In conjunction with a data communication network carrying multiple
telephony signals and allowing for connection of telephone sets, a system
and method in which two external feeders connect to the data network at
two distinct points via two distinct devices. The data network can be
based on dedicated wiring or can use existing in-premises medium such as
telephone, powerlines or CATV wiring. In the latter case, the wiring can
still carry the original service for which it was installed. The external
telephone connections can be based on the traditional PSTN, CATV network,
cellular telephone network or any other telephone service provider
network, using specific adapter for any medium used. In the case of
connection to a POTS telephone signal, VoIP gateway (or any other
converter) is required.