Abstract: Methods and apparatus for communicating data between continuous bit rate trunk channels and a cell-based network are disclosed. The apparatus includes trunk interface circuitry, data interface circuitry, and cell segmentation circuitry. The trunk interface circuitry receives continuous bit rate call data that is being communicated from an originator to a recipient. The data interface circuitry is operatively coupled to the trunk interface circuitry, and is operable to receive the call data from the trunk channel and to extract an original data stream. The cell segmentation circuitry is operative to receive the original data stream from the data interface circuitry and to produce data cells. The invention also features methods of producing data cells.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for communicating data over a voice-band communications loop are disclosed. The apparatus includes transceiver circuitry, a backplane interface, backplane interconnection circuitry, and signaling circuitry. The transceiver circuitry transmits and receives voice-band modulated data over the communications loop. The backplane interface provides for physical interconnection to the backplane. Backplane interconnection circuitry couples the transceiver circuitry and the backplane interface to each other for data transmission to enable the exchange of digital data between the transceiver and the backplane. The signaling circuitry transmits and receives POTS call control signals over the communications loop. A method for receiving voice-band data is disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method of transmitting data cells are disclosed. The system includes a data transmitting and receiving unit including transceiver circuitry, a main backplane interface, and backplane interconnection circuitry. The transceiver circuitry transmits and receive data cells over the data link, the main backplane interface provides physical interconnection to the backplane, and the backplane interconnection circuitry transmits and receives cells. The main backplane interface including at least one cell signal terminal and at least one operations data signal terminal. The operations data signal terminals are separate from the cell signal terminals. The operations data signal terminals and the cell signal terminals are configured to connect to mating connectors on a backplane. Backplane interconnection circuitry couples the transceiver circuitry to the main backplane interface.

Abstract: A line card shelf is disclosed. The line card shelf includes groups of line card receptacle connectors. Each receptacle connector has electrical contacts receiving corresponding line card contacts. Each group of receptacle connectors is coupled to at least two external connectors that terminate an inside or outside wiring cable bundle. Each receptacle in each group is connected to each external connector of the receptacle's group by a two-conductor signal path between a pair of electrical contacts in the receptacle and a unique pair of external electrical contacts in the external connector.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for conserving power in terminal units that transmit and receive modulated data over a communications loop that is shared with voiceband telephone equipment are disclosed. The methods include monitoring the loop to detect a shut-down condition and reducing power consumption of certain of the electronic circuits in the terminal unit upon detection of a shut-down condition. The methods also include monitoring the loop with a monitoring circuit to detect a resume signal outside the voiceband frequency range on the loop and restoring power to the electronic circuits when the resume signal is detected. The apparatuses include a modulated data transmitting and receiving unit having a connector for coupling the unit to a communications loop, circuitry to transmit and receive a modulated data signal in a frequency range above voiceband, and circuitry to detect a resume signal in the frequency range above voiceband and then to initiate a power up sequence for the transmit and receive circuitry.