Abstract: A communication control mechanism installable in the communications controller of an ISDN terminal adapter is operative to conduct in-band communications with its digital terminal device during an internet communication session between the digital terminal device and a digital communication network interface of an internet service provider. The terminal adapter monitors the data link establishment communication exchange between the network access server and the personal computer, to identify and capture internet protocol addresses for the digital terminal device and the network access interface. These addresses are then used by the terminal adapter to communicate in-band with the digital terminal device using user datagram protocol (UDP)-based messages.

Abstract: An automated data rate detection mechanism examines bit contents of a data frame to identify the number of idle bytes (0111 1110). When no data is transmitted, an all ‘1’s bit pattern (1111 1111) occupies other time slots unused by the customer's device. The number of subscribed DS0 (64 kbps) increments is determined by looking for the first idle byte following all ‘1’s bytes, and counting the number of zero bits until further unused (all ‘1’s) DS0s are encountered. Dividing the total number of zeros counted by two represents the number ‘n’ of assigned DS0 increments. Multiplying this number ‘n’ by the bit rate per DS0 channel (64 kbps) yields the bit rate.

Abstract: A communication control mechanism installable in the communications controller of an ISDN terminal adapter is operative to conduct in-band communications with its digital terminal device during an internet communication session between the digital terminal device and a digital communication network interface of an internet service provider. The terminal adapter monitors the data link establishment communication exchange between the network access server and the personal computer, to identify and capture internet protocol addresses for the digital terminal device and the network access interface. These addresses are then used by the terminal adapter to communicate in-band with the digital terminal device using user datagram protocol (UDP)-based messages.

Abstract: A communication control mechanism installable in the communications controller of an ISDN terminal adapter is operative to conduct in-band communications with its digital terminal device during an internet communication session between the digital terminal device and a digital communication network interface of an internet service provider. The terminal adapter monitors the data link establishment communication exchange between the network access server and the personal computer, to identify and capture internet protocol addresses for the digital terminal device and the network access interface. These addresses are then used by the terminal adapter to communicate in-band with the digital terminal device using user datagram protocol (UDP)-based messages.

Abstract: In a data communication system having a two or more channels of varying bandwidth and cost it is desirable to select a channel that meets data transfer needs and minimizes cost. In basic rate ISDN a D channel is typically used to provide low bandwidth service. When a user needs more bandwidth, the user switches to a B channel or two B channels. The automatic channel selection method and apparatus described provides a user with adjustable parameters to customize performance of a ISDN service unit. An anti-thrashing algorithm is provided to minimize frequent call setups and disconnects.