Abstract: A authentication device of an apparatus in one example authenticates a computing device, in communication with the authentication device, through employment of a determination that a current location of the authentication device matches an initial location of the authentication device.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a router for one or more packets that comprise an Internet Protocol (“IP”) packet. The router comprises one or more packet replication components that employ the IP packet to propagate a plurality of copies of the IP packet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling telecommunications call processing is disclosed. In a switching system, a Master Controller is provided for maintaining the database of the system, and for receiving call processing control messages. The Master Controller receives these messages via a core switching fabric network of the switching system. The Master Controller selects one of a plurality of feature processors, the feature processors being of several types for processing different features, to process the received call processing message. The Master Controller, if necessary, transmits not only the call processing message, but also state information about the call to the selected feature processor. The feature processor processes the message, and returns call state update data to the Master Controller. The feature processor also transmits messages for controlling other units in order to implement the desired response to the received call processing message.

Abstract: A line card and method is provided which supports symmetric and asymmetric telecommunication services, such as symmetric and asymmetric DSL services. The line card may support concomitantly POTS and asymmetric DSL services or support DSL services. A xDSL interface provides processing for DSL signals and a POTS interface provides processing for POTS signals. The line card is capable of switching operating modes or which services it is supporting. Preferably, the line card is capable of switching operating modes during a communication session. The line card may switch modes based on instructions received from external devices, such as CPE or far end equipment, based on preprogrammed software or based on operation of the line card.

Abstract: A communication system and method for supporting both POTS and high speed data services between a remote CPE interface, located at a subscriber premises, and a central office. An analog to digital converter transforms an analog POTS signal to a digital POTS signal, and a combiner circuit combines the digital POTS signal with a high speed data signal into a combined digital signal which preferably has a single communication spectrum. A power detector identifies a power failure at the remote CPE interface, and a life line communication path is established from the central office to the remote CPE interface in response to the power failure.

Abstract: A telecommunications pair gain system for use when all lines served by the pair gain system are within a limited distance of the pair gain system remote terminal. The distance is such that a lower voltage output from the remote terminal can be used for powering the POTS telephones. Advantageously, a single remote terminal can be used for controlling, for example, 8 POTS lines, at significantly lower expense than would be incurred using standard subscriber loop carrier technology. Advantageously, the loops no longer required for serving all of the 8 POTS lines directly, can be utilized to provide services such as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) service to other customers without requiring the installation of additional loops between the central office and the remote terminal.

Abstract: Apparatus, and a method for switching digital signals of different protocols in a large switching network. Signals and different protocols are encapsulated in a common protocol by a set of input modules. The signals in the common protocol are then switched by a large central stage to a plurality of output modules, which then generate signals in the correct protocol. Narrow-band signals are converted into broadband signals, so that the central stage switches only broadband signals. This simplifies the design of the central stage, while still making it possible to have a very large and economical central stage switch. Advantageously, this arrangement allows a single large switch to switch large quantities of traffic in a plurality of protocols.

Abstract: A method according to the invention includes the steps of sending one or more upstream signals, such as voice signals, as pulse code modulated data (201) without packet headers using an upstream cable protocol and sending one or more downstream signals, such as voice signals, as pulse code modulated data (405) without packet headers using a downstream cable protocol.

Abstract: A method and system for decreasing the probability of blocked access to a local exchange carrier's telecommunications network comprises a multi-mode line card for determining whether a particular call is a voice or data call. If a call is determined to require data transmission, the line card assigns time slots for interconnection of the line card to a serving digital switch. If no meaningful data is received, no time slots are assigned. In this manner, time slots interconnecting the serving digital switch to a line card are established only if data or voice is being transmitted from a subscriber line.