Abstract: An asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) digital subscriber line (DSL) head-end network is disclosed which includes a network control system, which manages call traffic through the head-end network by assigning traffic to voice channels based on available time slots from a telephone company. A plurality of customer premise equipment (CPE) units provide customer line terminations with telephone service. The CPE units are coupled to a multiplexer. The network control system has an assignment mechanism which concentrates telecommunications traffic between the multiplexer and an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switch on the channels to compensate for a number of customer line terminations exceeding a number of voice channels on links to the telephone company.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining service on a digital subscriber line are described. An analog service system, which provides analog service with a battery back-up capable of delivering power during a power outage and a digital service unit coupled to the analog service system are included. The digital service system provides digital service to a user. A relay is coupled to the analog service system and the digital service unit to selectively enable a service line with analog service or digital service responsive to a power outage event. Service is switched digital to analog during the power outage event.