Abstract: A public switched telephone network for providing information from a multimedia information server to any one of a plurality of subscriber premises, comprises a central office receiving multimedia information signals from a multimedia information server and orders from a prescribed subscriber. The central office includes a gateway system for conveying routing data in response to subscriber orders and a switch for routing multimedia signals from the server to the prescribed subscriber in accordance with the routing data. An interface at the central office transmits and receives audio telephone service signals, subscriber control signals and digital multimedia information signals on first, second and third signal channels. Each subscriber premises includes an interface for transmitting and receiving audio telephone service signals, subscriber control signals and digital multimedia information signals on the three signal channels.

Abstract: A system and method for providing interactive multimedia services to subscriber premises utilizing wireless distribution within the subscriber premise. The service is provided via a communications link delivering to the subscriber premises broad band digital information including video and audio from a plurality of information providers and control signals in a multiplexed form. This multiplexed signal is then separated and processed on premise and distributed in a two-way fashion using frequency hopping code division multiple access (CDMA) spread spectrum using radio frequency signals preferably at UHF. Upstream control signals from the user installation are communicated from the individual user terminals in the same wireless manner.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing a common channel signaling network controlling a communications system to detect predetermined events and to execute a predetermined script upon detection of those events. This is accomplished using the common channel signaling network in conjunction with programmable and addressable monitors coupled to the common channel signaling links connected to the signaling transfer points (STPs) . These monitors are programmed to trap and temporarily record predetermined data associated with specific events which it is desired to memoralize. The monitors provide an output to a control processor having an SSP capability which is linked to the STPs. The monitors are programmed either through the common channel signaling network or through a monitor port connected to the control processor to collect data including the identities of called and calling stations and data from which the duration of connection of the call may be determined.

Abstract: In an administration system for a public switched telephone network, a combination proactive and reactive maintenance system analyzes the working status of customer network facilities in response to a customer request reporting a customer trouble. The combined maintenance system includes an attendant station receiving the customer request representing a reactively determined trouble, and building a first trouble report, and first and second test systems. The first test system tests a second communication line in the communication cable representing a potentially proactively determined trouble, and builds a second trouble report. The second test system tests at least one of the first and second communication lines and determines whether at least one of the first and second trouble reports should be dispatched to a customer work group together with existing related proactive and reactive trouble reports to the customer work group using trouble routing criteria.

Abstract: A digital communications system efficiently transports communications data in ATM format from a plurality of information providers to a plurality of users, maximizing transport of the supply of ATM streams to distribution paths in a network. A video tone dial network arrangement synchronizes the timing among various VIP source multiplexers and super trunk transmitters. ATM streams are transported through an ATM backbone network and a local loop distribution network. A serving node, or host digital terminal, of the local loop distribution network, supplies the bit stream carrying ATM cells for a video program to the user terminal and provides information necessary to permit the terminal to decode the data from the ATM cells carrying the program information.

Abstract: A system and method for providing Internet access via a Public Switched Telecommunications Network (PSTN) using full time asymmetric digital subscriber line connections between subscriber premises processor terminals and a local area network (LAN) node and router gateway on Telco premises connected to a Telco digital packet network connected to Internet service providers and Internet information providers. A domain name server (DNS) and a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) server are connected to the router to provide domain name to IP address translations and temporary assignment of IP addresses to said customer premises processor terminal. The customer or subscriber going on-line communicates with the DHCP using encryption and preferably public/private key encryption to both authenticate the customer and the DHCP. The DHCP updates the database in the DNS to maintain freshness.

Abstract: A digital entertainment terminal, such as a set top box, is used as a subscriber interface in the Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). The digital entertainment terminal interacts with the Integrated Service Control Point (ISCP) and central office switches to permit a customer to customize features of their telephone services such as voice announcement, digit collection, speech recognition capabilities and an array of other enhanced call processing features, such as voice or facsimile messaging. The digital entertainment terminal is preferably a set top box used for video-on-demand and similar services modified to provide dial-up communication with the ISCP of the AIN.

Abstract: A method for attaching an interduct to a duct by forming a groove on an outer surface of the duct and pressing out that portion of the duct encompassed by the groove to form an opening in the duct. A saddle is then attached to the duct and the interduct the attached to the saddle. The apparatus used for forming the opening in a duct comprises a template having an arcuate portion with a radius substantially the same as the duct. The template has a window portion having substantially the same shape as the opening to be formed in the duct. A base plate is provided having an arcuate portion with a radius substantially the same as the radius of the arcuate portion of the template such that the base plate is slidably fittable over the template. A cutting device is attached to the base plate and has a cutting element extending through the base plate.

Abstract: In an administration system for a public switched telephone network, a service analysis system is provided for proactively analyzing the working status of customer network facilities including a communication line in a communication cable associated with a customer. The service analysis system includes an automatic line insulation test (ALIT) system testing the communication line in the communication cable associated with the customer producing trouble indicators indicating a potentially defective communication line, and a mechanized loop testing (MLT) system testing groups prioritized for the communication line.

Abstract: An arrangement (apparatus and method) for detecting jitter caused during transport of digitally-coded information, such as MPEG-encoded data packets, and for correcting time stamp reference values in accordance with the detected jitter. The disclosed arrangement detects program clock reference (PCR) values from an MPEG-encoded transport stream, whereby each pair of PCR values represents an expected interarrival time of a corresponding stream segment. An actual interarrival time for the corresponding stream segment is determined in response to detection of the corresponding PCR values and an independent clock signal. The expected interarrival time of the stream segment is compared with the actual interarrival time in order to determine the jitter in the data packet stream. The jitter is corrected by a combination of adaptive buffering techniques and restamping the PCR value with corrected values coinciding with the actual interarrival time of the stream segments.

Abstract: A cellular telephone system is upgraded by modifying subscriber units for selective service provider acquisition during roaming. Priority of acquisition is given to those service providers associated with the home service provider. These preferred service providers are identified by system identification (SIDs) numbers. A roaming subscriber unit will tune to a single beacon frequency identifying cellular digital packet data (CDPD) frequencies from which the subscriber unit will select one CDPD frequency corresponding to a service provider operating in the geographic area to which the subscriber has roamed.

Abstract: A media server receives, stores and forwards multi-media data and full motion video feature presentations within a public switched telephone network. The media server receives wide band digital video and MPEG encoded video signals. The wide band digital video is encoded using either a real-time MPEG encoding for immediate transmission over network facilities to subscribers or, using a multi-pass MPEG encoder for storage by the Media Server for subsequent transmission. The Media Server includes four levels of storage including DRAM, optical and magnetic disk storage, high speed tape storage and archival storage. A Librarian Processor allocates storage space on a media appropriate to retrieval requirements for the video data. The Librarian is responsive to a Storage Manager Processor and a Session Manager Processor for providing video program data to an Output Controller. The Session Manager Processor monitors all input, output and throughput of the Media Server and monitors all user initiated sessions.

Abstract: A wireless transceiver connects to a telephone line network terminal, in place of a disabled subscriber drop cable. A second wireless transceiver connects to customer premises wiring, typically at the network interface device and in place of the drop cable. The wireless transceivers preferably provide a cordless telephone type link. The second transceiver presents a standard telephone line appearance to the customer premises telephone wiring. Standard telephone station equipment, connected to the customer premises wiring in the normal manner, can make and receive telephone calls, as if still connected to a wire-line type telephone loop circuit.

Abstract: A public switched telephone network (PSTN) provides digital video signals from a video information provider to one or more of a plurality of subscriber premises. A subscriber uses either a standard telephone instrument over the PSTN or a dedicated control device over an ISDN packet network to order video programming. The request is transmitted to a designated video information provider and digital transmission connectivity is established between the video information provider and the central office serving the subscriber. Connectivity between the central office and subscriber is provided by asymmetrical digital subscriber line interface units over a local loop. The interface units frequency multiplex digital video information with voice information to the subscriber and support transmission of a reverse control channel from the subscriber to the central office for transmission on the ISDN packet data network back to the video information provider.

Abstract: A broadcast system supplies multiplexed channels to a plurality of receiving systems. The broadcast system preferably comprises a wireless digital simulcasting network. Each multiplexed channel carries multiplexed digital information signals relating to a group of programs. At least one of the receiving systems serves a plurality of living units. The multi-unit receiving system includes common equipment to perform as much of the processing of the digital information signals as is practical for the particular installation. The common equipment includes a digital receiver processing each multiplexed channel to capture a digital transport stream therefrom and a demultiplexer for separating out the digital information signals for each program from each digital transport stream. A switch routes selected information signals to individual drops or loops going to the living units.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for automatically selecting a carrier network from a plurality of available networks to carry a telephone call (including MTS, video, data, etc.) for which toll charges are to be levied. The selection is made as a function of the call-type, and the method may be used, for example, to select a carrier, pre-subscribed to by a subscriber, for intra-LATA toll calls, inter-LATA and international calls. Alternatively, within a call-type, a carrier may be selected on the basis of toll rates, either on a per-call basis or by pre-subscription. A receiving end-office receiving a call from a calling station determines call-type and accesses a database whose contents either produce the identity of a preferred carrier for the call-type or the identity of the carrier having the lowest toll rate for the call. In any case, the identity of the carrier is returned from the database to the end-office and the end-office switch acts to connect the call to that carrier's network.

Abstract: An arrangement (apparatus and method) for providing a code division multiple access (CDMA) transmission system in an urban environment using spatially-diverse antennas and time-diversity devices and techniques to provide improved cell coverage without the detrimental effects of multipath (Rayleigh) fading. The spatially-diverse antennas output identical CDMA-modulated signals to a serving area at different times, whereby each CDMA-modulated signal output from a corresponding antenna has a sufficent delay to avoid mutual interference with the identical CDMA-modulated signals output from other antennas. The delay assigned to each antenna is within a range greater than a chip interval, and less than or equal to a base station sequence offset between base stations. As a result, a subscriber station is able to separately demodulate the received CDMA-modulated signals from the different antennas as CDMA signals having adequate multipath delay for demodulation using a rake receiver.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for using underused or unused local telephone company local loops to subscriber premises for providing to such premises a connection to an alternate service provider. The use of the local loop is leased to the ultimate service provider at a rate dependent upon the usage and nature of usage of the circuit. Information and data to permit efficient and convenient billing for leased usage of the loops is implemented by providing on the local loop a passive monitor. The monitors are connected with a signal switching point (SSP) and deliver a dialed number. The dialed number contains information regarding the commencement or termination of the usage of an identified local loop and an identification of the nature of such usage. This dialed number triggers the SSP to formulate a message containing the information and forward the same to a service control point (SCP). The SCP contains a database for storing and processing the information.

Abstract: An arrangement (apparatus and method) for dynamically provisioning infrastructure components in a digital communication network using an object-oriented relational paradigm. A network configuration system, also referred to as a video support system, stores all related information on each of the infrastructure components (IFCs) as objects in an object oriented relational database, including the functions, capabilities, locations, when and how the IFCs are assigned, and the capacities, working and spare, existing in and between various locations. The objects are arranged into clusters based on common characteristics, and the object clusters (modules), selectively access other modules to provide functional and logical connections independent from nonrelevant objects, such as physical location. Entity relationships establish the relevancy of different objects and object clusters.

Abstract: Telecommunications calls exchanged between customer premise equipment (CPE) and a switched telephone network receive AIN treatment within the CPE and within the network. An AIN architecture is employed in the CPE and in the network, and the signaling systems are interfaced to permit an exchange of signaling messages. A request message, originating either within the CPE or within the network, can be directed to a service logic provider either within the CPE or within the network (e.g., an AIN integrated service control point, or ISCP). In particular, the ISCP of the switched telephone network can be programmed by the customer premises equipment and vice versa to provide enhanced services. These may include a look ahead busy service in which a query is sent to determine whether equipment is busy before a communications call is connected.