A communications system is configured with a plurality of media terminal adapters, a telephone line, and a gateway configured to exchange voice and data packets between a network and each of the media terminal adapters over the telephone line. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.