Abstract: An asymmetrical digital subscriber line (ADSL) downstream high speed cell bus interface protocol allows ADSL cell packets to be transmitted downstream from an ADSL bank control unit (ABCU) to a plurality of ADSL line units at a high rate of downstream throughput with flexible and efficient allocation of bandwidths and reduced error probability. The frame boundaries of an ADSL frame are derived from a conventional subscriber bus interface (SBI) frame for carrying conventional narrowband plain old telephone service (POTS) traffic, thereby allowing the ABCU and the ADSL line units to be implemented in existing channel banks with standard channel bank backplane traces.

Abstract: A system for performing Network Address Translation, which allows applications to request information concerning address translations to be performed, so that those applications may send useful information to other applications for the purposes of allowing applications to communicate through the NAT device in the absence of statically defined rules for specific channels of communication.

Abstract: In a three stage non-blocking switching matrix (10), there are originating stages (12), center stages (14), and terminating stages (16). In order to establish matrix connections for either a one input/two output scenario or a two input/one output scenario, a determination must be made as to whether there is a center stage (12) common to all three ports. If so, then the matrix connection is established through the available center stage (12). If there is no common center stage (12) among the three ports, then rearrangement candidates are identified to free up an available center stage. One or more matrix connections are rearranged without affecting live traffic. After rearrangement, the matrix connection for the three ports is established through the freed up center stage (12).

Abstract: Asymmetrical digital subscriber line (ADSL) upstream subscriber bus interface (SBI) protocol provides a SBI frame format which allows compatibility between an ADSL line card and either an ADSL bank control unit (ABCU) or a conventional narrowband bank control unit (BCU), and compatibility between a conventional plain old telephone service (POTS) line card and either the ABCU or the conventional narrowband BCU.

Abstract: A variable rate subscriber bus is adaptable to carry communications traffic in the forms of DS0, T1 or DS1 formats between a channel bank and a channel card at any one of a plurality of predetermined data rates. The data rate for the variable rate subscriber bus is selected according to the type and capacity of the channel card. The variable rate subscriber bus is capable of supporting high data rate traffic for high density channel cards while maintaining compatibility with conventional low density channel cards.

Abstract: A timing architecture for a delivery unit that interfaces telecommunications media to a switching matrix. The delivery unit is functionally partitioned into a number of application modules. Transport between the modules is handled by a bus control module, with ingress buses from the application modules to the bus control module and egress buses from the bus control module to the application module. The bus control module also distributes system timing signals to each application module on these buses. The application modules each have a common bus interface that derives common local timing signals. They also each have a common local timebase that derives additional local timing signals. The bus interface is also used to deliver synchronization signals back to the bus control module.

Abstract: A telephone network access adapter for a computer includes a number of line ports for connection to telephone network lines, a subscriber port for connection to subscriber telephone equipment, a video port for connection to video equipment and a computer port for connection to computer equipment. The subscriber interface is connected to the subscriber port. A video interface is connected to the video port. A line interface selectively connects the external telephone line(s) to the subscriber interface and/or the video interface. A controller is connected to the computer port for controlling the operation of the adapter. The adapter is able to connect the subscriber telephone equipment and/or the video equipment and/or the computer equipment to a selectable number of external telephone lines, thus providing a flexible connection to the telephone system.

Abstract: A telecommunications network (12) includes a digital cross-connect system (10) that receives frame relay information carried in individual DS-0 signals over T-1 links (14) and/or multiple DS-0 signals over FT-1 links (16). The digital cross-connect system (10) includes a cross-connect matrix (44) that consolidates DS-0 signals into DS-1 signals. The digital cross-connect system (10) further includes a plurality of frame groomers (40) that extract frames from each DS-0 signal for consolidation into a frame groomed consolidated circuit. The frame groomed consolidated circuit from each frame groomer (40) is transferred in DS-3 signals to a concentrator (80). The concentrator (80) concentrates the received DS-3 signals into a single DS-3 signal for transport to an edge switch (24).

Abstract: A system for locating one of a plurality of mobile communications devices is provided. A transmitter (24) transmits a first signal (S1), with the first signal having a device identification code for identifying a particular mobile communications device to be located and a time indicator. Retransmission circuitry (40, 60) in the selected mobile communications device (20) receives the first signal and transmits a second signal (S2) in response thereto. Each of a plurality of receivers (22) has an internal clock. When the first signal is received, these clocks are set based on the time indicator in the first signal. When the second signal is received, a time difference between the first signal and second signal is determined. Network control circuitry (26) determines the location of the particular mobile communications device responsive to time differences determined by multiple receivers.

Abstract: A system and method for application location register routing at a signal transfer point (26) are provided. The signal transfer point (26) includes processor clusters (64, 66, 68) and databases (236, 238) for processing queries including global title translation, local number portability, and application location register routing. A query message is received by the signal transfer point (26), a first database residing in the signal transfer point (26) is accessed to determine the location of a second database (238) also residing in the signal transfer point for processing the query message. The second database (238) is then accessed to obtain the network address of a home location register or short message service center, which is then used to deliver the query message to the network node specified by the network address.

Abstract: In a telecommunications network (1), a signal transfer point (10) receives an Initial Address Message (IAM) generated by an originating service switching point (12) according to a call from an originating subscriber (20). The IAM includes a destination number associated with a destination subscriber (22). If the destination number has not been ported, the signal transfer point (10) sends a return message to the originating service switching point (12) indicating that no changes are to be made to the IAM. As a result, the originating service switching point (12) forwards the IAM to a destination service switching point (13) for processing of the call. If the destination number has been ported, the signal transfer point (10) performs a local number portability look-up in a database (24). The signal transfer point (10) obtains a redirection number from the database (24) for transfer in a return message to the originating service switching point (16).

Abstract: A telephony and video telecommunications distribution network (10) includes a broadband fiber bank section (32) within a digital loop carrier system (22). The broadband fiber bank section (32) receives video information from a stored video information provider (12) through a broadband asynchronous transfer mode switch (18). The video information is received in an asynchronous transfer mode cell format. The digital loop carrier system (22) receives telephony traffic from a telephony network (24) at a common control section (28). The common control section (28) passes the telephony traffic to the broadband fiber bank section (32) where it is converted into asynchronous transfer mode cell form. The broadband fiber bank section (32) multiplexes video asynchronous transfer mode cells and telephony asynchronous transfer mode cells for transport to an optical network unit (40) over a fiber optic communication link (38).

Abstract: A redundancy system for a telecommunications system is provided. The redundancy system includes one or more resources, such as circuit cards containing circuits that process data for telecommunications channels. A controller bus is used to connect a controller to the resources. Another controller bus is also used to connect another controller to the resources. The resources are each coupled to the controller bus and the other controller bus, such that a change in control between the controller and the other controller may be accomplished by transferring data for the resources from the controller bus to the other controller bus.

Abstract: A switching matrix interface for a delivery unit that transports network data on telecommunications media to a switching matrix. The interface shares a “common building block” format with other modules of the delivery unit. Specifically, a bus interface port of the interface transports network data from the delivery unit (prior to switching) and back to the delivery unit (after switching) in a common data format. Buffers provide timing and align for transport to and from the switching matrix. The interface provides a path verification scheme using a superframe format for path integrity bits.

Abstract: A method of auditing a first local number portability database (31) associated with a first signal transfer point (22) includes sending, by a first audit manager (26), a request to the first signal transfer point (22), the request specifying at least one ported telephone number. A first audit agent (30) receives the request at the first signal transfer point (22), looks up the specified at least one ported telephone number in the first local number portability database (31), and obtains at least one corresponding local routing number. The first audit agent (30) then sends the at least one corresponding local routing number to the first audit manage (26). The audit manager (26) then compares the received at least one corresponding local routing number to data local to the first audit manager (26). The audit manager (26) then reports the result of the comparison.

Abstract: The time slot interchange capabilities of modern digital loop carriers are utilized to provide direct connectivity from the calling modem's line to an internet access modem bank through the digital loop carrier, thereby bypassing the local central end office. A call which is to a telephone number of an internet access provider's modem is routed to a bypass initiator. If the bypass initiator detects that the call is from a number which is serviced by a digital loop carrier having a local central end office bypass capability, then the bypass initiator issues a bypass command. The digital loop carrier establishes the bypass connection, but does not break the signaling connection on the initial call which was routed from the digital loop carrier through the local central end office to the bypass initiator. Once the bypass connection has been established, the bypass initiator sends a disconnect signal through the signaling connection of the initial call.

Abstract: A telecommunications network (1) includes a signal transfer point (10) that receives an initial address message from a service switching point (12). The signal transfer point (10) determines whether a Forward Call Identifier (FCI) “m” bit has been set indicating that a local number portability (LNP) query has been performed. If the FCI “m” bit has been set, then the signal transfer point (10) performs normal call processing. If the FCI “m” bit is not set, the signal transfer point (10) will set the FCI “m” bit to one prior to performing normal processing if a database interrogation is not activated. If database interrogation is activated, the signal transfer point (10) interrogates a LNP database 24 to determine whether the dialed subscriber has been ported and/or resides in a receiving network.

Abstract: A wavelength agile optical transponder system and method for testing a fiber optic link formed of a single fiber. An optical source coupled to the optic link provides a signal at a first wavelength which is propagated towards a wavelength division multiplex (WDM) coupler disposed on the optic link. Upon receiving the optical signal by a receiver, an optical cross-connect arrangement is utilized for transmitting the optical signal after translating its wavelength into a second wavelength. By evaluating the optical signal in the optical loop-back thus effectuated, the path integrity of the optic link is determined without having to know the wavelength of the incident signal or direction of transmission.

Abstract: A computerized method of preserving stable calls during a split mode operation of telecommunications equipment includes the steps of sending a call block update message from a first side of the telecommunications equipment to a second side of the telecommunications equipment. The call block update message includes dynamic call state data on the stable call handled by the first side and stored in a call block file in the first side of the telecommunications equipment. The method includes sending a call block update acknowledgement message from the second side of the telecommunications equipment to the first side of the telecommunications equipment in response to receiving the call block update message. The above steps are repeated until all dynamic call state data in the call block file is duplicated and sent to the second side.

Abstract: A system for providing wireless telecommunications access is presented. The system includes a wireline assembly that provides access to a telecommunications system for one or more wireline subscribers. The system also includes a wireless assembly that provides access to a telecommunications system for one or more wireless subscribers. A common control and switching system is connected to the wireline assembly, the wireless assembly, and a switched network. The common control and switching assembly establishes telecommunications channels between the wireline assembly, the wireless assembly, and the switched network, and controls the telecommunications channels.