Abstract: A communications network, in one embodiment, includes a passive optical network (“PON”) network, user equipment (“UE”), and optical network terminal (“ONT”) plug to facilitate data transfer via an optical network. The PON network containing at least one fiber splitter and one optical line terminal (“OLT”) is capable of transmitting optical data. The UE having a high-speed electrical (“HSE”) port is able to process information based on electrical signals received from the HSE port. The ONT plug, in one embodiment, includes a modular electrical connector, a signal converter, and an optical and power hybrid (“OPH”) interface. The modular electrical connector contains at least eight (8) electrical contacts with eight (8) positions and can be inserted into the HSE port. The signal converter is used to convert optical signals received from the optical interface to electrical signals.

Abstract: A communications network, in one embodiment, includes a passive optical network (“PON”) network, user equipment (“UE”), and optical network terminal (“ONT”) plug to facilitate data transfer via an optical network. The PON network containing at least one fiber splitter and one optical line terminal (“OLT”) is capable of transmitting optical data. The UE having a high-speed electrical (“HSE”) port is able to process information based on electrical signals received from the HSE port. The ONT plug, in one embodiment, includes a modular electrical connector, a signal converter, and an optical and power hybrid (“OPH”) interface. The modular electrical connector contains at least eight (8) electrical contacts with eight (8) positions and can be inserted into the HSE port. The signal converter is used to convert optical signals received from the optical interface to electrical signals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying facsimile data transfer rates based upon varying bit rates of a transport medium. The apparatus includes a channel quality monitor adapted to monitor channel quality of an asynchronous link, and a rate modifier adapted to dynamically modify a maximum data transfer rate between the originating facsimile machine and the terminating facsimile machine in response to the channel quality.

Abstract: A communications link having a plurality of communication media is coupled between an originating facsimile machine and a terminating facsimile machine. The plurality of communication media includes a medium having a variable data transmission time followed serially by a media having a constant data transmission time. In the communication link, a transmission mode acceptance message is intercepted from an acceptance-transmitting one of the terminating and originating facsimile machines. The transmission mode acceptance message is modified to form a modified transmission mode acceptance message for increasing a maximum received data rate in the terminating facsimile machine relative to a transmit data rate in the originating facsimile machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for preventing an originating facsimile machine from going on hook prior to call completion due to setup delays. The originating facsimile machine includes a start connect timer having a predetermined time duration. The method and apparatus include detecting a facsimile call origination from the originating facsimile machine, anticipating expiration of the start connect timer, and sending a benign signal to the originating facsimile machine prior to expiration of the start connect timer, wherein the benign signal allows the originating facsimile machine to receive a digital identification signal message from a terminating facsimile machine prior to expiration of the start connect timer.