Abstract: A telecommunications system has identical access terminal shelves and an intershelf bus interconnecting each shelf. Each access terminal shelf has transmission card slots constructed to accept different types of transmission cards that use different types of transmission media to communicate with remote telecommunications equipment and a processor programmed to determine whether transmissions from the remote telecommunications equipment are to be transferred to the intershelf bus for connection completion.

Abstract: A method of switching subscriber calls is disclosed that includes receiving a subscriber call request on an access terminal, determining whether the access terminal is in communication with a telecommunications network and routing the subscriber call request through alternate telecommunications equipment if the access terminal is not in communication with the telecommunications network.

Abstract: A telecommunications system includes an access terminal coupled to subscriber lines, a local exchange carrier (LEC) network, and a channel unit card coupling the access terminal to the LEC network. The channel unit card includes a processor configured to convert call processing signals received from the LEC network and formatted according to a protocol used by the LEC network to a message-oriented signal whose format is independent of the protocol used by the LEC network. The message-oriented signal then can be delivered to the access terminal. The channel unit card processor is further configured to convert message-oriented signals representing call processing communications received from the access terminal and having a format independent of a protocol recognized by the LEC network to one or more signals formatted according to the protocol recognized by the LEC network. The signals converted to the format recognized by the LEC network then can be routed to the LEC network.

Abstract: A method of providing a control channel between first and second access terminals in a digital loop carrier, includes forming a pool of channels coupling the first and second terminals wherein each member of the pool can be assigned either to serve as the control channel or as a data channel. A member of the pool is dynamically assigned as the control channel. The control channel can be used to convey information regarding assignment of data channels to handle an incoming or outgoing call.

Abstract: A telecommunications terminal is provided that is compatible with, and capable of connecting to, a cellular switch. Also provided are a protocol engine programmed to convert signals used in the terminal to a protocol required by the cellular switch and a service element programmed to generate wireline services for wireline subscribers.

Abstract: A telecommunications system includes an access terminal coupled to subscriber lines, a local exchange carrier (LEC) network, and a channel unit card coupling the access terminal to the LEC network. The channel unit card includes a processor configured to convert call processing signals received from the LEC network and formatted according to a protocol used by the LEC network to a message-oriented signal whose format is independent of the protocol used by the LEC network. The message-oriented signal then can be delivered to the access terminal. The channel unit card processor is further configured to convert message-oriented signals representing call processing communications received from the access terminal and having a format independent of a protocol recognized by the LEC network to one or more signals formatted according to the protocol recognized by the LEC network. The signals converted to the format recognized by the LEC network then can be routed to the LEC network.

Abstract: A method of providing a control channel between first and second access terminals in a digital loop carrier, includes forming a pool of channels coupling the first and second terminals wherein each member of the pool can be assigned either to serve as the control channel or as a data channel. A member of the pool is dynamically assigned as the control channel. The control channel can be used to convey information regarding assignment of data channels to handle an incoming or outgoing call.