Packet format interface for telecommunication instruments
First Claim
1. An apparatus including a first port adapted for communicating with a user, and a second port for coupling the apparatus to a telecommunication network comprising:
- a packetizer(a) for converting information signals from the first port, arriving at a first format, to packet signals, where a packet includes a header portion and an information portion and where the header portion comprises bits that are devoted to address specification, and at least one bit devoted to specifying whether the packets'"'"' information portion carries control or information signals, and(b) for converting packet signals arriving from the second port into signals having said first format; and
a controller(a) for enabling concurrent two-directional flow of signals through said packetizer, to and from said first port,(b) for identifying signals incoming from said first port that represent control signals and converting them to packets with said at least one bit specifying that the packets carry control information signals; and
(c) for providing telecommunication functions to said first port in response to certain control signals received from said first port, without forwarding corresponding signals to said second port.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Improved telecommunication apparatus is realized with a structure that is tailored to interact with the telecommunication network strictly in packet format. The apparatus includes circuitry for creating either control or information packets, where each packet comprises a header portion and a payload portion. The apparatus also includes an identifier module that enables the apparatus to identify itself to the telecommunication network with an identifier signal that is unique to it. The apparatus further includes encoding and decoding circuitry to create, and decode, highly compressed digital representations of audio signals and, optionally, encryption and decryption features to enhance security of communication. Still further, the apparatus includes circuitry to enable users to interact with the network and partake of telephony service.
39 Citations
27 Claims
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1. An apparatus including a first port adapted for communicating with a user, and a second port for coupling the apparatus to a telecommunication network comprising:
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a packetizer (a) for converting information signals from the first port, arriving at a first format, to packet signals, where a packet includes a header portion and an information portion and where the header portion comprises bits that are devoted to address specification, and at least one bit devoted to specifying whether the packets'"'"' information portion carries control or information signals, and (b) for converting packet signals arriving from the second port into signals having said first format; and a controller (a) for enabling concurrent two-directional flow of signals through said packetizer, to and from said first port, (b) for identifying signals incoming from said first port that represent control signals and converting them to packets with said at least one bit specifying that the packets carry control information signals; and (c) for providing telecommunication functions to said first port in response to certain control signals received from said first port, without forwarding corresponding signals to said second port. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification