Abstract: A point-to-multipoint communications network connecting multiple subscribers to a single communications line. A plurality of subscriber communications interfaces are connected in parallel to form a local group in which one communications interface serves as a master communications interface and the other communications interfaces serve as slaves. Each communications interface may be capable of serving as the master communications interface according to a demand division multiplexing technique, which assigns master status based on upstream data demands. As a communications interface is switched to master status, the communications interface previously holding master status is switched back to slave status. A plurality of communications interfaces can thus be connected to a single communications port without increasing the upstream transmission bandwidth requirements.

Abstract: A method and device for avoiding signal cancellation caused by a unterminated bridge taps, provides a cable extension, preferably in the form of a pair of coils having an impedance matching the impedance of the telephone wire, respectively coupling the conductors in each bridge tap to the incoming ring and tip conductors. The cable extension increases the effective length of the bridge tap, thereby eliminating destructive interference between the incoming telecommunications signal and the signal reflected from the unterminated end. In the preferred embodiment the cable extension is adaptable to various lengths by a switching network.

Abstract: A point-to-multipoint communications network connecting multiple subscribers to a single communications line at the service provider distribution equipment, for example in a DSL communications system. A plurality of subscriber communications interfaces are connected in parallel to form a local group in which, at any particular point in time, only one communications interface serves as a master communications interface and the other communications interfaces serve as slaves. Each communications interface may be capable of serving as the master communications interface according to a demand division multiplexing technique, which assigns master status based on upstream data demands.