Abstract: A digital television transmitter for an ATSC or NTSC signal includes a digital vestigial sideband modulator having a digital sinusoidal source. A digital multiplier arrangement multiplies a digital signal including the information in the digital television signal by a sequence derived by the digital sinusoidal source to derive plural orthogonally phased digital product signals. A digital lowpass filter arrangement passes low frequency components of the plural digital product signals and rejects high frequency components of the plural digital product signals. A signal combiner arrangement combines a carrier with signals containing information passed by the lowpass filter arrangement necessary to derive a vestigial sideband signal. The combiner arrangement includes at least one digital to analog converter that in different embodiments derives a vestigial sideband signal that modulates an I.F. or R.F. carrier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating information between a remote location and a user. Information from the remote location or the user is received by the inventive apparatus and processed by configurable circuitry to a form that can be received and used by the intended recipient. The reconfigurable circuitry can be changed manually by a human user or remotely through the receipt of appropriate signals. Accordingly, the apparatus can be reconfigured to be able to receive information that is transmitted in different forms from those forms that are receivable before reconfiguration.

Abstract: A threshold detector for detecting synchronization signals at correlator output during packet acquisition. An RF receiver converts RF signals into baseband signals. A matched filter correlator correlates samples of the baseband signals with predetermined synchronization signals, such as long sync symbols, and provides corresponding correlation samples. A long-term integrator integrates a first predetermined number of the correlation samples to provide a long term moving average and a short term integrator integrates a second predetermined number of the correlation samples to provide a short term moving average signal. The short term moving average signal is based on channel delay spread and the long term moving average tracks channel noise. A multiplier multiplies the long term moving average signal by a scale factor to generate a dynamic threshold. A detector detects a crossover between the short term moving average and the dynamic threshold to estimate timing of received synchronization signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for carrier tracking. A center frequency of a signal is tracked by comparing spectral power contents of filtered versions of the signal. A receiver incorporates this carrier tracking. The systems and methods provide advantages because of decreased cost.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of detecting signals transmitted via frequency-shift keying techniques. An observation window encompassing a frequency band is defined and searched for received tones, the frequency spacing between received tones is calculated and compared to known FSK modulation techniques to determine whether at least part of a transmission is potentially present. The transmission may be an automatic link establishment signal. A histogram can store data on received tones. The observation window can be shifted to center a potential FSK transmission for parallel modem processing that will attempt to demodulate and decode it.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the timing position of data bursts received in a data stream, where each data burst includes a number of bits comprising a training sequence in a fixed location. The receiver includes circuitry for estimating the timing position of the data bursts received in the data stream. For each of the first N received data bursts, the receiver estimates a plurality of timing locations of the training sequence, correlates the training sequence for each estimated timing location, and determines the timing location associated with the highest correlation value. The receiver then determines the average timing location of the highest correlation values for each of the first N data bursts. For the next M data bursts the receiver estimates the timing location of each data burst based on the average timing location for the first N data bursts.

Abstract: A correlator and matched filter for use with coded transmission, such as CDMA, form new codes from the sums and differences of the original codes, where only one of the new codes is non-zero for each element position and effect hardware savings using the new codes.

Abstract: An apparatus mitigates inter-symbol interference effects on an oscillating signal from which digital data will be obtained at a receive end of a channel. The inter-symbol interference is introduced into the oscillating signal as a result of transmitting the oscillating signal through the transmission channel over a substantial distance from a transmit device to the receive end of the channel. A filter element receives an input signal from the transmit device and outputs a filtered signal within a predetermined frequency band. The filter element has a mechanism for adjusting a gain for a given range of frequencies within the predetermined frequency band. The given range of frequencies corresponds to higher frequencies in the predetermined frequency band. An amplitude determining mechanism determines a peak amplitude of the filtered signal.

Abstract: The design and performance of an analog cancellation system is presented. The system generates either narrow or wideband nulls in order to minimize the effect of interfering signals on a receiver. A microcontroller directs the detection and classification of the interfering signal relative to frequency, amplitude and modulation, such as pulse-width or continuous wave modulation. A sampled version of the interfering signal at frequency, fi, is phase-inverted, amplified, and vector-summed with the input signal stream to null the interfering signal at fi. The microcontroller also monitors and adjusts the cancellation systems' circuit parameters to minimize any residual interfering signal at fi or respond to changes in the interference. The example system operates from 100-160 MHz, and can generate wideband nulls over a 5MHz bandwidth with a 15dB depth attenuation or narrowband nulls with a Q greater than 200, and with a null depth greater than 30dB.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a method for processing signals in order to remove waveform distortion by using an equalizer, said method comprising the steps of receiving an incoming signal, preprocessing said incoming signal, estimating a channel impulse response from said received signal estimating a noise energy from said received signal, calculating filter taps by using said estimated channel impulse response and said noise energy, filtering said received signal by using said calculated filter taps by a feedforward filter means, and supplying said received signal to an equalizer means which comprises a feedback filter, to obtain a resulting signal by a decision in said equalizer means, wherein said estimated channel impulse response is partitioned into at least two parts, in said calculating step of the filter taps one of said parts of said channel impulse response being used for calculating filter taps in said calculating step of the filter taps by using a weight function.

Abstract: The method of differential communication for multiple transmitter antennas generalizes conventional coding of information in the phase shift between successive complex scalars signals used in single antenna communication to signals that are complex matrices. Each column of such a matrix represents a time sequence of signals emitted by a respective antenna of a multiple transmitter array. Preferably, the signal matrices are unitary matrices that form at least part of a finite group under multiplication. Data is encoded by making each transmitted signal the product of the previous signal and a selected one of the signal matrices.

Abstract: Received symbols are decoded in a multiple-antenna communication system using lattice-based decoding. The symbols are generated using a modulation constellation, e.g., a diagonal modulation constellation, and the constellation is characterized as a lattice for decoding purposes. For example, if a given communication link of the multiple-antenna communication system includes M transmitter antennas and a single receiver antenna, the diagonal modulation constellation can be characterized as a lattice in M dimensions. A differential decoding operation for received differential symbols involves a determination of the closest point in the lattice corresponding to the constellation. This determination may be made in an efficient manner using a basis reduction algorithm which generates an approximately orthogonal basis for the lattice, and then utilizes component-wise rounding to determine the closest point.

Abstract: A method and device for improving DFE performance in a trellis coded system by placing a short adaptive predictive filter after the DFE in order to whiten the error sequence at the output of the DFE.

Abstract: For use in a digital signal processing system, a filter implementation factors in the time difference between consecutive searches for the same signal and modifies the filter depending on the time-arrival differences of consecutive search results. An example application to which the invention is particularly well adapted is in a mobile receiver for a cellular radiotelephone communications system. In accordance with the present invention, after determining a relative arrival time of data sample sets in the stream of data samples, the mobile station includes a receiver arrangement configured to filter a stream of data samples arriving at irregular intervals, to provide a relative arrival time of data sample sets in the stream of data samples, and in response to determining the relative arrival time, to filter the data sample sets using value assignments that are exponentially weighted for the data sample sets. The data sample sets are weighted more than data sample sets arriving early.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly reliable synchronizer which provides excellent synchronization without using complicated PLL or DLL circuitry, which is simple to test, which is easily adaptable to systems which use bit-sliced data, and which does not require large chip area. The synchronizer is comprised of a first stage, a data capture circuit, preferably comprised of pair of master-slave flip-flops, that is electrically coupled to a second stage, a data selection circuit that preferably includes a FIFO comprised of N transparent latches that are electrically coupled to a multiplexer. The lack of complexity of the synchronizer design makes it smaller, faster, easier to test, and less prone to design error and manufacturing limits.

Abstract: A feed-forward symbol synchronizer (200, FIG. 2) samples symbols transmitted within one or more packets that form a burst of radio frequency (RF) energy. The symbol samples (209) are delayed in a data delay buffer (214) while a phase estimate (212) is generated for each packet. A resampler (218) resamples the delayed symbol samples based on the phase estimate, resulting in resampled data (228) that includes one sample per symbol. The resampled data is clocked into a dual-port RAM (230) using a resampling clock that is also based on the phase estimate. The resampled data is then clocked out of the dual-port RAM and into a demodulator (238) using the receiver's symbol clock (232). Also described are methods of operating the feed-forward symbol synchronizer.

Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus repeater is provided, comprising a method and apparatus for detecting a specified data pattern and regenerating or retransmitting the recognized data pattern. In some embodiments, the invention recognizes an end of sync signal, and is operable to retransmit the end of sync signal and the following data that is presumed to be valid as a result of sync recognition. In other embodiments, the invention recognizes and retransmits a properly aligned end of packet signal, the size of which is dependent on detection of whether the end of packet signal is a part of a start of frame packet.

Abstract: A system used to synchronize the clock frequency of a receiver with that of a transmitter, where both the receiver and transmitter communicate using the ADSL Annex C standard. The transmitter continuously transmits pilot tones to the receiver. The receiver determines the phase error between sequential pilot tone symbols to determine a phase error. The receiver uses the phase error to adjust the receiver clock frequency. However, if the most recently received symbol is subject to near end cross talk or is subject to far end cross talk and is a boundary symbol, the receiver ignores the phase error and does not adjust the receiver clock frequency.

Abstract: A phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit is used to synchronize data transfers between a fast clock and a slow clock domain. The data transfer can be deterministic, where the fast clocks are generated by a first PLL and the slow clocks are generated by a second PLL. The second PLL is used to create a phase relationship between the first PLL output clock and a third PLL output clock. The phase relationship can provide for a deterministic data transfer.

Abstract: A FIR chip is used in a wireless subscriber unit. The subscriber unit includes a processor for transcoding an input signal to provide digital input symbols. A received output signal is demodulated. Digital output symbols are synthesized from the demodulated output signal processor and filtered digital input symbols are provided. An internal address decoder decodes to allow the processor to access internal functions of the FIR chip. A control and status register allows the processor to read the status of and control the internal functions of the FIR chip. A FIR filter filters the digital input symbols. A transmit timer controls timing which allows the processor to control the FIR filter. A receive timer generates timing signals for timing transcoding operations and synthesizing operations connected to the processor.

Abstract: The subject apparatus provides a means to identify the presence of fissionable material or other nuclear material contained within an item to be tested. The system employs a portable accelerator to accelerate and direct protons to a fluorine-compound target. The interaction of the protons with the fluorine-compound target produces gamma rays which are directed at the item to be tested. If the item to be tested contains either a fissionable material or other nuclear material the interaction of the gamma rays with the material contained within the test item with result in the production of neutrons. A system of neutron detectors is positioned to intercept any neutrons generated by the test item. The results from the neutron detectors are analyzed to determine the presence of a fissionable material or other nuclear material.

Abstract: A lifting lug for a nuclear-waste container has a tubular body having an inner end formed with a flange adapted to be bolted to the container and a transverse wall set in and tightly fitted to a smaller-diameter outer end of the tubular body. The wall is a separate piece from the body and is press-fitted to the tubular body. The wall is mounted at a load point of the lifting lug. In addition the wall is formed of a disk and/or a ring, typically as one unitary piece with the disk and ring spaced from each other.

Abstract: A method for mitigating stress corrosion cracking in high temperature water includes introducing catalytic nanoparticles and dielectric nanoparticles to the high temperature water in an amount effective to reduce a electrochemical corrosion potential of the high temperature water.

Abstract: An X-ray flat panel detector includes sensor elements constituted by a plurality of effective pixels that detect X-rays and a plurality of dummy pixels that are arranged adjacent to the effective pixel area and generate electrical signals irrelevant to X-rays, signal lines which read out electrical signals from the respective pixels, scanning lines which scan the respective pixels, a first electrostatic wiring line which distributes static electricity accumulated in the signal lines, and a second electrostatic wiring line which distributes static electricity accumulated in the scanning lines. A plurality of dummy pixels are classified into a DA area where noise superposed on the signal lines are removed and a DB area where noise superposed on the scanning lines are removed. The first and second electrostatic wiring lines are laid out around the sensor elements, and physically disconnected between the DA area and the DB area.

Abstract: Methods for projecting and backprojecting rays with respect to pixels/detector bins to attenuate/eliminate high-frequency artifacts, are disclosed. The first two methods are adaptations of pixel-driven and ray-driven linear interpolation techniques respectively. In these techniques, the window or shadow of each pixel/bin is dynamically adjusted and projected onto the detector bin/pixel to eliminate gaps between the shadows. This allows the effect of each pixel on a given detector bin (or vice versa) to be appropriately weighted. A third is a distance-driven technique wherein the transitions of the pixels and the detector bins are respectively projected onto a common axis. This allows a determination of the contribution of each of the pixels/bins for each of the bins/pixels with lower computation time and improved artifact free images.

Abstract: To provide a radiation imaging method using a phase contrast method capable of imaging efficiently with high estimation accuracy of restoring phase. The radiation imaging method includes, the steps of: (a) sequentially detecting intensity of radiation transmitted through an object at plural distances from the object in first order by using radiation having a first wavelength to obtain a first group of image signals; (b) sequentially detecting intensity of radiation transmitted through the object at plural distances from the object in the reverse order by using radiation having a second wavelength to obtain a second group of image signals; (c) restoring phase information of the radiation based on the first and second groups of image signals to obtain plural pieces of phase data; and (d) generating image data based on the plural pieces of phase data.

Abstract: An X-ray optical system with an X-ray source, an element that focuses the X-rays and an element that reflects them. In order to generate parallel X-radiation with small beam cross-section and high photon density, the X-radiation of the X-ray source is directed with its focusing element to the convex, parabolic and reflecting surface of the reflecting element. The X-ray optical system is useful for X-ray analysis, e.g., in X-ray diffractometry, reflectometry and/or fluorescence analysis.

Abstract: A method for determining the make up of a subscriber loop via improved time-domain reflectometry techniques by analyzing the echo responses generated by transmittal of pulses onto the subscriber loop. In the method discontinuities along a loop are identified sequentially and in a step-by-step fashion by comparing the measured waveform to suitable waveforms generated on the basis of a hypothesized topology. Once the generated waveform that best matches the measured data has been found and a discontinuity identified, the waveform generated in correspondence of the loop topology identified so far is subtracted from the measured data to produce a compensated waveform, which, is more suitable for detection and location of the next echo.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for accurate transmission of ELIN/callback number from an emergency caller calling from behind a PBX/MLTS include assigning a port equipment number to each device/trunk of the PBX/MLTS and associating ports/devices with ELINs and callback numbers. The apparatus of the invention detects an emergency number, assigns the call priority, and uses the port/device number to determine the ELIN/callback number and properly transmit the ELIN/callback number optionally first over a private network and to the public network PSAP.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disseminating emergency warning information via a telecommunication network via a telecommunication network is disclosed. After a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) has decided to issue a warning regarding an impending emergency to a specific area, the LEPC dials a group emergency telephone number to issue a warning to any subscriber of the group emergency telephone number. The warning, which may be audio and/or visual, informs the subscriber of the impending emergency and/or the necessary actions that needs to be taken by the subscriber. By sending the warning via a telecommunication network, a large number of people can be contacted with specific details of the impending emergency within a short period of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for customizing a device based on a frequency response for a hearing-impaired user are disclosed. The device receives an identifier associated with a hearing-impaired user and retrieves a frequency filter associated with the hearing-impaired user from a database by providing the identifier. The device applies the frequency filter to audio signals in a call session conducted over a network for presentation to the hearing-impaired user at the device.

Abstract: A method and system for forwarding information, such as a message waiting indicator (MWI) message, to a telephone number corresponding to a foreign network (e.g., a wireless network) and a shared NPA/NXX. The invention evaluates individual telephone numbers of shared NPA/NXXs to determine to what networks to send information. In a representative embodiment, the invention uses a pseudo NPA to deliver an MWI message from a messaging service provider to a wireless (i.e., foreign network) telephone number of a shared NPA/NXX. A voicemail platform delivers to a signal transfer point an MWI message that references a pseudo NPA. The signal transfer point translates the pseudo NPA to a point code corresponding to the foreign network, and routes the MWI message to the point code. A converter of the foreign network translates the pseudo NPA back to the associated real NPA.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for generating a prompt stream in a telephony system. At least one voice prompt associated with at least one audio stream to be played to a user of the telephony system is inserted into the prompt stream. Also inserted into the prompt stream is at least one active prompt associated with computer program instructions to be executed when the prompt stream is processed. Also provided are method and apparatus for processing the prompt stream. The at least one audio stream associated with the at least one voice prompt is played to the user, and the computer program instructions associated with the at least one active prompt are executed.

Abstract: A bulk call generator is configured for measuring the response time of a telephony-based interactive response system by detecting the presence of prescribed signaling messages and in-band prompts, where the in-band prompts include tones (such as DTMF tones) recognizable by the bulk call generator. In particular, the tones enable the bulk call generator to uniquely identify a corresponding message, for example a test greeting generated by the telephony-based interactive response system, or a test message retrieved for playback by the telephony-based interactive response system. Hence, the bulk call generator can measure the response time across all channels of a telephony-based interactive response system in an economic and scalable manner, for verification that prescribed prompts and/or messages are played by the telephony-based interactive response system.

Abstract: The call screener employs a telephone system interface connected between a telephone network and a telephone device of a user. The interface selectively routes calls (and refrain from routing calls) based on the results from the dialogue system. The dialogue system elicits speech from an incoming caller and causes the telephone system interface to route calls from the incoming caller based on a comparison of the elicited speech with a set of stored speaker models. The stored speaker models may be maintained automatically by the system, using either a passive mode, in which calls exceeding a predetermined duration are assumed to be “acceptable” callers; and a proactive mode in which the system prompts the user at the end of the call to elect whether to save the speech models developed during that call in the acceptable user database.

Abstract: The system comprises an off-premises voice or fax mail system and an on-premises CPE device that can periodically interrogate the telephone line to monitor for signals indicating that a voice or fax message has been received at the off-premises message system. The on-premises CPE device contains, or is connectable to, an incoming message storage means, an automatic dialing means, a message counter means, and a means for establishing an off-hook/on-hook condition with the telephone line. When a call comes in while the telephone line is busy, the call is directed to an off-premises message center where a message is stored. Then, the central office of the telephone network generates a special signal such as a stutter dial tone to be transmitted to the called party location upon the next off-hook condition after the previous call has been completed.

Abstract: A phone-enabled Internet access system is described. The access system includes an Internet-enabled rendering system coupled to an external Internet to render web pages received via the Internet. The access system also includes a dial-up server coupled to the Internet and a telephone network to receive a voice signal from a remote telephone via the telephone network. The voice signal contains a first web address indicating a desired web page and a second web address indicating the Internet-enabled rendering system on which the desired web page is to be rendered. The dial-up server extracts the web addresses from the voice signal and causes the desired web page to be retrieved from a remote web site to the rendering system via the external Internet for rendering. A phone-enabled Internet access gateway system is also described.

Abstract: Data communication between a data sender and at least one data recipient is facilitated when the data recipient is associated with a telephone number that can not be used to access the user with a telephone call. An invention receives the telephone number associated with the data destination (data recipient) and receives an indication that data is to be communicated. The invention uses the telephone number to determine at least one characteristic of data destination/recipient. The invention also receives at least one characteristic of the data to be communicated that enable the data to be communicated to the data receiver/recipient.

Abstract: A telephony services distribution system includes a voice/data server that receives and transmits telephony data in accordance with a suitable digital communication protocol. The voice/data server is associated with a customer premise that supports a number of enhanced telephony devices, which may include wired and/or wireless telephone devices, videophone devices, facsimile devices, or the like. The customer premise may also support any number of conventional POTS telephony instruments. The voice/data server and the enhanced telephony devices communicate signaling data therebetween via a signaling technique such as the V.21 modem protocol. The signaling information conveys data associated with the status of the enhanced telephony devices, calling party and called party identification, characteristics of the incoming and outgoing calls, and/or data related to any number of operating parameters and characteristics of the system.

Abstract: A telephony method and system for enabling a logical telephone line for a telephone station coupled to a personal computer coupled to a high-bandwidth channel is provided. A telephony method and system for enabling a logical telephone line for at least one telephone station coupled to an unused internal telephone line, which is coupled to a personal computer coupled to a high-bandwidth channel is also provided.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for delivering personalized messages to a calling party who calls a called party who is engaged in an Internet session over a telephone line not capable of receiving telephone calls without interrupting the Internet connection. The called party receives a notification on her computer screen of an incoming telephone call from a calling party. A drop box on the called party's computer temporarily interrupts the called party and identifies the calling party. The called party may answer the call, forward the call to a separate telephone number, place the call on hold, send the call to voice mail, or type, select or record a personalized message that is delivered to the calling party without interrupting the Internet session. The personalized message may be a text message or a voice message. Text messages are converted from text to speech before delivery to the calling party.

Abstract: It comprises a central processing unit (CPU), to which a control panel (PC) is attached, said central processing unit (CPU) being connected to the input of a power control circuit (CCP) that selectively controls the opening and closing of a set of valves of hydraulic systems for the passage of hot water (Q), cold water (F), sinking and draining (Ed) and of odoriferous essence (E); said central processing unit (CPU), besides being controlled by the control panel (PC), allows the remote control by means of data receiving and transmitting interfaces (IT, IRF, IES) which are directly and individually connected to the relevant central processing unit (CPU); a voice synthesizing circuit (CSV) that interconnects the central processing unit (CPU) with the data receiving and transmitting interfaces (IT) being provided; the central processing unit (CPU) being connected to an analog-to-digital converting circuit (CCAD), which in turn receives the signals from the sensors (S) physically disposed in strategic places on th

Abstract: A method and system include restricting destinations of a telephone call from a calling station, which has been assigned a privilege class. A service control point (SCP) stores blocking tables, based on privilege classes, and a privilege class control table, which associates the blocking tables with each privilege class. The SCP ascertains the assigned privilege class of the calling station and determines whether the telephone call corresponds to one of the types of blocking tables. When the telephone call does correspond, the SCP determines whether the assigned privilege class corresponds to the blocking table that corresponds to the attempted call. When there is no privilege class correspondence, the SCP bypasses validation of the called number. When there is privilege class correspondence, the SCP validates the called number and blocks the call when the called number is validated or continues call processing when the called number is not validated.

Abstract: A flexible network platform and call processing system are disclosed. The call processing system includes a particular call processing architecture and a resource managing system which allow new services to be implemented rapidly. An OAM&P subsystem and systems for performing data provisioning and service creation are each provided for use with the disclosed call processing system. The call processing system may include a call processing mechanism for performing call processing in accordance with defined service logic, and call processing resources connected to the call processing mechanism. The call processing resources are designed so that any service logic unit may be linked to any particular event that might occur in connection with the call processing system. A resource managing system is also disclosed for assigning resources for use by a call processing system. A resource is assigned in response to a request made by the call processing system specified capability.

Abstract: A system and method provide a call service features in response to call control information conveyed by a monitored bearer channel in a telecommunications network. A bearer channel monitor captures the call control information and relays the information to a call control application server. The call control application server analyzes the call control information, and provides call control instructions to a call control node that operates in the telecommunications network to effect the call service. The call control node serves as one or more virtual switching points in the network to directly control call routing without disconnecting a called or calling party, unless required as part of a service feature. Control from a center of the telecommunications network provides rapid and efficient call control without use of edge devices or duplication of bearer channels in the network.

Abstract: A telecommunications server (12) includes a timed recall request unit (202) coupled to a timer (200). The timed recall request unit (202) interfaces to the call park service (100) and/or the call hold service (101). When a request for a call park or call hold is made, the user is given the option of electing timed recall or no recall. If a timed recall is desired, the timed recall request unit (202) is accessed to permit the user to either accept a default length of time or to input a desired length of time. If the user manually retrieves the held or parked call prior to expiration of the timer, the timer (200) is reset.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and system for processing a telephone call to an on-line subscriber, when the subscriber telephone line is busy as a result of the on-line connection. The incoming call is forwarded to a server, where the calling station is given an option to leave a recorded message and particulars of the call (date and time) and calling station (telephone number and caller identification) are stored in a call-back list server. The system sends an alerting message to the data terminal of the on-line subscriber, where an icon, representing calls stored in the call-back list, is displayed to the subscriber. The subscriber may review particulars of calls stored in the call-back list and may return calls while remaining on-line using Internet telephony, or by other means, such as a TAPI interface. The subscriber may also review or retrieve stored messages in the voice-mail server while remaining on-line.

Abstract: Procedure for the transmission of operation control functions in a telecommunication system comprising a local exchange, a user interface provided in the system, an access node connected to the local exchange via a V5 interface, a wireless local loop system connected to the access node and a terminal device connected to the access node via the wireless local loop system. In the procedure, the operation control functions are generated in the access node on the basis of input supplied via the user interface, and transmitted in the form of short messages directly from the access node to the terminal device.

Abstract: Splitting circuitry receives external telecommunications lines and splits them into corresponding primary and secondary lines for implementing an N:l sparing arrangement in an associated telecommunications system. Sparing circuitry receives the secondary lines and includes selection circuitry and a sparing bus, where the selection circuitry selectively connects a desired group of secondary lines to the sparing bus in response to a selection control signal. Preferably, the telecommunications system routes communications traffic between subscriber equipment connected via the external telecommunications lines and a larger communications network using N primary line interfaces coupled with the primary lines. When desired, the telecommunications system controls the sparing circuitry such that secondary lines corresponding to a group of primary lines associated with a given primary line interface connect to the spare line interface.

Abstract: A method for optimizing an established call routed across a network from an originating exchange to a destination exchange over a first connection path. The first connection path features a path metric of interest, such as administrative weight. A second connection path is identified which features an improved path metric, the path is made operative and the call is directed over the second connection path. Thereafter, the first connection path may be dismantled. The second connection path is preferably identified by signalling a call set-up message over the network, wherein the message incorporates a reporting field and each transiting exchange propagating the message updates the reporting field until it specifies the path metric of the replacement connection path traversed by the call set-up message. A connect message incorporating the reporting field back is signalled back to the originating exchange from the destination exchange.