Providing multiple line functionality using alternative network telephony
is disclosed. A local telephone installation comprises a first local
telephone equipment associated with a first local node, a second
telephone equipment associated with a second local node, 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 associated with the first local node or (2) a second
telephone extension associated with the second local node. 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.