A PSTN (Public Switching Telephone Network) device includes a Dynamically Configurable Signaling State Machine (DCSSM). The DCSSM can be programmed to recognize multiple signaling templates. The DCSSM can also be programmed to modify existing recognized standardized signaling templates. Programming is accomplished via a configuration interface. Commands are sent to the DCRSSM via the PSTN device's configuration interface. When the trunk controller receives a signal or is required to transmit a signal, the DCSSM executes the directives configured with the programmed signaling templates within a signaling state machine.