Method, apparatus and system for changing to which remote device a local device is in communication via a communication medium through use of interruption of the communication medium

摘要

A method, apparatus and system for changing to which remote device a local device is in communication via a communication medium, communicates with a matrix switch forming part of the system by interruption of the communication medium by the local device. Upon receipt of a unit of information via interruption of the communication medium, the matrix switch causes the local device to be in communication with another remote device other than the remote device that it was previously in communication. In one embodiment, the switching is to a next available remote device of a plurality of remote devices while in another embodiment, the matrix switch switches the local device to a switch configuration device for further communication therewith via the communication medium, thereby allowing the local device to select which other remote device it desires to be in communication.