Abstract: An approach for cost effective backhaul services in terrestrial mobile communications systems is provided. Data traffic over a terrestrial communications path between a cell site and a core network of a cellular communications network is monitored. The presence of a threshold level of congestion over the terrestrial communications path is determined. Appropriate portions of the data traffic for transfer to a satellite communications link between the cell site and the core network of the cellular communications network are determined. The determined portions of the data traffic are transferred from the terrestrial communications path to the satellite communications link. Once the threshold level of congestion over the terrestrial communications path has subsided, the determined portions of the data traffic are transferred from the satellite communications link back to the terrestrial communications path.

Abstract: An approach is provided for communicating in a wireless network, such as a point-to-multipoint (PMP) system. A message that contains addressing information corresponding to one of the plurality of terminals is received by a radio terminal. The terminal electronically steers a beam of an antenna in response to the addressing information. The address information may also be used to specify the modulation type and coding level.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for communicating a wireless signal between an integrated wireless Digital Subscriber Line Multiplexer (WDSLAM) and a wireless hub via a wireless link. The wireless signal includes status information concerning queue utilization levels within the WDSLAM. Upon receiving the wireless signal, the wireless hub determines the queue utilization levels of the WDSLAM and selectively allocates bandwidth among WDSLAMs ensuring efficient utilization of bandwidth.

Abstract: The present invention switch transcoder (18) provides transcoding of speech for a cellular system in which speech from a plurality of E1 lines (7) may be compressed for outputting to a much smaller number of T1 lines (8) so that multiple conversations greater in number than previously possible can be carried on at the same time. The transcoding and switching of speech between the E1 and T1 lines are effected on a single module (30) which has thereon the control processor (42), voice processors (44) and appropriate interfaces (36, 40).