The document discusses an automatic line sharing switch called "The Stick" that can connect up to 4 devices like phones, faxes, and modems to a single phone line. It notes that manual switching between devices on shared lines can cause missed faxes and reduced productivity if the wrong device is connected. The Stick automatically screens incoming calls for fax tones or access codes and routes calls to the proper device, preventing these issues. It also offers features like security codes, call transfer, and compatibility with DSL and caller ID. The Stick could help businesses reduce phone line costs by eliminating unused lines and sharing a single line between multiple devices.

1. Line Sharing Switches:
Multi‐Link Inc. Manual vs. Automatic
Are you considering an A/B Switch on your shared line? Think again…
Situation Business Impact A/B The
Switch Stick
Forget to switch over from modem to Fax calls will go un‐answered. Important business fax
fax during night hours missed. Automatic answer can prevent this risk.
Unavailable to switch over from Fax calls can go un‐answered. Important business fax
modem to fax during day hours missed. Automatic answer can prevent this risk.
Forget to switch back to modem Productivity reduced. Modem will not be operational.
Non‐IT staff distracted by IT problem. Customer service may
be temporarily suspended. Automatic call connect will
prevent this risk.
Security on modem line Computer devices may experience malicious access.
Customer information may be compromised and regulatory
violations can occur. Security access codes protects against
this threat (penalties/lawsuits avoided)
Budget constraints (Cuts, Flat) Seamlessly handle up to 4 devices in a single phone line:
phones, faxes, modems, POS, others. Reduce costs – do
more with a single line or eliminate lines no longer needed.
Average cost of phone line is $600/yr.
The Stick: 1 line to up‐to‐4 devices, auto‐connect, security
Features
• Line Sharing – up to 4 devices sharing a single standard telephone line
• Programmable – accessible through a standard phone line connection and programmable using touch tones.
• Caller ID Compatible – when the feature is enabled the Caller ID is presented. The feature is enabled by setting the
“Rings to Answer” parameter to more than 2 rings.
• DSL(Digital Subscriber Line) Compatible – The Stick connects just like your phone in a DSL scenario. The DSL filter is
installed between the DSL service connection and the line jack on The Stick. Analog devices (phones, FAX, Dialup
modems) connect to ports on The Stick.
• FAX Tone Detection – when activated, this feature allows The Stick to detect FAX/CNG (Calling) tones and connect the
call to the FAX port.
• Barge‐In Protection – This feature prevents Barge‐In on voice or data calls connected through The Stick. This becomes
especially useful when a data call is in progress, because it allows the data call to complete successfully.
• Security Access Codes for all Ports – A data call is only connected to the Modem Port when the calling Modem sends the
expected security access code. This is particularly useful when the dial‐up modem connects to devices deemed critical
and security is a top priority. All other ports on The Stick have the Security Access Code feature as well.
• Call Transfer – A variety of transfer options are offered. These are especially useful because they enable special handling
of incoming calls during “after‐hours” conditions.

2. Multi‐Link Inc. Application – Line Sharing
PSTN Network
BEFORE FAX DIAL-UP
MODEM
(555) 555.0001
(555) 555.0003
(555) 555.0002 (555) 555.0004
The Stick – How it works
The Stick – How it works
The Stick automatically answers
The Stick automatically answers
inbound calls and ‘screens’ for Fax
inbound calls and ‘screens’ for Fax
Tones (CNG) and/or Security Access
Tones (CNG) and/or Security Access
Codes (DTMF).
Codes (DTMF).
While performing the screening
While performing the screening
function for both types of tones, a
function for both types of tones, a
high quality simulated ‘ring back’ is
high quality simulated ‘ring back’ is
generated to the calling party. After
generated to the calling party. After
the screening function is performed
the screening function is performed
the call is routed to the proper device,
the call is routed to the proper device,
Phone, Fax, or Modem.
Phone, Fax, or Modem.
PSTN Network
AFTER*
MODEM
VOICE 2
VOICE 1
LINE
FAX
(555) 555.0001
(555) 555.0003
(555) 555.0002
DIAL-UP
* Turn off fax tone detection on voice 1 FAX MODEM
for fax call priority
Lines Eliminated: 1
Cost per line: $600/year
You Save $600/year