Abstract: In advanced digital networks for providing selective point-to-point communications between subscribers terminals and broadband server equipment operated by a plurality of independent information service providers, routing through the network is controlled by functionality identified as a Level 1 Gateway. The Level 1 Gateway will perform a variety of functions including communications port management of transmissions of information between subscribers and servers, processing of billing information and session management. The Level 1 Gateway generates menus of providers, either as a function of providers available through a particular portion of the network or in a customized fashion specified by individual subscribes. The Level 1 Gateway may also provide a PIN number functionality, e.g. to permit parents to limit which providers their children can access.

Abstract: A digital switching network is described which accommodates a full range of broadband and narrowband digital technologies, including video, wideband data, narrowband data, video on demand and telephone channels in an integrated manner. Optical fiber connects information sources to the switching component of the network utilizing a standardized transport stream such as SONET OC-N. A broadband ATM switch, a digital cross-connect switch or other distribution mechanisms may be utilized to interconnect information sources and subscribers. A level 1 gateway is utilized to control access to all information resources on the network.

Abstract: Dynamic programming of a digital entertainment terminal (DET) facilitates operation of the terminal to offer a variety of functionally different broadband services. The terminal can be reprogrammed, as-needed, for each different service offered by one or more information service providers. The terminal includes a network interface module which couples the terminal to a specific type of communication network for receiving a digital broadband channel and providing two-way control signaling communication between the terminal and the network. The terminal also includes a control processor with a program memory. The control processor receives user inputs and controls operations of the terminal and sending and receiving of control signals over the two-way control signaling channel. The program memory stores data received over the digital broadband channel as software executable by the control processor.

Abstract: A digital switching network is described which accommodates a full range of broadband and narrowband digital technologies, including video, wideband data, narrowband data, video-on-demand and telephone channels in an integrated manner. Optical fiber connects information sources to the switching component of the network utilizing a standardized transport stream such as SONET OC-N. A broadband ATM switch, a digital cross-connect switch or other distribution mechanisms may be utilized to interconnect information sources and subscribers. A level 1 gateway is utilized to control access to all information resources on the network.

Abstract: A mobile audio program selection system includes a radio frequency based information distribution system having mobile users. The distribution system includes a mobile switching office selectively connecting the mobile users of the information distribution system, and information service providers, operatively connected to the mobile switching office, at least one of the information service providers receiving user selection signal inputs received by the mobile switching office from a mobile user, and transmitting user selected information to the mobile switching office responsive to the user selection signal inputs. In addition, the distribution system includes at least one mobile terminal. The mobile terminal includes a receiver, operatively coupling the mobile terminal to the mobile switching office, and receiving the user selected information from the at least one of the information service providers via the mobile switching office.

Abstract: A peripheral platform, such as an Intelligent Peripheral (IP), is a network subsystem for use in the Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). The IP will assume some functions presently performed by the Integrated Service Control Point (ISCP) and central office switches. In an integrated network offering interactive broadband services as well as voice telephone services, the IP also performs gateway and/or server functions for broadband communications. Among its functional capabilities will be voice announcement and digit collection. The IP also offers speech recognition capabilities and an array of other enhanced telephone call processing features, such as voice or facsimile messaging. The peripheral platform or IP will be a separate network component that will communicate with the ISCP, which controls the AIN, through a data communication network that in the preferred embodiments is distinct from the telephone company switching offices, trunk networks and any associated interoffice signalling network.

Abstract: A peripheral platform, such as an Intelligent Peripheral (IP), is a network subsystem for use in the Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). The IP or similar platform will assume some functions presently performed by the Integrated Service Control Point (ISCP) and central office switches. Among its functional capabilities will be voice announcement and digit collection. The more advanced version, the IP, also offers speech recognition capabilities and an array of other enhanced call processing features, such as voice or facsimile messaging. The peripheral platform or IP will be a separate network component that will communicate with the ISCP, which controls the AIN, through a data communication network that in the preferred embodiments is distinct from the telephone company switching offices, trunk networks and any associated interoffice signalling network.

Abstract: To efficiently provide a variety of different services, e.g. voice grade telephony, packet data services, and broadband services, through an integrated network, at least some routing functions relating to all of the different types of services are controlled by data stored in a single central controller. Nodes or switching points performing the routing functions for the different types of services recognize certain call processing events as triggers. In response to a trigger, such a switching point will suspend processing of the particular call and obtain routing instructions from the central controller as to how to complete call processing.

Abstract: An integral multiple transmission line interface comprises a panel having opposite side portions defining, facility connection and subscriber connection regions having, respectively, a facility cable connector and subscriber cable terminals. A plurality of spaced modular jacks are arrayed longitudinally along the facility connection region of the panel, and a plurality of removably attached subscriber wiring bridges extend between the jacks and subscriber cable terminals. Interconnection between the subscriber wiring bridges and the facility cable connector is made through a printed circuit board within the panel. A pivotally mounted, removable cover protects the subscriber wiring terminals from human contact, and interlocking ears and collars formed on the panel enable the terminal devices to be stacked end to end.