Abstract: A Multiservice Access Concentrator (MAC) receives information comprising at least one data stream, at least one voice channel, at least one video stream, Local Area Network (LAN)-based traffic, and facsimile traffic. The received data stream is packetized, and the packetized data stream is multiplexed with the voice channel and the video stream to form an integrated transport stream. The voice channel comprises compressed and uncompressed voice information. The integrated transport stream is provided to at least one multi-service network using a software-configurable trunk. The multi-service network includes cell-based and packet-based networks comprising Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Frame Relay, High-level Data Link Control (HDLC), Internet Protocol (IP), and Time Division Multiplex (TDM) networks, as well as leased-line carrier services. The trunk is configured at a physical level and a protocol level using at least one trunk option.

Abstract: A time division media access controller for use with a multi-port data switch and a method of controlling media access. In one embodiment, the time division media access controller includes a time division receive engine, a time division transmit engine and a time division arbiter coupled to the time division receive and transmit engines. The time division receive engine accepts data from a plurality of data ports and the time division transmit engine provides data to a plurality of data ports. The time division arbiter controls states of the time division receive and transmit engines based on throughput requirements of the data. In preferred embodiments, the time division media access controller complies with the IEEE 802.3 ethernet standard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high speed communications, in particular, to an interface device between a transmitting device and a receiving device of a transmission system, wherein the transmitting device is capable of automatic compensation of cross-talk timing errors in the interface device, for a group of signals, by using information stored in a storage attached to that interface device. Preferably, the data stored in said storage comprises data on interconnections between said first and second plurality of terminals and data on crosstalk timing errors in said transmission lines relating to a specific data pattern, for each of said stored interconnection.

Abstract: A method and system for directly down-converting FM signals to demodulated baseband information signals that can be used to directly down-convert analog FM signals and digital FM signals to demodulated baseband information signals. In an embodiment, the method includes aliasing an FM signal at an aliasing rate substantially equal to the frequency of the FM signal or substantially equal to a sub-harmonic thereof; adjusting the aliasing rate in accordance with frequency changes on the FM signal to maintain the aliasing rate substantially equal to the frequency of the FM signal, and outputting a demodulated baseband information signal. The method optionally includes compensating for phase delays and/or other characteristics of the loop in order to maintain bandwidth and stability for the loop.

Abstract: Various high speed modem embodiments are provided, for example, having a receiver configured to receive an analog data signal over a telephone line from a first modem, from which digitized analog data signal samples are generated by a processor employing a linear coding process using, for example, a sampling rate of at least 16 kHz with an 8 bits/sample. Following, the digitized analog data signal samples are transmitted over one or more digital lines of a first time division multiplexed bus to a second modem, which may be a digital loop carrier modem, for example. Thereafter, the second modem may demodulate the digitized analog data signal samples to generate digitized data, which may then be transmitted over one or more digital signal lines of a second time division multiplexed bus.

Abstract: A network interface card comprising an upper layer protocol (ULP) handler, a TCP handler capable of interfacing with said ULP handler and, a link handler. The network interface card is adapted to take over and perform at least one session layer function of a host computer connected to a network.

Abstract: A method of announcing a description of a media session, for example a multimedia conference, that is to take place over multicast capable links is provided in networks configured for Internet Protocol operation. A modular method of announcing media sessions includes: (a) generating a first base module having a first data structure having user oriented data relevant to the media session; (b) generating at least one media module having a second data structure with media oriented data necessary for a user to receive a respective media stream of the media session; (c) providing a link between the first base module and the at least one media module; and, (d) announcing the media session by making at least the first base module available to potential recipients of the media session.

Abstract: A method and a host for allocating a plurality of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to a Network Interface Card (NIC) which has a unique Media Access Control (MAC) address comprising vendor code and serial code is provided. The method for allocating multiple IP addresses to the NIC in a host includes: setting up a virtual MAC address by combining a virtual vendor code and a serial code; mapping the virtual MAC address with one of internal addresses of actual IP addresses allocated to a host; and allocating the mapped internal address and the virtual MAC address to an application that requests an IP protocol. Since a plurality of IP addresses can be allocated to one NIC in the IP address allocation method, as many NICs as required IP addresses are not necessary and cost-effectiveness can be achieved.

Abstract: A powerline based communication system includes a powerline termination module, a plurality of powerline gateways, and a plurality of powerline nodes. The powerline termination module manages data for local area networks within the powerline based communication system. The plurality of powerline gateways is arranged in sets of powerline gateways, wherein each set of powerline gateways constitutes a local area network. Each of the plurality of powerline nodes is operably coupled to the powerline termination module via a high-speed communication path. In addition, each powerline node is operably coupled to set of powerline gateways, i.e., to a local area network, via powerlines of a local transformer. Each of the powerline nodes receives data for its respective LAN from the powerline termination module and provides the data to the powerline gateways of its LAN via the powerlines of the local transformer.

Abstract: Methods are described that enable host devices of a multicast IP network to reliably join multicast group address(es) in talkgroup or point-to-point calls. For a talkgroup call, a sourcing host sends “hello” packets or payload to one or more network devices, addressed to a multicast group address. The receiving host issues a join command to the one or more network devices in an attempt to reliably join the multicast group address. If any packets are received by the receiving host within a designated time period associated with the attempt, the receiving host is reliably joined to the multicast group address. For a point-to-point call, a controller sends a pair of multicast group addresses, one designated for sourcing packets and the other designated for receiving packets, to a first and second host participating in the point-to-point call. The designated “source” and “receive” multicast group address are complementary for the first and second hosts.

Abstract: A system for assisting a user in selecting a packet-based telephony service provider (“PBTSP”) from a group of PBTSPs, and in registering the user with the selected PBTSP for outbound and/or inbound calling. The selection of a particular PBTSP may be stored in a database, and this stored information may be used to enable the user to exchange telephone call data with one of the PBTSPs. One preferred system receives data from the user's computer device, determines whether the user is registered with one the PBTSPs and, if so, transmits data to the computer device which enables it to exchange telephone call data with one of the PBTSPs. The system also receives telephone call data from the computer device, accesses contact information for a PBTSP, and transmits the received telephone call data to the PBTSP using the accessed contact information.

Abstract: A home network system for controlling one or more home appliances connected to a network and a method for operating the same. If an alive message or a connection termination message is normally generated from the home appliance, or if the alive message or the connection termination message is not normally transmitted to a network manager due to a transmission failure in a communication path, the network manager automatically recognizes a network connection state of the home appliance using a network search process, performs a connection termination operation according to the recognized information, and updates network information, resulting in increased reliability and user's convenience of the home network system.

Abstract: An architecture for stacking DSLAMs employs a master DSLAM having a control circuit and an uplink communication circuit to a central office and two LVDS circuits for communication with two DSLAM boxes in adjacent circuit interconnection to the master DSLAM. Multiple slave DSLAMs each having a programmable control circuit and two LVDS circuits for communication with two DSLAM boxes immediately adjacent on either side in the circuit are connected in a ring or split stack arrangement. A control circuit in the master selectively programs the control circuits in each slave DSLAM to control the direction of communication in the LVDS circuits as round robin in a first selected mode and a split in a second selected mode to accommodate the desired structure.

Abstract: A broadcaster broadcasts all network cells received via a receive channel of a telecommunication line serving the installation to digital loops including terminals. A collector collects ATM cells produced by the terminals and transmits them in an emit channel of the line to the network. The broadcaster marks received network cells in order for the collector to eliminate them and not transmit them in the emit channel. ATM intercommunication cells can be produced by terminals and switched by the collector to the broadcaster in order to broadcast them with received network cells to destination terminals of the installation.

Abstract: A network switch for network communications includes a first data port interface, supporting a plurality of data ports transmitting and receiving data at a first data rate. A second data port interface supporting a plurality of data ports transmitting and receiving data at a second data rate. A CPU interface communicating with a CPU, an internal memory, a memory management having an external memory interface, and a communication channel are provided. A plurality of lookup tables having address resolution lookup/layer three lookup, rules tables, and VLAN tables are provided. One of the data port interfaces is configured to update the address resolution table based on newly learned layer to addresses and a synchronization process per entry is provided.

Abstract: Data transmission network having a least one line termination device connected via a data transmission medium to several network termination devices, each network termination device comprising a request message generator for generating a data transmission request message when a data communication device connected to the network termination device is sending data, and an xDSL transceiver for transmitting an upstream data frame including the generated request message via the data transmission medium to the line termination device.

Abstract: This invention provides for an apparatus and method to isolate ports on layer 2 switches on the same VLAN to restrict traffic flow. The apparatus comprises a switch having said plurality of ports, each port configured as a protected port or a non-protected port. An address table memory stores an address table having a destination address and port number pair. A forwarding map generator generates a forwarding map which is responsive to a destination address of a data packet. The method for isolating ports on a layer 2 switch comprises configuring each of the ports on the layer 2 switch as a protected port or a non-protected port. A destination address on an data packet is matched with a physical address on said layer 2 switch and a forwarding map is generated for the data packet based upon the destination address on the data packet.

Abstract: A communication system is provided for transferring data through a digital switching network. The communication system includes a client modem, a linecard in communication with the client modem over a local loop, and a linecard modem interfacing with the linecard and the digital switching network. The client modem modulates client data to generate modulated client data for transmission to the linecard over the local loop, and the linecard modem receives the modulated client data from the linecard and demodulates the modulated client data to generate the client data for transmission through the digital switching network. Further, the linecard modem modulates network data from the digital switching network to generate modulated network data for transmission to the client modem over the local loop, and the client modem receives and demodulates the modulated network data to generate the network data.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method to perform central control of in-line element (Ei) in a tree-like network by a line terminator (LT). A plurality of network terminators (NT1, NT2, . . . , NTi, . . . , NTn) are coupled via one or more of such in-line elements (Ei) to the line terminator (LT) by dedicated branches and by a common branch, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a network control device (CPS) for controlling data transfer in a first network (IP), wherein the data transfer is supplied from a second network (SCN) via a switch device (SD) adapted to control the second network (SCN) and an interface establishing device (GW) connected between the switch device (SD) and the first network (IP), and said network control device (CPS) controls the interface establishing device (GW) by using signalling associated with the first network (IP). By applying the network control device according to the invention, a gateway between the first and the second network can easily be installed.

Abstract: Hybrid fiber/coax networks employ the existing cable plant used for cable TV and transmit data signals in a frequency bandwidth above that which is used for cable TV. The present system used point-to-point data links between intelligent network elements located in the feeder/distribution network to provide reliable, secure, bi-directional broadband access. Digital signals are terminated at the intelligent network elements, switched and regenerated for transmission across additional upstream or downstream data links as needed to connect a home to a headend or router. The intelligent network elements can be co-located with or replace the standard network elements. A tree-and-branch network architecture is therefore established in which each intelligent network element is assigned a routing ID employed in the point-to-point transmissions while leaving legacy analog signals unimpeded. In this manner, the data links are made over relatively short runs of coax cable, which can provide greater bandwidth.

Abstract: Wireless network demands continually increase as wireless service providers pursue additional service capabilities. In a cellular communication system, leased lines between remote cell sites and the corresponding Mobile Switching Offices (MSOs) remain a major operating cost. Bandwidth reduction by identification and elimination of payload data and control information which need not be fully replicated because it can be deduced from information accessible or previously transmitted allows fewer lines to support the same bandwidth. A wireless access gateway is operable to aggregate such redundant and regenerable data on a backhaul link between a wireless cell site and the corresponding mobile switching office (MSO) to provide low-latency, type specific lossless bandwidth reduction. The wireless access gateway identifies regenerable information and eliminates portions of the data which the device need not transmit because the data is redundant, or accessible or recreatable, at the receiving side.

Abstract: A method for communicating messages in a multiple communication protocol network is disclosed. A first message is received at a first signaling adapter. The first message is based on a first communication protocol. A second message is received at a second signaling adapter. The second message is based on a second communication protocol. The first message is converted from the first communication protocol to a generic protocol, and the second message is converted from the second communication protocol to the generic protocol. The first message and the second message are received at a signaling adapter interface. The first signaling adapter and the second signaling adapter are detachable from the signaling adapter interface. The first message and the second message are sent to a network component.

Abstract: A method and communication network for administering additional services which provides that a subscriber self-input into communication terminal equipment be initiated by the subscriber for the respective additional service and, due to the subscriber self-input at least one structured container message is generated by the communication terminal equipment and is sent to a memory unit of the communication network. The container message received by the memory unit is inventively forwarded via an interface that connects the memory unit to the service control point. The interface implemented between memory unit and service control point makes it possible that the container message can be forwarded up to the service control point for a service handling via the subscriber self-input for the additional service.

Abstract: A highly flexible and scalable architecture implements TDM bridge and related functions for network to telecom interface applications like voice over Internet. A very small packet size minimizes packetization delay so that VOIP can be realized without expensive echo cancellation. High density enables processing 4K simultaneous voice channels in real time on a single, compact circuit board.

Abstract: An arrangement operable to communicate with a fieldbus network and operate an attached relay and a method for implementing such arrangement is provided. The arrangement and method provide conventional discrete outputs from a fieldbus device using standard fieldbus function blocks, such as those used for Foundation® and Profibus® fieldbus networks. The arrangement and method may facilitate the integration of traditional discrete relay functions into these more advanced digital fieldbus networks, and also utilize additional functions available to standard Foundation® fieldbus and Profibus® fieldbus network devices.

Abstract: A modem and a method for controlling the same. The modem includes a first interface interfacing with a subscriber terminal, a second interface interfacing with a switching system, a detection means detecting a communication connection status with the subscriber terminal and outputting a detection result signal, and a controller processing a data communication between the subscriber terminal and the switching system and controlling the second interface to stop the operations if a non-connection signal is inputted from the detection means. In the present invention, releasing a communication channel with the switching system when the subscriber terminal is in a non-connection status reduces unnecessary power consumption and lengthens the life span of an apparatus. Further, the operations of such subscriber modem can control unnecessary line occupation in a switching system for a plurality of subscriber modems, to reduce power consumption in the switching system and enhance system data processing speed.

Abstract: A bus structure is implemented within a control chipset between a first control chip and a second control chip, comprising a first AD bus and a second AD bus. According to an arbitration method implemented to allow a dynamic adjustment of the direction of the AD buses transmission, the first control chip has a higher access priority in respect of the first AD bus, while the second control chip has a higher access priority in respect of the second AD bus. When the load of the first AD bus driving by the first control chip is high, a request signal is transmitted from the first control chip to the second control chip, so that if the second control chip is not currently using the second AD bus, the ownership of the second AD bus is handed over to the first control chip to improve the transmission efficiency, and vice versa.

Abstract: A LAN interface using an Ethernet protocol is disclosed. The interface includes an Ethernet controller, which performs a control operation for LAN interfacing, a codec, which codes and decodes transmission/reception data, and a transceiver, which detects LAN collisions while data is being transmitted/received. It further includes a retransmission control circuit, which is coupled between the Ethernet controller and the codec and outputs the n-th data in accordance with a back-off algorithm after delaying a certain time when the n?1 data collisions occur on the same frame.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for user-based provisioning of distribution channels in a communications network allows an end user to select and initiate digital distribution channel allocation to accommodate their needs instead of submitting a service order to the telephone company each time a change in channel allocation is desired. In one implementation, a user-accessed provisioning terminal at a Distant Terminal (DT) receives a subscriber's distribution channel allocation selection after the user is authorized. The user's allocation selection is transmitted to a Remote terminal (RT) via a control channel, such as the Facility Data Line of an ESF-type T1 line or a dedicated data link that directly connects the DT and an RT. When the RT receives a provisioning message from a DT, the RT confirms that the provisioning selection is acceptable and automatically rearranges its time-slot interchange (TSI) connections according to the provisioning change initiated by the user.

Abstract: A 1000BASE-T transceiver linked to an unshielded twisted pair (UTP) through a transformer currently transmits and receives outgoing and incoming signals via the UTP. The transceiver employs an energy efficient class B or AB line driver supplying asymmetric output currents to the transformer's primary winding terminals so that the transformer's secondary winding induces the outgoing signal on the UTP. Resistors couple the transformer's primary winding terminals to inputs of separate amplifiers producing a differential output signal mimicking the incoming 1000BASE-T signal. Since both the incoming and outgoing signals contribute to voltages appearing at the transformer's primary winding terminals, echo cancellation circuits provide additional compensating signals to the amplifier inputs for canceling echo in each amplifier input due to the resistive and reactive loading on each driver output current and arising from the asymmetric nature of the class B or AB driver's output currents.

Abstract: A multiplex communication system includes a plurality of networks and a data relay unit. Each node included in each network resets a relay flag which is a predetermined bit of a data frame, when it sends the data frame to another node. If the data frame requires to be relayed, the data relay unit receives and relays the data frame. The data relay unit includes a relay flag check (RFC) section and a relay flag setting (RFS) section. The RFC section checks whether the relay flag of the data frame is set. If relay flag is set, the RFC section inhibits the data frame from being relayed. If the relay flag is not set, the RFC section allows the data frame to be relayed. The RFS section sets the relay flag of the data frame when the data frame is relayed.

Abstract: A multi-circuit emulating line card is installable in a single line card slot of the backplane of digital switch, and is configured to emulate the functionality of each of a plurality of digital switch line cards, respectively associated with plural digital subscriber circuits served by the switch. In the course of emulating these plural line cards, the multi-circuit line card provides connectivity between each digital subscriber circuit and a digital carrier communication link to plural digital subscriber loop circuits, such as BRITE cards of a remote terminal site. The line card of the invention also includes network and subscriber circuit-associated metallic link impedance simulation circuits for terminating a metallic test bus.

Abstract: An integrated Ethernet PHY/MAC apparatus having a single link partner capability register shared between a PHY and a corresponding MAC, which implements IEEE Standard 302.3, including IEEE Standards 802.3u and 802.3x. Apparatus also includes plural PHYs, each having a corresponding MAC integrably coupled therewith such that an integrated multi-port Ethernet device is realized. A network consists of at least one integrated Ethernet PHY/MAC device having a single link partner capability register.

Abstract: A machine readable medium for remote circuit provisioning is described. In one embodiment of the invention, a machine readable medium comprises receiving a packet on a circuit and provisioning the circuit in response to receiving the packet, wherein provisioning the circuit comprises retrieving parameters from a database, creating an empty circuit structure, and populating the empty circuit structure with the parameters.

Abstract: A broadband communication appliance allows multiple, simultaneous access by a multiplicity of users to a high-speed broadband wide area network connection. Multiple data lines, facilitated within a user premises are aggregated, by high-density connectors, into a system that includes multiple DSL modems, coupled to a wide area network through a high-speed network interface device. Data service requests are detected and particular ones of the DSL modems are assigned to service a particular data line. Bi-directional communication, using the modem bank, is concentrated through the high-speed network interface device, such that multiple users are able to obtain broadband connectivity, using DSL data rates. Users are authenticated as DSL subscribers, by maintaining their subscription profile information on an authentication server.

Abstract: A transparent switch is able to emulate the arbitration and addressing steps for devices that are normally connected to a bus-type communications network. The switch is connected to the devices in a star-type arrangement, with each device connected to a separate port. The switch performs the arbitration and addressing communications with a transmitting device, selects the proper port as defined by the addressing communication, arbitrates with the receiving device, and then switches the communications to occur directly from the transmitting device to the receiving device.

Abstract: The architecture of the present invention provides a new message set and/or flow control mechanism and a networked architecture for managing telecommunication devices such as telephones, fax, voicemail, e-mail, and other communication endpoints. The new message set and flow control mechanism maps to existing (conventional) dual port RAM queues, tables, interrupts, and other memory locations, thus removing hardware dependency on the packet control driver/packet interface communications and allowing control of LAPD links to be remoted.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a switching device and to a pertaining method for parallel connection of subscriber terminal devices having complex performance features. Subscriber terminal devices connected in parallel are thereby driven in an interface driver via a principal subscriber control and at least one subsidiary subscriber control. Due to the realization of a logical and physical interface between the principal and subsidiary subscriber control, the subscriber terminal devices are connected to one another both connection-oriented as well as with respect to their performance features.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multi-protocol LAN support, which is applicable to Ethernet, Token-Ring, and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) protocols. The LAN support is located at a workstation and provides for automatic determination of the LAN protocol type and speed. A common adapter card is provided for use in the workstation to interface the workstation to any of the LANs of interest. A four-step sequential process is taught for determining the protocol type and speed.

Abstract: A system and method of scheduling radio resources in a packet-switched wireless communications network. A plurality of data packets from a plurality of users are placed in a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) queue and are sequentially selected and analyzed for transmission. If a selected packet has an instantaneous radio channel quality (C/I) greater than a historical channel quality value, the packet is transmitted. If the instantaneous C/I is not greater than the historical value, it is determined whether the selected packet has been held for longer than a threshold time period. If so, the selected packet is transmitted. If neither condition is met, the selected packet is temporarily held in its position in the queue while analyzing the next packet for transmission. If no packets qualify for transmission, the packet in the first position is transmitted. After each transmission, the analysis starts again at the head of the queue.

Abstract: A Carrier Network includes computer network equipment defining a Cable Network and an Intermediate Network which extend between multiple users and a Service Provider for conveying data therebetween. The Cable Network includes a shared communications medium joining the users with the Intermediate Network. Users compete for network access across the shared communications medium in conveying data. Software that manages the network access of the users includes computer-executable instructions for monitoring bandwidth consumption by each user for a time interval, forecasting bandwidth consumption of each user for a future time interval, prioritizing the users for allocation of bandwidth, allocating bandwidth to each user for determining a bandwidth allowance of such user for the future time interval, and limiting bandwidth consumption of each user during the future time interval to that user's bandwidth allowance.

Abstract: A system and method of sanitizing a data frame from a node in a network loop includes receiving the data frame from the node, and, when the data frame includes invalid data, replacing a first word of the invalid data with a frame termination primitive and subsequent words of the invalid data with buffer data.

Abstract: An approach for providing multi-user access to a packet switched network via a shared Ethernet-based local area network (LAN) is disclosed. Multiple end user stations are connected to the LAN, in which each of end user stations executes a communication software. The communication software is based upon a communication protocol (e.g., Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)) that establishes a point-to-point communication session. The end user stations generate packets based upon the communication protocol. In addition, each of the end user stations selectively encapsulates the communication protocol packets using the Ethernet-based LAN protocol. Further, attached to the LAN is a customer premise equipment (CPE), which transmits the encapsulated packets to a line terminating equipment, which according to one embodiment is a digital subscriber line (DSL) access multiplexer that is located in a central office.

Abstract: A communication system is disclosed for providing dedicated bandwidth to at least one subscriber location for transmitting to a common point of distribution via an HFC network. In an embodiment of the invention, the communication system includes a channel interface module and at least one gateway coupled across the HFC network. The channel interface module is located at the point of distribution and includes a transmitter that transmits a windowing signal via the HFC network.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting a connection-oriented network by maintaining guaranteed bandwidth and quality of service for each connection of the network. The system comprises two or more communication links located within the network, a transmitter switch coupled to one end of each link for transmitting distinct data along each link, and a receiver switch coupled to the other end of each link for receiving the distinct data. The system further provides that the distinct data transmitted along any one link may be switched and transmitted along the other links when a failure is detected on that one link.

Abstract: A broadband service communication system using an MV cable for conveying RF signals in a network segment, which includes a distribution center (PLT controller) and a plurality of power line telecommunication (PLT) stations. The PLT controller has a distribution modem for conveying downstream and upstream RF signals to and from the PLT stations through the MV cable via couplers. Each PLT station has a modem for conveying the downstream and upstream RF signals via couplers and for conveying media signals to one or more customer premises equipment (CPE) via, e.g. wireless links. The PLT controller controls each PLT station regarding upstream communications transfer of all downstream communications and also controls. The PLT controller can be connected via a router to a WAN to convey media signals to and from the WAN. Repeaters and interlinks are used to join multiple network segments.

Abstract: The present invention processes cable modem functions on a host computer. The cable modem receives hardware specific modem functions and transfers these functions to the host computer. An abstraction layer in the host computer receives the functions and converts the functions to/from hardware specific functions. The abstraction layer may be a DOCSIS abstraction layer. A firmware emulator (firmulator) then receives and processes the modem functions. The firmware emulator includes a plurality of state machines and networking protocol agents.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmission between subscriber terminals and digital switches that employ a 4:1 time-division-multiplexing scheme includes a main path for carrying signals between the subscriber terminals and digital switches, a control path which is separate from said main path and carries control information for maintenance purpose, and an interface-&-control unit which converts the control information so as to conform to specifications of the said digital switches wherein the conversion of the control information is based on switch settings made to said interface-&-control unit.

Abstract: A method for controlling customers' access to services on a broadband network. The method uses a circuit identifier, unique to each customer, to compare service requests with service entitlements. The network provider flows the circuit identifiers to the service providers where relationship between the circuit identifiers and the service entitlements is established in service orders. Service providers flow the service orders back to the broadband network though a standard business system interface. The relationship between the circuit identifiers and the service requests is accomplished at the Broadband Digital Terminal that interface the customers to the broadband network. The circuit identifiers also permit sorting of data bases containing logs of service requests and logs of maintenance actions.