A method of operating a communication system having a session manager and network elements to provide telephony service to a user having a communication hub and an analog telephone wherein the communication hub is configured to interwork between the analog telephone and a digital communication link, the method comprising: transferring a software agent to the communication hub wherein the software agent is operational when executed by the communication hub to manage off-hook detection, dial-tone generation, called number digit collection, and ring-back generation for the analog telephone to establish a telephone call, and to exchange control messages with the session manager to establish the telephone call; in the session manager, exchanging the control messages with the software agent in the communication hub, and in response, controlling the network elements to establish the telephone call; and in the network elements, providing a digital communication service for the telephone call over the digital communication link in response to the session manager control. view more

The method of claim 1 wherein transferring the software agent to the communication hub comprises downloading the software agent from a server over the Internet.

The method of claim 1 wherein providing the digital communication service over the digital communication link comprises providing Internet Protocol service.

The method of claim 1 wherein the software agent is configured to manage call waiting.