Abstract: A communication system (10) supports the provision of a plurality of dedicated communication resources (50–64), such as copper drops, RF links and optical fibers, to dedicated home-gateway devices (44–48) or distribution points (124). The communication resources (50–64) support broadband interconnection (104) between the dedicated home-gateway devices (44–48) or distribution points (124) and an access multiplexor (30) in a network (12). Each gateway device (44–48) or distribution point (124) generally includes a local RF transceiver (84) and associated control logic (80–82) that allows local communication (86) between gateway devices (44–48) and hence statistically multiplexed access (60–64, 89) to multiple communication resources, thereby providing increased bandwidth in uplink and/or downlink directions.

Abstract: Voice over Digital Subscriber Line (VoDSL) is an emerging technology, and as such requires subscriber acceptance and take-up both for the future development of this technology and to repay access network operator investment in VoDSL equipment. The present invention provides an improved equipment architecture and improved methods of separating VoDSL equipment to enhance performance and/or enable the provision of improved services.

Abstract: A Digital Access Systems (DAS) Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) comprising: a DAS modem connected to an internal packet switched network having a switch and arranged such that the internal network is coupled to an external packet switched network by a DAS link over an access network; a network-telephony interface connected to the internal network and coupled to a customer premises telephony appliance; a network-data interface connected to the internal network and coupled to a customer premises data appliance; a controller to control the switch for establishing packet transfer paths between the modem and the interfaces to complete calls between the appliances and entities on the external network; and transferring of control and information signals between the controller and a computing function to adapt the controller to provide alternative packet transfer paths dependent on predetermined conditions in order to provide one or more additional CPE services.

Abstract: An equipment architecture for Voice over Digital Subscriber Line (VoDSL) equipment is provided, along with related methods of operation.

Abstract: Customer premises equipment for a telecommunications DSL subscriber is adapted to provide a lifeline voice service under a fault condition, e.g. a power failure at the subscriber station. The arrangement incorporates a number of switchable local subscriber ports each providing access to a respective telephone instrument, and a router circuit whereby, under normal conditions, voice calls may be routed each to a respective loop port. Under a fault condition the router directs an incoming call to a selected port to provide the lifeline service. Further calls may be barred when such a lifeline call is in progress.