Abstract: Methods for broadband multimedia telecommunication include broadcasting a large selection of video streams via fiber optic to local switches which are coupled to customers by POTS lines and providing video streams, high QOS voice and VDSL data service from the local switch to customer premises. Signals from customer premises equipment communicate to the local switch to select up to four simultaneous video streams (out of hundreds available). According to the presently preferred embodiment, video, data, and digital voice service are provided via ATM cells to the local switch where they are multiplexed with lifeline POTS service and transmitted to the customer premises via ATM cells Multicast video streams are duplicated at the point in the switch closest to the customer.

Abstract: Methods for broadband multimedia telecommunication include broadcasting a large selection of video streams via fiber optic to local switches which are coupled to customers by POTS lines and providing video streams, high QOS voice and VDSL data service from the local switch to customer premises. Signals from customer premises equipment communicate to the local switch to select up to four simultaneous video streams (out of hundreds available). According to the presently preferred embodiment, video, data, and digital voice service are provided via ATM cells to the local switch where they are multiplexed with lifeline POTS service and transmitted to the customer premises via ATM cells Multicast video streams are duplicated at the point in the switch closest to the customer.

Abstract: Methods for broadband multimedia telecommunication include broadcasting a large selection of video streams via fiber optic to local switches which are coupled to customers by POTS lines and providing video streams, high QOS voice and VDSL data service from the local switch to customer premises. Signals from customer premises equipment communicate to the local switch to select up to four simultaneous video streams (out of hundreds available). According to the presently preferred embodiment, video, data, and digital voice service are provided via ATM cells to the local switch where they are multiplexed with lifeline POTS service and transmitted to the customer premises via ATM cells Multicast video streams are duplicated at the point in the switch closest to the customer.

Abstract: An Intelligent Channel Unit for interfacing end user stations to a DDS digital data communications network and for processing network and end user data according to digital data communications applications is described. The ICU comprises data processing circuitry consisting of a programmable processing circuitry (PPC), a microprocessor controller, and a memory device; a bypass circuit; three input/output data ports; and interface units for the control, maintenance, and test functions.

Abstract: A port concentrator communication system which allows a large number of end user stations to share a limited number of trunk lines to a packet switch network is described. Specifically, the system comprises a number of end user stations each coupled to a port concentration intelligent unit, with these units being coupled together in cascade fashion and the end unit in the cascade being coupled to a set of trunk lines leading to a packet switch network. Each of the trunk line ports corresponds to a channel in the DDS DSOB data streams network and in the reverse direction to the set of end user stations. Special code bytes, indicating the status of trunk line ports, appear in the DSOB data streams and play an integral role in the method whereby the port concentration intelligent units associated with the end user stations can request, obtain access to and communicate over, and relinquish trunk lines.