Abstract: A communication system provides PSTN access to a user device coupled to a packet network over a packet connection. The user device exchanges telephony signaling and telephony communications in an analog format with an analog telephone, exchanges the telephony signaling and the telephony communications in the packet format over the packet connection, and exchanges Internet communications over the packet connection. A service node exchanges the telephony signaling in the packet format with the user device, processes the telephony signaling to select a PSTN connection, transfers a control message indicating the PSTN connection, and exchanges the telephony signaling in a PSTN format with the PSTN. An interworking unit receives the control message, and in response, exchanges the telephony communications in the packet format with the user device and exchanges the telephony communications in the PSTN format with the selected PSTN connection.

Abstract: The invention is a residential communication hub for a communication system that provides communications services to an end-user. The residential hub is connected to the communications system over a DSL connection. The residential hub converts voice traffic to ATM for transmission over the DSL connection. The communications system includes broadband networks and a service node to facilitate communications services for the end-user.

Abstract: A communication system provides PSTN access to a user device coupled to a packet network over a packet connection. The user device exchanges telephony signaling and telephony communications in an analog format with an analog telephone, exchanges the telephony signaling and the telephony communications in the packet format over the packet connection, and exchanges Internet communications over the packet connection. A service node exchanges the telephony signaling in the packet format with the user device, processes the telephony signaling to select a PSTN connection, transfers a control message indicating the PSTN connection, and exchanges the telephony signaling in a PSTN format with the PSTN. An interworking unit receives the control message, and in response, exchanges the telephony communications in the packet format with the user device and exchanges the telephony communications in the PSTN format with the selected PSTN connection.

Abstract: The invention is a communications system that provides communications services to an end-user. The system includes a residential hub that is connected to the communications system over a DSL connection. The residential hub converts voice traffic to ATM for transmission over the DSL connection. The communications system includes an asynchronous communication system that is connected to a POTS system. The asynchronous communication system converts the ATM transmission to a PSTN format and transfers the PSTN format to the POTS system.

Abstract: The invention comprises a series of architectures that are implemented in four phases to provide a migration path from an initial ATM service offering to a full service ATM network. The initial ATM network includes several metropolitan ATM networks that are interconnected by a core ATM network. Each metropolitan ATM network includes a service node that controls ATM network elements to deliver services. In Phase I, a business hub that is connected to the metropolitan ATM network integrates voice, data, and Internet traffic over a single ATM connection that contains permanent Virtual Connections (PVCs) to various destinations, such as other business hubs, a gateway to local and long distance networks, the Internet, a frame relay network. In Phase II, the architecture is extended to smaller business markets. Businesses are provided with the PVC-based ATM service using xDSL/ATM connections that are multiplexed at a central office and then provided to the service node over the metropolitan ATM network.

Abstract: The invention is an ATM communications system that provides the option of advanced communications services or conventional telephone service to the customer. Advantageously, the ATM communications system does not require the widespread deployment of class 5 telephone switches to provide telephone service. A residential communications hub is located at a residence and communicates with the telephones at the residence using the analog telephony format. The residential communications hub converts between the analog telephony format and the ATM format. The residential communications hub is connected to a DSL mux by telephone wiring that carries the ATM/DSL format. The residential communications hub and the DSL mux communicate using the ATM/DSL format. The DSL mux converts between the ATM/DSL format and the ATM/SONET format. The DSL mux is connected to the an ATM switch by a broadband connection that carries the ATM/SONET format. The DSL mux and the ATM switch communicate using the ATM/SONET format.

Abstract: The invention is a communications system that provides communications services to an end-user. The system includes a residential hub that is connected to the communications system over a DSL connection. The residential hub converts voice traffic to ATM for transmission over the DSL connection. The communications system includes broadband networks and a service node to facilitate communications services for the end-user.