Abstract: A personal communication system handset having a plurality of slots provided therein. Each one of the slots is adapted to store a corresponding one of a plurality of removable/insertable subscriber identity modules. The subscriber identity modules have stored therein different subscriber information. A user is thereby able to subscribe to two, or more, different providers and is able to remove at least one of the modules for use in another handset. Further, the modules are credit card size and are therefore less likely to be lost, or misplaced, than a chip sized module. An electronic switch is disposed in the handset for electrically coupling one of the modules to a transceiver in the handset selectively in accordance with a program stored in the handset based on a signal received by the transceiver from a base station cell. The selected module provides the base station cell with the stored subscriber information. Thus, the handset can automatically select the proper module based on the stored program.

Abstract: A personal communication system handset having a plurality of slots provided therein. Each one of the slots is adapted to store a corresponding one of a plurality of removable/insertable subscriber identity modules. The subscriber identity modules have stored therein different subscriber information. A user is thereby able to subscribe to two, or more, different providers and is able to remove at least one of the modules for use in another handset. An electronic switch is disposed in the handset for electrically coupling one of the modules to a transceiver in the handset selectively in accordance with a program stored in the handset based on a signal received by the transceiver from a base station cell. The selected module provides the base station cell with the stored subscriber information. Thus, the handset can automatically select the proper module based on the stored program. An automatic subscriber identification module control system is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and a concomitant method of providing a technique, within each central office (CO) in a digital CO cluster, for translating a destination number for a signaling message into a destination point code. Such a CO generally contains a switching system, for providing an interface to various station lines (telephone lines) and links to other DCOs, and/or an A-link consolidator (ALC), and an SS7 signaling processing system for providing a software based control system to properly format, address and route signaling messages. Through the invention, the SS7 signaling processing system first translates a destination number into a destination point code. The destination point code is then incorporated into a signaling message. The signaling message is subsequently routed to a destination node that corresponds to the destination point code. The destination point code indicates either a CO within the cluster or an STP outside of the cluster.

Abstract: A transmission system includes a transmission path from a transmitting station to a receiving station for both voice telephone service occupying the frequency spectrum below a predetermined frequency f.sub.1 and for data service occupying the frequency spectrum above another predetermined frequency f.sub.3, where f.sub.3 is substantially higher than f.sub.1, a plurality of telephone sets at said receiving station connected in parallel with one another to the transmission path, and where each of the telephone sets has an on-hook state which presents a substantially infinite resistance to the transmission path and an off-hook state which presents a predetermined resistance R to the transmission path. A plurality of separate and substantially identical multi-pole low-pass filters are provided for connection between the transmission path and respective ones of the telephone sets, where each of the low-pass filters has a -3 dB frequency f.sub.2 which lies between f.sub.1 and f.sub.

Abstract: A method for enabling a plurality of Local Service Providers within a common Numbering Plan Area (NPA) to serve Subscribers of the plurality of Local Service Providers. The method includes the step of assigning to each Subscriber of a Local Service Provider within the common NPA a unique three digit code, hereinafter referred to as a SPA code. The service provider area (SPA) code is used by the telephone system in the same manner presently used for routing calls made when a calling Subscriber dials the NPA code of the called party. Here, however, the SPA code is not dialed by the calling Subscriber. The dialed directory number, NXX-XXXX, of a called Subscriber subscribed to a different Local Service Provider, is sent to a database. The database maintains a record of the relationships between the directory numbers of Subscribers and the SPA codes of the Subscribers. The database retrieves the SPA code associated with the dialed directory number presently serving the called Subscriber.

Abstract: A device for enabling automatic restoration of network access for user lines within a communication system. The user lines interface with groups of transmission lines that include dedicated transmission lines which are connected to the user lines, idle transmission lines and reserved transmission lines. The device includes a line manager that makes a number of transmission lines among the groups of transmission lines available for user lines which have a dedicated transmission line in a group of transmission lines that fails and a reprovisioning element that couples each of such user lines to a respective available transmission line. The device may also include a monitor that delays the coupling of such user lines if a sufficient number of transmission lines are not available.

Abstract: The transmission properties of an optical fiber are enhanced by cooling the fiber gradually to temperatures of at least -300.degree. Fahrenheit, maintaining the fiber at such reduced temperature for a time suitable to stabilize the transmission properties of the fiber, and then allowing the fiber gradually to return to normal room temperature. The heating of the fiber to restore it to room temperature in part is accomplished by transmitting through the fiber optical pulses of the frequency and repetition rate the fiber will experience in normal use.

Abstract: A method and device for managing the communication of high speed analog data across a communications line. If the communications line is not authorized for communication of high speed analog data, line conditioning applied (e.g., at a digital line unit or subscriber line interface circuit) to the communications line is varied. The line conditioning may include echo suppression and/or hybrid balancing. If the line conditioning unit is a digital signal processor, the line conditioning is varied by varying coefficients or line types. If the line conditioning unit is a circuit, the line conditioning is varied by varying a control signal to a selection element of the analog circuit.

Abstract: A method for managing transmission lines within a communication system which enables the automatic restoration of network access for user lines. The communication system includes user lines interfaced with groups of transmission lines and each group of transmission lines includes dedicated transmission lines which are connected to the user lines, idle transmission lines and reserved transmission lines. The method makes a number of idle transmission lines among the groups of transmission lines available for coupling by user lines which have a dedicated transmission line in a group of transmission lines that fails. The method determines the minimum number of transmission lines to be reserved by a comparison of the numbers of certain types of transmission lines in the different groups.

Abstract: A method for enabling a plurality of Local Service Providers within a common Numbering Plan Area (NPA) to serve Subscribers of the plurality of Local Service Providers. The method includes the step of assigning to each Subscriber of a Local Service Provider within the common NPA a unique three digit code, hereinafter referred to as a SPA code. The service provider area (SPA) code is used by the telephone system in the same manner presently used for routing calls made when a calling Subscriber dials the NPA code of the called party. Here, however, the SPA code is not dialed by the calling Subscriber. The dialed directory number, NXX-XXXX, of a called Subscriber subscribed to a different Local Service Provider, is sent to a database. The database maintains a record of the relationships between the directory numbers of Subscribers and the SPA codes of the Subscribers. The database retrieves the SPA code associated with the dialed directory number presently serving the called Subscriber.

Abstract: A method and device for decoding a sequence of signals in which information is derived, in part, from a duration of (a) one of the signals and/or (b) an inter-signal pause between two of the signals. The method and device may also be used to decode a signal to form decoded information, derived, in part, from a duration of the signal.

Abstract: A method and device for (a) generating a constant rate data stream from data, (b) providing, via a termination unit, the constant rate data stream to a router, and (c) assigning an address to the termination unit. The method and device permit the data to bypass a switching network of a central office.

Abstract: A digital loop carrier system in a communications network that provides automatic restoration of network access for user lines in the event of a failure. The system includes a plurality of user lines and groups of transmission lines interfaced with the user lines. Each group of transmission lines includes dedicated transmission lines which are connected to the user lines, idle transmission lines and reserved transmission lines. The system also includes a reprovisioning monitor that makes a number of transmission lines among the groups of transmission lines available for user lines which have a dedicated transmission line in a group of transmission lines that fails and that couples each of such user lines to a respective available transmission line. The monitor may delay the coupling of such user lines if a sufficient number of transmission lines are not available.

Abstract: A method for enabling a plurality of Local Service Providers within a common Numbering Plan Area (NPA) to serve Subscribers of the plurality of Local Service Providers. The method includes the step of assigning to each Subscriber of a Local Service Provider within the common NPA a unique three digit code, hereinafter referred to as a SPA code. The service provider area (SPA) code is used by the telephone system in the same manner presently used for routing calls made when a calling Subscriber dials the NPA code of the called party. Here, however, the SPA code is not dialed by the calling Subscriber. The dialed directory number, NXX-XXXX, of a called Subscriber subscribed to a different Local Service Provider, is sent to a database. The database maintains a record of the relationships between the directory numbers of Subscribers and the SPA codes of the Subscribers. The database retrieves the SPA code associated with the dialed directory number presently serving the called Subscriber.

Abstract: A method for enabling a plurality of Local Service Providers within a common Numbering Plan Area (NPA) to serve Subscribers of the plurality of Local Service Providers. The method includes the step of assigning to each Subscriber of a Local Service Provider within the common NPA a unique three digit code, hereinafter referred to as an SPA code. The service provider area (SPA) code is used by the telephone system in the same manner presently used for routing calls made when a calling Subscriber dials the NPA code of the called party. Here, however, the SPA code is not dialed by the calling Subscriber. The dialed directory number, NXX-XXXX, of a called Subscriber subscribed to a different Local Service Provider, is sent to a database. The database maintains a record of the relationships between the directory numbers of Subscribers and the SPA codes of the Subscribers. The database retrieves the SPA code associated with the dialed directory number presently serving the called Subscriber.

Abstract: A method for enabling a plurality of Local Service Providers within common a Numbering Plan Area (NPA) to serve Subscribers of the plurality of Local Service Providers. The method includes the step of assigning to each Subscriber of a Local Service Provider within the common NPA a unique three digit code, hereinafter referred to as a SPA code. The service provider area (SPA) code is used by the telephone system in the same manner presently used for routing calls made when a calling Subscriber dials the NPA code of the called party. Here, however, the SPA code is not dialed by the calling Subscriber. The dialed directory number, NXX-XXXX, of a called Subscriber subscribed to a different Local Service Provider, is sent to a database. The database maintains a record of the relationships between the directory numbers of Subscribers and the SPA codes of the Subscribers. The database retrieves the SPA code associated with the dialed directory number presently serving the called Subscriber.

Abstract: A method for enabling a plurality of Local Service Providers within a common Numbering Plan Area (NPA) to serve Subscribers of the plurality of Local Service Providers. The method includes the step of assigning to each Subscriber of a Local Service Provider within the common NPA a unique three digit code, hereinafter referred to as a Service Provider Area (SPA) code. The SPA code is used by the telephone system in the same manner presently used for routing calls made when a calling Subscriber dials the NPA code of the called party. Here, however, the SPA code is not dialed by the calling Subscriber. The dialed directory number, NXX-XXXX, of a called Subscriber subscribed to a different Local Service Provider, is sent to a database. The database maintains a record of the relationships between the directory numbers of Subscribers and the SPA codes of the Subscribers. The database retrieves the SPA code associated with the dialed directory number presently serving the called Subscriber.

Abstract: A method for enabling a plurality of Local Service Providers within a common Numbering Plan Area (NPA) to serve Subscribers of the plurality of Local Service Providers. The method includes the step of assigning to each Subscriber of a Local Service Provider within the common NPA a unique three digit code, hereinafter referred to as a SPA code. The service provider area (SPA) code is used by the telephone system in the same manner presently used for routing calls made when a calling Subscriber dials the NPA code of the called party. Here, however, the SPA code is not dialed by the calling Subscriber. The dialed directory number, NXX-XXXX, of a called Subscriber subscribed to a different Local Service Provider, is sent to a database. The database maintains a record of the relationships between the directory numbers of Subscribers and the SPA codes of the Subscribers. The database retrieves the SPA code associated with the dialed directory number presently serving the called Subscriber.

Abstract: A method for enabling a plurality of Local Service Providers within a common Numbering Plan Area (NPA) to serve Subscribers of the plurality of Local Service Providers. The method includes the step of assigning to each Subscriber of a Local Service Provider within the common NPA a unique three digit code, hereinafter referred to as a SPA code. The service provider area (SPA) code is used by the telephone system in the same manner presently used for routing calls made when a calling Subscriber dials the NPA code of the called party. Here, however, the SPA code is not dialed by the calling Subscriber. The dialed directory number, NXX-XXXX, of a called Subscriber subscribed to a different Local Service Provider, is sent to a database. The database maintains a record of the relationships between the directory numbers of Subscribers and the SPA codes of the Subscribers. The database retrieves the SPA code associated with the dialed directory number presently serving the called Subscriber.

Abstract: A telephone wiretapping system having a call-forward event and reporting processor for producing a call-forward event control signal when a call from a calling party to a predetermined telephone line is to be call-forwarded to a different telephone line. A switch is responsive to the control signal produced by the call forward event and reporting system for switching the recording device from the target telephone line to the call-forward event and reporting processor when the control signal indicates a call-forwarding event. With such an arrangement, the recording device will recorded calling event signals to, or from, the target telephone line even though the calling event signals are occurring at the call-forwarded telephone line. The call-forward event and reporting processor produces signalling information taking place between the telephone line of the calling party and the telephone line of the different, call-forwarded telephone line.