber to be engaged in other activities when placed on-hold by the other party.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.