Abstract: A communication system includes a tenant with multiple physical locations that include a number of packet enabled telecommunications devices managed by one or more call managers. To generate a route plan for use by a call manager in managing calls from these devices, a route plan wizard determines routing options, location information for the tenant, and gateway information for gateways available to the tenant and then automatically generates a route plan for use in routing telephone calls originating from the managed packet enabled telecommunications devices based on this information.

Abstract: A packet based real-time data receiver comprising a protocol specific plug-in and a generic playback engine. The protocol specific plug-in receives a packet, parses the packet, generates a timestamp, and forwards the packet to the generic playback engine. The playback engine determining the playback time based on the timestamp, and for playing back the packet at the appropriate time. Any kind of packet may be processed by merely changing the protocol specific plug-in.

Abstract: A voice Internet transmission system which enables a person to have a conversation via the Internet without having to use a computer at either end of the conversation, and without incurring long distance telephone charges regardless of the distance between those having the conversation. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus consists of two non-Internet capable devices being enabled to connect to the Internet and either in duplex or simplex mode transmit packets of Internet formatted data comprising digitized, compressed and encrypted conversation between the devices. In other words, a person can pick up an ordinary telephone and converse with another person, regardless of the distance between them, without incurring long distance telephone charges. No special telephone is required, nor is a computer running special software. The apparatus which makes this possible is a system of Internet access nodes or VoiceEngines.

Abstract: A packetized voice telephony system including a set top box including a cable modem front end for supporting cable television services to be provided to a television coupled to the set top box. Also included is a voice peripheral coupled to the set top box for supporting packetized voice telephony services provided via a cable link and through the set top box. In one variation, the voice peripheral supports Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). The voice peripheral is external to the set top box and couples to the subscriber's telephone equipment. In some variations, the voice peripheral includes a power source to provide backup power to the set top box and the subscriber's telephone equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for transmitting data by means of a first data network 1 having first means for transmitting data in at least one first transmission cycle, the first transmission cycle being subdivided into a first area 4 for transmitting real-time-critical data and a second area 5 for transmitting non-real-time-critical data, and by means of a second data network 2 having second means for transmitting data in at least one second transmission cycle, the second transmission cycle being subdivided into a third area 7 for transmitting real-time-critical data and into a fourth area 8 for transmitting non-real-time-critical data, and with a switching unit 13 for transmitting real-time-critical data of the first area into the third area.

Abstract: A bidirectional telephony (POTS or ISDN) system utilizes RF technology to move the signalling away from the baseband frequency. The method translates baseband telephony signalling into one or more RF signals over twisted pair copper channels, in conjunction with an ADSL or VDSL signal on the same medium.

Abstract: The invention is a system for interfacing an ISDN or non-ISDN system with a broadband system. The broadband system can be an ATM system. The invention can process the ISDN signaling to select ATM connections and then interwork the ISDN connections with the selected ATM connections. The invention can interwork ISDN signaling and SS7 signaling. The invention can also process SS7 signaling to select ISDN connections and then interwork ATM connections with the selected ISDN connections. The invention can also interwork ISDN systems with non-ISDN systems.

Abstract: A phone appliance and method of use are provided where the phone appliance can be used to make VoIP communications calls. In a preferred embodiment, the phone appliance includes an RF connection for connecting to a computer or other computing device for facilitating the placement of the VoIP communications calls. The phone appliance further includes a display or portal for depicting advertisements provided by various advertisers. The advertisements provided can be used to defray all or part of the cost associated with making VoIP communications calls. The portal can also be used to communicate with businesses for ordering products, such as ordering a pizza, and to perform various services, such as purchasing stocks. In an exemplary system, the phone appliance is used to transmit to a control center information related to the user of the phone appliance, such as interests and buying habits, and queries for receiving additional information for various advertised products and services.

Abstract: Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) data service and Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) are provided over a subscriber loop by an ADSL transceiver and a control processor located in a local communication center, and a subscriber ADSL modem at the subscriber location. The control processor is responsive to a detection of an origination of a POTS call for generating a first control signal that causes the ADSL transceiver to load ADSL data into tone bins which are only in a frequency band above a predetermined frequency band used for a POTS call for data transmissions over the subscriber loop. The control processor is also responsive to a detection of a termination of a POTS call for generating a second control signal that causes the ADSL transceiver to load ADSL data into tone bins which are in both the predetermined frequency band used for a POTS call and the frequency band thereabove for ADSL data transmissions over the subscriber loop.

Abstract: A telephone communication system is implemented to enable data communication and ring signaling to coexist on a subscriber loop. The communication system transmits data during the silence intervals of a ringing cadence and withholds the transmission of data during the occurrence of a ring signal. To ensure the transmission of reliable data, the communications system allows ring signals to occur and retransmits any interrupted data during the silence intervals between the ring signals. In another embodiment, the transmission of reliable data is ensured by delaying the ring signals until the data currently being transmitted is successfully and reliably received. Accordingly, in either embodiment, the reliability of data communication during the occurrence of a ringing cadence is preserved, and, therefore, data communication is allowed to coexist with ring signaling over a subscriber loop.

Abstract: An odd-order low-pass microfilter is disclosed for being interposed between a home telephone wiring network and a POTS, or voice-band, device to separate voice-band signals from higher frequency signals, such as ADSL signals and home networking signals. The filter topology is substantially symmetric so that the filter is reversible in that either end of the filter may be directly coupled to the home telephone wiring network without impairing high frequency signal performance or the filter characteristic of the filter. In one embodiment, the filter is a three-pole filter with a single capacitor disposed between a pair of coupled inductors. Each of the coupled inductors advantageously has an interwinding capacitance over about 100 pF to improve the filter frequency response without increasing the cost of the filter. In another embodiment, the filter is a reversible three-pole filter with a single capacitor disposed between first and second pairs of uncoupled, or discrete, inductors.

Abstract: A method is described that is used for common transmission of digital- and analog-modulated radio and/or television signals, in particular over a broad band cable system (30). The method includes transmitting at least one digital radio and/or television signal along with an analog television signal in one and the same channel, in which the frequency spectrum of the at least one digital radio and/or television signal is limited to a frequency range that is less than the width of the at least one channel. To lessen the influence of the at least one digital radio and/or television signal on the analog television signal, the at least one digital radio and/or television signal must fall below a predetermined signal level, and the peak level of the analog television signal must exceed a predetermined value, which is markedly higher than the predetermined signal level of the at least one digital radio and/or television signal.

Abstract: An accessory device for portable telephones which provides simultaneous functionality of a hands-free accessory device and a data-in-voice modem enabling a portable telephone to be used in a vehicle such that the driver can be engaged in a hands-free conversation at the same time as data (such as GPS position information) is being sent over the same cellular voice channel.

Abstract: Auxiliary data is transported in subbands of a primary data signal by hiding the data in the form of colored noise. The colored noise has a spectrum that simulates the spectrum of the primary data signal in each subband. The data to be transported is first converted to a spread spectrum signal. The primary data signal is analyzed to determine its spectral shape. The same spectral shape is imparted to the spread spectrum signal in each subband, which is then combined with the primary data signal for transmission. The spectral shaping can be performed using time domain modeling and synthesis such as linear predictive coding. A plurality of different auxiliary information streams can be transported on the primary data signal. By adjusting the gain of individual spread spectrum signal carrier(s) and the power of the colored noise, the auxiliary information stream(s) can be rendered at any desired level below or above an interference threshold in the primary data signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for communicating data across a communication link, in a manner that senses and dynamically adapts to the simultaneous transmission of voice information across the local loop. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for dynamically communicating data over a local loop using a modem comprising the steps of transmitting data in a full-band transmission state, sensing a band-limiting condition, and adjusting the transmission of data from the full-band transmission state to a bandlimited transmission state, in response to the sensing step. In accordance with the method, data may be transmitted by the modem across the local loop at the same time that voice information is communicated via telephone across the same local loop. A significant aspect of the present invention is the dynamic allocation of the data transmission bandwidth, whereby the invention senses a condition indicative of whether voice information is being communicated.

Abstract: A wireless power line carrier voice and data communication device is provided. The device permits a user to connect one or more electronic devices to surge suppress and isolated AC power connections while simultaneously providing a communication channel between telephone equipment, such as telephone extensions, modems and/or facsimile machines, across the AC power lines to a remote telephone connection. This invention prevents the degradation of the voice and/or data signal across the power lines that would otherwise be induced by the AC connected electronic equipment. Furthermore, this invention provides a cost effective, convenient solution to the data processing user who requires access to telephone lines, for voice, data or both, as well as AC power outlets for electronic equipment all from a physical location some distance from a convenient phone connector. The isolation and surge suppression circuitry is designed specifically to address the power line carrier environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing DMT frame synchronization in an ADSL system begins by providing a training signal (82) to a receiver of the ADSL system (34). The training signal (82) is processed to result in a desired impulse response. The impulse response is used to reduce inter-symbol interference between time-adjacent DMT frames (100-108). The desired impulse response is used to calculate a frame misalignment value (.DELTA.T). The frame misalignment value (.DELTA.T) of the desired impulse response (84) is then utilized to adjust an internal counter of the receiver to perform frame alignment. The use of the training signal (82) and impulse response (84) to provide for both intersymbol interference reduction (FIG. 5) and frame synchronization (FIG. 8) provides for fast ADSL initialization.

Abstract: A bandwidth management system for a remote repeater network for modifying a first signal to create a second signal within the bandwidth of a communications link, transferring the second signal across the communications link, and reconstructing the first signal at the remote end of the communications link. The bandwidth management system featuring several mixing modes for performing the signal conversion and reconstruction. The system offering a calibration feature to correct for phase distortions introduced in reconstruction of the original signal. The calibration feature incorporating signals from a global positioning satellite system for reconstruction.

Abstract: Auxiliary data is transported in a primary data signal by hiding the data in the form of colored noise. The colored noise has a spectrum that simulates the spectrum of the primary data signal. The data to be transported is first converted to a spread spectrum signal. The primary data signal is analyzed to determine its spectral shape. The same spectral shape is imparted to the spread spectrum signal, which is then combined with the primary data signal for transmission. The spectral shaping can be performed using time domain modeling and synthesis such as linear predictive coding or by using subband coding techniques such as fast Fourier transforms. A plurality of different auxiliary information streams can be transported on the primary data signal. By adjusting the gain of individual spread spectrum signal carrier(s) and the power of the colored noise, the auxiliary information stream(s) can be rendered at a desired level at, below or above an interference threshold in the primary data signal.

Abstract: Auxiliary data is transported in a conventional audio signal by hiding the data in the form of colored noise. The colored noise has a spectrum that simulates the spectrum of the primary audio signal. The data to be transported is first converted to a spread spectrum signal. The primary audio signal is analyzed to determine its spectral shape. The same spectral shape is imparted to the spread spectrum signal, which is then combined with the primary audio signal for transmission. The spectral shaping can be performed using time domain modeling and synthesis such as linear predictive coding or by using subband coding techniques such as fast Fourier transforms. A plurality of different auxiliary information streams can be transported on the audio signal. By adjusting the gain of individual spread spectrum signal carrier(s) and the power of the colored noise, the auxiliary information stream(s) can be rendered inaudible in the primary audio signal, or at any desired level below or above an audible threshold.

Abstract: A personal communications system enables the operator to simultaneously transmit voice and data communication to a remote site. The personal communications system is equipped with two telephone line interfaces to allow connection between two remote sites. The connection between the first remote site and the local site may operate in a voice over data communications mode to simultaneously send compressed voice and data. The connection between the local site and a second site is a voice only connection allowing the first remote site to talk to the second remote site without breaking the data communication connection between the first site and the local site. The second remote site may be a public telephone network. The communication between the first remote site and the second remote site through the local site may also be a data communication connection, or it may also be a voice over data communication connection.

Abstract: A personal communications system enables the operator to simultaneously transmit voice and data communication to a remote site. The personal communications system is equipped with two telephone line interfaces to allow connection between two remote sites. The connection between the first remote site and the local site may operate in a voice over data communications mode to simultaneously send compressed voice and data. The connection between the local site and a second site is a voice only connection allowing the first remote site to talk to the second remote site without breaking the data communication connection between the first site and the local site. The second remote site amy be a public telephone network. The communication between the first remote site and the second remote site through the local site may also be a data communication connection, or it may also be a voice over data communication connection.

Abstract: A personal communications system enables the operator to simultaneously transmit voice and data communication to a remote site. The personal communications system is equipped with two telephone line interfaces to allow connection between two remote sites. The connection between the first remote site and the local site may operate in a voice over data communications mode to simultaneously send compressed voice and data. A digital transmission protocol which is consistent with current packet standards is used to create an independent channel through use of a modified supervisory packet for negotiating communication parameters, including the speech compression algorithm, the speech compression ratio, the communication multiplex scheme, and other operations needed for control of remote hardware interfaces.

Abstract: A communication network (e.g., a coax network or an optical fiber network) comprises a signal distribution network (e.g., fiber node FN) for transmitting communication signals downstream over a first communication path to a plurality of end user apparatuses connected thereto. At least one end user apparatus is arranged for sending the return signals downstream over at least part of the first communication path to a converter apparatus which collects the return signals and converts them to an upstream signal for transmission over a second separate communication path to the distribution unit.

Abstract: A system for voice and video distribution amongst a plurality of telephone subscriber locations operating on a broadband cable network. The subscriber locations are adapted to establish RF transmitting and receiving channels for carrying voice and signalling information and each further includes a tunable video signal generator and a tunable video signal receiver for coupling video signals to and from subscriber location video RF broadband channels of the cable network. A central switch is also coupled to the cable network and enables each RF transmitting channel to be selectively coupled to any of the RF receiving channels and also enables a particular subscriber location video RF broadband channel to be assigned to a subscriber location.

Abstract: A photonic frequency division multiplexed FIFO buffer capable of realizing a multiple input one output FIFO buffer or a one input one output FIFO buffer by using only a small number of buffers. This buffer is formed by a plurality of loop shaped optical waveguide delay lines for storing the input optical signals from the time division multiplexed input highway, which are connected in series by a plurality of 2.times.2 optical switches for selectively transferring the input optical signals among the loop shaped optical waveguide delay lines. This buffer also includes a 1.times.2 frequency channel selector, connected at a last stage of the loop shaped optical waveguide delay lines, for selectively outputting optical signals in specific frequency channels among the input optical signals stored by the last stage of the loop shaped optical waveguide delay lines as the output optical signals to the timeslots on the time division multiplexed output highway.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting a frequency division multiplex (fdm) signal to a time domain multiplex (tdm) signal in which a voltage control oscillator whose output is a staircase of reference frequencies is mixed by a mixer with a received fdm signal. Each received frequency is output in turn at a common intermediate frequency from a bandpass filter thereby forming a tdm signal after passing through a demodulator and low pass filter. The conversion may take place in the optical domain by mixing optical reference frequencies with an optical fdm signal in, for example, a coherent heterodyne optical receiver.

Abstract: A digital compressed video signal transmission system includes a transport processor for segmenting compressed MPEG video data into transport cells for transmission. Several protocol levels are utilized to uniquely define transmitted data, provide system synchronization and to provide for detection of lost or corrupted data. Transport cells are formed of three levels, the first of which indicates the service to which the data relates and includes a field indicating the state of signal scrambling. The second level includes a field identifying the one of several alternative formats in which the cell payload is arranged, and a continuity count for determining data continuity. The third level includes the payload and a field which indicates decodable entry points for re-entering the data stream after having lost data.

Abstract: A system for voice distribution amongst a plurality of telephone subscriber locations operating on a broadband cable network wherein RF transmitting and RF receiving channels for carrying voice and signalling information are established at the subscriber locations and coupled with the broad band network and a central switch is also coupled with the broadband network and enables each RF transmitting channel to be selectively coupled to any of the RF receiving channels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a non regenerative multibeam communications system with FDMA access and SSTDM connectivity. In accordance with the present invention, FDM input signals are transformed into corresponding TDM input signals. The TDM input signals are matrix switched and routed along the desired output transmission path(s). The TDM input signals routed along each output transmission path are then transformed into corresponding FDM output signals prior to further processing or transmission. The apparatus and method make it possible to provide full interconnectivity using time domain processing in a FDMA/FDM system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting electronic signals from frequency-division multiplex format into time-division multiplex format while retaining substantially all phase and amplitude information of a band-limited continuous signal. A continuous frequency-division multiplex format signal is multiplied with a first chirp signal having a periodic sequence with period T, a constant amplitude and a phase variation having a non-zero constant amplitude second derivative of said phase variation with respect to time .mu.. A convolution is then performed of said multiplied signal with a convolution filter having an impulse response defined byh.sub.0 (t).times.e .sup.j(.omega..sbsp.0.sup.t-.mu.t.spsp.2.sup./2)wherein h.sub.0 (t) is a function having finite delay greater than T, and .omega..sub.0 is a constant.

Abstract: A network interconnection architecture for a plurality of nodes uses sets of grouped node connections which form a plurality of node groups. A central electrically passive interconnection hub is coupled via a signal transmission path to each node group to establish a full mesh coupling between each of the plurality of node groups. An input and output matrix switch along with a pair of 1.times.N multiplexers are also coupled to each of the plurality of node groups and the hub multiplexer via the signal transmission path. The architecture can be further extended to encompass other networks with electrically passive hubs using a sandwich coupling of a matrix switch between two wavelength multiplexers.