Abstract: A line interface circuit (120) receives an audio signal from a signal generator (132). A reflected signal is produced at the output port (216) of a SLIC (210). The reflected signal is combined with the received audio signal to produce a combined audio signal. The combined audio signal is measured to determine if a fault exists in the subscriber loop (130).

Abstract: An improved network interface architecture for a packet switch provides a mechanism for handling voice and data packets. Bandwidth allocation can be changed because control and data memories are synchronized to one another. A hierarchical addressing technique is employed to enhance flexibility in handling packet information. This method permits packet message data and certain packet control data to be stored in memory locations without having to be duplicated at a different memory location prior to transmission of the packet. In an exemplary wireless TDMA packet network a control module (CM) sends a time stamp relative to the beginning of its frame in a synchronization packet allowing each of a plurality of user modules (UM) to maintain synchronization relative to the CM. The CM uses a plurality of directional antennas and transmits the synchronization packets over each antenna over a predetermined number of frames.

Abstract: In a network of interconnected wireless networks and wired telephone networks, there is provided a mechanism for sustained association of users with communications paths. It comprises: upon an attempted use of an unassociated telephone, identifying oneself to the network (via the wireless network) and activating one's telephone line by keying one's own telephone number through the telephone keypad, locating his telephone line by monitoring unassociated lines for activity, and the one so identified receiving a sustaining association (for more than a few communications) with the telephone line so located.