Providing multiple line functionality using alternative network telephony
is disclosed. A local telephone installation comprises a first and second telephone
equipment (associated with a first and second local node, respectively), and local
telephone wiring connected to the first and second local nodes. The local telephone
installation is associated for purposes of the public switched telephone network
(PSTN) with a single telephone line. A request from a calling party to establish
a connection with the local telephone installation is received at a third local
node. It is determined whether the calling party desires to establish a connection
to (1) a first telephone extension or (2) a second telephone extension associated
with the first or the second local node, respectively. A connection is established
from the third local node to the desired extension over the local telephone wiring
in a manner that does not affect the other extension.