Systems and methods by which voice/data communications may occur in
multiple modes/protocols are disclosed. In particular, systems and
methods are provided for multiple native mode/protocol voice and data
transmissions and receptions with a computing system having a multi-bus
structure, including, for example, a TDM bus and a packet bus, and
multi-protocol framing engines. Such systems preferably include subsystem
functions such as PBX, voice mail and other telephony functions, LAN hub
and data router or switch functions. In preferred embodiments, a TDM bus
and a packet bus are intelligently bridged and managed, thereby enabling
such multiple mode/protocol voice and data transmissions to be
intelligently managed and controlled with a single, integrated system. In
particular, systems and methods for generating required telephony
voltages directly on station cards, rather than on the basis of a large,
central ringing or other power supply that supply such telephony voltages
to each of the station cards, are disclosed. In accordance with the
present invention, a plurality of station cards are provided in the
telephony or communications system. One or more DC power supplies provide
a source of DC voltage, such as 12 volts, to each of the station cards.
The station cards are coupled to a processor of the system. The station
cards may support a plurality of analog and/or digital telephony devices,
such as telephones facsimile, voice mail, recording, speakerphone,
conferencing or other type telephony devices.