Backup System Patents (Class 379/9.05)
  • Patent number: 8730950
    Abstract: Systems and methods can include converting multi-channel circuit switched voice data to packet-switched voice over internet protocol (VoIP). A multi-channel connection originating from one or more customer premise equipment private branch exchanges can be terminated at a channel to packet gateway device. Call data originating from multiple customer premise equipment telephony devices can be received through the multi-channel connection associated with the one or more customer premise equipment private branch exchanges, and can be processed at the channel to packet gateway device responsive to call control instruction information. The payload data associated with the call data can be packaged according to predetermined packaging rules and transmitted according to VoIP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: ARRIS Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Carol Ansley
  • Patent number: 8644455
    Abstract: Systems, method, and media for providing communication services between an application and a computer telephony interface server are provided. One of a plurality of computer telephony interface drivers is launched as a primary computer telephony interface driver to interface the application with the computer telephony interface server. The computer telephony interface drivers are monitored with a plurality of monitors. Each of the monitors is associated with one of the computer telephony interface drivers and monitors a status of another of the computer telephony interface drivers. A failure of the primary computer telephony interface driver is detected with a secondary monitor. The secondary monitor monitors the primary computer telephony interface driver and is associated with a secondary computer telephony interface driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Jayant Thomas, Robert Samokar
  • Patent number: 8620277
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a device for backing up an unread short message, both of which can store a new short message received by a mobile communication terminal in a terminal storage and back up the new short message to a subscriber identity card, and delete, when a user reads or deletes an unread short message stored in the terminal storage, a backup unread short message, which stored in the subscriber identity card, corresponding to the new short message. The method and the device of the present invention can synchronize the unread short message in the terminal storage and the subscriber identity card, so that the user will not lose the unread short message even when changing the mobile communication terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventors: Meng Qian, Lei Huang
  • Patent number: 8537974
    Abstract: A system and method to expedite special number calls from a remote terminal that employs call control system comprising a control module and a translations database and is connected to the trunk group between the remote terminal and the local switching office. The translations database maintains translations for its associated remote terminal special number calls, including, but not limited to, 9-1-1 calls. When the call control system recognizes a special number call, it performs a look up in its translation database using the line ID as a key and substitutes a destination number for the special number and a calling line telephone number for the line ID. The call control system forwards the call to the local switching office, which treats the call as a trunk-to-trunk call. Advantageously, one (or more) trunk of the trunk group may be reserved solely for special number calls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Intrado, Inc.
    Inventor: Alex Montoya
  • Patent number: 8428223
    Abstract: A method of providing communication services includes configuring a primary computer telephony interface driver to interface a computer telephony interface server with an application for transmitting client information between the application and the computer telephony interface server and configuring a secondary computer telephony interface driver to redundantly interface the same computer telephony interface server with the same application for transmitting the same client information between the same application and the same computer telephony interface server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Jayant Thomas, Robert Samokar
  • Patent number: 8345840
    Abstract: Methods for detecting and recovering from client-link, server-link, and server-node failures are disclosed. One method comprises providing a dual link architecture. A Link-Status-Notice (LSN) message detailing at least one phone client associated with the client-link failure is sent from a primary telephony server to a secondary telephony server via a server-link. A type of redirect command is sent from the secondary telephony server to the at least one phone client associated with the client-link failure via a secondary client-link. The type of redirect command is based on a content of the LSN message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Mitel Networks Corporation
    Inventor: Jianli Sun
  • Patent number: 8243917
    Abstract: A method for indicating the charge status of a backup power supply of a communication device includes detecting the charge status of the backup power supply. If the charge status of the backup power supply is lower than or equal to a predetermined charge status, the communication device alerts via a telephone connected thereto. The communication device alerts a user by sounding one or more tones if the telephone is off-hook, and alerts user by sounding one or more rings if the telephone is on-hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kun-Yi Wu
  • Patent number: 8223926
    Abstract: Registering with a call manager includes connecting to a first call manager and a second call manager. The endpoints register with the first call manager and send keep-alive signals to the first call manager and the second call manager. If a failure is detected in the first call manager, the system initiates a failover process. The endpoints re-register with the first call manager when the first call manager regains operability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Carleton M. Luck, Jr., Louis L. Pratt, Craig P. Miller, Roger V. Beathard
  • Patent number: 8045686
    Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein include a system and method for providing a backup-restore solution for active-standby service management systems. In one embodiment, a telecommunication system is disclosed having first and second service management systems (SMS), a storage device shared by the first and second SMSs and circuitry operative to provide backup/restore functionality. This provides system redundancy in that the second SMS can perform the same functions as the first SMS in the event that the first SMS is unavailable due to, for example, system failures, a scheduled maintenance, or an upgrade process. Other embodiments are provided, and each of the embodiments described herein can be used alone or in combination with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventor: Erfan Amidi
  • Patent number: 7983670
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for implementing wireless fallback of wireline service. Network interface units [405] may be installed in subscriber buildings in a residential or business neighborhood. The NIUs [405] may include a wireless transceiver [407] and a switch [410]. During normal operation, the switch provides the subscribers with wireline network connectivity. In the event of a local failure of the wireline connectivity, the NIUs may provide fallback network connectivity through the wireless transceiver [407], which communicates with other wireless transceivers installed at other local subscriber locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignees: Verizon Corporate Services Group Inc., Raytheon BBN Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Brig Barnum Elliott
  • Patent number: 7773734
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling all network elements in a geographically diverse network to advance each call setup message that has not been processed successfully by these network elements to their identical backup network elements to attempt to advance and process the original signaling message are disclosed. In other words, the affected call setup message is advanced to an identical network element that serves as a backup to the original network element in order to advance the call establishment to minimize call failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Patent number: 7702079
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, emergency modes of operation for an adapter unit comprising a channel transmitter/receiver unit, a data packet transmitter/receiver unit, and a data insertion/data retrieval unit which inserts signaling data transmitted by the channel receiver unit into data packets and forwards the same to the data packet transmitter unit while retrieving signaling data from the data packets received by the data packet receiver unit and forwarding the same to the channel transmitter unit is provided. The adapter unit especially allows terminals of a branch to be connected in a fail-safe and simple manner to a central telecommunication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stephan Schaade, Klaus Wille
  • Publication number: 20100040205
    Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein include a system and method for providing a backup-restore solution for active-standby service management systems. In one embodiment, a telecommunication system is disclosed having first and second service management systems (SMS), a storage device shared by the first and second SMSs and circuitry operative to provide backup/restore functionality. This provides system redundancy in that the second SMS can perform the same functions as the first SMS in the event that the first SMS is unavailable due to, for example, system failures, a scheduled maintenance, or an upgrade process. Other embodiments are provided, and each of the embodiments described herein can be used alone or in combination with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Erfan Amidi
  • Patent number: 7657018
    Abstract: The present invention is a switching system interface providing conversion between time-division multiplexed digital signals and packetized digital signals used to bypass a common control and switch matrix of a class 5 digital switch. The switching system interface includes a network interface for terminating a digital transmission facility that is part of a network architecture. In addition, the interface includes a line/trunk interface, compatible with the internal signals used to operate the line/trunk interface of the class 5 digital switching system and a switch, connected to the network interface and to the line/trunk interface, for routing data between network interfaces and line/trunk interface. The interface also converts the data between time-division multiplexed digital signals and packetized digital signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: David M. Smith
  • Patent number: 7627099
    Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein include a system and method for providing a backup-restore solution for active-standby service management systems. In one embodiment, a telecommunication system is disclosed having first and second service management systems (SMS), a storage device shared by the first and second SMSs and circuitry operative to provide backup/restore functionality. This provides system redundancy in that the second SMS can perform the same functions as the first SMS in the event that the first SMS is unavailable due to, for example, system failures, a scheduled maintenance, or an upgrade process. Other embodiments are provided, and each of the embodiments described herein can be used alone or in combination with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Erfan Amidi
  • Patent number: 7533174
    Abstract: In a packet-based telephony network, a media gateway provides information on active media path connections to an active call server. For instance, this data may be provided to a backup call server to keep the backup call server in a warm standby mode. The backup call server polls a media gateway to retrieve a table of information on active media path connections. The polling may be done periodically or only during switchover from the active call server to the backup call server. After switchover, the backup call server has all necessary details about active media path connections to provide accurate billing information. Alternatively, after a temporary failure at the active call server, the active call server may send a request to the media gateway to retrieve a table of information on active media path connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: John C. Lynch, Pierre Couillaud, Metodej E. Valentik
  • Patent number: 7480266
    Abstract: Apparatus and systems, as well as methods and articles, may operate to detect radio-frequency energy at a frequency associated with at least one wireless networking channel and to transmit a data frame responsive to determining that the radio-frequency energy is not associated with a wireless networking transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Ravi A. Murty, Jr-Shian Tsai
  • Patent number: 7440553
    Abstract: An Intelligent Network (IN) switch for use in a communications network. The Intelligent Network (IN) switch comprises N call application nodes capable of executing a plurality of primary-backup group (PBG) applications. Each of the plurality of primary-backup group applications comprises a primary call process and a backup call process, wherein the each primary call process executes an originating half-call model application and a terminating half-call model application associated with a call connection. Each primary call process comprises a primary call instance data (CID) table for storing call instance data used by the originating half-call model call application and the terminating half-call model application. Each backup call process comprises a backup call instance data (CID) table capable of being updated to mirror the call instance data stored in the primary CID table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hai Duong Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7382772
    Abstract: A first optical interface is coupled to a first IP service node and a first non-IP service node. A second optical interface is coupled to a second IP service node and a second non-IP service node. The first optical interface is coupled to the second optical interface by a first working link for the IP service nodes and by a second working link for the non-IP service nodes. The first optical interface is coupled to the second optical interface by a shared protect link. The first optical interface and the second optical interface replace either of the first working link or the second working link with the shared protect link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventor: Charles W. Norman
  • Patent number: 7380164
    Abstract: An Integrated Communication System (ICS) with fail-over serial data connectivity is disclosed. In one aspect, an ICS may comprise a chassis including a System Switch Processor (SSP) for providing connectivity to a plurality of slots. A Serial Alarm Processor (SAP) may be operatively coupled to the ICS through one of the slots, an include at least one serial port for providing serial data connectivity. A Primary Single Board Computer (SBC) and at least one secondary SBC may be disposed in the slots. The ICS may be configured to pass control of serial data connectivity from the Primary SBC to a secondary SBC in the event of the failure of the Primary SBC. Various methods for fail-over serial data connectivity are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lars Borresen, Sudhakar Valluru, William Davids
  • Patent number: 7319747
    Abstract: The present invention is a system and method of combining an emergency standalone switching device with a switching system interface used to bypass the common control and switch matrix of a class 5 digital switch. The emergency standalone switching device provides call control of the switching system interface. The call control of the emergency standalone switching devices provides local and emergency calls to local subscribers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventor: David M. Smith
  • Patent number: 7257629
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system, method, apparatus, means, and computer program code for facilitating or providing a back-up capability in a communication system and for improving availability and reliability of a distributed communication system. Switch over occurs from a main server to a stand-by server for supporting or facilitating calls having traffic routed across an IP network when the main server is disrupted or becomes unavailable. The main server initiates one or more signals provided to the stand-by server that inform the stand-by server of availability of the main server. When the stand-by server does not receive a designated number of the signals, or the main server fails to respond to a request or inquiry from the stand-by server regarding the signal, the stand-by server may initiate providing support for the calls previously supported by the main server and request call state information at the time of switch over from the main server to the stand-by server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Marcel B. Manzardo
  • Patent number: 7257205
    Abstract: A system for (and a method of) selectively establishing communication with one of plural devices associated with a single telephone number during a disaster or disaster recovery period. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes two wireless connection units, each connected between a respective private branch exchange (PBX) network and a public switched telephone network. Each wireless connection unit preferably serves as a gateway between its respective PBX network and one or more remote communication devices. The wireless connection units replicate each others databases. In the event of a disaster that destroys or renders one of the wireless connect/PBX networks inoperable, telephone calls destined for the inoperable network are seamlessly routed to the operable wireless connect/PBX network. Since the operable wireless connection unit contains information for both networks, inbound, outbound and extension to extension calls for each network can be handled despite the disaster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Ascendent Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen P. Forte
  • Patent number: 7227927
    Abstract: A scalable call processing node includes link interface modules capable of processing n calls per second and call server modules capable of processing m calls per second, n is variable relative to m by changing the relative numbers of call server and link interface modules. In addition, call server modules can perform subsecond switchover when a call server fails without requiring inter-call server transfer of call state information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Tekelec
    Inventors: Robby Darren Benedyk, Cory Andrew Grant
  • Patent number: 7142640
    Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to a system of restoring communication circuits. The system includes an automated circuit switchover system embedded within a telephone central office, a technician terminal for use by telephone network operations personnel, a test and control system coupled to the technician terminal and to the automated circuit switchover system within the telephone central office, and a switchable protection circuit remotely located from the telephone central office and coupled to the telephone central office via a communication link. The switchable protection circuit supports a plurality of active individual communication lines and an unused spare communication line. Each of the active individual communication lines are configured to support communication of traffic from end user subscribers supported by the active individual communications lines connected to the switchable protection circuit and to the telephone central office.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: SBC Knowledge Ventures, L.P.
    Inventors: Scott A. Beltz, Jeffrey Scott Lindgren
  • Patent number: 7050546
    Abstract: A system and method are presented for providing a telephone service. An analog signal is received from a telephone and the analog signal is converted into a digital signal in a first format. A modem is provided for receiving the digital signal in the first format. A digitizer is also provided for receiving the analog signal from the telephone. The system, in a first mode of operation, couples the digital signal in the first format to the modem, and in a second mode of operation, couples the analog signal from the telephone to the digitizer. The second mode of operation may be, for example, a power failure mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: John William Richardson, Kumar Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 7032129
    Abstract: An Integrated Communication System (ICS) with fail-over serial data connectivity is disclosed. In one aspect, an ICS may comprise a chassis including a System Switch Processor (SSP) for providing connectivity to a plurality of slots. A Serial Alarm Processor (SAP) may be operatively coupled to the ICS through one of the slots, an include at least one serial port for providing serial data connectivity. A Primary Single Board Computer (SBC) and at least one secondary SBC may be disposed in the slots. The ICS may be configured to pass control of serial data connectivity from the Primary SBC to a secondary SBC in the event of the failure of the Primary SBC. Various methods for fail-over serial data connectivity are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lars Borresen, Sudhakar Valluru, William Davids
  • Patent number: 6956943
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for reducing the power required by an integrated services hub supporting a plurality of telephone circuits, comprising offsetting ringing of each of the plurality of telephone circuits such that all the telephone circuits do not ring simultaneously. The step of offsetting ringing of each of the plurality of telephone circuits preferably further comprises providing each telephone circuit with a ring cadence comprising a ringing interval and a non-ringing interval and defining a starting point for the ringing interval within each telephone circuit's ring cadence such that the starting point for the ringing interval for at least one telephone circuit falls substantially outside the ringing intervals of the remaining telephone circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Earl Goodrich II, Craig Lyle Mahaney
  • Patent number: 6847718
    Abstract: A remote power feeding method allowing efficient remote power feeding into a network termination device in the event of a commercial power failure at a subscriber site is disclosed. When the commercial power failure occurs, a power failure signal is transmitted from the subscriber-side network termination device to the central office-side line termination device. The central office-side line termination device, when receiving the power failure signal, starts DC power feeding to the subscriber-side network termination device via the subscriber line. During the power failure, only voice communication is permitted using previously selected good channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihide Hiraoka
  • Publication number: 20040190685
    Abstract: A high availability telephone instrument, comprising a primary communications link interface connected to a primary communications link; at least one backup communications link interface connected to at least one backup communications link; and a controller connected to for detecting failure of the primary communications link and in response selecting the at least one backup communications link for providing voice communication between the telephone instrument and the backup communications link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: Mitel Networks Corporation
    Inventor: Jim N. Davies
  • Patent number: 6792079
    Abstract: A system for transmitting operational control messages to a plurality of remotely-disposed cable-locating transmitters uses a spare communication line associated with each transmitter to carry the control messages from unit to unit. In the case of a fiber optic cable, the control message is transferred from an incoming telephone line associated with a first cable-locating transmitter to a spare optical fiber. The control message then propagates down the fiber to the next transmitter (where this transmitter does not otherwise have accessibility to a telephone line). This transmitter converts the optical signal to an electrical signal and either uses the control message (if indeed destined for that particular transmitter), or re-converts it to optical form and sends it further along the spare fiber to the next remote cable-locating transmitter further down the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Patricia J. Boggs, John K. Boland, II, Hossein Eslambolchi, John Sinclair Huffman, Robert K. McConkey
  • Patent number: 6754320
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process, an exchange (SW1), a charge computer (BS1), a charge billing computer (BC) and a program module in each case for an exchange (SW1), for a charge computer (BS1) and for a charge billing computer (BC) for the processing of charge data. A first exchange (SW1) sends first charge source data for telecommunications services to a charge computer (BS1) which converts the first charge source data into first charge billing data detectable by a charge billing computer (BC). The charge computer (BS1) sends the first charge billing data to the charge billing computer (BC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Detlef Daase, Irina Müller, Ferdinand Geisbüsch, Bettina Althainz
  • Patent number: 6754204
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for transferring data between servers and subscribers. A central office employs DSL circuit cards. Each DSL circuit card encodes a digital signal using a discrete multitone technology (DMT) scheme, and sends an encoded signal on a subscriber line. A disclosed architecture allows the functions of a faulty DSL circuit card to be assumed by another card, without substantial disruption of subscriber service. Further, the architecture allows the faulty DSL to be physically replaced, with minimal disruption of subscriber service. Another aspect of the architecture allows for the testing of subscriber lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Richard Marion Czerwiec, Marlin Vaughn Simmering, Geert Van Wonterghem
  • Patent number: 6683951
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining access to lifeline services through telephone sets provided with telephone service from a voice over digital subscriber loop (VoDSL) transceiver during power interruptions are described. All telephone sets associated with the transceiver are connected to a wire loop which supports the VoDSL service in the event of a power interruption to the transceiver. The advantage is the economical provision of lifeline service access to all telephone sets when power is interrupted to the transceiver. Thus, confusion is reduced, safety is enhanced, and access to lifeline services is ensured during emergency situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventor: Wayne Raymond Getchell
  • Patent number: 6590961
    Abstract: Call-protect systems are arranged, upon an operating failure, to handoff a call in progress and maintain processing of the call without disruption or need to reinitiate. Application processor (AP) nodes are configured to continuously run standby call processing (CP) facilities, in addition to running active call processing facilities engaged in current call processing. As a call is actively processed, call context information, such as caller and account identification and call status, is stored in memory within a call processing subsystem. Upon a failure affecting the AP node processing a call, call handoff is made to the standby CP facility of a different AP node. The capability of maintaining processing of the handoff call without disruption is enhanced by retrieval of the stored call context information for that call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Roy A. Gulli, Stephen M. Chiro, Jacob Levine, Govardhan Srikant, George M. Comstock, Robert F. Krolick
  • Patent number: 6584197
    Abstract: A power management system is interfaced with both a local utility power source and a remotely powered span, and monitors the power availability for and requirements of DDS terminal equipment. Upon detecting that local utility power is insufficient to operate the terminal equipment, a power limited converter derives power from the phone line. The span power drawn is limited to a fixed value that prevents the line from collapsing. An auxiliary capacitor stores energy from either local utility power or the span, to provide for periods of extended power operation (including ringing the phone).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Adtran Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph R. Boudreaux, Jr., Steven M. Robinson, John S. McGary, Paul G. McElroy
  • Patent number: 6577728
    Abstract: A method for providing automatic restoration of network access for user lines within a communication system. The user lines interface with groups of transmission lines that include dedicated transmission lines which are connected to the user lines, idle transmission lines and reserved transmission lines. The method includes steps for making a number of transmission lines among the groups of transmission lines available for user lines which have a dedicated transmission line in a group of transmission lines that fails and for coupling each of such user lines to a respective available transmission line. The method may also include steps for delaying the coupling of such user lines if a sufficient number of transmission lines are not available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Nagaraja Rao
  • Patent number: 6556660
    Abstract: An apparatus that provides a redundant path for providing service using existing or original equipment when failure or degradation of performance of new equipment is detected in a communication network. A controller module monitors the performance of new equipment used to provide improved services to service provider customers. When a failure in the new equipment is detected, the controller module outputs a control signal to switch processing from the new equipment to the existing equipment that is still available for use. In addition, processing may be switched from the new equipment to the existing equipment when the controller detects degradation in the performance of the new equipment so that loss of service is prevented. Therefore, the existing equipment acts as a redundant path for processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Nga Ling Li, Robert Raymond Miller, II, Jeremiah A. Okoro, Jesse Eugene Russell
  • Patent number: 6522732
    Abstract: A computerized method of preserving stable calls during a split mode operation of telecommunications equipment includes the steps of sending a call block update message from a first side of the telecommunications equipment to a second side of the telecommunications equipment. The call block update message includes dynamic call state data on the stable call handled by the first side and stored in a call block file in the first side of the telecommunications equipment. The method includes sending a call block update acknowledgement message from the second side of the telecommunications equipment to the first side of the telecommunications equipment in response to receiving the call block update message. The above steps are repeated until all dynamic call state data in the call block file is duplicated and sent to the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Alcatel USA Sourcing, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark W. Pullen, Darrin L. Meek, Lee E. Ballard, Jerry L. Buchheit, Shihlung Chiang, Lorenzo E. Colunga, Don K. Dill, Jr., Chuck C. Fu, Robert A. Landry, William L. Long, Viet N. Nguyen, Kien T. Pham
  • Patent number: 6512817
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for reducing battery power consumed by an integrated services hub supporting a plurality of telephone lines. The status of power to the integrated services hub is monitored, and upon detecting a failure of primary power, each of the telephone lines is polled to detect an off-hook condition. The status of power to the integrated services hub is monitored while polling, and the polling is stopped upon detecting a return of primary power to the integrated services hub or upon detecting an off-hook condition in one of the telephone lines. Polling is performed by placing one of the telephone lines in a standby state and the remaining telephone lines in a disabled state and monitoring the telephone line in standby state for a predetermined amount of time to detect an off-hook condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company, LP
    Inventors: Allan D. Dale, Earl Goodrich, II, Craig Lyle Mahaney
  • Patent number: 6510204
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in an all digital loop contains a first network node (30), a second network node (31), and a data transmission line (32) there between. Each one of the first and second network nodes (30, 31) is operable to transmit to the other at least one digitised telephone signal with other digital data via a set of carriers. One of the first and second network nodes (30, 31) thereto includes or is associated with means which in the event of power failure at the first network node (30), is operable selectively to provide power to the first node (30) such that the first node (30) operates only via a limited subset of said carriers. This limited subset is such as to minimise the power required for the transmission of a telephone lifeline signal between the first and second nodes (30, 31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Luc Josephine Theoduul De Clercq, Franciscus Maria Ploumen, Marc Maria Marcel Van Bladel, Peter Paul Frans Reusens, Luc Maria Marcel Verpooten, Willem Jules Antoine Verbiest
  • Patent number: 6400803
    Abstract: Customer premises equipment for a telecommunications DSL subscriber is adapted to provide a lifeline voice service under a fault condition, e.g. a power failure at the subscriber station. The arrangement incorporates a number of switchable local subscriber ports each providing access to a respective telephone instrument, and a router circuit whereby, under normal conditions, voice calls may be routed each to a respective loop port. Under a fault condition the router directs an incoming call to a selected port to provide the lifeline service. Further calls may be barred when such a lifeline call is in progress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Christopher N Tate, Jonathan Beattie, Roger J Williamson, Igor K Czajkowski, Mark Bridger
  • Patent number: 6356622
    Abstract: A system for providing robust and secure communications connections in a telecommunications network is disclosed. The system includes an apparatus supporting functions directed to the establishment of a backup link in the event of a network fault, security, and network connection prioritization. Each of these features are uniquely achieved by utilizing caller identification information associated with the calling party when users are interconnected via private branch exchanges to local area networks. The features of the invention are uniquely achieved by retrieving and utilizing data-link connection identifiers or Internet protocol addresses associated with the accessing user when users are connected to the network via frame relay routers. The apparatus establishes a backup link for rerouting data in a network by establishing a primary network link between a calling party and a called party, by examining call/link setup information at the called party to identify the calling party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Paradyne Corporation
    Inventors: Suzanne Hassell, Vincent Ciletti, Peter Calderon