Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for providing communications services includes providing a digital subscriber line access multiplexer having a plurality of line cards. Each line card has one or more ports. The method also includes granting control of a first subset of the ports to a first service provider and granting control of a second subset of the ports to a second service provider.

Abstract: A method and a system for establishing a self-owned and self-managed network-based voice communication solution (VCS) for supporting business transactions and commerce applications over the communications network(s) including the Internet and PSTN. The voice communication solution is requested by a merchant or business entity at a computer connected to the Internet by providing (i) information needed for approval and (ii) system configuration for accepting the solution. Through a friendly interactive process with a web server and a solution server, the necessary software for voice communication is downloaded to a merchant's designated computer host, turning it to be a VCS server. Upon activation, the VCS server can support voice over IP (VOIP) communication and connect an incoming call to a telephone via PSTN or a PBX network. The VCS server can receive a VOIP call from anyone at anyplace via an Internet connected voice enabled computer.

Abstract: A Unified XML integrated voice and data application delivery system includes a switch coupled to a first network and at least a second network, wherein the first network includes distinct voice and data applications and the second network includes one or more user devices, such as a cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), etc. The switch transfers voice and data between the applications and the user devices. A controller coupled to the switch includes a finite state machine controlling the interaction between the voice and data applications and the user devices. The finite state machine controls the transfer of voice and data between the applications and the user devices by the switch to enable a user to interact with the integrated instance of the voice and data applications simultaneously via the user devices.

Abstract: A multiplexing system and method for conveying simultaneously a multiplicity of communication channels over a single transmission medium. Multiplexing is effected by transforming a digital bit stream of each respective incoming channel into a corresponding prime frequency information stream and transmitting all of the prime frequency information streams over the single transmission medium. Digital bit streams carried on each incoming channel entering the system are in the form of binary “on” and “off” bits. These digital bits are converted into a corresponding information stream at a prime frequency component. Each prime frequency information stream is rendered distinctive and non-interfering with other prime frequency information streams during simultaneous transmission over the common medium due to the unique and heretofore unexploited mathematical properties of prime numbers.

Abstract: There is provided a link connection method between communication terminals equipped with Bluetooth wireless devices. To automatically connect a link with a communication terminal equipped with a Bluetooth wireless device acting as a slave by Bluetooth wireless communication, a communication terminal equipped with a Bluetooth wireless device acting as a master transmits a link connection request message to the slave upon request of a link connection with the slave. Then, the master determines whether the link is connected and if the link is not connected, transmits the link connection request message as many times as a predetermined number of automatic link connection attempts until the link is connected.

Abstract: Telecommunication system for bidirectional transmission of data and voice signals with a data network (2), which is connected via a satellite data transmission link (6, 5, 8) for bidirectional data signal transmission to at least one satellite device (7), which is connected to a 10 Base S switching device (14); a telephone network (25), which is connected via a number of subscriber telephone lines (23) for bidirectional voice signal transmission to the 10 Base S switching device (14); and with a number of 10 Base S subscriber modems (18), which are connected for bidirectional voice and data signal transmission to the 10 Base S switching device (14).

Abstract: Presently described is a system and method for switching multimedia data communications, including but not limited to Voice over IP (VoIP) telephony, cable TV, digital audio and video. The system utilizes a single, integrated device to provide all PacketCable-compliant functionality, including enhanced user privacy, compliance with CALEA, E911 and other mandated services not available in conventional distributed PacketCable systems. High speed and efficient, low cost operation are provided by means of an optimized data unit encapsulation scheme for internal switching and routing. A proprietary fiber optic backplane and removable optical connectors are used to enable lightspeed internal communications hot-swapping of components. Furthermore, the present system is extensible to all forms of digital data switching and is secure, resistant to Denial of Service attacks, and fault-resilient.

Abstract: A plurality of CMTS devices are linked together and synchronized to facilitate communication between the respective CMTS devices and respective downstream cable modems. According to one embodiment of the invention, one of the CMTS devices is designated as a master device, and the other CMTS devices are designated as slave devices. The respective CMTS devices are connected to each other by means of a synchronization bus. The master CMTS device then generates and broadcasts a future time stamp value, which is received by the respective slave CMTS devices. When the time stamp counter in the master CMTS device reaches the transmitted value, a control signal is broadcast over the synchronization bus. The slave CMTS devices then retrieve the time stamp value and reset their respective local time stamp counters to the received value. In this manner, the CMTS devices are synchronized.

Abstract: A method for communicating data according to ISDN protocol includes connecting a first IDSL line interface to a second IDSL line interface at a location remote from the first IDSL line interface, the first IDSL line interface having a first bit rate, and the second IDSL line interface having a second bit rate. The method also includes transmitting data between the first IDSL line interface and the second IDSL line interface, determining that a CRC level associated with the data transfer exceeds a predetermined acceptable level, and lowering the second bit rate until a CRC level associated with subsequent data transfer between the first and second IDSL line interfaces meets or falls below the predetermined acceptable level.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to techniques for voice and data transmission from a wireless communication device, such as mobile telephone handset. In accordance with the disclosure, a wireless communication provides a hybrid coupler that permits voice and data calls to be combined for transmission over a common air interface. When increased transmit power is required, the wireless communication device prioritizes the voice call over the data call. In this case, the voice call is sent over both the voice output branch and the data output branch, taking advantage of the power amplifier in each output branch chain to achieve a greater overall transmit power for the voice transmission. In this manner, the mobile subscriber unit independently and simultaneously handles data and voice calls under ordinary circumstances, but drops the data call and combines the voice and data output branches for voice transmission when increased transmit power is required for the voice transmission.

Abstract: Relatively low cost asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) service and auxiliary POTS service are delivered over extended distances (e.g., at least 20–25 kft), by a hybrid ADSL-SDSL architecture insertable between central office and remote sites of an ADSL system. Central office and remote site transceivers employ trellis coded pulse amplitude modulation and a data rate that conforms with the signal transport capability of an extended distance symmetric DSL (SDSL) loop, while providing a 64K POTS channel. The central office and remote site transceivers controllably insert idle asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) cells in upstream and downstream ADSL channels to compensate for timing differences with ADSL equipment.

Abstract: An xDSL (x-Digital Subscriber Line) signal is multiplexed with POTS on a twisted pair between a subscriber modem and line termination equipment in a shelf that also includes network termination equipment for connection to a broadband network. The line termination and network termination equipment are interconnected by a bus internal to the shelf for providing subscriber access. Separate lowpass filters are provided at each end of a twisted wire pair between the shelf and each subscriber equipment. A shelf can be used as a hub for connecting to a remote shelf that includes the line termination equipment for connection to subscribers.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for special signaling with customer premises equipment. The system includes loop termination equipment coupled to a local loop and comprising a signal generator. The system also includes customer premises equipment coupled to the local loop. The customer premises equipment and loop termination equipment are operable to communicate across a communication link established on the local loop. The loop termination equipment is further operable to control characteristics of a signal generated by the signal generator and to provide the signal to the customer premises equipment as special signaling where the signal has a frequency that does not substantially interfere with voice traffic on the local loop. The special signaling can be used to implement enhanced service to the customer premises including busy signal, queued data request processing, push data and telephony services.

Abstract: There is provided an IAD (integrated access device) system in an ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) system. In the IAD system, a first adapter is connected to the telephone one to one and has TDM channel information associated with the first adapter, for converting a voice signal received from the telephone to voice data and transmitting the voice data on a corresponding TDM channel via a telephone line. A second adapter is connected to the computer one to one and has TDM channel information associated with the second adapter, for transmitting data received from the computer on a corresponding TDM channel via the telephone line. A home master has information about the channels of the adapters, compresses voice data and data received via the telephone line, and transmits the compressed data via a general subscriber line.

Abstract: A voice and data communication system whereby a line card digitizes and packetizes voice communications signals upon the failure of Customer Premises Equipment (CPE). The system comprises a line card for coupling the CPE with a network. Furthermore, the invention provides a system that can direct the voice signals to either or both of a voice network and a data network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering a second transport stream included within a first transport stream and reducing timing anomaly imparted to the second transport stream within the context of a front-end device subject to random access via a data bus, illustratively a PCI bus. A first transport stream is received from a transport medium, the first transport stream having disposed therein packets associated with a second transport stream. The first medium tending to impart jitter to the first transport stream. Those packets associated with the second transport stream are extracted from the first transport stream and adapted to reduce jitter, and launched via a second transport medium, the launched adapted packets forming a jitter-reduced second transport stream.

Abstract: Devices, softwares methods hand off a live call from an original leg of a first modality (such as Circuit Switched Voice) to an alternate leg of another modality (such as Voice over Internet Protocol). An original leg of a call is established using the first modality. Then the alternate leg of the call is established using the second modality, while the first leg is still established. Then the call is handed off from the original leg to the alternate leg, while the connection is active.

Abstract: A communication system is disclosed that provides usage-based billing for voice communications transmitted over a packet system. The communication system is comprised of a packet billing system that sniffs signaling transmitted between a signaling processor and a communication device, such as a switch or a router. If the packet billing system detects a call setup message in the signaling, then the packet billing system generates a start record. If the packet billing system detects a call complete message in the signaling, then the packet billing system generates an end record. The packet billing system transfers the start record and the end record to a conventional public switched telephone network (PSTN) billing system. The PSTN billing system generates a bill for the call based on the start record and the end record. The communication system advantageously provides usage-based billing for packet-based calls using the conventional PSTN billing system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transmitting messages between communication devices via a communication channel allowing at least voice messages to be transmitted, the messages including data subdivided in a sequence of basic data units, the method including; a) encoding the basic data units as unique signals (usj) including a predetermined number of basic signals (bi), each basic signal having a unique fixed frequency (fi); b) transmitting a sequence of unique signals (usj) during a sequence of fixed time periods (t1, t2, t3, . . .); c) receiving and decoding the sequence of unique signals (usj) into the sequence of basic data units; the data being transmitted in superposition over voice.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and device for automatically configuring the Permanent Virtual Circuit (PVC) of a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) and link it to a software interface. The method comprises receiving an ATM cell and checking the ATM cell for an OAM Fault Management (F5) type cell. The OAM type cell allows the PVC to be configured by obtaining a VPI and VCI from the OAM type cell. Otherwise, the CPE configures its new PVC by obtaining a VPI and VCI from a first traffic bearing cell and linking its new PVC to a protocol specific to DSL.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for delivering information, preferably electronic television program guide information, to a user over a telecommunications network. The network includes the capability of determining whether the user's connection to the network is in an on-hook or off-hook condition, and the information is received and stored at a user site when the user's connection to the network is in an on-hook condition. Information is delivered from a guide provider to a phone company switch point over a land-based or wireless dedicated line. When the user's phone is on-hook, the guide data is sent to the user site through a splitter. The line splitter provides the signal to a data decoder circuit, the output of which is connected to a data input terminal in communication with a television receiver, VCR, cable box, or other piece of equipment for displaying the program guide data on a screen.

Abstract: A network gateway is configured to facilitate on line and off line bi-directional communication between a number of near end data and telephony devices with far end data termination devices via a hybrid fiber coaxial network and a cable modem termination system. The described network gateway combines a QAM receiver, a transmitter, a DOCSIS MAC, a CPU, a voice and audio processor, an Ethernet MAC, and a USB controller to provide high performance and robust operation. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for transporting multimedia information in a communication system. A plurality of streams are received. The streams together form a multimedia session. The plurality of streams are decoded, based upon the content of each individual stream, to form a plurality of decoded streams. Layer 2 functionality is performed upon each of the plurality of decoded streams.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described establishing multimedia communications on a shared communications channel. A first and a second communication unit, such as a master and slave unit, establish a synchronous communications link. Additional synchronous communications links may be established. A first data packet associated with the synchronous communication link is communicated to the second communication unit by including an address. Time slots reserved for the synchronous channel by the first unit are separated by a fixed time interval. One or more additional communications units may communicate over an asynchronous link established between the master and additional units using remaining time slots. Data packets may be communicated to additional units by including addresses associated with each additional units The synchronous link may be interrupted with the asynchronous link by communicating an asynchronous data packet on a time slot reserved for the synchronous communications link.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for transmitting data in a network between first and second single-line digital subscriber line (SDSL) modems using a standard high data rate digital subscriber line (HDSL) frame format. The frame format includes at least one field in each data payload block, e.g., the F/Z bit field, for implementing a feature relating to one of the T1 and E1 transmission protocols. According to the invention, the at least one field is employed for transmission of selected payload data.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating collection of past due balances. A control entity such as a call server or collections server receives a signaling message such as a SIP INVITE that seeks to set up a call between a calling party and called party. The control entity determines that the calling party has a past due balance, i.e., that the calling party owes the carrier money. In response, the control entity changes the signaling message to designate a collections system as the called party, and the signaling message is then used to set up a call between the calling party and the collections system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a local area network wiring structure to simultaneously carry digital data and analog telephone signals on the same transmission medium. It is particularly applicable to a network in star topology, in which remote data units (e.g. personal computers) are each connected to a hub through a cable comprising at least two pairs of conductors, providing a data communication path in each direction. Modules at each end of the cable provide a phantom path for telephony (voice band) signals between a telephone near the data set and a PBX, through both conductor pairs in a phantom circuit arrangement. All such communication paths function simultaneously and without mutual interference. The modules comprise simple and inexpensive passive circuit components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to holding a call being executed between communication devices in a communication system which has a first function for a holding party of the communication devices to hold the call by transmitting a first request signal to a held party and a second function for the holding party to hold the call by transmitting a second request signal to the held party and receiving a response signal. The holding party transmits the second request signal first and when the response signal is not returned within a given time, transmits the first request signal. A transit device for relaying a call between communication devices, unless detecting the response signal within a given time after relaying the second request signal, transmits the first request signal to the held party, generates the response signal and transmits the generated response signal to the holding party.

Abstract: A two-wire field-mounted process device with multiple isolated channels includes a channel that can be an input channel or an output channel. The given input or output channel can couple to multiple sensors or actuators, respectively. The process device is wholly powered by the two-wire process control loop. The process device includes a controller adapted to measure one or more characteristics of sensors coupled to an input channel and to control actuators coupled to an output channel. The controller can be further adapted to execute a user generated control algorithm relating process input information with process output commands. The process device also includes a loop communicator that is adapted to communicate over the two-wire loop.

Abstract: A method employs call detail records for developing a report on the usage of VoIP calling along a network path or through a network location. By utilizing, for example, a call-beginning record and a call-ending record for each connection, a report is created of the number of concurrent VoIP calls that a specified equipment or network path carries at any given instance by retrieving batches of stored call detail records, culling the records that are relevant to the specified equipment or network path, considering the culled records in a time sorted manner, and incrementing or decrementing a counter based on whether a considered record is a call-beginning record or a call-ending record, respectively. The state of the counter is reported, illustratively, as a line entry each time the counter's state is modified.

Abstract: In order to satisfactorily transmit audio data of various formats through a transmission line, when data having a predetermined data length as a unit is transmitted by a predetermined format between devices connected to a predetermined transmission line, label data indicating a system of transmitted audio data is located at a starting portion of the data having the predetermined data length, sub-label data is located at an interval behind label data if necessary and data accompanying with audio data is located and transmitted, whereby a side which receives this data can easily identify a system of audio data or the like.

Abstract: An image communication apparatus includes a packet transmitting unit for transmitting image data or sound data in packets and a detecting unit for detecting the amount of sound data to be transmitted in packets. The apparatus also includes a control unit for switching the packet size of image data to be transmitted in packets by the packet transmitting unit, according to the result of detection performed by the detecting unit. Sound data accompanying image data is smoothly transferred to the receiving side in packet transmission of image data and sound data.

Abstract: A method and system for providing services in communications networks. A gateway layer determines information about a communication session and responsively sends a signaling message to a session manager, providing the information. The session manager may then send a signaling message to a service agent, also providing the information. The service agent may in turn apply a set of service logic based at least in part on the information, so as to derive a service treatment, and the service agent may send a signaling message so as to cause an enforcement engine (such as the gateway or session manager) to carry out the service treatment. Advantageously, this arrangement may facilitate imposition of services across various types of communication sessions (such as voice sessions and/or data sessions) and access networks (such as circuit-switched and/or packet-switched), at session initiation and during the course of an ongoing session. A variety of useful services may thereby be provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for digital subscriber line (xDSL) communications between one or more digital signal processors (DSPs) and analog front ends (AFEs) each coupled to corresponding subscriber line(s). The apparatus transports channels of data between subscribers and the DSP(s). The apparatus includes a bus for the transport of digital data, a DSP AFE interfaces. The DSP interfaces couples the DSP to the bus. The DSP interface accepts downstream channels of digital data from the DSP and transmits packets each associated with a corresponding one of the downstream channels to the bus. Each of the packets identifies a targeted AFEs coupled to a selected one of the subscriber lines. The AFE interfaces each couple an associated one of the AFEs to the bus. Each of the AFE interfaces transmits selected packets to a selected one of the subscriber lines for the transport to the subscriber.

Abstract: An information transmission system for simultaneously transmitting baseband signals and broadband signals via a two-wire line between a central office and at least one subscriber. In one embodiment, a shared bidirectional splitter filter mounted on a circuit board communicates in one direction toward the subscriber over a subscriber line, and communicates in an opposite direction toward the central office. A baseband communication unit and a broadband communication unit are mounted on the circuit board, and at least one hybrid circuit is interposed between the filter and the baseband unit and broadband units. A central interface control unit is also mounted on the circuit board. The central interface control unit communicates in one direction toward the central office, and communicates in an opposite direction toward the baseband and broadband units. In another embodiment, the bidirectional filter is replaced with a plurality of unidirectional filters and a shared hybrid circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system of transceiving a data signal in a HomePNA type network. The transceiver enables digital signal processing of the data signal compliant with the HomePNA 10M8 specification in an Open System Interconnection type network over a shared medium such as a client's home phoneline (1206). The transceiver can be implemented in each station (1202) of the HomePNA single-segment network (1204) in which each station is logically connected to the same shared channel on the phonewire (1206). The transceiver enables transmission of the data signal in burst on the shared channel while complying with the spectral mask (310), temporal mask (330) and other electrical requirements as specified in the HomePNA 10M8 technology.

Abstract: The present invention describes a protocol with which it is possible to establish a connection suitable for voice communication in a network such as internet. In a first step, a PATH message is transmitted from an initiator (1) to a called station (2). In a second step, an RESV message is transmitted from the called station (2) back to the initiator (1), along the same route (23) followed by the PATH message. If either the initiator (1), or the called station (2), or both, contain information in the PATH message and/or the RESV message that indicates payment willingness, each router (22) along the route (23) will reserve a part of its capacity for a direct connection.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, a dataport in an access server is suitably configured to emulate a modern connection for non-modem calls such as voice calls. Computer applications for administering, for example, voice-over-network services thus communicate with the port via standard modem calls. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, communications between the port hardware and the voice enabled application take place through an encapsulating protocol such as the Point-to-Point-Protocol (PPP)such that the port is addressable and able to receive controls or other instructions from a voice application residing on the access server or from a distributed location.

Abstract: Video, voice and data are integrated using existing telephone connections by using a video network server to receive and transmit video signals to and from clients using telephone wires. Client frequency division multiplexing couplers, each associated with one of the clients, receive video and telephone signals from the client and frequency multiplex them onto the telephone wires for transmission. They also receive video signals from the server and frequency demultiplex them for transmission to the client. A video frequency division multiplexing coupler connected between the video network server and each of the client frequency division multiplexing couplers receive the video and telephone signals from the clients and transmit only the video signals to the video network server.

Abstract: A system and method is described for communicating with a communication device. An uplink connection uniquely associated with the communication device and uniquely associated with an uplink-session identifier is established. The uplink connection is a wireless connection. A downlink connection uniquely associated with the communication device and uniquely associated with a downlink-session identifier is established. The downlink connection is a wireless connection. A message from the communication device is received over the uplink connection within a time period. A message is sent to the communication device over the downlink connection within the time period.

Abstract: An asymmetrical digital subscriber line (ADSL) system for transferring an analog audio signal and high speed digital data on the side of a subscriber, from and to a station, through one ADSL subscriber line, includes an apparatus on the subscriber side which converts an analog audio signal into a digital audio signal. The apparatus includes a line concentrator to concentrate the audio signal together with high-speed digital data by time division, and supplied to the subscriber line after modulation. An apparatus on the station side simultaneously supplies a signal received from the subscriber side to an analog telephone network, and supplies high-speed digital data to a high-speed digital data network. Each digital audio signal as well as each high-speed digital data is converted into asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) cells in each respective line concentrator, and each destination address is attached to the ATM cells.

Abstract: A Serial Communications Controller (SCC) is configured to provide TDM multiplexing of signals regardless of whether such signals are synchronous or asynchronous signals. When an asynchronous signal is detected, the data rate of the asynchronous signal is automatically measured. The two data streams are buffered, e.g., by FIFOs. Data is clocked-out from the FIFOs into periods of a TDM signal which has a period at least twice that of the faster of the two input signals. In one embodiment alternate periods of the TDM signal are used for the first and second input signals. Bits from the slower of the two input signals are repeated a sufficient number of times, in the TDM signal, that ratio of the rate at which new data bits from the second signal are placed into the TDM signal, to the rate of output of bits from the first stream onto the TDM signal equals (on average) the ratio of the data rates of the first and second input streams.

Abstract: An exemplary multi-channel speech processor comprises a controller capable of interfacing with a plurality of channels, and at least one signal processing unit (SPU) coupled to the controller, where the multi-channel speech processor has a maximum execution time for processing all frames, one channel at a time, by processing a single frame from each of the plurality of channels. The signal processing unit encodes each of the single frames from each of the plurality of channels, one channel at a time, to generate encoded frames until the maximum execution time elapses or is about to elapse. The controller also transmits a pre-determined frame for each of the plurality of channels not processed during the encoding step, due to the maximum execution time elapsing or being about to elapse, such that the predetermined frame causes a decoder which receives the predetermined frame to generate a frame erase frame.

Abstract: Video programming signals from a broadband source are distributed on installed telephone wiring to the individual units of a commercial structure or multiple unit dwelling. In all methods and associated devices a first transponder device centrally located in a utility space is paired with a second terminal transponder device located on a telephone subscriber premises. The devices cooperate in converting a video signal into a form suitable for transmission on telephone lines and deconverting that signal into a form suitable for reception by consumer video equipment. The methods and devices discussed differ in placement of the central device, and in the particular method of signal conversion.

Abstract: A telecommunication system for providing a remote access connection having a bandwidth of 128 Kbps or 144 Kbps to any location (homes, small businesses, etc.) connected to a central office by a local loop, and higher bandwidth for some locations. The 128 Kbps or 144 Kbps is provided using ISDN Digital Subscriber Loop (IDSL) technology and higher bandwidth using other DSL technologies such as ADSL. Using shared equipment and transmission facilities, the present invention enables the high-speed remote access connections to be provided in a cost effective manner.

Abstract: A broadband communication system including an Internet Protocol Telephony Network and public switched telephone network, including apparatus and methods for placing a call on hold in a way that significantly reduces the amount of network bandwidth utilized by the call while the call is on hold. When a call is placed on hold, embodiments of the architecture of the telephony network of the present invention allows the network to essentially “forget” about the call placed on hold. In other words, a call that is on hold may require very little, or even zero, bandwidth within the telephony network. Accordingly, the total necessary bandwidth capacity of the telephony network may be smaller than it would be if calls on hold were to consume precious network bandwidth as is found in existing telephony systems.

Abstract: A digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM) adapted for use with an Ethernet over Very High Speed Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL) transport facility. The DSLAM connects to a plurality of CPE devices on one end and to a high speed Ethernet link on the other. The DSLAM is adapted to receive HDLC protocol formatted VDSL frames, extract Ethernet frames therefrom and generate standard Ethernet signals for transmission overran Ethernet connection. Standard Ethernet frames are received from a Fast Ethernet input signal and encapsulated in HDLC frames for transmission over the VDSL facility to a particular CPE. The voice signal from a conventional telephone set is combined with the VDSL data signal. The combined signal is split at the DLSAM into separate voice and data signals. The Ethernet frame data is extracted from the HDLC frames and input to the Ethernet switch. The voice signal is forwarded to a conventional PBX.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing data capacity in communication systems is presented. In one embodiment, line characteristics are determined, and a downstream bandwidth is adaptively allocated in response to the determined line characteristics. In this regard, the upstream and downstream bandwidths may be seen as adaptively changing as a function of line characteristics.

Abstract: A plurality of CMTS devices are linked together and synchronized to facilitate communication between the respective CMTS devices and respective downstream cable modems. According to one embodiment of the invention, one of the CMTS devices is designated as a master device, and the other CMTS devices are designated as slave devices. The respective CMTS devices are connected to each other by means of a synchronization bus. The master CMTS device then generates and broadcasts a future time stamp value, which is received by the respective slave CMTS devices. When the time stamp counter in the master CMTS device reaches the transmitted value, a control signal is broadcast over the synchronization bus. The slave CMTS devices then retrieve the time stamp value and reset their respective local time stamp counters to the received value. In this manner, the CMTS devices are synchronized.

Abstract: The invention provides an automatic bandwidth adjustment method and system in a passive optical network (PON) comprising an optical line terminal (OLT) connected to a plurality of optical network units (ONUs). A particular embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises the steps of transmitting data between at least one of the ONUs and the OLT, detecting if there is any undelivered data in the data being transmitted, queuing the undelivered data in an undelivered data block (UDB) in an upstream frame of the ONU, informing the OLT of the undelivered data using the undelivered data block (UDB), reading the UDB, adjusting bandwidth of the ONU according to the UDB, informing the ONU whether the PON is busy using an unused bandwidth block (UBW), and rejecting a new transmission request between the ONU and the OLT if the PON is busy or unavailable.