System, methods and apparatus for increasing the data rate on an existing repeatered telecommunication channel structure

• US 6,625,116 B1
• Filed: 05/07/1999
• Issued: 09/23/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/07/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: ADTRAN Incorporated (ADTRAN Holdings, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: ADTRAN Incorporated (ADTRAN Holdings, Inc.)
• Inventors: Schneider, Kevin W., Chu, Fred T. Y.
• Primary Examiner(s): HSU, ALPUS
• Application Number:
  US09/306,919
• Time in Patent Office: 1,600 Days
• Field of Search: 370/225, 370/226, 370/227, 370/276, 370/293, 370/465, 370/501, 370/502, 370/522, 375/211, 375/219, 375/220, 375/257, 725/105, 725/118, 725/126, 725/127, 725/143, 725/148, 725/149
• US Class Current: 370/226
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/36 Repeater circuits H04B3/58 takes precedence

Abstract

A system, method, and apparatus for increasing the data rate on an existing repeatered telecommunication channel structure. In illustrative embodiments, replacement transceivers and replacement repeaters provide for transferring data streams via the existing channel structure at a rate substantially greater than the data transfer rate of the existing channel structure. The replacement transceivers and replacement repeaters are spectrally compatible with existing services and provide data transfer performance equal to or better than the performance of the existing channel structure.

Claims

1. A method for increasing the rate of digital transmission over the repeatered channel structure of an existing telecommunication system having at least one transceiver connected at each end of the structure and at least one repeater incorporated into the structure, wherein said structure comprises a plurality of cable sections, each of said cable sections binding a plurality of twisted-wire pairs, said at least one repeater coupled to at least one of said twisted-wire pairs bound within one of said cable sections, wherein said system was constructed and arranged to transmit data at a first data transfer rate between said existing transceivers and through at least said one cable section, the method comprising the steps of:

equipping said system with at least one transceiver at each end of said structure, each such pair of transceivers being interconnected via said structure and being operational at a second data transfer rate, substantially higher than said first data transfer rate;

communicating at said second data transfer rate between said each such pair of transceivers and through at least said one cable section;

ensuring that said each such pair of transceivers is spectrally compatible with said existing transceivers;

equipping said system with one or more repeaters operational at said second data transfer rate and being coupled to one or more of said twisted-wire pairs bound within said one cable section; and

ensuring that said one or more repeaters is spectrally compatible with said existing repeaters, each of said one or more repeaters being incorporated via said structure between a respective pair of said compatible transceivers.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said cable sections were constructed and arranged for T1 communication.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of communicating between said existing transceivers and through said one cable section at said first data transfer rate prior to said equipping steps.

4. A method for increasing the rate of digital transmission over the repeatered channel structure of an existing telecommunication system having at least one transceiver connected at each end of the structure and at least one repeater incorporated into the structure, wherein said structure comprises a plurality of cable sections, each of said cable sections binding a plurality of twisted-wire pairs, said at least one repeater coupled to at least one of said twisted-wire pairs bound within one of said cable sections, wherein said system was constructed and arranged to transmit data at a first data transfer rate between said existing transceivers and through at least said one cable section, the method comprising the steps of:

equipping said system with a plurality of transceivers at each end of said structure, each pair of such transceivers being interconnected via said structure and being operational at a second data transfer rate, substantially higher than said first data transfer rate;

communicating at said second data transfer rate between said each pair of such transceivers and through at least said one cable section;

ensuring that said each pair of such transceivers is spectrally compatible with said existing transceivers;

equipping said system with a second plurality of repeaters operational at said second data transfer rate and being coupled to one or more of said twisted-wire pairs bound within said one cable section; and

ensuring that each of said second plurality repeaters is spectrally compatible with said existing repeaters, each of said second plurality of repeaters being interconnected via said structure between respective pairs of said compatible transceivers.

5. A method for increasing the rate of digital transmission over the existing repeatered channel structure of an established telecommunication system having at least one existing transceiver connected at each end of said structure and at least one existing repeater incorporated into said structure, wherein said structure comprises a plurality of cable sections, each of said cable sections binding a plurality of twisted-wire pairs, each existing repeater coupled to a respective one of said twisted-wire pairs bound within one of said cable sections, wherein each existing transceiver, each existing repeater, and said channel structure were constructed and arranged to transfer data at a first data rate through at least said one cable section, said method comprising the steps of:

replacing each existing transceiver operational at said first rate on a one-for-one basis with a replacement transceiver, each replacement transceiver being operational at a second data rate substantially greater than said first rate;

communicating, via each replacement transceiver, at said second data rate through at least said one cable section;

ensuring that each replacement transceiver is spectrally compatible with said existing transceivers;

replacing each existing repeater operational at said first rate on a one-for-one basis with a replacement repeater, each replacement repeater being operational at said second rate and being coupled to one or more of said twisted-wire pairs bound within said one cable section; and

ensuring that each replacement repeater is spectrally compatible with said existing repeaters.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein said cable sections were constructed and arranged for T1 communication.

7. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of communicating with each existing transceiver and through said one cable section at said first data rate prior to said replacing steps.

8. A method for increasing the rate of digital transmission over the existing repeatered channel structure of an established telecommunication system having a plurality of existing transceivers connected at each end of said structure and a plurality of existing repeaters incorporated into said structure, wherein said structure comprises a plurality of cable sections, each of said cable sections binding a plurality of twisted-wire pairs, said existing repeaters coupled to twisted-wire pairs bound within one of said cable sections, wherein said transceivers, said repeaters, and said channel structure were constructed and arranged to transfer data at a first data rate between said existing transceivers and through at least said one cable section, comprising the steps of:

replacing said existing transceivers operational at said first rate on a one-for-one basis with a like plurality of replacement transceivers, each replacement transceiver being operational at a second data rate substantially greater than said first rate;

communicating at said second data rate between said replacement transceivers and through at least said one cable section;

ensuring that each replacement transceiver is spectrally compatible with said existing transceivers;

replacing said existing repeaters operational at said first rate on a one-for-one basis with a like plurality of replacement repeaters, each replacement repeater being operational at said second rate and being coupled to one or more of said twisted-wire pairs bound within said one cable section; and

ensuring that each replacement repeater is spectrally compatible with said existing repeaters.

9. A method for increasing the rate of digital transmission over the existing repeatered channel structure of an established T1-carrier telecommunication system having at least one existing transceiver connected at each end of said structure and at least one existing repeater incorporated into said structure, wherein said structure comprises a plurality of cable sections, each of said cable sections binding a plurality of twisted-wire pairs, said at least one existing repeater coupled to at least one of said twisted-wire pairs bound within one of said cable sections, wherein each existing transceiver, each existing repeater, and said channel structure were constructed and arranged to transfer data at a first data rate between said existing transceivers and through at least said one cable section, comprising the steps of:

replacing each existing transceiver operational at said first rate on a one-for-one basis with a replacement transceiver, each replacement transceiver being operational at a second data rate substantially greater than said first rate;

communicating, iva each replacement transceiver, at said second data rate through at least said one cable section;

ensuring that each replacement transceiver is spectrally compatible with each replaced existing transceiver;

replacing each existing repeater operational at said first rate on a one-for-one basis with a replacement repeater, each replacement repeater being operational at said second rate and being coupled to one or more of said twisted-wire pairs bound within said one cable section; and

ensuring that each replacement repeater is spectrally compatible with each replaced existing repeater.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of communicating with each existing transceiver and through said one cable section at said first data rate prior to said replacing steps.

11. A method for increasing the rate of digital transmission over the existing repeatered channel structure of an established T1-carrier telecommunication system having a plurality of existing transceivers connected at each end of said structure and a plurality of existing repeaters incorporated into said structure, wherein said structure comprises a plurality of cable sections, each of said cable sections binding a plurality of twisted-wire pairs, said at least one existing repeater coupled to at least one of said twisted-wire pairs bound within one of said cable sections, wherein said transceivers, said repeaters, and said channel structure were constructed and arranged to transfer data at a first data rate between said existing transceivers and through at least said one cable section, comprising the steps of:

replacing said existing transceivers operational at said first rate on a one-for-one basis with a like plurality of replacement transceivers, each replacement transceiver being operational at a second data rate substantially greater than said first rate;

communicating at said second data rate between said replacement transceivers and through at least said one cable section;

ensuring that each replacement transceiver is spectrally compatible with said replaced existing transceivers;

replacing said existing repeaters operational at said first rate on a one-for-one basis with a like plurality of replacement repeaters, each replacement repeater being operational at said second rate and being coupled to one or more of said twisted-wire pairs bound within said one cable section; and

ensuring that each replacement repeater is spectrally compatible with said replaced existing repeaters.

12. A method for increasing the rate of digital transmission over the existing repeatered channel structure of an established T1-carrier telecommunication system having at least one existing transceiver connected at each end of said structure and at least one existing repeater incorporated into said structure, wherein said structure comprises a plurality of cable sections, each of said cable sections binding a plurality of twisted-wire pairs, said at least one existing repeater coupled to at least one of said twisted-wire pairs bound within one of said cable sections, wherein each existing transceiver, each existing repeater, and said channel structure were constructed and arranged to transfer data at a first data rate between said existing transceivers and through at least said one cable section, comprising the steps of:

replacing each existing transceiver operational at said first rate on a one-for-one basis with a replacement transceiver, each replacement transceiver being operational at a second data rate substantially greater than said first rate;

communicating, iva each replacement transceiver, at said second data rate through at least said one cable section;

ensuring that each replacement transceiver is spectrally compatible with each replaced existing transceiver;

replacing each existing repeater operational at said first rate on a one-for-one basis with a replacement repeater, each replacement repeater being operational at said second rate and being coupled to one or more of said twisted-wire pairs bound within said one cable section;

ensuring that each replacement repeater is spectrally compatible with each replaced existing repeater;

applying an input data stream at said second data rate to the transmitter of each replacement transceiver connected at one end of said channel structure;

generating a transmit signal from said applied input data stream;

transferring said transmit signal from said transmitter via said replacement repeatered channel structure to the receiver of a predetermined replacement transceiver connected at the other end of said channel structure; and

processing said transferred signal acquired by said receiver to generate a time delayed version of said input data stream.

13. A method for increasing the rate of digital transmission over the existing repeatered channel structure of an established T1-carrier telecommunication system having at least one existing transceiver connected at each end of said structure and at least one existing repeater incorporated into said structure, wherein each existing transceiver, each existing repeater, and said channel structure were constructed and arranged to transfer data at a first data rate, comprising the steps of:

replacing each existing transceiver operational at said first rate on a one-for-one basis with a replacement transceiver, each replacement transceiver being operational at a second data rate substantially greater than said first rate and being spectrally compatible with each replace existing transceiver;

replacing each existing repeater operational at said first rate on a one-for-one basis with a replacement repeater, each replacement repeater being operational at said second rate and being spectrally compatible with each replaced existing repeater;

applying an input data stream at said second data rate to the transmitter of each replacement transceiver connected at one end of said channel structure;

generating a transmit signal from said applied input data stream;

transferring said transmit signal from said transmitter via said replacement repeatered channel structure to the receiver of a predetermined replacement transceiver connected at the other end of said channel structure; and

processing said transferred signal acquired by said receiver to generate a time delayed version of said input data stream, wherein;

A. the step of generating a transmit signal comprises the steps of;

adding bits to the applied input data stream to form a framed signal;

randomizing the framed signal to form a scrambled signal;

converting the scrambled signal to a digital signal;

performing a trellis encoding operation on the digital signal to form an encoded signal;

modulating the encoded signal by mapping said encoded signal into signal points to form a modulated signal;

subjecting the modulated signal to channel preceding to form a precoded signal; and

subjecting the precoded signal to filtering and amplifying to form a transmit signal;

B. the step of transferring the transmit signal via said replacement repeatered channel structure comprises the steps of;

acquiring a receive signal at a preselected replacement repeater;

converting the acquired receive signal to a digital signal;

equalizing the digital signal using an adaptive equalizer;

decoding the equalized digital signal;

descrambling the decoded signal;

deframing the descrambled signal to regenerate a data stream at said second rate representative of said input data stream;

adding bits to the regenerated data stream to form a framed signal;

randomizing the framed signal to form a scrambled signal;

converting the scrambled signal to a digital signal;

performing a trellis encoding operation on the digital signal to form an encoded signal;

modulating the encoded signal by mapping said encoded signal into signal points to form a modulated signal;

subjecting the modulated signal to channel preceding to form a precoded signal; and

subjecting the precoded signal to filtering and amplifying to form a regenerated transmit signal; and

C. further wherein the step of processing the transferred signal acquired by the receiver comprises the steps of;

acquiring a receive signal from said channel structure;

converting the acquired receive signal to a digital signal;

equalizing the digital signal using an adaptive equalizer;

decoding the equalized digital signal;

descrambling the decoded signal; and

deframing the descrambled signal to form said time delayed version of said input data stream.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein said replacement transceivers and said replacement repeaters are configured for full duplex data transfer.

15. The method according to claim 14 wherein the second rate is at least twice the first rate.

16. The method according to claim 14 wherein the first rate is DS1 and the second rate is DS2 and further wherein the step of generating said transmit signal comprises a modulating step selected from the group consisting of the step of pulse amplitude modulating said input data stream, the step of quadrature amplitude modulating said data stream, and the step of carrierless amplitude and phase modulating said input data stream.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of applying an input data stream at the second rate additionally comprises the step of multiplexing a plurality of data streams to form said input data stream at said second rate and wherein the step of processing said transferred signal additionally comprises the step of demultiplexing said time delayed version of said input data stream to reform said plurality of data streams.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of applying an input data stream at the second rate additionally comprises the step of multiplexing a plurality of data streams to form said input data stream at said second rate and wherein the step of processing said transferred signal additionally comprises the step of demultiplexing said time delayed version of said input data stream to reform said plurality of data streams.

19. A method for increasing the rate of digital transmission over the existing repeatered channel structure of an established T1-carrier telecommunication system having a plurality of existing transceivers connected at each end of said structure and a plurality of existing repeaters incorporated into said structure, wherein said structure comprises a plurality of cable sections, each of said cable sections binding a plurality of twisted-wire pairs, said at least one existing repeater coupled to at least one of said twisted-wire pairs bound within one of said cable sections, wherein said transceivers, said repeaters, and said channel structure were constructed and arranged to transfer data at a first data rate between said existing transceivers and through at least said one cable section, comprising the steps of:

replacing said existing transceivers operational at said first rate on a one-for-one basis with a like plurality of replacement transceivers, each replacement transceiver being operational at a second data rate substantially greater than said first rate;

communicating at said second data rate between said replacement transceivers and through at least said one cable section;

ensuring that each replacement transceiver is spectrally compatible with said replaced existing transceivers;

replacing said existing repeaters operational at said first rate on a one-for-one basis with a like plurality of replacement repeaters, each replacement repeater being operational at said second rate and being coupled to one or more of said twisted-wire pairs bound within said one cable section;

ensuring that each replacement repeater is spectrally compatible with said replaced existing repeaters;

applying an input data stream at said second data rate to the transmitter of at least one replacement transceiver connected at one end of said channel structure;

generating a transmit signal from said applied input data stream;

transferring said transmit signal from said transmitter via said replacement repeatered channel structure to the receiver of a predetermined replacement transceiver connected at the other end of said channel structure; and

processing said transferred signal acquired by said receiver to generate a time delayed version of said input data stream.

20. A method for increasing the rate of digital transmission over the existing repeatered channel structure of an established T1-carrier telecommunication system having a plurality of existing transceivers connected at each end of said structure and a plurality of existing repeaters incorporated into said channel structure, wherein said transceivers, said repeaters, and said channel structure were constructed and arranged to transfer data at a first data rate, comprising the steps of:

replacing said existing transceivers operational at said first rate on a one-for-one basis with a like plurality of replacement transceivers, each replacement transceiver being operational at a second data rate substantially greater than said first rate and being spectrally compatible with said replaced existing transceivers;

replacing said existing repeaters operational at said first rate on a one-for-one basis with a like plurality of replacement repeaters, each replacement repeater being operational at said second rate and being spectrally compatible with said replaced existing repeaters;

applying an input data stream at said second data rate to the transmitter of at least one replacement transceiver connected at one end of said channel structure;

generating a transmit signal form said applied input data stream;

transferring said transmit signal from said transmitter via said replacement repeatered channel structure to the receiver of a predetermined replacement transceiver connected at the other end of said channel structure; and

processing said transferred signal acquired by said receiver to generate a time delayed version of said input data stream, wherein;

A. the step of generating a transmit signal comprises the steps of;

adding bits to the applied input data stream to form a framed signal;

randomizing the framed signal to form a scrambled signal;

converting the scrambled signal to a digital signal;

converting the scrambled signal to a digital signal;

performing a trellis encoding operation on the digital signal to form an encoded signal;

modulating the encoded signal by mapping said encoded signal into signal points to form a modulated signal;

subjecting the modulated signal to channel precoding to form a precoded signal; and

subjecting the precoded signal to filtering and amplifying to form a transmit signal;

B. the step of transferring the transmit signal via said replacement repeatered channel structure comprises the steps of;

acquiring a receive signal at a preselected replacement repeater;

converting the acquired receive signal to a digital signal;

equalizing the digital signal using an adaptive equalizer;

decoding the equalized digital signal;

descrambling the decoded signal;

deframing the descrambled signal to regenerate a data stream at said second rate representative of said input data stream;

adding bits to the regenerated data stream to form a framed signal;

randomizing the framed signal to form a scrambled signal;

converting the scrambled signal to a digital signal;

performing a trellis encoding operation on the digital signal to form an encoded signal;

modulating the encoded signal by mapping said encoded signal into signal points to form a modulated signal;

subjecting the modulated signal to channel precoding to form a precoded signal; and

subjecting the precoded signal filtering and amplifying to form a regenerated transmit signal; and

C. further wherein the step of processing the transferred signal acquired by the receiver comprises the steps of;

acquiring a receive signal from said channel structure;

converting the acquired receive signal to a digital signal;

equalizing the digital signal using an adaptive equalizer;

decoding the equalized digital signal;

descrambling the decoded signal; and

deframing the descrambled signal to form said time delayed version of said input data stream.

21. An information transmission system comprising:

an existing T1 carrier channel structure operational at DS1 rate and constructed and arranged to incorporate at least one repeater;

at least one repeater operational at DS2 rate incorporated in said channel structure;

at least one transceiver operational at DS2 rate connected at one end of said channel structure;

at least one transceiver operational at DS2 rate connected at the other end of said channel structure, wherein the receiver and transmitter of said last mentioned transceiver are assigned and connected via said existing channel structure and said DS2 rate repeater incorporated therein, to the transmitter and receiver respectively of said first mentioned transceiver; and

a DS2 rate input data stream source connected to the respective inputs of each of said transmitters;

the combination being so constructed and arranged that;

(i.) each transmitter generates a modulated DS2 transmit signal from said DS2 rate input data stream and transfers said transmit signal to the transmitter'"'"'s assigned receiver via said existing channel structure and said DS2 rate repeater incorporated therein;

(ii.) each receiver processes a receive signal acquired from said existing channel structure and generates therefrom a time delayed version of said input data stream, wherein;

A. said transmitter of each of said transceivers comprises;

a framer for adding bits to said DS2 rate input data stream to form a framed signal;

a data scrambler for the framed signal to form a randomized signal;

a converter for the randomized signal to form a digital signal;

a trellis encoder for the digital signal to form an encoded signal;

a modulator for mapping the encoded signal into signal points to form a modulated signal;

a channel precoder for the modulated signal to form a precoded signal; and

a line interface circuit for the precoded signal to form said DS2 transmit signal therefrom;

B. said receiver of each of said transceivers comprises;

an input section for acquiring a receive signal from said existing channel structure;

a converter for the receive signal to form a digital signal;

an adaptive equalizer for the digital signal to form an equalized digital signal;

a decoder for the equalized digital signal to form a decoded signal;

a descrambler for the decoded signal to form a descrambled signal; and

deframer for the descrambled signal to form a time delayed version of said DS2input data stream; and

further wherein

C. each of said repeaters comprises;

an input section for acquiring a receive signal from said existing channel structure;

a converter for the acquired receive signal to form a digital signal;

an adaptive equalizer for the digital signal to form an equalized digital signal;

a decoder for the equalized digital signal to form a decoded signal;

a descrambler for the decoded signal to form a descrambled signal;

a deframer for the descrambled signal to regenerate a DS2 data stream;

a framer for adding framing bits to the regenerated DS2 data stream to form a framed signal;

a data scrambler for the framed signal to form a randomized signal;

a converter for the randomized signal to form a digital signal;

a trellis encoder for the digital signal to form an encoded signal;

a modulator for mapping the encoded signal into signal points to form a modulated signal;

a channel precoder for the modulated signal to form a precoded signal; and

a line interface circuit for the precoded signal to regenerate a DS2 transmit signal.

22. The information transmission system of claim 21 wherein said modulators operate in accordance with a process selected form the group consisting of the process of pulse amplitude modulation, the process of quadrature amplitude modulation, and the process of carrierless amplitude and phase modulation.

23. The information transmission system of claim 21, wherein, said DS2 rate transceivers and said DS2 rate repeaters.

24. The information transmission system of claim 22, wherein said DS2 rate transceivers and said DS2 rate repeaters are configured for full duplex data transfer.

25. The information transmission system of claim 24, wherein each DS2 rate input data stream source comprises a multiplexer for combining a plurality of DS1 rate data streams to form said DS2 rate input data stream to be transferred to an assigned receiver;

and further wherein said system additionally comprises a demultiplexer to which the time delayed version of said DS2 input data stream generated by said assigned receiver is supplied to reform said plurality of DS1 rate data streams.

26. A method for increasing the rate of digital transmission over the existing repeatered channel structure of an established T1-carrier telecommunication system, which incorporates transceivers and repeaters installed in equipment racks incorporating card slots provided therefore, said racks containing unpopulated card slots reserved for future installation of said transceivers and repeaters, said transceivers and repeaters being constructed and arranged to transfer data at a first data rate, and further wherein said channel structure comprises cable sections of twisted-wire pairs constructed and arranged to transfer data at said first data rate, and wherein each of said card slots is preassigned to a preselected set of twisted-wire pairs in said cable sections, said method comprising the steps of:

equipping at least one transceiver card slot at each end of said structure with a transceiver operational at a second data rate substantially greater than said first data rate, said transceivers being spectrally compatible with transceivers operational at said first data rate and being interconnectable via one of said preassigned preselected sets of twisted-wire pairs;

equipping one or more repeater slots, which are interconnectable between said second data rate transceivers via said one of said preassigned preselected sets of twisted-wire pairs, with repeaters being operational at said second data rate and being spectrally compatible with repeaters operational at said first data rate;

applying an input data stream at said second data rate to the transmitter of each second data rate transceiver connected at one end of said channel structure;

generating a transmit signal from said applied input data stream;

transferring said transmit signal from said transmitter via said one of said preassigned preselected sets of twisted-wire pairs of said repeatered channel structure to the receiver of a predetermined second data rate transceiver connected at the other end of said preassigned preselected set of said channel structure; and

processing said transferred signal acquired by said receiver to generate a time delayed version of said input data stream, wherein;

A. the step of generating a transmit signal comprises the steps of;

adding bits to the applied input data stream to form a framed signal;

randomizing the framed signal to form a scrambled signal;

converting the scrambled signal to a digital signal;

performing a trellis encoding operation on the digital signal to form an encoded signal;

modulating the encoded signal by mapping said encoded signal into signal points to form a modulated signal;

subjecting the modulated signal to channel precoding to form a precoded signal; and

subjecting the precoded signal to filtering and amplifying to form a transmit signal;

B. the step of transferring the transmit signal via said repeatered channel structure comprises the steps of;

acquiring a receive signal at a preselected one of said second data rate repeaters;

converting the acquired receive signal to a digital signal;

equalizing the digital signal using an adaptive equalizer;

decoding the equalized digital signal;

descrambling the decoded signal;

deframing the descrambled signal to regenerate a data stream at said second rate representative of said input data stream;

adding bits to the regenerated data stream to form a framed signal;

randomizing the framed signal to form a scrambled signal;

converting the scrambled signal to a digital signal;

performing a trellis encoding operation on the digital signal to form an encoded signal;

modulating the encoded signal by mapping said encoded signal into signal points to form a modulated signal;

subjecting the precoded signal to filtering and amplifying to form a regenerated transmit signal; and

C. further wherein the step of processing the transferred signal acquired by said receiver comprises the steps of;

acquiring a receive signal from said channel structure;

converting the acquired receive signal to a digital signal;

equalizing the digital signal using an adaptive equalizer;

decoding the equalized digital signal;

descrambling the decoded signal; and

deframing the descrambled signal to form said time delayed version of said input data stream.

27. The method according to claims 26, wherein said second data rate transceivers and said second data rate repeaters are configured for full duplex data transfer.

28. The method according to claim 27 wherein the second rate is at least twice the first rate.

29. The method according to claim 27 wherein the first rate is DS1 and the second rate is DS2 and further wherein the step of generating said transmit signal comprises a modulating step selected from the group consisting of the step of pulse amplitude modulating said input data stream, the step of quadrature amplitude modulating said data stream, and the step of carrierless amplitude and phase modulating said input data stream.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein the step of applying an input data stream at the second rate additionally comprises the step of multiplexing a plurality of data streams to form said input data stream at said second rate and wherein the step of processing said transferred signal additionally comprises the step of demultiplexing said time delayed version of said input data stream to reform said plurality of data streams.