Abstract: A system for controlling/conserving signal transmission power in a communications system is disclosed. The system generally includes a first unit having a transmitter and a receiver, a second unit having a transmitter and a receiver, a forward communications channel between the first unit transmitter and the second unit receiver, and a reverse communications channel between the second unit transmitter and the first unit receiver. In operation, the system determines the received signal power needs of the second unit receiver. It then generates a reverse channel explicit-power-request command based on the determination of the received signal power needs of the second unit receiver. The reverse channel explicit-power-request command represents an absolute power level at which the first unit transmitter should transmit signals over the forward communications channel.

Abstract: A method of routing Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) connections in a network. A Virtual Path Index (VPI) and a Virtual Channel Index (VCI) identify connections in the network. The bits of the VPI and VCI are selectively allocated, allowing for an increased number of paths in the network. Fractional paths are thereby created, increasing the routing capabilities of the network. Multiplexing of paths in the network further enhances the network routing capability. Cells containing data are switched on the connections in the network. A plurality of tables in the ATM hardware stores a VPI value and a value representing the number of significant bits allocated to the VPI for the purpose of switching cells. Cells with the same VPI are routed over the same paths as dictated in part by the values in the corresponding tables.

Abstract: A distributed, demand access local loop telephone system is disclosed. An optical fiber, or fibers, connect a central office and a plurality of remote units which are located near subscriber populations. Communications on the fiber is by high speed digital data stream which is comprised of a plurality of bit multiplexed PCM channels, each of bandwidth equivalent to a VF channel or greater. The remote units are connected to the subscriber equipment (e.g. telephones or other data sources/sinks) by subscriber dedicated links (e.g. wire pairs or other cabling), and the remote units may be added, subtracted, or moved along the fiber path to reconfigure the overall system. Because of the demand access nature, the fiber bandwidth can be dynamically redistributed among the remote access units at high speed and controlled at the central office. The topology of the system can also be reconfigured, within limits, from a central site.