Abstract: A digital packet access network for transporting voice and data signals in the local loop between a central office location and a plurality of remote local users. The network architecture may also include: (1) a dual-pipelined structure for separately transporting the voice and data signals; (2) a mechanism for prioritizing the transport of the voice signals; or (3) a method of synchronizing the timing of the voice signals to a telephone switch.

Abstract: An ONU includes circuit cards, a card cage, and electrical connector hardware. The card cage releaseably engages and supports the circuit cards in installed positions in the card cage. At least one pair of the circuit cards have serial interconnections with each other. The electrical connector hardware defines all of those serial interconnections and is free of a backplane.

Abstract: A multi-service, adaptable optical network unit (ONU) is disclosed for use in a fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC) digital loop carrier system, including a multi-service common card and a plurality of multi-media service cards that are connected to the common card using a card-link interface. The card-link interface is preferably a high-speed LVDS serial-bus connection that is organized in a star configuration such that each service card is connected to the multi-service common card using a separate point-to-point card-link. By eliminating the traditional backplane structure found in present ONU designs, the present invention provides a scalable, adaptable, future-proof FTTC system that can transport present-day multi-media services as well as yet-to-be-defined future high-bandwidth applications.

Abstract: A digital packet access network for transporting voice and data signals in the local loop between a central office location and a plurality of remote local users. The network architecture may also include: (1) a dual-pipelined structure for separately transporting the voice and data signals; (2) a mechanism for prioritizing the transport of the voice signals, or (3) a method of synchronizing the timing of the voice signals to a telephone switch.

Abstract: A novel communications modular docking station receives information related to one or more types of services and forwards information to one or more subscriber destinations. The communications modular docking station includes a housing and a single coaxial line-in on the housing for receiving the service information from an optical node in communication with a central office and for receiving power from a power hub. The communication modular docking station is engageable with a module having a flange which can be slidably received in a slot on the communications modular docking station. The slot is at least partially defined by a wall which limits the distance the flange can be slid along the slot. The module is secured to the communications modular docking station by a securing member which is received in a bore on the wall of the communications modular docking station. Within the housing is a communicator, and on the housing is a line-out.