Abstract: A system and method are provided for special signaling with customer premises equipment. The system includes loop termination equipment coupled to a local loop and comprising a signal generator. The system also includes customer premises equipment coupled to the local loop. The customer premises equipment and loop termination equipment are operable to communicate across a communication link established on the local loop. The loop termination equipment is further operable to control characteristics of a signal generated by the signal generator and to provide the signal to the customer premises equipment as special signaling where the signal has a frequency that does not substantially interfere with voice traffic on the local loop. The special signaling can be used to implement enhanced service to the customer premises including busy signal, queued data request processing, push data and telephony services.

Abstract: The control unit of a wireless telephone apparatus includes transmission and reception control unit for controlling both transmission processor and reception processor, and received sound wave analyzing unit or data communication unit, so that character information can be simultaneously sent or received between wireless telephone apparatuses capable of making a call or data communication.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a communication system able to connect at least two voice and/or data communication terminals, linked to said system directly or through an external, local or national communication network.

Abstract: In order to obtain further instruction from connected ISDN terminals, a service resource function is provided. The function is responsive to data carried over a separate data network to provide a prompt and collect service to a user of ISDN. The invention allows the addition of prompt and collect services such as account allocation to be provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for handling incoming or intra-office calls when a telephone subscriber having a POTS, (Plain Old Telephone Service) telephone instrument and line connecting that customer to a serving switch, is connected to an Internet service provider for providing communications to the Internet. The bandwidth of the customer's line is divided into a lower band for providing communications, and a higher band for transmitting signaling and control information. When an incoming or intra-office call is received while the customer is connected to the Internet, the signal channel is used to transmit information which can be displayed to the called customer providing information about the call. If the called customer wishes to answer the call, the called customer can signal over the signaling channel a request that the incoming or intra-office call be completed.

Abstract: An inband signaling modem communicates digital data over a voice channel of a wireless telecommunications network. An input receives digital data. An encoder converts the digital data into audio tones that synthesize frequency characteristics of human speech. The digital data is also encoded to prevent voice encoding circuitry in the telecommunications network from corrupting the synthesized audio tones representing the digital data. An output then outputs the synthesized audio tones to a voice channel of a digital wireless telecommunications network.

Abstract: A multimode personal communication system including at least one personal communication device (PCD) that communicates via wireless transmitter and receiver with at least one multiplexing communication device (MCD) for transmitting and receiving voice communication with local and remote persons via conventional telephone mode, wireless telephone mode, wireless data mode, and/or dataline data mode, based upon the PCD user's proximity to the at least one MCD and the least cost provider or other predetermined protocol for the particular voice communication. A method of using the system is also included in the present invention.

Abstract: A data network telephony (DNT) wireless communication system has a base station connected to a DNT-capable data network and to a plurality of wireless transceivers, each transceiver transmitting to a distinct area, the base station adapted to operate the transceivers by a two-way, narrow-band, multiple-channel, real-time duplex radio protocol, and a plurality of portable computer-enhanced client communicator units, including microphone and speaker apparatus, each assigned a unique address and adapted to communicate with the base station via the transceivers by the two-way real-time radio protocol and to process DNT calls. The wireless system operates as a carrier-sense multiple access system with collision detection (CSMA/CD).

Abstract: A system for extending the effective distance of digital subscriber line service is provided. The system includes a central office terminal having a data interface and a plurality of line units. The system further includes at least one communication link, coupled to one of the plurality of line units, that carries signals using digital subscriber line service and at least one remote access multiplexer, coupled to the at least one communication link. The at least one remote access multiplexer includes a plurality of ports that are adapted to provide digital subscriber line service. The remote access multiplexer is adapted to multiplex signals between the plurality of ports and the at least one communication link. Further, the at least one remote access multiplexer is located at a distance from the central office terminal so as to provide digital subscriber line service to user terminals that are located more than 12 kilofeet from the central office terminal.

Abstract: A method and system for secure routing of information and addressing of a service and of the parties to the service in a telecommunication system that includes a telecommunication terminal, a telecommunication network, a service provider connected to the telecommunication network, a service apparatus connected to the telecommunication network, and a communication link between the telecommunication terminal and the service apparatus. The service apparatus and/or the service indicated by the apparatus, and the telecommunication terminal, are each provided with an unambiguous identifier associated with predetermined encryption and/or digital signing keys. A given service apparatus is addressed by means of the telecommunication terminal by sensing a predetermined connection setup request from the telecommunication terminal to the service apparatus.

Abstract: A communication content recording apparatus supporting a digital communication such as ISDN is provided. A communication content recording apparatus includes receivers for receiving data transmitted/received between communication terminal units through ISDN, protocol processors for processing a frame on a signal channel received by the receiver according to a protocol, an information channel processor for converting the data on the information channel received by the receivers to data whose format is compatible with being recorded in a recording medium, and a protocol controller for controlling start and stop of the processing of the information channel processor according to messages which are obtained on the basis of a processing result in the protocol processors.

Abstract: A data transmission method and system, wherein a transmitter unit adds a sequence number, which represents the transmission sequence of the transmission data packets to each of the transmission data packets to be transmitted before the transmission of data via a data transmission link. A receiver unit evaluates the respective sequence number of the transmission data packets after their reception. By comparing the sequence number of the respectively newly received transmission data packet with the sequence numbers of previously received transmission data packets, it is determined whether transmission data packets which lie before the respectively received transmission data packet in the transmission sequence have not yet been received and processed. These transmission data packets are then marked as temporarily missing and made available with this marking for further evaluation.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided for facilitating combined xDSL and POTS communication across a two wire pair. The apparatus includes a first communication port for communication with a central office across a two wire pair, and a second communication port for communication with a customer premises across a two wire pair. A splitter, or tap, is disposed at the first communication port for splitting a combined xDSL and POTS signal into a first and second signal path. A low pass filter is disposed in the first signal path for filtering the xDSL signal from the combined signal in the first signal path, leaving only the low-frequency (POTS frequency) signals. A circuit is disposed in the second signal path that is configured to filter the POTS signal from the combined signal, leaving only the xDSL signal.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention uses an abbreviated blanking period, in comparison to the standard VESA and CEA-EIA blanking periods, in order to send data, including low bandwidth, non-timing information, over one or more channels of the digital video link. By shortening the blanking period, the amount of time available for sending data in each scan line is increased, enabling the system to send more data over each channel. The inactive video portion of a scan line sent during vertical sync may also be used to send additional digital data. Shortening the blanking periods and/or using the inactive video sections of the horizontal scan lines adds to the overall data capacity of the link and may be used to send other digital data, such as multi-channel audio, video, control, timing, closed captioning or other digital data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for service multiplexing over telephone networks which employ bridged tap construction to allow the simultaneous delivery of different services to physically separated subscribers over a shared single pair of wires. Service is provided to one or more subscribers by connecting them to an open-circuited branch or directly with the working portion of the shared line. Service filters are used at appropriate locations in the network topology to couple or isolate the different communication channels. The wire pairs are used to simultaneously carry different services to physically separated subscribers, i.e., a portion of a common line carries one service to one location and a second service to another location. Telecommunication services are partitioned to occupy separate frequency bands in the spectrum of the transmission line using frequency division multiplexing (FDM) techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for the control of a first station (2) in a switched data network (1) by a second station (9) in the switched data network (1), the communication between stations of the switched data network (1) taking place via one or more point-to-point connections in transmission cycles which are synchronous with one another; for the transmission of a reference value from a first station (2) of a switched data network (1) to a second station (9) of the switched data network (1), the communication between stations of the switched data network (1) taking place via one or more point-to-point connections in transmission cycles which are synchronous with one another; for the transmission of input values and output values between an input/output station (45) and a control unit (40) via a switched data network (1); for the transmission of a data telegram with applications data via a switched data network (1); and for the generation of a relative clock (68) in a station (58) of a switc

Abstract: A subscriber bus interface (SBI) frame format provides discrimination between asymmetrical digital subscriber line (ADSL) signal traffic and non-ADSL traffic. In the frame format, ASDL identification tag (AIT) bits are assigned to a higher order byte of an SBI time slot of an SBI frame for identifying whether or not a line card transmitting the SBI frame is an ADSL line card. Further, an overhead byte is assigned to a lower order byte of the SBI time slot. The overhead byte includes cell type indicator bits for indicating if the SBI frame contains asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) payload bytes found in ADSL signal traffic. The AIT bits of the higher order byte include an alternating pattern of binary “0”s and “1”s to prevent accidental generation of the AIT bits by a non-ADSL line card.

Abstract: A method of monitoring carriers in a multi-carrier communication system (10) enables unused carriers to periodically transmit data during real-time operation so that the carrier characteristics such as Signal-to-Noise Ratio values and equalizers may be updated regularly. Based on the updated information, bit swapping, dynamic rate adaption, and other features may be readily implemented.

Abstract: The present invention provides an information speech system that can reduce the time that the user waits for connection to the network in a so called mobile environment. Menu information is transmitted from an information station to a mobile terminal by utilizing text broadcasting, so that the number of times of connection of the mobile terminal to the network can be reduced.

Abstract: The production of an interleaved multimedia stream for servers and client computers coupled to each other by a diverse computer network which includes local area networks (LANs) and/or wide area networks (WANs) such as the internet. Interleaved multimedia streams can include compressed video frames for display in a video window, accompanying compressed audio frames and annotation frames. In one embodiment, a producer captures separate video/audio frames and generates an interleaved multimedia file. In another embodiment, the interleaved file include annotation frames which provide either pointer(s) to the event(s) of interest or include displayable data embedded within the annotation stream. The interleaved file is then stored in the web server for subsequent retrieval by client computer(s) in a coordinated manner, so that the client computer(s) is able to synchronously display the video frames and displayable event(s) in a video window and event window(s), respectively.

Abstract: A method of encoding an audio sequence with synchronized data is provided. An audio sample and a data sample is provided. The audio sample is converted into an audio signal. The data sample is converted into a data signal. The data signal includes a plurality of data segments. Finally, the audio signal is encoded with the data signal to form an audio sequence. The audio sequence includes a plurality of frames. Each frame includes at least one field for receiving at least one data segment of the data signal.

Abstract: An open architecture platform bypasses data from the facilities of a telecommunications carrier, e.g. an incumbent local exchange carrier, by distinguishing between voice and data traffic, and handling voice and data traffic separately. An SS7 gateway receives and transmits SS7 signaling messages with the platform. When signaling for a call arrives, the SS7 gateway informs a control server on the platform. The control server manages the platform resources, including the SS7 gateway, tandem network access servers (NASs) and modem NASs. A tandem NAS receives the call over bearer channels. The control server determines whether the incoming call is voice traffic or data traffic, by the dialed number, and instructs the tandem NAS how to handle the call. Voiced traffic is transmitted to a switch for transmission from the platform. Data traffic is terminated at a modem NAS, where it is converted into a form suitable for a data network, such as a private data network or an Internet services provider (ISP).

Abstract: A driver and methods therefore provide automated testing of USB client devices in real-time. The driver may use the layered driver or filter driver feature in Microsoft® Windows® Driver Model (WDM) layered architecture for the Microsoft Windows operating system. The driver may be inserted between the USB bus driver and the USB client driver stack. The driver may intercept, inspect, and modify the requests between the client drivers and the bus driver.

Abstract: A communications device (100) with an extended filter (74) provides more bandwidth for V.34, V.90 and other data communications protocols. The device (100) permits voice and data communications over the same twisted pair connection (22) to a central office facility (35) and allows an increased data rate between a subscriber (15) and the central office linecard (50). A variable frequency filter (74) capable of switching between “voice” mode and “data” mode is used. In “data” mode, the bandwidth of filter (74) is extend to provide more bandwidth which can be utilized to transfer data. A line monitoring mechanism (102) is provided which monitors the PCM data flowing over a digital backplane (60) as well as requests from a subscriber for an increased data rate connection. A micro-controller (104) can be provided to adjust the bandwidth of the filter (74) and cause it to enter “data” mode.

Abstract: Methods for broadband multimedia telecommunication include broadcasting a large selection of video streams via fiber optic to local switches which are coupled to customers by POTS lines and providing video streams, high QOS voice and VDSL data service from the local switch to customer premises. Signals from customer premises equipment communicate to the local switch to select up to four simultaneous video streams (out of hundreds available). According to the presently preferred embodiment, video, data, and digital voice service are provided via ATM cells to the local switch where they are multiplexed with lifeline POTS service and transmitted to the customer premises via ATM cells Multicast video streams are duplicated at the point in the switch closest to the customer.

Abstract: A method and system for distributing broadband digital and telephone signals arriving at a subscriber's home simultaneously over existing in-house four wire quad cable. The combined telephone and broadband signals entering the house are split upon entering the house and the broadband signals are converted to a locally generated broadband digital signal whose power spectral density is not distorted by recovery of the telephone signal, such as a 10Base-T signal. The locally generated combined broadband digital signals and telephone signals are distributed to broadband transceivers where the telephone signals and broadband digital signals are applied to telephones and broadband service termination devices, respectively.

Abstract: A method and system for providing POTS/xDSL services line sharing for multiple subscribers over the same twisted wire pair is disclosed herein. The lower end of a twisted wire pair's spectrum is used to deliver narrowband services such as POTS to a first subscriber while the higher end of the spectrum is used for high-speed services such as video or data destined to a second subscriber. A POTS splitter remotely located from the central office (CO) separates the POTS signals from the XDSL signals and forwards each signal to its destined subscriber.

Abstract: An operational support system (OSS) processing orders for high bandwidth connections on based on digital subscriber loop (DSL) technology. The OSS pre-qualifies the services based on data identifying a user location and on the availability of any resources which may be needed exclusively for the user location to provide the service. A port on a DSL access multiplexor (DSLAM) is an example of such a resource. By reserving such resources around (before or after) the pre-qualification stage, the OSS may ensure that the service order can be fulfilled with an enhanced probability.

Abstract: A system and method for providing digital subscriber line service that uses a cross-connect switch to switch in new connections and switch out obsolete connections.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a method and apparatus for interoperability between CTX and DTX communications systems during transmissions of silence or background noise. Continuous eighth rate encoded noise frames are translated to discontinuous SID frames for transmission to DTX systems. Discontinuous SID frames are translated to continuous eighth rate encoded noise frames for decoding by a CTX system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for use in connection with an asymmetrical digital subscriber line (ADSL) system being available to provide voice service and data service to the customer's premises. One service of the voice service or the data service is in use at the customer's premises, and the exemplary methods and systems detect a request for provision of the other service. In response to the detection, impact information may be provided on performance of the one service in light of concurrent use of the other service. A list of modes of operation of the other service is provided. The subscriber may consider the impact information and the list of modes and respond with a selected mode of operation of the other service. The selected mode is detected and the other service is operated pursuant to the selected mode to the customer's premises.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention attempts completion of one call, while at least one call is in progress, between terminal equipment and a telecommunications network where the terminal equipment is connected by a point-of-attachment having a single phone number to a public switched telephone network where a dial tone is provided to the premises. Multiple calls are now allowed with an analog interface to the public switched telephone network. At least one call and control channel are combined into a modulated analog signal having a separate channel for each call and transmitted through a modulation/demodulation device as a modulated analog signal to the public switched telephone network. The modulated analog signal is split into respective calls and control channel. Each call is forwarded to a respective remote device based on the identity information and auxiliary information received through the control channel.

Abstract: An automatic, adaptive voice/data Ethernet device with automatic assignment of quality of service is disclosed. When a “short” packet arrives (where short can be a default value or a configured value, if desired), it is tagged and a table is searched based upon the packet's information. If there is no table entry, the packet's arrival time and size are entered into the table. If a table entry is found, a new interval is calculated by subtracting the last arrival time from the tagged value. If the new interval is approximately the same as the old interval, then the packet is sent to the appropriate output queue. If the new interval time is different than the old interval, the interval value is cleared. The present invention can improve the quality of service by reducing jitter.

Abstract: A public switched telephone network (PSTN) provides communication of digital data from a data provider or LAN to one or more of a plurality of subscriber premises. Asymmetrical digital subscriber line interface units operating at variable rates and in variable modes (ADSL/AVRs) over a local loop offer one-way video-on-demand and other services and carry the necessary signalling between the subscribers and information providers. In an asymmetric mode, the interface units frequency multiplex digital information with voice information to the subscriber and support transmission of a reverse control channel from the subscriber to the central office for transmission back to the information provider. Other modes are supported which permit selective bi-directional and reversible communications as well.

Abstract: Methods and systems for use in connection with an asymmetrical digital subscriber line (ADSL) system being available to provide voice service and data service to the customer's premises. One service of the voice service or the data service is in use at the customer's premises, and the exemplary methods and systems detect a request for provision of the other service. In response to the detection, impact information may be provided on performance of the one service in light of concurrent use of the other service. A list of modes of operation of the other service is provided. The subscriber may consider the impact information and the list of modes and respond with a selected mode of operation of the other service. The selected mode is detected and the other service is operated pursuant to the selected mode to the customer's premises.

Abstract: An asymmetric modem communications system achieves high speed data transfers through a telephone network that includes both digital and analog communications mediums. In general, the system includes means for concurrently communicating first and second signals, respectively, in opposite directions along the connection between the communications devices and modem for modulating the first and second signals with different modulation techniques. The communications occur in full duplex manner. In a possible implementation, a digital modem is interfaced to a digital network. The digital network is connected with a coder/decoder (codec). The codec is interfaced with a two-wire analog telephone connection, sometimes referred to as a copper loop. The telephone connection is interfaced with an analog modem. Both the digital and analog modems have a transmitter and a receiver.

Abstract: A digital simultaneous voice and data (DSVD) system includes a communication random access memory (COMMRAM) driver and interface for dynamically remapping COMMRAM memory contents. The communication RAM is portable to selected hardware including direct memory address (DMA) based communications equipment and is connected between a digital signal processor (DSP) and a control processor (CP).

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention completes at least two calls originating from terminal equipment located at a premises and connected by a point-of-attachment having a single phone number to a public switched telephone network where a dial tone is provided to the premises. Multiple calls are now allowed with an analog interface to the public switched telephone network. At least two calls and control channel are combined into a modulated analog signal having a separate channel for each call and transmitted through a modulation/demodulation device as a modulated analog signal to the public switched telephone network. The modulated analog signal is split into respective calls and control channel. Each call is forwarded to a respective remote device based on the identity information and auxiliary information received through the control channel.

Abstract: Outgoing multi-media data components are provided in a communication system and method implemented under control of a user interface program. Each of the outgoing multi-media data components includes one or more types of information (e.g., textual information, graphical information, and audio information). Two or more outgoing multi-media data components are combined under control of a local user via input to the user interface program resulting in combined outgoing multi-media mail. At least one of the two or more outgoing multi-media data components is of a type of information different than another of the two or more outgoing multi-media data components. The combined outgoing multi-media mail is provided for communication to a remote location.

Abstract: A multiplexing system and method for conveying simultaneously a multiplicity of digital communication channels over a single transmission medium. Multiplexing is effected by transforming the digital bitstream of each incoming channel to a digitally-represented sound bitstream and transmitting all of the digitally-represented sound bitstreams over the single medium. Digital bitstreams carried on each incoming channel entering the system which are in the form of binary “on” and “off” bits, are converted into a digital stream of corresponding sound bits. Each sound bitstream is rendered distinctive and non-interfering with other streams during simultaneous transmission over the common medium by having the digitally-represented sound bits of each bitstream derived from a unique prime number Hertz frequency.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing customer premises with broadband data communication services access and narrowband telecommunication services access using a cable from a public communications network are presented. A distribution network having a number of jacks at the customer premises location is provided and ADSL technology is implemented. The distribution network is used as a distribution network for both higher frequency signals used for broadband communication and lower frequency signals used for narrowband communication. At least one jack is used for connection of a splitter filter for separating higher frequency signals from lower frequency signals. A broadband access device is connected to a high frequency port of the splitter filter and a narrowband access device is connected to a low frequency port of the splitter filter. Each of said broadband and narrowband access devices includes a number of user interfaces for accessing the broadband and narrowband services.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the transmission quality in a packet-oriented data transmission network, wherein time-critical data is transmitted over a packet-oriented data transmission network having a number of communications equipment units which are networked to one another.

Abstract: In order to be able to transmit continuous and/or discontinuous data streams in a hybrid telecommunication system, particularly a “ISDN⇄DECT-specific RLL/WLL” system, given minimal technical outlay, for example with respectively separate data ports (data inputs and data outputs), a plurality of second telecommunication channels (for example, DECT channels) adapted to the analyzed data transmission situation is respectively set up dependent on the analysis of the data transmission situation on a first telecommunication channel or, respectively, channels (for example, the ISDN B-channel or, respectively, B-channels).

Abstract: Two related voiceband compression techniques are employed in order to enable an RF telecommunications system to accommodate data signals of high speed voiceband modems and FAX machines. A High Speed Codec enables the telecommunications system to pass voiceband modem and FAX transmissions at up to 9.6 kb/s. An Ultra-High Speed Codec supports voiceband modem and FAX transmissions up to 14.4 kb/s. The High Speed Codec operates using three 16-phase RF slots or four 8-phase RF slots, and the Ultra-High Speed Codec operates using four 16-phase RF slots. Because these codecs transmit information over several RF slots which can be contiguous, the slots within RF communication channels are dynamically allocated. The Dynamic Timeslot/Bandwidth Allocation feature detects and monitors the data transmission and forms a data channel from the necessary number of slots.

Abstract: A Digital-Subscriber Line (DSL) modem dynamically allocates its bandwidth to voice calls or data traffic as needed. Low-level frames are divided into several 64-Kbit/sec timeslots, each able to carry one voice call. These low-level frames are repeated several times in a 1-KHz frame that is synchronized to network timing references such as an 8-KHz clock used by the telephone network's pulse-code-modulated (PCM) highway. The 1-KHz frames are grouped into superframes. The low-level timeslots are allocated to either voice channels or to unchannelized data, depending on the number of voice calls currently being made. Allocations are made once for each superframe. The allocations or assignment of each of the timeslots to either voice or data is determined and sent to the remote modem or line card before the next superframe begins. When a good CRC occurs, the allocation sent is used to format the next superframe. Allocation bits for each of the timeslots indicate that the timeslot is for voice or for data.

Abstract: In a shared transmission media communication system with an upstream frequency and a downstream frequency carrying telephony such as TDM PCM data in addition to other data types, it is useful to use a master frame format that sends downstream the TDM PCM data sub-packets to a set of downstream modem devices and to provide the downstream modem devices with staggered times to respond. The master frame then continues to send downstream data types such as video that do not trigger a response from the downstream modems during a period of time allocated for the downstream modems to send upstream transmissions of TDM PCM. A set of rules can be implemented within this system to favor the transmission of higher priority data types while preventing any data type from taking too much of the downstream bandwidth.

Abstract: A high-speed communications system which permits high-speed communication services to be implemented with minimum modification to the existing communications facilities. A multiplexer/demultiplexer unit multiplexes outgoing signals to a network and demultiplexes incoming signals from the network separately for voice and data signals. A first voice processing unit, being linked to a voice service subscriber who only uses voice communication services, processes voice signals for bidirectional communications over a subscriber line. A second voice processing unit, being linked to a voice/data service subscriber who uses both voice and data communication services, processes voice signals for bidirectional communication. An office-side modem unit has modulator/demodulator functions to support high-speed bidirectional data communication for the voice/data service subscriber. An office-side splitter splits incoming signals from the voice/data service subscriber into separate voice and data signals.

Abstract: Video programming signals from a broadband source are distributed on installed telephone wiring to the individual units of a commercial structure or multiple unit dwelling. In all methods and associated devices a first transponder device centrally located in a utility space is paired with a second terminal transponder device located on a telephone subscriber premises. The devices cooperate in converting a video signal into a form suitable for transmission on telephone lines and deconverting that signal into a form suitable for reception by consumer video equipment. The methods and devices discussed differ in placement of the central device, and in the particular method of signal conversion.

Abstract: A system (500) that provides facsimile service over a digital subscriber line (502) has a facsimile machine (504) coupled to an ATM switch (506). The ATM switch (506) is coupled to the digital subscriber line (502), wherein the digital subscriber line (502) includes a first virtual circuit and a second virtual circuit. An interworking unit (508) is coupled to the second virtual circuit. The second virtual circuit is connected to the facsimile machine (512). A public switched telephone network (510) is connected to the interworking unit (508). A facsimile machine (512) is connected to the public switched telephone network (510).

Abstract: A method and system for increasing the efficiency of providing bandwidth for voice traffic to a data provider via asynchronous communication mediums is provided. This is generally accomplished by not transmitting any data during the silence periods and playing out background noise (i.e., comfort noise) at the other end, to obtain significant bandwidth savings.