Abstract: There is provided a method of quantifying a voice quality in a telecommunication system including a first gateway in communication with a second gateway over a packet network. The method comprises deriving speech parameters from a first speech signal of a first talker received by the first gateway over a first communication line and a second speech signal of a second talker received by the first gateway from the second gateway over the packet network, determining a conversational impairment index using the speech parameters, deriving technology parameters based on voice technology and components in the telecommunication system, determining a technology impairment index using the technology parameters, and mapping the conversational impairment index and the technology impairment index into a conversational quality index to quantify the voice quality in the telecommunication system.

Abstract: A modem detection method is provided for use by a first gateway, the first gateway capable of communicating with a second gateway over a packet network. The method comprises setting the first gateway to a voice mode having a first coding scheme, encoding an input signal using the first coding scheme to generate a first encoded input signal, transmitting the first encoded input signal to the second gateway over the packet network, looking for a first tone in the input signal while the first gateway is in the voice mode, wherein the first tone is indicative of a beginning of a character, detecting the first tone in the input signal; setting the first gateway from the voice mode to a modem mode in response to the detecting; and transmitting the input signal to the second gateway according to the modem mode.

Abstract: Answer tone received at answering-side gateway and first classification signal is transmitted to a calling-side gateway that generates an answer tone in response to the signal. A second classification signal may be transmitted to the calling-side gateway that adjusts the answer tone in response to the second signal.

Abstract: A communications system includes an internet protocol network, a calling modem and an answering modem configured to effectively handle network latency. The calling modem includes a timer storing a network latency value. The network latency value is compared to a network latency threshold. If the network latency threshold is less than the network latency value, then a high speed modem connection is continued. If the network latency value is greater than the network latency threshold, then the high speed modem connection is terminated. In place of the high speed modem connection, a low speed modem connection is established. The calling modem is operable to transmit a modem connection selection signal for selecting a high speed modem connection or a low speed modem connection. The answering modem is operable to receive the modem connection selection signal.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided in a client, a line card or other conversion device, and a server to implement either a linear or a nonlinear PCM transmission mode for data communication in a data communications network. The client and the server negotiate with each other to establish a specific data communications mode. The data communications mode may be, for example, linear pulse code modulation (PCM) or nonlinear PCM. To begin, the client informs the server whether it supports nonlinear PCM, linear PCM, or both. In light of the clients communications capability and the modes supported by the server itself, the server responds by informing the client which data communications mode is to be used. In the case that both the client and server support linear and nonlinear PCM, the server informs the client that linear PCM is to be used, such being more conducive to accurate high-speed data communication.

Abstract: Half-duplex mode in V.34 facsimile modems can be exploited using symbol rate re-negotiation to enhance performance and throughput. The enhancement is useful for facsimile servers and for facsimile transmission over Internet Protocol (“FAX-over-IP”) network applications. Extending the modem's symbol rate from the current maximum of 3429 symbols per second standard to a higher rate of symbol transmission can quickly enhance throughput. The technique is useful for fast primary channel retrains and for situations in which symbol rates are to be reduced. The technique is also useful for changing the requested symbol rate with data rate negotiation in situations in which data rate selection for the new symbol rate may not be known.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimizing nonlinear distortions in computer system communications where the upstream signal from a client modem to a server modem is periodically sampled, the samples being utilized by a non-linear decision feedback equalizer to periodically produce sets of equalizer coefficients. The equalizer coefficients are sent via an independent communication channel downstream to the client modem to continuously update distortion-minimizing adjustments to the client modem's upstream output. The samples are taken periodically in order to update the non-linear decision feedback equalizer so that it can provide appropriate equalizer coefficients for the changing characteristics of the upstream signal. The method includes identifying, by a first communication system, nonlinear equalization parameters to be used by a second communication system to minimize nonlinear distortions on a primary communication channel.

Abstract: Answer tone received at answering-side gateway and first classification signal is transmitted to a calling-side gateway that generates an answer tone in response to the signal. A second classification signal may be transmitted to the calling-side gateway that adjusts the answer tone in response to the second signal.

Abstract: A communication system that includes a first modem and a second modem that establishes a communication link between the first modem and the second modem. The communication link has a first set of communication characteristics including a first communication channel or group of communication channels through which at least data is exchanged and a second communication channel through which no data is exchanged. Either the first modem or the second modem is configured to signal for a change, via the second communication channel, in the first set of communication characteristics.

Abstract: Equalizer training is validated by techniques to detect false training. The validation techniques involve checking the unique time domain energy shaping of a plurality of taps of a trained equalizer of a modem for good training. The energy measure for each equalizer tap of the plurality of taps is approximated by summing the magnitude of a real component and a magnitude of an imaginary component of an equalizer coefficient corresponding to the equalizer tap. A tap with a highest approximate energy (i.e., the main tap) is then determined. Next, the main tap energy is compared to a main tap threshold and a predetermined guarding threshold. The plurality of taps are arranged in a time index ordered sequence. In determining the main tap threshold, a first energy sum of a beginning set of taps in the sequence is compared with a second energy sum of a last set of taps in the sequence. The lesser tap energy sum between the first energy sum and the second energy sum is the main tap threshold.

Abstract: A modem system start-up routine is performed in an improved manner such that information related to the exchange of the operational capabilities of the modem devices is transmitted at a higher data rate than prior art systems. A transition protocol is utilized to enable the modem system to seamlessly shift operating modes during the start-up routine. An initial data rate is utilized to transmit initial capabilities exchange data near the beginning of the start-up routine. Next, an initial training procedure is conducted to train the receive modem for operation at an intermediate data rate. The exchange of operational capabilities occurs at this intermediate data rate. Eventually, the modem system shifts to the primary data rate utilized during the normal data transmission mode. A final training procedure is performed to tune the receive modem in a more precise manner in response to the primary data rate. The overall effect of the improved start-up routine is a reduction in the start-up latency time.