Abstract: A central site communication system selectively establishes a data connection between a remote system and one of group of host systems as a function of information about the remote system. The communication system can be connected to a digital data network such as via an ISDN or T1 network connection and the remote system can be connected to either the digital data network directly or through a Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) analog connection. The host system can be connect to the communication system via a LAN medium and utilize an IP network and a data tunneling protocol to establish a data connection between the remote system and the host system. The information about the remote system can include the telephone number of the remote system, the telephone number dialed by the remote system to connect with host system, the protocol used by the remote system or the data transmitted by the remote system to the host system.

Abstract: In order to transfer data via a switched network that provides a wide range of network services, the users must establish a circuit or network connection and establish a data link connection. The circuit or network connection provides the physical connection between the users and data link connection provides the protocols and procedures for the transfer of data. Because the network provides a wide range of services, the users, typically by prior agreement, designate a common data link protocol to facilitate the transfer of data. A data link connection will not be established if the users are not using the same data link protocol. A method and apparatus are disclosed which permit a local system to detect the data link protocol used by a remote system. The invention provides a method for detecting the data link protocol used by the remote system when the remote system initiates the data link setup and a method for detecting the data link protocol when the local system initiates the data link setup.

Abstract: A data communications method and system is provided to facilitate the communication between a plurality of units of data terminal equipment (DTE) connected over communication lines. A first DTE unit is located in a digital network and a second DTE unit is located in either a digital network or in an analog network. When attempting to place a call from the first DTE unit in the digital network to the second DTE unit in either a digital network or an analog network, a first call is made to determine the characteristics of the second DTE unit called. If the second DTE unit called returns an indication that it also possesses digital capability, then the call is established. If, however, the indication from the second DTE unit called is that it does not have digital capability, then the first DTE unit places a second call through a modem within a terminal adapter within the system to the second DTE unit. The system is also capable of receiving a call made to the first DTE from outside the digital network.

Abstract: Data flow in a communications network is controlled by a downstream node specifying the maximum average speeds of a plurality of data streams sent from an upstream node on a plurality of data paths.