U.S. patent application number 09/933834 was filed with the patent office on 2002-03-07 for circuit to provide backup telephone service for a multiple service access system using a twisted pair.
Invention is credited to Barzegar, Farhad, Gerszberg, Irwin, Treventi, Philip Andrew.
Application Number | 20020027876 09/933834 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21695564 |
Filed Date | 2002-03-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020027876 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barzegar, Farhad ; et
al. |
March 7, 2002 |
Circuit to provide backup telephone service for a multiple service
access system using a twisted pair
Abstract
A subscriber link to a central office which employs data
compression, forward error correction, and advanced modulation
techniques and to connect subscribers to multiple communications
networks to provide an array of services. A device provides normal
telephone service in the event of an equipment failure. At the
subscriber end, a server called an intelligent services director
(ISD) provides multiple independent connections for telephones
which ordinarily connect to multiple access virtual circuits
generated on the subscriber link over a twisted pair. A device
called a facilities management platform (FMP) at the central office
end of the link, among other things, provides interfacing of the
subscriber link to various networks including a digital subscriber
loop (DLC) and packet switched networks. Ordinarily telephones
connected to the ISD require power and correctly functioning modems
and controllers in the ISD and the FMP to have access to the
outside world. A fail-safe mechanism, however allows at least one
chosen phone to function in the event of a failure. The chosen
phone must be capable of pulse or DTMF dialing. The connection
through which it operate can be switched directly to the twisted
pair media connecting to the FMP. At the FMP, the twisted pair is
switched to tie the connection directly to a line card of the DLC.
Alternatively, the ISD contains an interface to a specialized phone
designed for the ISD environment. The interface provides the
appearance to the DLC of a regular POT
Inventors: |
Barzegar, Farhad; (Township
of Hillsborough, NJ) ; Gerszberg, Irwin; (Kendall
Park, NJ) ; Treventi, Philip Andrew; (Murray Hill,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BANNER & WITCOFF
1001 G STREET N W
SUITE 1100
WASHINGTON
DC
20001
US
|
Family ID: |
21695564 |
Appl. No.: |
09/933834 |
Filed: |
August 22, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09933834 |
Aug 22, 2001 |
|
|
|
09001343 |
Dec 31, 1997 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
370/216 ;
370/352 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 3/12 20130101; H04M
3/30 20130101; H04M 3/2209 20130101; H04M 3/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
370/216 ;
370/352 |
International
Class: |
H04L 001/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. In a broadband communication network, a method for providing
fail-safe telephone connectivity between a subscriber server
including a telephone and a telephone network facility, comprising
switching a connection from the telephone to a broadband
communication network interface directly to a telephone network
facility line when a fault is detected in the broadband
communication network.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein detecting a fault in
the broadband communication network comprises listening for a
status signal from the broadband communication network at the
subscriber server and determining that a network fault exists if
the status signal is not received in a threshold period of
time.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein detecting a fault in
the broadband communication network comprises listening, at a
location in the broadband communication network, for a status
signal from the subscriber server and determining that a network
fault exists if the status signal is not received in a threshold
period of time.
4. In a broadband communication network, a method for providing
fail-safe telephone connectivity between an analog subscriber
telephone and a telephone network facility, comprising connecting
the analog subscriber telephone to the telephone network facility
through a connection different from a connection between a
subscriber server and the broadband communication network.
5. In a broadband communication network including a telephone
network facility, a method of providing fail-safe telephone
connectivity between a subscriber and the broadband communication
network comprising: providing a primary digital telephone
connection via a subscriber server connected to the broadband
communication network; and providing a backup analog telephone
connection directly to the telephone network facility bypassing the
subscriber server when a fault in the subscriber server occurs.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the primary digital
telephone connection comprises connecting a modem at the subscriber
server to the telephone network facility.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein providing the backup
analog telephone connection comprises connecting an analog
telephone to the telephone network facility on the same line
connecting the subscriber server and the telephone network
facility, the analog telephone using a different frequency spectrum
than the digital telephone.
8. The method according to claim 5, further comprising detecting
fault in the subscriber server by identifying a failed polling
process.
9. The method according to claim 5, wherein the fault in the
subscriber server is a power failure at the subscriber server.
10. The method according to claim 6, wherein the fault in the
subscriber server is a modem failure.
Description
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 09/001,343 filed on Dec. 31, 1997.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention discloses a backup system to provide
telephone service for a subscriber in a wideband communications
link layer interface between various digital networks and new
wideband local loop systems connecting subscribers. More
particularly it relates to such a system in which such local loops
employ metal conductors as the medium for such wideband local
loops.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] As deregulation of the telephone industry continues and as
companies prepare to enter the local telephone access market, there
is a need to offer new and innovative services that distinguish
common carriers from their competitors. This cannot be accomplished
without introducing new local access network architectures that
will be able to support these new and innovative services.
[0004] Conventionally, customer premises telephone and/or data
connections contain splitters for separating analog voice calls
from other data services such as Ethernet transported over digital
subscriber line (DSL) modems. Voice band data and voice signals are
sent through a communications switch in a central or local office
to an interexchange carrier or Internet service provider. DSL data
is sent through a digital subscriber loop asynchronous mode (DSLAM)
switch which may include a router. The DSLAM switch connects many
lines and routes the digital data to a telephone company's digital
switch.
[0005] A major problem with this configuration is that
interexchange carriers attempting to penetrate the local telephone
company's territory must lease trunk lines from the local telephone
company switch to the interexchange company's network for digital
traffic. Furthermore, the Internet service provider must lease a
modem from the local phone company in the DSLAM switch and route
its data through the local phone company's digital switch. Thus,
the local phone company leases and/or provides a significant amount
of equipment, driving up the cost of entry for any other company
trying to provide local telephone services and making it difficult
for the interexchange companies to differentiate their services.
Furthermore, since DSL modem technology is not standardized, in
order to ensure compatibility, the DSL modem provided by the local
telephone company must also be provided to the end user in the
customer premises equipment (CPE). Additionally, since the network
is not completely controlled by the interexchange companies, it is
difficult to for the interexchange companies to provide data at
committed rates. Any performance improvements implemented by the
interexchange companies may not be realized by their customers,
because the capabilities of the local telephone company equipment
may or may not meet their performance needs. Thus, it is difficult
for the interexchange companies to convince potential customers to
switch to their equipment or to use their services. These factors
ensure the continued market presence of the local telephone
company.
[0006] As part of this system, there is a need for improved
architectures, services and equipment utilized to allow the
interexchange companies to offer more products and services to
customers. DSL technology, one type of communication system that
can use conventional twisted pair wiring, for which a large
infrastructure is in place, holds the promise of providing high
bandwidth communication into any telephone subscriber's home or
business. However, such high throughput subscriber links require
properly functioning systems at both ends of the subscriber link.
The possibility of a power outage or equipment failure is always
present. The prior art does not adequately address the problem of
providing backup service for such high speed links.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In order to provide an improved network, it is desirable for
the interexchange companies to have access to at least one of the
twisted-pair lines connecting each of the individual users to the
local telephone network before the lines are routed through the
conventional local telephone network equipment. It is preferable to
have access to these lines prior to the splitter and modem
technology offered by the local service providers. By having access
to the twisted-pair wires entering the customer=s premises,
interexchange companies can offer better services by providing
higher bandwidth, improving the capabilities of the customer
premises equipment, and lowering overall system costs to the
customer by enhancing competition between local exchange carriers
and interexchange carriers.
[0008] The new architecture may utilize a video phone and/or other
devices to provide new services to an end user; an intelligent
services director (ISD) disposed near the customer's premises for
multiplexing and coordinating many digital services onto a single
twisted-pair line; a facilities management platform (FMP) disposed
in the local telephone network's central office for routing data to
an appropriate interexchange company network; and a network server
platform (NSP) coupled to the FMP for providing new and innovative
services to the customer and for distinguishing services provided
by the interexchange companies from those services provided by the
local telephone network.
[0009] As part of this system, one aspect of the invention provides
a so-called FMP which provides a link between the local loop to the
customer premises ISD (which may also be located remotely from the
customer premises) and the interexchange company network.
[0010] Briefly, in summary, a subscriber link to a central office
which employs data compression, forward error correction, and
advanced modulation techniques and to connect subscribers to
multiple communications networks to provide an array of services. A
device provides normal telephone service in the event of an
equipment failure. At the subscriber end, a server called an
intelligent services director (ISD) provides multiple independent
connections for telephones which ordinarily connect to multiple
access virtual circuits generated on the subscriber link over a
twisted pair. A device called a facilities management platform
(FMP) at the central office end of the link, among other things,
provides interfacing of the subscriber link to various networks
including a digital subscriber loop (DLC) and packet switched
networks. Ordinarily telephones connected to the ISD require power
and correctly functioning modems and controllers in the ISD and the
FMP to have access to the outside world. A fail-safe mechanism,
however allows at least one chosen phone to function in the event
of a failure. The chosen phone must be capable of pulse or DTMF
dialing. The connection through which it operate can be switched
directly to the twisted pair media connecting to the FMP. At the
FMP, the twisted pair is switched to tie the connection directly to
a line card of the DLC.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The foregoing summary of the invention, as well as the
following detailed description of preferred embodiments, is better
understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
which are included by way of example, and not by way of limitation
with regard to the claimed invention.
[0012] In the drawing,
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a hybrid fiber twisted
pair local loop architecture.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an intelligent
services director consistent with the architecture shown in FIG.
1.
[0015] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an embodiment of a video phone
consistent with the architecture shown in FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 4A is a block diagram of an embodiment of a facilities
management platform consistent with the architecture shown in FIG.
1.
[0017] FIG. 4B illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a
network server platform consistent with the architecture shown in
FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates life line components of the ISD.
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates life line components of the FMP.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] The following description provides an overview of how the
primary subject of this application, a life-line support system,
fits into an overall network architecture. Referring to FIG. 1, a
first exemplary communication network architecture employing a
hybrid fiber, twisted-pair (HFTP) local loop 1 architecture is
shown. An intelligent services director (ISD) 22 may be coupled to
a central office 34 via a twisted-pair wire 30, a connector block
26, and/or a main distribution frame (MDF) 28. The ISD 22 and the
central or local office 34 may communicate with each other using,
for example, framed, time division, frequency-division,
synchronous, asynchronous and/or spread spectrum formats, but in
exemplary embodiments uses DSL modem technology. The central office
34 preferably includes a facilities management platform (FMP) 32
for processing data exchanged across the twisted-pair wire 30. The
FMP 32 may be configured to support plain old telephone service
(POTS) by handling voice signals digitized by the ISD 22 in various
ways. Voice data can be multiplexed directly onto the digital
backplane of a PSTN or modified digital loop carrier or it can be
formatted for transmission directly on a digital (for example,
interexchange) network which may be optical or ATM. Ultimately
voice data may be received by a remote PSTN 46 and transmitted to a
called party or through a remote FMP 32 to the called party.
Demodulation of the subscriber link signal (e.g., DSL) is handled
by a, for example, tethered virtual radio channel (TVRC) modem
(shown in FIG. 4A). Non-voice data may be output to a high speed
backbone network (e.g., a fiber-optic network) such as an
asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switching network.
[0021] The FMP 32 may process data and/or analog/digitized voice
between customer premise equipment (CPE) 10 and any number of
networks. For example, the FMP 32 may be interconnected with a
synchronous optical network (SONET) 42 for interconnection to any
number of additional networks such as an InterSpan backbone 48, the
PSTN 46, a public switch switching network (e.g. call setup
SS7-type network 44), and/or a network server platform (NSP) 36.
Alternatively, the FMP 32 may be directly connected to any of these
networks. One or more FMPs 32 may be connected directly to the high
speed backbone network (e.g., direct fiber connection with the
SONET network 42) or they may be linked via a trunk line (e.g.,
trunks 40 or 42) to one or more additional networks. FMP 32 may
also interconnect with other FMP 32 units to limit traffic on other
network facilities for calls destined for nearby FMPs 32. Moreover,
calls between two subscribers linked to the same FMP 32 may
communicate through the FMP 32 without being linked to any of the
other network facilities. In addition, the FMP 32 may provide
internal caching to limit the burden on the external network
facilities. For example, a movie might be cached during certain
time of the day if one particular movie is being requested by many
subscribers at around the same time.
[0022] Although the possibly massive demands of a cache for user
data may make it economically unfeasible to cache data such as
movies, the FMP 32 would, preferably, have an internal memory or
other data storage that would contain information about each
subscriber to which it is linked. For example, a subscriber may not
subscribe to all the services the FMP 32 makes available. For
example, one subscriber might want its calls, where possible,
handled by the interexchange carrier by directly routing them
through one of the digital networks (e.g., ATM) owned by the
interexchange carrier or other owner of the FMP 32. Another
subscriber may prefer to go through the local phone company through
the modified DLC 87 for at least some calls depending on the
pricing and features offered by the competing carriers. This data
is preferably stored on such an internal storage at the FMP 32.
Such data could be updated by the NSP 46 as required. Storing such
data, aside from saving bandwidth of external networks, will also
speed the handling of calls.
[0023] The NSP 36 may provide a massive cache storage for various
information that may be provided across the SONET 42 to the FMP 32
and out to the ISD 22. The NSP 36 and the FMP 32 may collectively
define an access network server complex 38. The NSP 36 may be
interconnected with multiple FMPs 32. Furthermore, each FMP 32 may
interconnect with one or more ISDs 22. The NSP 36 may be located
anywhere but is preferably located in a point-of-presence facility.
The NSP 36 may further act as a gateway to, for example, any number
of additional services. The major tasks of the NSP 46 is to handle
connection management, act as an application launcher and provide
operations administration maintenance & provisioning.
[0024] The ISD 22 may be interconnected to various devices such as
a videophone 130, other digital phones 18, set-top devices,
computers, and/or other devices comprising the customer premise
equipment 10. The customer premise equipment 10 may individually or
collectively serve as a local network computer at the customer
site. Applets may be downloaded from the NSP 36 into some or all of
the individual devices within the customer premise equipment 10.
Where applets are provided by the NSP 36, the programming of the
applets may be updated such that the applets are be continually
configured to the latest software version by the interexchange
carrier. In this way, the CPE 10 may be kept up to date by simply
re-loading updated applets. In addition, certain applets may be
resident on any of the CPE 10. These resident applets may be
periodically reinitialized by simply sending a request from, for
example, a digital phone 18 and/or a videophone 130 to the FMP 32
and thereafter to the NSP 36 for reinitialization and downloading
of new applets. To ensure wide spread availability of the new
features made possible by the present architecture, the customer
premise equipment may be provided to end users either at a
subsidized cost or given away for free, with the cost of the
equipment being amortized over the services sold to the user
through the equipment.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, the ISD 22 may connect with a variety
of devices including analog and digital voice telephones 15, 18;
digital videophones 130, devices for monitoring home security,
meter reading devices (not shown), utilities devices (not shown),
facsimile devices 16, personal computers 14, and/or other digital
or analog devices. Some or all of these devices may be connected
with the ISD 22 via any suitable mechanism such as a single and/or
multiple twisted-pair wires and/or a wireless connection. For
example, a number of digital devices may be multi-dropped on a
single twisted-pair connection. Similarly, analog phones and other
analog devices may be multi-dropped using conventional
techniques.
[0026] The ISD 22 may be located within the home/business or
mounted exterior to the home/business. The ISD 22 may operate from
electrical power supplied by the local or central office 34 and/or
from the customer's power supplied by the customer=s power company.
Where the ISD 22 includes a modem, it may be desirable to power the
ISD 22 with supplemental power from the home in order to provide
sufficient power to enable the optimal operation of the modem.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments the ISD 22 may
include a controller 100 which may have any of a variety of
elements such as a central processing unit 102, a DRAM 103, an SRAM
104, a ROM 105 and/or an internet protocol (IP) bridge router 106
connecting the controller 100 to a system bus 111. The system bus
111 may be connected with a variety of network interface devices
110. The network interface devices 110 may be variously configured
to include an integrated services digital network (ISDN) interface
113, an Ethernet interface 119, an IEEE 1394 "fire wire" interface
112 (e.g., for digital a videodisc device (DVD)), a digital
subscriber line (DSL) modem interface 114 (e.g., for TVRC modem), a
residential interface 115, (e.g., standard POTS phone systems such
as tip ring), a business interface 116 (e.g., a T1 line and/or PABX
interface), a radio frequency (RF) audio/video interface 120 (e.g.,
a cable television connection), and a cordless phone interface 123
(e.g., a 900 MHZ transceiver). Connected to one of the network
interfaces and/or the system bus 111 may be any number of devices
such as an audio interface 122 (e.g., for digital audio, digital
telephones, digital audio tape (DAT) recorders/players, music for
restaurants, MIDI interface, DVD, etc.), a digital phone 121, a
videophone/user interface 130, a television set-top device 131
and/or other devices. Where the network interface is utilized, it
may be desirable to use, for example, the IEEE 1394 interface 112
and/or the Ethernet interface 119.
[0028] The ISD 22 may be variously configured to provide any number
of suitable services. For example, the ISD 22 may offer high
fidelity radio channels by allowing the user to select a particular
channel and obtaining a digitized radio channel from a remote
location and outputting the digital audio, for example, on audio
interface 122, video phone 130, and/or digital phones 121. A
digital telephone may be connected to the audio interface 122 such
that a user may select any one of a number of digital radio
channels by simply having the user push a channel button on the
telephone and have the speaker phone output particular channels.
The telephone may be preprogramed to provide the radio channels at
a particular time, such as a wake up call for bedroom mounted
telephone, or elsewhere in the house. The user may select any
number of services on the video phone and/or other user interface
such as a cable set-top device. These services may include any
number of suitable services such as weather, headlines in the news,
stock quotes, neighborhood community services information, ticket
information, restaurant information, service directories (e.g.,
yellow pages), call conferencing, billing systems, mailing systems,
coupons, advertisements, maps, classes, Internet, pay-per-view
(PPV), and/or other services using any suitable user interface such
as the audio interface 122, the video phone/user interface 130,
digital phones, 121 and/or another suitable device such as a settop
131.
[0029] In further embodiments, the ISD 22 may be configured as an
IP proxy server such that each of the devices connected to the
server utilize transmission control protocol/internet protocol
(TCP/IP) protocol. This configuration allows any device associated
with the ISD 22 to access the Internet via an IP connection through
the FMP 32. Where the ISD 22 is configured as an IP proxy server,
it may accommodate additional devices that do not support the
TCP/IP protocol. In this embodiment, the ISD 22 may have a
proprietary or conventional interface connecting the ISD 22 to any
associated device such as to the set top box 131, the personal
computer 14, the video telephone 130, the digital telephone 18,
and/or some other end user device.
[0030] In still further embodiments, the ISD 22 may be compatible
with multicast broadcast services where multicast information is
broadcast by a central location and/or other server on one of the
networks connected to the FMP 32, e.g., an ATM-switched network.
The ISD 22 may download the multicast information via the FMP 32 to
any of the devices connected to the ISD 22. The ISD 22 and/or CPE
10 devices may selectively filter the information in accordance
with a specific customer user=s preferences. For example, one user
may select all country music broadcasts on a particular day while
another user may select financial information. The ISD 22 and/or
any of the CPE 10 devices may also be programmed to store
information representing users' preferences and/or the received
uni-cast or multicast information in memory or other storage media
for later replay. Thus, for example, video clips or movies may be
multicast to all customers in the community with certain users
being preconfigured to select the desired video clip/movie in real
time for immediate viewing and/or into storage for later
viewing.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 3A, a videophone 130 may include a touch
screen display 141 and soft keys 142 around the perimeter of the
display 141. The display may be responsive to touch, pressure,
and/or light input. Some or all of the soft keys 142 may be
programmable and may vary in function depending upon, for example,
the applet being run by the videophone 130. The function of each
soft key may be displayed next to the key on the display 141. The
functions of the soft keys 142 may also be manually changed by the
user by pressing scroll buttons 143. The videophone 140 may also
include a handset 144 (which may be connected via a cord or
wireless connection to the rest of the videophone and/or directly
to the ISD), a keypad 150, a video camera 145, a credit card reader
146, a smart card slot 147, a microphone 149, a motion and/or light
detector 148, built-in speaker(s) 155, a printer/scanner/facsimile
152, and/or external speakers 154 (e.g., stereo speakers). A
keyboard 153 and/or a postage scale 151 may also be connected to
the videophone 130. Any or all of the above-mentioned items may be
integrated with the videophone unit itself or may be physically
separate from the videophone unit. A block diagram of the video
phone unit is shown in FIG. 3B. Referring to FIG. 3B, in addition
to the items above, the video phone 130 may also include a signal
processor 171, high speed interface circuitry 172, memory 173,
power supply 174, all interconnected via a controller 170.
[0032] When the videophone 130 is used as a video telephone, the
display 141 may include one or more video window(s) 160 for viewing
a person to whom a user is speaking and/or showing the picture seen
by the person on the other end of the video phone. The display may
also include a dialed-telephone-number window 161 for displaying
the phone number dialed, a virtual keypad 162, virtual buttons 163
for performing various telephone functions, service directory icons
165, a mail icon 164, and/or various other service icons 166 which
may be used, for example, for obtaining coupons or connecting with
an operator. Any or all of these items may be displayed as virtual
buttons and/or graphic icons and may be arranged in any
combination. Additionally, any number of other display features may
be shown on the video phone in accordance with one or more of the
applications incorporated by reference below.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 4A, the FMP 32 may coordinate the flow of
data packets, separate voice signals from other signals, perform
line monitoring and switching functions, and/or convert between
analog and digital signals. The FMP 32 may process data sent from
the CPE 10 to the central or local office 34 by separating and
reconstructing analog voice signals, data, and control frames. The
FMP 32 may process data sent from the central or local office 34 to
the CPE 10 by separating control messages from user information,
and configure this information into segments for transport across
the digital subscriber loop. The FMP 32 may also terminate all link
layers associated with the digital subscriber loop.
[0034] In some embodiments, the FMP 32 may include an access module
70 and a digital loop carrier 87. The access module 70 may include
a line protector 71, a cross-connector 73, a plurality of TVRC
modems 80, a plurality of digital filters 82, a controller
multiplexer 84, and/or a router and facilities interface 86. The
digital loop carrier 87 may include a plurality of line cards 96, a
time domain multiplexing (TDM) multiplexer (MUX) 88, a TDM bus 90,
a controller 92, and/or a facilities interface 94.
[0035] During normal operations, digital signals on the subscriber
lines 30 (e.g., twisted-pair lines) containing both voice and data
may be received by the TVRC modems 80 via the line protector 71 and
the cross-connector 73. Preferably, the line protector 71 includes
lightning blocks for grounding power surges due to lightning or
other stray voltage surges. The TVRC modems 80 may send the digital
voice and/or data signals to the controller multiplexer 84 and the
digital filters 82. The digital filters 82 may separate the voice
signals from the digital data signals, and the controller
multiplexer 84 may then multiplex the voice signals and/or data
signals received from the digital filters 82. The controller
multiplexer 84 may then send multiplexed voice signals to the TDM
MUX 88 and the data signals to the router and facilities interface
86 for transmission to one or more external networks. The TDM MUX
88 may multiplex the voice signals from the controller multiplexer
84 and/or send the voice signals to the TDM bus 90, which may then
send the digital voice signals to the controller 92 and then to the
facilities interface 94 for transmission to one or more external
networks. Alternatively, voice data may be repackaged by controller
& multiplexer 84 for application directly to any of various
digital networks without going through modified DLC 87. Both the
router and facilities interface 86 and the facilities interface 94
may convert between electrical signals and optical signals when a
fiber optic link is utilized.
[0036] When there is a failure of the digital data link (e.g., if
there is a failure of the TVRC modems 80 at the FMP 32 or the TVRC
modem 114 at the ISD 22), only analog voice signals might be sent
over the subscriber lines 30. In such a case, the analog voice
signals may be directly routed to the line cards 96, bypassing the
TVRC modems 80, the digital filters 82, the controller multiplexer
84, and the TDM MUX 88. Thus, voice communication is ensured
despite a failure of the digital data link. The line cards 96 may
convert the analog voice signals into digital format (e.g., TDM
format) and send the digitized voice data onto the TDM bus 90 and
eventually through the controller 92 and the facilities interface
94 for transmission to one or more external networks.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 4B, the NSP 36 may be variously configured
to provide any number of services provided by a server such as
information services, Internet services, pay-per-view movie
services, data-base services, commercial services, and/or other
suitable services. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, the NSP 36
includes a router 185 having a backbone 180 (e.g., a fiber
distributed data interface (FDDI) backbone) that interconnects a
management server 182, an information/database server 183, and/or
one or more application server clusters 184. The NSP 36 may be
connected via the router 185 by a link 181 to one or more external
networks, NSPs 36, and/or an FMPs 32. The information/data base
server 183 may perform storage and/or database functions. The
application server cluster 184 may maintain and control the
downloading of applets to the ISD 22. The NSP 36 may also include a
voice/call processor 186 configured to handle call and data routing
functions, set-up functions, distributed operating system
functions, voice recognition functions for spoken commands input
from any of the ISD connected devices as well as other
functions.
[0038] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 4A, as mentioned, the FMP 32
serves a link-layer termination for the high-speed subscriber data
link, for example, a DSL link between the ISD 22 at a customer
premise and the digital network of an interexchange carrier (shown
in FIG. 1). The FMP 32 communicates with the ISD 22, receiving
signaling data, user data, and voice data over (preferably) a high
speed DSL link. The signaling data tells the FMP 32 how to handle
(route) the voice and user data. There are two major routing
alternatives, to route as a normal call through the modified DLC 87
or to route directly through the interexchange carrier network by
converting the user and voice data directly from the format of the
subscriber link to the format of the interexchange carrier network
used. In the latter case, a dialogue between the FMP 32 and the NSP
46 may be established to inform the NSP 46 that a call is impending
or terminated and to request that it allocate or deallocate
bandwidth of the network accordingly. The following is a detailed
description of the elements of a preferred embodiment of the FMP
32.
[0039] FMP 32 receives digital data over a twisted pair connection
(preferred, but could be any other medium) which terminates at a
line protection block 71. In an embodiment, the FMP 32 supports DSL
communication with the ISD 22. The termination to which twisted
pair wiring connects the ISD 22 with the FMP 32 is responsible for
terminating the DSL link. This includes providing Borscht as well
as DSL modem functions.
[0040] During normal operation the DSL Facilities Termination
subsystem is responsible for providing over-voltage protection.
This is the same as in a convention wire termination. In addition,
the FMP 32 includes DSL modems or TVRC modems 80 to convert analog
symbols to digital data and vice versa. These techniques are
described in the literature and applications incorporated by
reference in the present application.
[0041] Another function of the FMP 32 is to provide in-service
testing/monitoring of the ISD facility. This aspect stems from the
fact that the FMP 32 stands in the shoes of the DLC it
supplements.
[0042] On the network side of the modems, data must be framed
before being modulated to be transmit over the DSL link. Other
preparations include encoding for forward error correction (for
data not suited to retransmission such as voice data) and
interleaving (to reduce drastic effects of impulsive noise or
fading).
[0043] The final output of the termination/modem subsystem is a
stream of DSL frames containing higher-layer protocol data. In the
CPE-to-network direction. The controller & multiplexer 84
processes the DSL frames it receives from the Facilities
Termination subsystem to terminate any link layers associated with
the DSL segment of the connection, (in an embodiment) re-construct
(e.g. IPv6) packets from the DSL frames, and separate (IP) packets
containing voice, data, and signaling (call-routing or data
routing) information.
[0044] In an embodiment of the invention, for purposes of
transmitting voice data directly from an external digital network
(as opposed to through modified DLC 87) data containing voice (for
example, in voice-packets) are delivered by the controller &
multiplexer 84 to a packet-to-circuit translation subsystem (not
shown separately) by an internal network system (also not shown
separately). User data packets are delivered to/from the external
networks (which can be interexchange carrier networks or any other
external network) and signaling packets to/from the subscriber
signaling subsystem of the external network where user data or
voice data are routed directly as packets or to/from controller 92
where user or voice data are routed through modified DLC 87.
[0045] In the network-to-CPE direction, the controller &
multiplexer 84 processes the packets it receives from all
subscriber signaling and external routing subsystems. This involves
multiplexing (at the packet level) voice, data and subscriber
signaling packets bound for a single DSL link. It also involves
mapping packets onto DSL frames, and terminating the FMP-side of
any link layers associated with the DSL link. Packets traveling in
the network-to-CPE direction are sent directly to the DSL
termination for delivery to ISD 22.
[0046] For purposes of transferring data between its subsystems,
such as within the controller & multiplexer 84, voice, data,
and signaling packets are transported via an internal routing
system (not shown separately) that is at least logically, and
perhaps physically also, distinct from the external networks with
which the FMP 32 communicates. This is useful for reliability,
security, and availability reasons.
[0047] In FIG. 4A, various elements of the FMP 32, which could be
on a single plug-in card that accommodates terminations for four
subscribers lines, are shown. Each of the four subscribers can be
connected to a respective (any) one of five TVRC modems 80 (TVRC or
DSL preferred, but could be any type of digital modem) via a
cross-connector switch. In the event of a failure of one of modems
the ISD 22 indicated by, for example, irregular communications
detected in controller & multiplexer 84 or controller 92, cross
connector 73 will switch the subscriber from the suspected bad TVRC
modem to a spare one of the five TVRC modems 80. The FMP 32 could
employ failure indicators (not shown) to advise maintenance
personnel that a modem has been switched out and that it should be
replaced. TVRC modems 80 are high speed digital modems with the
ability to transmit and receive data at rates of 1 Mbit or more
using advanced modulation, error-correction coding, and data
compression techniques. These are preferred known technologies and
are described in other references including some of the copending
applications incorporated by reference in the present application.
No particular technology or technique is identified with modems 80
and more advanced technologies may be employed with the present
invention.
[0048] Referring now also to FIGS. 5 and 6, a lifeline may be
provided for continuous telephone service in the event of a power
failure at the CPE 10. The lifeline may be utilized to connect the
ISD 22 to the local telecommunications company's modified DLC 87,
for example in the FMP 32 located in the central office 34. The
five modem connections to the cross connector 73 are switchable to
respective connections to five line cards to provide telephone
service (life line service) in the event that the ISD 22 becomes
inoperative. In a conventional digital loop carrier (as opposed to
modified DLC 87) the line cards connect over twisted pairs to POTs
to interface the digital backplane 90 and the analog POTs. In the
modified DLC 87, they serve the same purpose when the line card is
switched-in and the TVRC modem switched-out due to failure of a
connected ISD 22. That is, the line cards serve as the terminations
of the analog phone lines providing power to the telephones via a
battery, supplying the ringing voltage power, out of service
testing and supervision of the subscriber terminal as well as
interfacing the digital communications on the TDM backplane 90 to
the analog system of the calling/called POT. Thus, in the event of
failure of an ISD 22, the FMP, for that particular line, acts like
a conventional DLC because the entire access module 70 and its
features and the modified aspects of the DLC 87 are bypassed. In
the event of a failure at the customer premises, battery supply to
the subscriber line, out-of-service testing, ringing voltage
supply, and supervision of subscriber terminals are also
provided.
[0049] Referring now more particularly to FIG. 4A, a termination
facility for subscriber lines 30 of access module 70 provides, in
addition to line protection 71 and cross connector 73, a line
monitor and controller 82. The latter may be a separate component
or it may be a programmed function of controller & multiplexer
84. Line monitor controller 81 controls the life line switches 78.
When a subscriber link is lost due to malfunction, a corresponding
one of life line switches 78 is tripped from a position in which it
connects the subscriber line to the modem 80 to a position in which
it connects a respective line card 96. A corresponding life line
switch 144 in the ISD 22 disconnects an analog telephone 121 from
the tip ring interface 142 and connects the analog phone 121
directly to the subscriber lines 30. In these positions, the analog
phone 121 is connected to the line card 96 as in ordinary telephone
service so that the DLC 87 supplies battery backed up power,
ringing, DTMF decoding, etc. This configuration provides normal
telephone service through the analog telephone 121.
[0050] Referring particularly to FIG. 6, in the ISD 22 the life
line switch 144 is controlled by a line monitor controller 141. The
latter may be a separate part of the ISD 22 or it may be a function
of an ISD controller 145 that controls the various functions of the
ISD described elsewhere in the present application and in the
copending applications incorporated by reference. The line
monitoring facilities 141 and 81 controlling the life line switches
78 and 144 may monitor the integrity of the subscriber link by
various means. In one implementation, these line monitors are
battery powered components that listen for a message generated from
the opposite end of the subscriber link 30 and, if they don't
receive it within a period of time, they go to the default
life-line-connected states. The switches would also have a
power-off state connecting the life line circuit.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 7, another embodiment of the life line
service is shown. In this embodiment, the analog telephone is
connected permanently to the line card of the DLC 87 of the FMP 32.
In this case, since the frequencies normally used by the plain old
telephone service (POTS) range up to only about 4 kHz, the range
used by the modems can simply avoid this portion without being
substantially limited. So, for example, the modem 124 and 80 may
use only the frequency range above 100 kHz. This range would leave
the range used by ISDN service available too. Power can still be
supplied through the subscriber link 30. Thus, in the embodiment of
life line service shown in FIG. 7, one or more regular telephones
are connected to the subscriber twisted pair line (shown
schematically as a single line, although in practice it is usually
two twisted conductors). The subscriber twisted pair is connected
to the line card 96 as in normal telephone service and the
available frequencies above the range used by the POTS are used for
the multiple access subscriber link discussed in this specification
and in the related applications.
[0052] Under normal operation, the TVRC modems 80 demodulate a
symbol generated on the subscriber lines 30 to output subscriber
data including voice, signaling, and user data, and apply the
resulting data stream to the digital filters 82. As discussed
above, the digital data from the ISDs 22 contain voice, digital
information, and signaling from, potentially, many different
subscriber equipment all multiplexed into the same data stream,
preferably a packet-based protocol as discussed above. At a time
when a call is just being dialed by the user, the data stream will
contain signaling information (unless a voice-activated dialing
feature is being used as discussed further below). At other times,
signaling data may be generated automatically by subscriber
equipment such as a settop unit in the process of ordering a
movie.
[0053] Call setup may be performed in a way that bypasses the
normal interaction between the regular DLC (not shown) and the
modified DLC 87 because the ISD 22 may send call signaling data as
digital information to the FMP 32. Thus, there may be no need to
interpret DTMF tones or dialing pulse. The FMP 32 may interact
through the controller 92 set up the call conventionally through
the modified DLC 87 by way of the TDM multiplexer 88. Or the
signaling data from the subscriber link may be transmitted in the
form of DTMF tones which are interpreted either through a DLC
facility or by a detector in FMP 32. The direct mechanism for
handling signaling data is preferred because DTMF tones would take
up bandwidth unnecessarily.
[0054] Alternatively, calls can be routed directly to the digital
network as packet data, for example. In such a process, where calls
are placed digitally through the packet network, signaling
information may be sent to the NSP 46 along with control
information informing the NSP 46 that a virtual circuit for a call
is requested. If it is a voice call, a high priority must be given
to the virtual circuit and the NSP 46 must make sure the bandwidth
is available. At the time a call is made which is to be routed
directly from the FMP 32 through the packet-switched networks
(e.g., SONET or ATM), the FMP 32 may be handling data to and from
the subscribers. At the time the request for a high priority voice
channel is made, the ISD 22 has already de-allocated bandwidth
assigned for data transmission to make room for the higher priority
voice transmission. The FMP 32 communicates the demand for high
priority bandwidth to the NSP 46 and the NSP 36 may deallocate
bandwidth formerly dedicated to data transmission (the same data
for which bandwidth was de-allocated by the ISD 22) as it, at the
same time, allocates bandwidth for the high priority call. This may
involve a transmission from the FMP 32 to the NSP 46 telling the
NSP 46 that less low-priority data bandwidth is needed in the
current call and high priority bandwidth is needed for the new
voice call. The NSP 46 then responds by allocating or identifying
available circuits (virtual) and providing the appropriate
signaling. When the voice call is finished, similar dialogue
between the FMP 32 and NSP 46 takes place. The termination of the
call is detected by the FMP 32 and a message sent to the NSP 46
informing it that additional bandwidth is needed for data
communications and no (or less) bandwidth for the voice call.
[0055] In the preferred embodiment, the voice and digital
information is time domain multiplexed (TDM) in the digital data
stream applied to the digital filters 82. This embodiment makes it
simple and efficient to provide high priority to voice
communications by the ISD 22 by providing a bandwidth on demand as
discussed elsewhere in this application and in related applications
incorporated by reference in this application. In the TDM system of
the preferred embodiment, it is also convenient to filter out
digitally voice data from the demodulated data streams and apply
this data directly to the TDM backplane 90. The latter requires
some discussion regarding routing.
[0056] The TDM multiplexer 88 takes the place of multiple line
cards. As mentioned, it is the job of the line cards 96 in a
conventional DLC to convert voice data to digital data and apply it
to the TDM backplane 90. In so doing, it will also be the job of
the control 92 and the facilities interface 94 to handle circuit
(TDM) to/from packet conversion. In conventional DLCs voice data
also includes DTMF tones which are decoded in the line cards 96 and
used by the controller 92 for call setup. The same job is performed
by the TDM multiplexer 88. Instead of DTMF tones, the routing data
(called number, call origination data, signaling, etc.) are applied
in digital form directly to the TDM backplane 90 for handling by
the controller 92. Thus, TDM multiplexer 88 creates the appearance
of being a line card (or set of line cards) to the controller and
other facilities from the TDM backplane 90 and out through the
interexchange network. The TDM multiplexer can be plugged as a
single card directly into the TDM backplane 90. To the core network
(the conventional switched network such as connected through the
DLC), all equipment including the NSP 46, the FMP 32 appears to be
a conventional DLC. This is advantageous, since there is minimal
impact to the remainder of the network when the equipment is
integrated into the network. This configuration provides a seamless
interface between the fully digital telephone linked through the
ISD 22 and the modified DLC 87. It also provides a system that
allows packet switched voice and data to work side by side and
together with traditional digital loop carrier equipment.
[0057] In the preferred embodiment, in the CO to CPE direction, the
FMP 32 performs the following functions. First, the FMP 32 breaks
up the control messages and packets containing user data into
segments that fit into the DSL frames. Secondly, the FMP 32
multiplexes these frames together with frames containing speech so
that the can be transported to the ISD 22 over the DSL link. Third,
the FMP 32 terminates all link layers associated with the DSL
segment of the connection. The reverse happens in the CPE to CO
direction. FIG. 5 shows how the access module takes information
from the DSL modems 201 and places the voice V1, V2, etc. and data
D1, D2, etc. into frames 203, then multiplexes the frames 203.
Consider a scenario where data is fed to the TVRC modems 201 and a
voice call comes in. Assume that 1 Mbps is available for
information transfer via the TVRC modems 201. Prior to the incoming
call, all 1 Mbps is used up. However, as soon as a voice call comes
in, since voice has a higher priority that data, a 64 Kbps channel
(slot) is deallocated from data usage and is allocated for voice.
If a second voice call comes in, then another data channel will be
deallocated from data usage and allocated for voice. As the voice
call gets terminated, then the allocated voice slots will be
reallocated to use by data. Hence, the system dynamically allocates
bandwidth in real time to maximize information transfer. Note that
this time domain multiplexing could be performed with frequency
domain multiplexing, as with a multitone channel, as well.
[0058] Within the local access side of the local loop, multiple
FMPs 32 may be grouped and served by a single NSP 46. Each FMP 32
is in turn interconnected to a plurality of ISDs which serves the
subscribers in a given local loop. Usually, the NSP 46 will be
located in an AT&T Point-of-Presence (POP). However, this might
not be possible in all areas and it could possibly be co-located
with other equipment, depending on space availability.
[0059] Although, as discussed above, the TDM multiplexer 90 allows
a seamless interface between the "old technology" DLC and "new
technology" employing the access module 70 and the modified DLC 87
and other elements of the architecture described here and in
related applications, substantial modifications to software of the
controller 92 will provide additional features. These features are
discussed here, elsewhere in this application, and in the related
application incorporated by reference in this application. For
example, when multiple calls to the same called party are made, the
modified DLC 87 must handle such calls differently. In a
conventional setup, a message would be sent by the DLC 87 that the
called party is off-hook. In the current system of the invention,
the called party may still receive additional calls to the same
party. Another example of how software modifications for handling
of voice calls is provided by the voice-activated call example that
follows, after a discussion of the interaction between the NSP 36
and the FMP 32. Note that the details of such software
modifications are not necessary to discuss in detail as such are
quite straightforward to implement.
[0060] To illustrate the interaction between the various components
of the instant invention, a voice dialing scenario will be
described. When a subscriber picks up the telephone and if no
digits have been dialed after a specified period of time has
elapsed, the ISD 22 may start digitizing the voice information into
data, for example, 64 Kbps -law PCM data. The voice samples are
then stored in a wave file, which is subsequently transmitted to
the FMP 32. On receipt by the FMP 32, the FMP 32 will forward the
information to the NSP 36. The NSP 36 will attempt to authenticate
the request by ensuring that the subscriber does indeed have a
subscription to the voice dialing service. The NSP 36 can determine
the identity of the subscriber by looking at the address in a
certain field of the packet. The NSP 36 can therefore interpret the
information in the wave files and take the appropriate action. Let
us assume that subscriber John wanted to call another subscriber
Paul. The NSP 36 will also attempt to determine who is Paul as
defined by John. Once the telephone number for John has been
determined, the NSP 36 will inform the FMP 32 to set up a call to
John's number. The FMP 32 will then go through the facilities
interface 94 to set up the call. In an embodiment, this would be
over TR303 interface and the signal would be sent to a DLC to
request the local Serving Office to indicate the appropriate ports
to use for setting up the call. The FMP 32 has its own DTMF and
tone generator which is used for signaling when the interexchange
carrier network is to be bypassed in routing a call. For example,
the FMP 32 may be connected to a switched network that requires the
generation of DTMF signals to set up a call. Such a call can be
handled through the FMP 32.
[0061] Note that there is a significant advantage implicit in the
preferred design. The voice dialing service may be provided by a
different company from the one that actually connects the call.
There is no need to pay for the Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) for
providing such a service and it can all be done with a single
facility. Similar services, such as speed dialing, that the LEC
provides can now be made available locally.
[0062] In the case where there is an incoming call, say from the
PSTN, the FMP will get the information from the DLC. The
information will be dispatched over the signaling channel to the
NSP 36. The NSP 36 will instruct the FMP 32 with the information on
how the call should be terminated. On receiving this message, the
FMP 32 will send the appropriate signaling message to the ISD 22.
The ISD 22 "knows" which phones are in use and which ones are not.
As a result, it will apply ring to a phone that is free.
[0063] In the CPE to CO direction, data "left over" after filtering
of voice data is accomplished by the digital filters 84 is
transmitted by the access module to the interexchange network. This
data includes routing data as well as content. The link layer
interface is provided by the controller and multiplexer 84 of the
access module 70. Thus, for example, if the exported data is to be
transmitted over an external ISDN interface, the data from digital
filters 82 would be formatted and timed to be applied to such an
interface by the controller and multiplexer 84 of the access module
70.
[0064] In the disclosure of the instant invention, Tethered Virtual
Radio Channel (TVRC) is the preferred modulation technique.
However, the instant invention is not limited to the use of TVRC
modulation technology. However, TVRC would prove to be a major
advantage over other proposed schemes, since it provides an
alternate to interleaving which is used to overcome impairments
such as noise and interference and which results in unacceptable
delays.
[0065] In addition to monitoring the link between the ISD 22 and
the FMP 32 for purposes of identifying a failure of the ISD 22
(which requires life-line support), the FMP 32 may provide other
line monitoring functions, such as off-hook detection, through
interaction with the intelligent ISD 22. For example, a subscriber,
although the bandwidth is available to send an additional call to
the same called number, may not wish to have additional calls ring
through. The FMP 32 in such a case could respond to an additional
call with a busy signal or voice mail.
[0066] In some embodiments, the FMP 32 may be configured to appear
to the network as a conventional DLC. As an alternative
configuration, the FMP 32 may be configured directly to connect to
the ATM without transport across the SONET network. It may be
desirable to transmit the voice data from the FMP 32 to the PSTN 42
over a high speed packet network (e.g. ATM), which is superimposed
on top of the SONET network. This has an advantage in that the
packet transmission of voice information can be more efficient than
more conventional treatment (for example, it is susceptible to a
high degree of compression). However, it requires additional
management to manage delays, buffer overruns, drop packets, etc.,
across the ATM network as mentioned above.
[0067] The following applications, filed concurrently herewith, are
hereby incorporated by reference:
[0068] 1. A Hybrid Fiber Twisted-pair Local Loop Network Service
Architecture (Ser. No. 09/001,360);
[0069] 2. Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation for use in the Hybrid Fiber
Twisted-pair Local Loop Network Service Architecture (Ser. No.
09/001,425);
[0070] 3. The VideoPhone (Ser. No. 09/001,905);
[0071] 4. VideoPhone Privacy Activator (Ser. No. 09/001,909);
[0072] 5. VideoPhone Form Factor (Ser. No. 09/001,583);
[0073] 6. VideoPhone Centrally Controlled User Interface With User
Selectable Options (Ser. No. 09/001,576);
[0074] 7. VideoPhone User Interface Having Multiple Menu
Hierarchies (Ser. No. 09/001,908);
[0075] 8. VideoPhone Block (Ser. No. 09/001,353);
[0076] 9. VideoPhone Inter-com For Extension Phones (Ser. No.
09/001,358);
[0077] 10. Advertising Screen Saver (Ser. No. 09/001,574);
[0078] 11. Information Display for Visual Communication Device
(Ser. No. 09/001,906);
[0079] 12. VideoPhone Multimedia Announcement Answering Machine
(Ser. No. 09/001,911);
[0080] 13. VideoPhone Multimedia Announcement Message Toolkit (Ser.
No. 09/001,345);
[0081] 14. VideoPhone Multimedia Video Message Reception (Ser. No.
09/001,362);
[0082] 15. VideoPhone Multimedia Interactive Corporate Menu
Answering Machine Announcement (Ser. No. 09/001,575);
[0083] 16. VideoPhone Multimedia Interactive On-Hold Information
Menus (Ser. No. 09/001,356);
[0084] 17. VideoPhone Advertisement When Calling Video Non-enabled
VideoPhone Users (Ser. No. 09/001,361);
[0085] 18. Motion Detection Advertising (Ser. No. 09/001,355);
[0086] 19. Interactive Commercials (Ser. No. 09/001,578);
[0087] 20. VideoPhone Electronic Catalogue Service (Ser. No.
09/001,421);
[0088] 21. A Multifunction Interface Facility Connecting Wideband
Multiple Access Subscriber Loops With Various Networks (Ser. No.
09/001,356);
[0089] 22.
[0090] 23. Life Line Support for Multiple Service Access on Single
Twisted-pair (Ser. No. 09/001,343);
[0091] 24. A Network Server Platform (NSP) For a Hybrid Fiber
Twisted-pair (HFTP) Local Loop Network Service Architecture (Ser.
No. 09/001,582);
[0092] 25. A Communication Server Apparatus For Interactive
Commercial Service (Ser. No. 09/001,344);
[0093] 26. NSP Based Multicast Digital Program Delivery Services
(Ser. No. 09/001,580);
[0094] 27. NSP Internet, JAVA Server and VideoPhone Application
Server (Ser. No. 09/001,354);
[0095] 28. NSP WAN Interconnectivity Services for Corporate
Telecommuting (Ser. No. 09/001,540);
[0096] 29. NSP Telephone Directory White-Yellow Page Services (Ser.
No. 09/001,426);
[0097] 30. NSP Integrated Billing System For NSP services and
Telephone services (Ser. No. 09/001,359);
[0098] 31. Network Server Platform/Facility Management Platform
Caching Server (Ser. No. 09/001,419);
[0099] 32. An Integrated Services Director (ISD) Overall
Architecture (Ser. No. 09/001,417);
[0100] 33. ISD/VideoPhone (Customer Premises) Local House Network
(Ser. No. 09/001,418);
[0101] 34. ISD Wireless Network (Ser. No. 09/001,363);
[0102] 35. ISD Controlled Set-Top Box (Ser. No. 09/001,424);
[0103] 36. Integrated Remote Control and Phone (Ser. No.
09/001,423);
[0104] 37. Integrated Remote Control and Phone User Interface (Ser.
No. 09/001,420);
[0105] 38. Integrated Remote Control and Phone Form Factor (Ser.
No. 09/001,910);
[0106] 39. VideoPhone Mail Machine (Attorney Docket No.
3493.73170);
[0107] 40. Restaurant Ordering Via VideoPhone (Attorney Docket No.
3493.73171);
[0108] 41. Ticket Ordering Via VideoPhone (Attorney Docket No.
3493.73712);
[0109] 42. Multi-Channel Parallel/Ser. Concatenated Convolutional
Codes And Trellis Coded Modulation Encode/Decoder (Ser. No.
09/001,342);
[0110] 43. Spread Spectrum Bit Allocation Algorithm (Ser. No.
09/001,842);
[0111] 44. Digital Channelizer With Arbitrary Output Frequency
(Ser. No. 09/001,581);
[0112] 45. Method And Apparatus For Allocating Data Via Discrete
Multiple Tones (Ser. No. 08/997,167); and
[0113] 46. Method And Apparatus For Reducing Near-End Cross Talk In
Discrete Multi-Tone Modulators/Demodulators (Ser. No.
08/997,176).
[0114] While exemplary systems and methods embodying the present
invention are shown by way of example, it will be understood, of
course, that the invention is not limited to these embodiments.
Modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly
in light of the foregoing teachings. For example, each of the
elements of the aforementioned embodiments may be utilized alone or
in combination with elements of the other embodiments.
* * * * *