Abstract: A method for determining the security level associated with transmissions in a telecommunications network includes means for alerting parties of the security status of the transmission. When a route interconnecting the parties includes an insecure link, an alert is provided so that the parties are aware of the insecure nature of the call before communications begin. Alternatively, the parties may elect to decline or alter content of the communications to preserve integrity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling telecommunications call processing is disclosed. In a switching system, a Master Controller is provided for maintaining the database of the system, and for receiving call processing control messages. The Master Controller receives these messages via a core switching fabric network of the switching system. The Master Controller selects one of a plurality of feature processors, the feature processors being of several types for processing different features, to process the received call processing message. The Master Controller, if necessary, transmits not only the call processing message, but also state information about the call to the selected feature processor. The feature processor processes the message, and returns call state update data to the Master Controller. The feature processor also transmits messages for controlling other units in order to implement the desired response to the received call processing message.

Abstract: A telephone switch-integrated modem pool and broadband access concentrator provide improved data network access through a PSTN local loop. Rather than simply cascading data as TDM traffic through the PSTN, plural switch-integrated modems, a broadband access concentrator, and a broadband pipe are used to route data traffic between local loop subscribers and one or more data network service providers. Advantageously, point-to-point connections are maintained between subscriber and service provider equipment in order to enable continued use of high level subscriber-provider protocol service negotiation (such as PAP/CHAP, NCP and the like). LCP (link layer) management and translation between the asynchronous subscriber-modem pool link and the synchronous provider-modem pool link are handled transparently by the broadband access concentrator.

Abstract: A universal line card architecture includes core circuitry for performing battery, overvoltage, ringing, supervision, coder/decoder circuit (CODEC), hybrid and test (BORSCHT) functions interconnected to a control processor and processing system. The control processor and processing system serve a plurality of line cards and are configurable to one or more of a plurality of subscriber loop standards in which the line card can operate. Upon receipt of instructions from a configuration system, the processing system configures line card and core network interface elements so that an appropriate subscriber loop standard may be associated with the line card identified in the provisioning request.

Abstract: A telecommunications pair gain system for use when all lines served by the pair gain system are within a limited distance of the pair gain system remote terminal. The distance is such that a lower voltage output from the remote terminal can be used for powering the POTS telephones. Advantageously, a single remote terminal can be used for controlling, for example, 8 POTS lines, at significantly lower expense than would be incurred using standard subscriber loop carrier technology. Advantageously, the loops no longer required for serving all of the 8 POTS lines directly, can be utilized to provide services such as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) service to other customers without requiring the installation of additional loops between the central office and the remote terminal.

Abstract: It is desirable to be able to recognize data calls so that different charges can be applied to such calls and that vertical services, such as the use of special transmission facilities, may be offered to data callers. This recognition is accomplished by attaching a tone detector to a call in order to detect the special tones characteristic of a data call. Advantageously, this permits different charges to be imposed on data calls.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for implementing support for increased communication speed between data communication devices, including one or more high speed analog modems, connected to a digital communication network. The high speed analog modems communicate with the digital communication network via analog signaling pathways that also support voice communication across the digital communication network. Following the initiation of communication between an originating communication device and a terminating communication device connected to the digital communication network, determination is made as to whether the communication devices include at least one high speed analog modem and another data communication device capable of communicating at the increased data communication speed.

Abstract: High usage lines in a telecommunications system must be detected to avoid local areas of high call blockage. Such high usage lines are frequently lines that originate or receive data calls. The presence of a data call is detected by testing for a signal, such as a tone, on the call connection after an answer signal has been detected, and testing to see if the duration of the call exceeds some predetermined quantity. Lines which originate or receive data calls exceeding the predetermined quantity are then monitored to measure their usage. Advantageously, many high usage lines can be detected by monitoring only the relatively few lines that originate or receive data calls.