Abstract: A head end controller is described. The head end controller controls a plurality of service units in a telecommunications system with a multi-carrier transmission scheme. The head end controller includes a logic circuit that generates control messages for the plurality of service units. Each service unit is assigned to at least one subband of a transmission bandwidth. The head end controller further includes a transceiver that is coupled to a distribution network of the transmission system, wherein the transceiver broadcasts control messages to the plurality of service units. The plurality of service units are configured to use a multiple access scheme to transmit on a radio frequency carrier using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) so that transmissions from the plurality of service unit are received from the distribution network at the transceiver synchronized within an OFDM waveform.

Abstract: A communication terminal of the present invention includes a first communication unit used for communication including at least a voice call, an operation input unit for acquiring instruction input from a user, a second communication unit for performing communication with a predetermined object apparatus equipped with a function capable of receiving access via at least an external network, and a control unit that, when a voice call channel is established to another communication terminal, and an access permission instruction is inputted by the user, performs setting with respect to the object apparatus to permit the access from the another communication terminal via the external network, and transmits, to the another communication terminal, access information for performing the access to the object apparatus via the external network.

Abstract: In an information system, caller identification information for incoming telephone calls can be selectively displayed on displays at any of the set top box, television, remote or keyboard. Further, microphones and speakers on each of the remote control and keyboard can be used for communication on a telephone call, at the user's option, in place of a microphone on the main unit and a television speaker.

Abstract: Method for retrieving product information over a communication network. A method for retrieving product information including at least product/service identification or description and related to a commercial event and associated with a remote location on a communications network. A receiver is operable to receive at a user location a broadcast including a data set associated with the product information. The data set is extract from a non-video portion of the broadcast in an extracting system. A connection device is provided to connect the user location to the remote location on the network in response to extracting the data set to enable retrieval of the product information from the remote location.

Abstract: A network interface device located at a customer's premises includes an external interface that receives a plurality of telecommunication services via a coaxial connection from a telecommunication service provider. The services are received using Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications. The network interface device also includes at least two distinct internal interfaces that distribute the plurality of telecommunication services to at least two distinct internal transport media. The network interface device also includes a processor the is programmed to receive combined signals comprising the telecommunication services from the external interface, process the combined signals into separate signals representative of distinct telecommunication services, and map each of the separate signals to separate ones of the at least two distinct internal interfaces for distribution at the customer's premises via the internal transport media.

Abstract: Out of viewers of the same content, multi-user talking service is provided to only viewers who wish to enjoy the content in a large number of people. Only when an address of a terminal 4, 5 that has transmitted a request for participation in multi-user talking is registered in a viewer management DB (which manages viewers of contents), a content distribution/multi-user talking service center 1 registers the above-mentioned address into a participant management DB (which manages participants in multi-user talking) associating the address with identification information of a content that is registered in association with the address in question in the viewer management DB. Then, for each content, respective pieces of talking data received from addresses registered in association with identification information of said content in the participant management DB are synthesized to generate multi-user talking data, and generated multi-user talking data is transmitted to each of said addresses.

Abstract: A method, carried out in an arrangement having a cable that provides programming information to a television monitor as well as telephony service, where call progress information of a telephone call is displayed on the monitor of the television monitor, and the method sends control information upstream, over the cable, in connection with desired information relative to the call progress.

Abstract: A wireless communications system comprises a first splitter separating at least two signals, a wireless circuit for processing a first signal as a wireless signal and a combiner connected to the wireless circuit and the splitter, combining the two signals and transmitting the signals into a service area. The wireless communications system further comprises a second splitter separating the wireless signal from a second signal, and a transmitter for broadcasting the wireless signal.

Abstract: A telephone interface and voice recognition driven Internet browser system and method for accessing/browsing the Internet or other remote computing services on a cable or satellite television includes a phone for receiving a voice signal from a user. The voice signal controls a telephone interface, which displays Internet contents or other computing services on the television via a cable or satellite television channel/media. The system also includes a voice recognizer, preferably operated on a supercomputer or located in the phone, for recognizing/interpreting/analyzing a plurality of voice signals and generating command signals to access/browse the Internet or other computer services. The voice recognizer is capable of recognizing/interpreting/analyzing voice signals transmitted from a plurality of users in real time. The system further includes a stack of computers and an Internet browser.

Abstract: A node size estimation tool for calculating a node size for interactive video, voice or data services placed on a system is provided. The estimation tool includes a computer processor, a data storage device, and the data entry device. Inputs are provided for receiving data on bandwidths for downstream and upstream passbands and for receiving data on node splitting information. Inputs are provided for receiving data on any limitations on the upstream and downstream passbands that are unavailable for use by the system. Inputs are provided for receiving data on requirement information for various services, and for receiving data on estimated service penetration rates, estimated simultaneous use rates, and a desired downstream data rate. Also, inputs are provided for processing data received to calculate the node size. A method of calculating node size utilizing the tool is also provided.

Abstract: The communication system includes a hybride fiber/coax distribution network. A head end provides for downstream transmission of telephony and control data in a first frequency bandwidth over the hybrid fiber/coax distribution network and reception of upstream telephony and control data in a second frequency bandwidth over the hybrid fiber/coax distribution network. The head end includes head end multicarrier modem for modulating at least downstream telephony information on a plurality of orthogonal carriers in the first frequency bandwidth and demodulating at least upstream telephony information modulated on a plurality of orthogonal carriers in the second frequency bandwidth. The head end further includes a controller operatively connected to the head end multicarrier modem for controlling transmission of the downstream telephony information and downstream control data and for controlling receipt of the upstream control data and upstream telephony information.

Abstract: A method of transmitting TV signals and bidirectional telephone communication signals on a single optical fiber, existing telephone twisted pair infrastructure, and existing coaxial cable infrastructure. In addition to allowing the downstream transmission of television channels as well as bidirectional telephone communication, the single optical fibers also provides for the upstream travel of television related signals while requiring minimal changes of the existing infrastructure.

Abstract: Telecommunication system for bidirectional transmission of data and voice signals with a data network (2), which is connected via a satellite data transmission link (6, 5, 8) for bidirectional data signal transmission to at least one satellite device (7), which is connected to a 10 Base S switching device (14); a telephone network (25), which is connected via a number of subscriber telephone lines (23) for bidirectional voice signal transmission to the 10 Base S switching device (14); and with a number of 10 Base S subscriber modems (18), which are connected for bidirectional voice and data signal transmission to the 10 Base S switching device (14).

Abstract: A system and method have been provided to increase security in scrambled communications by periodically changing the seed masks used to generate the scrambling algorithms at the transmitter and receiver. The scrambling algorithm is changed by periodically modifying the seed masks which establishes the initial state of the scrambling algorithm generators. The same seed mask key is passed through an auxiliary communication channel to the receiver to insure that matching descrambling algorithms are generated.

Abstract: An emergency calling system and method via a cable modem includes a cable modem connected to a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) backup line in a cable modem-based Internet telephone service to transmit the emergency telephone number inputted by a subscriber telephone to the PSTN via the PSTN backup line. This enables an emergency calling function via a PSTN backup circuit and stable PSTN in a cable modem-based Internet telephone service. This also allows a cable modem-based Internet telephone service to promptly provide urgent emergency calling via the PSTN line in case of an emergency.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for tunneling (transparently transmitting) over a packet network, from a source to a destination, the spectrum of one or more bandpass channels individually selected from a larger spectrum at the source. Each channel is selected, translated to baseband (using sampling techniques), digitized, framed, merged with other digital services, transmitted (along with associated attribute information) using packet techniques, and later reconstructed. The present invention provides a selective and efficient use of available bandwidth, in that it is not necessary to transmit the entire spectrum, when only one or few portions of the spectrum are desired. This in turn, reduces bandwidth requirements all along the transmission path and at the source and destination. The reduced bandwidth requirements have associated reductions in power and costs.

Abstract: A telephone interface and voice recognition driven Internet browser system and method for accessing/browsing the Internet on a cable or satellite television includes a phone for receiving a voice signal from a user. The voice signal controls a telephone interface which displays Internet contents on the television via a cable or satellite television channel. The system also includes a voice recognizer, preferably operated on a supercomputer, for recognizing/interpreting/analyzing the voice signal and generating command signals to access/browse the Internet. The voice recognizer is capable of recognizing/interpreting/analyzing voice signals transmitted from a plurality of users in real time. The system further includes a stack of computers and an Internet browser. Each of the stack of computers is capable of accessing/browsing the Internet and retrieving/organizing requested Internet contents via the Internet browser.

Abstract: A method and system of downloading a set of programs, navigational, branding and other data to a consumer's set-top box coupled to a cable TV headend controller. The set-top box is also coupled to the PSTN via the headend controller. A user navigates a series of menus displayed on a display device coupled to the set-top box and makes selections of a desired telephone service and enters any pertinent data. When the user makes a telephone call, the set-top box translates any dialed digits to a POTS number and completes the call. Other services, such as ANI-based services, can also be provided in the set-top box in a similar way. Further, these service selections made by the user are written to a portable storage medium that is removably coupled to the set-top box, thereby enabling the user to transport the data to another set-top box.

Abstract: A remote control for an interactive television system includes an integrated microphone and a wireless transmitter for transmitting audio information generated by the microphone to the interactive television system. A set top box for the interactive television system includes a wireless receiver for receiving the audio information and a converter for transforming the audio information into a network-compatible audio stream for transmission to a network.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for compensating a viewer for viewing of a designated channel with reduction of telephone charges. The system comprises a signal input port to which image signals from a plurality of channels are accessed; a signal output port for supplying the image signals to a picture receiving device for displaying them; a telephone network port to which an external telephone network is accessed; a telephone connection port accessed to a telephone set; a channel filtering unit connected between the signal input port and the signal output port, for outputting only the image signals from a single channel among the plurality of channels to the signal output port; and a controller for controlling the channel filtering unit so that the designated channel is output when making a phone call. With this configuration, an audience rating of the designated channel can increase and the telephone charges of the user can be reduced.

Abstract: A plurality of metallic telephone lines carrying both baseband POTS (plain old telephone service) and DSL (digital subscriber line) or ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) signals originate at customer premises and pass through a common field cabinet enroute to a telephone central office. Baseband POTS signals flow in an undisturbed manner through the field cabinet and maintain the normal, highly reliable, communication between the subscriber premises and the central office telephone switch. At the field cabinet, DSL/ADSL signals are removed from the metallic telephone line and are then communicated between the field cabinet and the central office using fiber optic broadband transmission. Fiber optic transmission increases the allowed distance between the ADSL transceiver located at the customer location and the respective ADSL transceiver located in the telephone central office.

Abstract: An on-demand program access system for broadband, frequency division multiplexed cable television signals, one or more infrastructure element (IF) constituting a local video network signal server has a plurality of subscriber premise equipment elements (SPEE) served thereby. Each SPEE constitutes a video network client. Coaxial premise wiring connects each SPEE with the IE for conducting RF modulated programming signals and bi-directional data signals between the IE and each respective SPEE using out-of-band signaling so that there is no overlap between the programming signals and the bi-directional data signals.

Abstract: Flexible systems and methods are disclosed that may be used for provisioning, configuring, and controlling a host embodied in a cable set top box or other digital device attached to a digital communication network, such as cable distribution network. An enhanced services system maintains various host files for various types of hosts that a cable subscriber may purchase and connect to the cable network. The Enhanced Services Server interacts with the host using the host files. The host files may be downloaded from the host manufacturer into a database that distributes the modules as required to the various enhanced services systems. The host may be purchased by the cable subscriber and provisioning may be initiated by the retailer at the time of purchase using a provisioning network interacting with the appropriate cable system serving the subscriber. This abstract is not intended to limit or construe the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A system for viewing of selected telephone call parameters and optionally controlling phone calls at a subscriber receiving location, having a telephony-television gateway (TTG) coupled to a public television distribution system, for displaying call information on a display device associated with a subscriber. A VoIP enabled receiver (VER) installed at the subscriber premises, and adapted to receive an incoming telephone conversation and call control data from a call processor. The VER is adapted to send call control data to a predetermined TTG. The TTG is receive said call control data from the VER, and send information to cause display of selected portions of the call control data on the display device. The most common call control data to be displayed is information identifying the calling party (Caller ID or CID), or the telephone number of the originating telephone, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to displaying caller ID information, and more specifically, to displaying caller ID information in an environment with broadband telephony service. The invention provides a method and apparatus for receiving caller ID information from a service provider and providing the caller ID information for display as an overlay over a television programming image provided by the service provider and displayed on a television.

Abstract: A system and method for extending the distance that xDSL services are able to be provided to subscribers. A DSLAM located at a Central Office is connected to a general-purpose network, such as the Internet. The DSLAM is additionally connected to a first fiber optic transceiver. The first fiber optic transceiver is connected via a fiber optic link to a second fiber optic transceiver located proximate to the subscribers' premises, preferably in a street cabinet. Each subscriber premise's equipment is connected to the broadband transceiver via subscriber lines. Electrical signals to be transmitted between the Central Office and the subscribers' premises are utilized to form a frequency division multiplexed signal. The frequency division multiplexed signal is used to modulate a light subcarrier for transmission across the fiber optic link.

Abstract: A system for accessing a remote processor on a network The system includes a data set relating to a commercial event, embedded in a broadcast. A receiving device responsive to a non-video portion of said broadcast is operable to detect the data set and extracting received data therefrom. A local processor, having an input for receiving the received data, a first memory for storing the received data and an output is operable for accessing a program stored in a second memory for processing the received data. A communication device is coupled to the output and responsive to the program and the received data for facilitating connection of the local processor with the remote processor via said network.

Abstract: An addressable tap capable of detecting number of TV sets online to watch CATV programs consisting of a main block and a cable connecting from the terminal of said main block and the user. Said main block consists of a main central processing unit (CPU) and RF switches that are electrically connected is featured by: Said cable is equipped with a locking device at its user end and this locking device consists of a detection device and a sub-CPU that communicates with said main CPU; said detection device is electrically connected to the sub-CPU; In case said locking device is plugged out, the detection device will detect the information and transmit it to said microprocessor, which will send the information to said main CPU. Said main CPU will instruct the RF switches to shut off CATV signals at the terminal. the present invention has the following effects: CATV operators can collect different fees in accordance with number of TV sets online to watch TV programs and avoid income losses of CATV operators.

Abstract: Devices, computer program products, and methods are provided which extend the features of a set top box. In a first aspect, a method is provided for employing a set top box to notify at least one person of a television event. In accordance with the method, a start time of a television event is determined, and a set top box is employed to notify at least one person via a telephone line when a current time is within a predetermined time of the start time. In a second aspect, a method is provided for employing a set top box to record a telephone message. In accordance with the method, a telephone message received via a telephone line coupled to a set top box is recorded by employing the set top box, and at least an indicator of the recorded telephone message is displayed. In a third aspect, a method is provided for controlling a set top box via a telephone line coupled to the set top box.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing controlling the presentation of information using a telephone including monitoring a signal received from the telephone; receiving control information sent from the telephone; interpreting the control information; generating commands based on the control information; sending the commands to a media source wherein the media source outputs information based on the command; and displaying the information output from the media source on a device separate from the telephone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for provisioning broadband services to subscribers using an impedance-matched interface at a servicing area interface (SAI) that is in the same geographic vicinity as the subscriber group. Adequate signal-to-noise ratios at the subscriber site is achieved using a fraction of the power required using currently available broadband provisioning techniques. The impedance characteristics of the F1/F2 distribution lines at the SAI allow the broadband distribution system of the present invention to be deployed without the need for a POTS splitter to provide standard telephone service to the subscriber. The present invention also provides an improved coupling system to ensure that proper impedance is maintained to facilitate the operation of POTS equipment if the system components in the coupling system experience a loss of power.

Abstract: A wireless communications system comprises a first splitter separating at least two signals, a wireless circuit for processing a first signal as a wireless signal and a combiner connected to the wireless circuit and the splitter, combining the two signals and transmitting the signals into a service area. The wireless communications system further comprises a second splitter separating the wireless signal from a second signal, and a transmitter for broadcasting the wireless signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for delivering electrical signals from a cable network to a telecommunications network. The electrical signals are received from a community antenna television network and communicated via the telecommunications network. The telecommunications network may then communicate those electrical signals to end-users and to customers. Because the electrical signals may include video, music, data, and other cable content, this cable content is communicated along the telecommunications network and, thus, distributed to an end user.

Abstract: A system enabling television viewers to participate in an audio conference from audio-enabled remote control devices that are equipped with microphones and speakers without requiring the viewer to “dial in” as in a conventional conference call. The system determines the TV channel being watched by the viewer and collects the viewer information that is coming from the remote control device. The user input information is transmitted to an audio conference control center. The information regarding all the viewers interested in participating in an audio conference are collected and processed at an audio conference control center. An operation entity is connected to the audio conference control center for reserving the conference resources provided in an audio bridge device for the viewed TV program channel.

Abstract: Interactive video call response system that can provide a video greeting and an option to deposit a video message to a video capable wireless terminal, such as a third generation compatible wireless terminal, is provided. A user of the video capable wireless terminal is provided a video greeting when a recipient of the video call does not answer. The user may deposit a video message for a user of another wireless terminal. The recipient of the video call may later retrieve any deposited video message(s) using any device capable of retrieving deposited video messages.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, method, and program product for performing ad hoc media delivery. Enhanced handheld devices are used in combination with the other components to route media and control its presentation. Enhanced media presentation stations detect the presence of one or more of the handheld devices. Information regarding the presence of a handheld device is then communicated from the media presentation stations to an enhanced server. The server uses this information to maintain a record of the location of each handheld device. The recorded location information is used to route the media to the media presentation station that is closest to the location of the handheld device. Control information, such as media selection and fidelity control (when appropriate), is forwarded from the handheld device to the server, so that the server can take appropriate action relative to transmission of the media to the media presentation station at issue.

Abstract: A traffic control system selectively interfaces members of plural groups, as buyer groups and vendor groups, for video communication through a dial-up telephone system, for analyzing and compiling data, scheduling appointments, implementing conferences, consummating sales and the like. The traffic-control system comprises a telephonic interface apparatus for interfacing remote telephonic terminals of the dial-up telephone system identified with the members of plural groups, a video recording unit for recording and playing video transcriptions, a storage memory for storing data on the members, including telephonic terminal numbers and area-of-interest codes and a control computer to selectively interconnect the video recording unit with the remote telephone terminals through the telephonic interface apparatus to record and receive video communication.

Abstract: A telecommunications system for providing telecommunication services to a plurality of users connected to a loop-through cable distribution architecture. The system includes a signal collection and transmission circuit or headend circuit for collecting and transmitting telecommunication signals to the user. In addition, the system comprises a signal distribution system or circuit operatively connected to the signal collection and transmission circuit for receiving and transmitting telecommunication signals therefrom and thereto. The system includes a user or customer interface device operatively connected to an associated signal distribution circuit for both receiving telecommunication signals from the associated signal distribution circuit and transmitting telecommunication signals to the associated signal distribution circuit. The signal distribution circuit is formed by a node having a plurality of output lines and a service module operatively connected to one of the node output lines.

Abstract: A broadcast data receiver system is provided and a method of operating the system. The system includes a first broadcast data receiver (BDR) (2) located at a first location, typically in a premises. The BDR (2) receives video, audio and/or auxiliary digital data broadcast from a remote location via cable, satellite or terrestrial means. The BDR processes the data and displays the processed data on a display screen (10) and/or audio data via speakers connected thereto. At least a second broadcast data receiver (8) is provided at least a second location typically in the same premises. One of the first and second BDRs (2, 8) is made functional by a signal received from the other of the first and second BDRs, via a telecommunications line (4) provided in the premises and connecting the first and at least second BDRs together, thereby ensuring that both BDRs are connected before operation of the two BDRs can be achieved.

Abstract: Transmitting caller identification data to residential equipment within a digital transport stream is provided. Telephony signals that include caller identification data are received and the caller identification data is extracted from the telephony signals. The caller identification data in is then embedded the digital transport stream. The digital transport stream, including the caller identification data, is transmitted to residential equipment. The residential equipment extracts the data from the digital stream and presents the caller ID data to a subscriber overlaid on video.

Abstract: A method for a broadband modem to process incoming calls. The broadband modem is coupled to a PSTN (public switched telephone network) and a VoIP network. First, an call is incoming by the broadband modem. Then, the broadband modem detects whether the incoming call is routed from the PSTN network or the VoIP network. When the incoming call is routed from the PSTN network, the broadband modem establishes a connection between a telephone coupled to the broadband modem and the PSTN network through a switch. When the incoming call is routed from the VoIP network, the broadband modem establishes a connection between the telephone and the VoIP network through the switch.

Abstract: Detecting tampering of an incoming cable to which a network interface unit (NIU) is connected by testing for the reflected signal that is present when the signal being transmitted to the head end is not connected to a properly terminated coaxial cable. In particular, by comparing the phase of the transmitted signal from the NIU with that of the reflected signal, a distinction can be made between a signal that travels many feet before being reflected back and a signal that reflects back right or near the connector of the NIU. Only the latter is used as a stimulus to indicate tampering since the first is likely caused by cable personnel disconnecting the cable further into the network. The key difference between the two types of reflected signals is the time delay of the reflect signal with respect to the transmitted signal from the NIU.

Abstract: Digital data reception box allowing users to receive digital data coming from a data transmission network. The reception box includes a connection box, a first modem-type interface, a second modem-type interface and a reception interface that is different from the first and second modem-type interfaces. The first modem-type interface is used to access a display box for receiving data coming from the reception interface. The second modem-type interface is used to render, in a transparent manner, the use of the first modem-type interface.

Abstract: A system and method for providing information to a user in response to a user request. The method includes the steps of displaying an object, the object including a selectable area, receiving the user request responsive to selection of the selectable area, retrieving a user delivery address, retrieving information associated with the selectable area, and delivering the information to the user delivery address. The system includes a user interface, an object displayable on the user interface, an input device for selecting the object, a program operable to receive the user selection, address data associated with the user, information associated with the object, and a device operable to deliver the information to the address data.

Abstract: A head end terminal for a communication system using multicarrier modulation is described. The head end terminal includes a multicarrier modem adapted to receive upstream signals and to demodulate the upstream signals modulated on a plurality of orthogonal carriers in a first frequency bandwidth, the multicarrier modem including a polyphase filter adapted to selectively filter the received upstream signal to provide protection against narrowband ingress for the modulated orthogonal carriers and allow for scalable bandwidth usage in the upstream transmission, and a controller operatively connected to the multicarrier modem for controlling receipt of signals.

Abstract: An architecture for distributing digital information to subscriber units wherein selection from among multiple digital services is accomplished by transmitting a tuning command from a subscriber unit to an intermediate interface. The intermediate interface selects the desired service from a broadband network and transmits it to the subscriber unit over a bandwidth-constrained access line. The bandwidth-constrained access line may be implemented with existing infrastructure, yet the subscriber unit may access a wide variety of digital information -available on the broadband network. Universal broadband access is thus provided at low cost.

Abstract: A CATV system including a CATV network, a multiplicity of subscriber units, apparatus for transmitting over said CATV network encrypted information individually addressed to a subscriber unit and apparatus associated with each of said multiplicity of subscriber units for decoding the encrypted information addressed thereto.

Abstract: Telephone apparatus, including a cable television (CATV) network interface, which is adapted to be connected to a CATV network so as to receive downstream cellular telephone communication signals transmitted at a downstream intermediate frequency (IF) via the CATV network from a base-station transceiver system (BTS) operative in a cellular telephone network. The apparatus includes a telephone interface, which is adapted to connect to a cellular telephone operative in the cellular telephone network via a physical connection.

Abstract: This invention is a system and method for synchronizing interaction of a communication network (206) with a broadcasting network (208). The system (300) comprises a transmission synchronization engine (302), a wireless gateway (118), a program listing source (308, 310, 312), and a program content source (324). The wireless gateway (118) is capable of wireless communication with a mobile station (102) of the communication network (206) and provides location information about the mobile station (102) to the transmission synchronization engine (302). The program listing source (308, 310, 312) is capable of providing a current program listing for broadcast by the broadcasting network (208) based on the location information of the mobile station (102) to the transmission synchronization engine (302). The program content source (324) is capable of providing enhanced program content for one or more programs of the current program listing to the transmission synchronization engine (302).

Abstract: A method is provided for allocating bandwidth over a cable network to establish a packet-switched telephony connection between two endpoints. The method begins by authorizing and reserving an allocation of bandwidth at the time of a call origination sufficient to establish a voice-band data connection between the endpoints. Next, only a portion of the allocation of bandwidth is committed. This committed portion, which is sufficient to establish a compressed voice traffic connection between the endpoints, is a subset of the reserved allocation of bandwidth. The reserved but uncommitted portion of the allocation of bandwidth is released so that it is available for another connection if at least one of the endpoints determines that the connection is to support voice traffic and not voice-band data. This bandwidth portion may be released after a prescribed period of time has elapsed since the establishment of a full send/receive connection without the detection of voice-band data.