Method and apparatus allowing remote key system units to interoperate

A method of enhancing the interoperability between a first and a second key system units, said method comprising:

• storing status information in a registry of the first system unit, said status information including a local segment and at least one remote segment, the local segment providing a representation of the functional status of a first key system unit, the remote segment providing a representation of the functional status of the second key system unit;
• displaying at least a portion of the information in said remote segment on a display of a terminal connected to the first key system unit.

A routing agent for allowing a first key system unit to inter-operate with a second key system unit, said routing agent comprising:

• a first port for exchanging control information with the first key system unit;
• a second port suitable for connection to a signaling bridge for exchanging signaling information with an external entity;
• a processing unit for receiving control information at said first port for transmitting on the signaling bridge signaling information indicative of the status of the first key system unit, wherein said processing unit is responsive to signaling information received at said second port indicative of status information associated with the remote key system unit, to issue at said first port control information operative to cause the status information associated with the second key system unit to be imported in a registry of the first key system unit.

A key system unit comprising;

• a first interface means suitable for connection to a plurality of local terminals;
• a processing means coupled to said first interface means, said processing means being operative for receiving a user data signal from said first interface and routing the user data signal toward a selected destination, said processing means comprising a memory means for storing status information, said status information including a local segment and at least one remote segment, the local segment providing a representation of the functional status of said key system unit, the remote segment providing a representation of the functional status of a remote key system unit;
• a second interface means coupled to said processing means for allowing said processing means to exchange signaling information with an external entity, said signaling information conveying status information.