Abstract: In a broadband communications network, bandwidth is allocated to bearer channels for a circuit connected service, such as narrowband telephony. The allocated bandwidth is changed automatically as a function of time so as to track expected changes in demand for bearer channels. When the number of allocated channels falls from its peak value, then at the access node some of the channels may be marked as blocked.

Abstract: When a public switched telephone network (PSTN) subscriber (28) is occupying their telephone link to connect a personal computer to a computer network, the method provides automatic redirection of an incoming call to said telephone link to a subscriber proxy (38) connected to the PSTN (30) for producing audio interaction with the caller. The subscriber proxy is also connected to said computer network and is capable of sending and receiving messages over said computer network to the subscriber's computer thereby providing the subscriber with a capability to receive notification on said computer of the PSTN call attempt. Optionally, the subscriber has a further capability to interact with said computer to operate the proxy to control and interact with the incoming voice telephone call while the subscriber continues to occupy their telephone link connecting their computer to the computer network.