Network for telephony and data communication

• US 8,351,582 B2
• Filed: 08/04/2008
• Issued: 01/08/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 07/20/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
• Original Assignee: MOSAID Technologies Inc. (f/k/a Conversant Intellectual Property Management)
• Inventors: Binder, Yehuda
• Primary Examiner(s): WOO, STELLA L
• Application Number:
  US12/185,577
• Publication Number:
  US 20080292073A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,618 Days
• Field of Search: 379/93.08, 379/90.01, 379/93.28, 379/93.31, 379/93.05
• US Class Current: 379/93.08
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2803 Home automation networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2838 Distribution of signals within a home automation network, e.g. involving splitting/multiplexing signals to/from different paths adaptations of television systems for transmission by electric cable for domestic distribution H04N7/106; hybrid transport H04L12/6418; home network arrangements specially adapted for distribution of digital video signals H04N7/24
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/66 Arrangements for connecting between networks having differing types of switching systems, e.g. gateways
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/2845 Telephone line
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/062 using different frequency bands for speech and other data

Abstract

A service outlet for coupling a data unit to a wired digital data signal and for coupling a service unit to an analog service signal, for use with a service wire pair installed in walls of a building, the service wire pair concurrently carrying a wired bi-directional digital data signal and an analog service signal carried over a service signal frequency band, using frequency division multiplexing, wherein the wired digital data signal is carried over a frequency band distinct from the service signal frequency band. The outlet has a single enclosure and, within the enclosure: a wiring connector; first and second filters coupled to the wiring connector; a service connector coupled to the first filter and connectable to the service unit for coupling the service unit to the analog service signal; a service wiring modem coupled to the second filter; and a power supply coupled to the service wiring modem.

Claims

1. A device for coupling a digital data signal to a first data unit, for use with a telephone wire pair, the telephone wire pair being connected for carrying a bi-directional digital data signal in a digital data frequency band distinct from, and higher than, an analog telephone frequency band, wherein said device comprises a single enclosure and, within said single enclosure:

a telephone connector for connecting to the telephone wire pair;

a modem connected for transmitting to and receiving the bi-directional digital data signal over the telephone wire pair;

a first filter coupled between said telephone connector and said modem for substantially passing signals in the digital data frequency band;

a data connector connectable to the first data unit;

a transceiver coupled to said data connector for transmitting and receiving packet-based bi-directional digital data with the first data unit; and

a router or a gateway coupled to pass digital data between said modem and said transceiver for handling protocol layers above the physical layer.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device is further operative to couple an analog telephone signal to an analog telephone set, wherein the telephone wire pair is further connected for carrying an analog telephone signal in the analog telephone frequency band, and said device further comprises, in the single enclosure:

an analog telephone connector for connecting to the analog telephone set; and

a second filter coupled between said telephone connector and said analog telephone connector for substantially passing signals in the analog telephone frequency band.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said single enclosure is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard telephone outlet;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard telephone wall outlet;

a shape allowing direct mounting in a standard outlet receptacle or opening; and

a form to substitute for a standard telephone outlet.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said devices is further pluggable into and attachable to a telephone outlet.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein said single enclosures is structured to attach to a mating fixture secured on a wall of a building.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device is integrated within a telephone outlet.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein said single enclosure is attachable to a wall in a building.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the telephone wire pair is connected to concurrently carry a power signal, and wherein the power signal is couplable to said device to at least in part power said device by the power signal.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the digital data signal is xDSL based and said modem is a xDSL modem.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the digital data signal is ADSL based, said modem is an ADSL modem and said telephone connector is RJ-11 type.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein said modem is operative to perform bi-directional communication with one or more identical modems connected to the telephone wire pair.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein said modem is operative to perform full-duplex point-to-point communication with only a single other modem over the telephone wire pair.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein:

the digital data transmitted and received over the telephone wire pair is based on a first protocol;

the packet-based bi-directional digital data is based on a second protocol different from the first protocol; and

said router or gateway is operative to adapt between the first and second protocols.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the digital data signal carried by the telephone wire pair is based on Internet Protocol.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein said transceiver is a Local Area Network (LAN) transceiver, said data connector is a LAN connector, and communication with the first data unit is based on LAN standard.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein said transceiver is an Ethernet transceiver, said data connector is a RJ-45 type, and communication with said first data unit is based on IEEE802.3 standard.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein communication with the first data unit is based on IEEE802.310BaseT or 100BaseTX standards.

18. The device according to claim 15, wherein the digital data signal carried over the telephone wire pair comprises distinct first and second digital data streams using time division multiplexing, and wherein said device is further operative to couple the digital data signal carried over the telephone wire pair to a second data unit, and said device further comprises:

a second data connector connectable to the second data unit; and

a second transceiver coupled between said second data connector and said router or gateway for transmitting and receiving packet-based bi-directional digital data with the second data unit;

wherein said device is operative to pass the first digital data stream between said telephone wire pair and the first data unit and to pass the second digital data stream between said telephone wire pair and the second data unit.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein said second transceiver is a Local Area Network (LAN) transceiver, said second data connector is a LAN connector and communication with the second data unit is based on LAN standard.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein said transceiver is an Ethernet transceiver, said data connector is a RJ-45 type, and communication with the first data unit is based on IEEE802.3 standard.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein communication with the second data unit is based on IEEE802.3 10BaseT or 100BaseTX standards.

22. The device according to claim 1, further for use with a wiring segment and connected for carrying a second bi-directional digital data signal in a second digital data frequency band distinct from, and higher than, analog telephone frequency band, said device further comprising in the single enclosure:

a wiring connector for connecting to the wiring segment;

a second filter coupled to said wiring connector for substantially passing signals in the second digital data frequency band; and

a second modem coupled between said second filter and said router or gateway, the second modem being connected for transmitting and receiving the bi-directional digital data signal over the wiring segment.

23. A device for passing digital data between a telecommunications network and a telephone wire pair, the telephone wire pair being connected for carrying a bi-directional digital data signal in a digital data frequency band distinct from, and higher than, an analog telephone frequency band, wherein said device comprises a single enclosure and, within said single enclosure:

a port for coupling to the telecommunications network;

a first modem coupled to said port for transmitting the bi-directional digital data signal to, and receiving the bi-directional digital data signal from, the telecommunications network;

a first telephone connector for connecting to the telephone wire pair;

a second modem connected for transmitting the digital data signal over, and receiving the digital data signal from, the telephone wire pair;

first filter coupled between said telephone connector and said second modem for substantially passing signals in the digital data frequency band;

a data connector connectable to a first data unit;

a first transceiver coupled to said data connector for transmitting packet-based digital data to, and receiving packet-based digital data from, the first data unit; and

a router or a gateway coupled to pass digital data between said first modem, said second modem and said first transceiver and for handling protocol layers above the physical layer,

wherein said device is operative to pass digital data between the Telecommunications network and the telephone wire pair, and to pass digital data between the telecommunications network and the first data unit.

24. The device according to claim 23, wherein said device is further operative to couple an analog telephone signal to an analog telephone set, wherein the telephone wire pair is further connected for carrying an analog telephone signal in the analog telephone frequency band, and said device further comprises, in said single enclosure:

an analog telephone connector for connecting to the analog telephone set; and

a second filter coupled between said first telephone connector and said analog telephone connector for substantially passing signals in the analog telephone frequency band.

25. The device according to claim 23, wherein said single enclosure is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard telephone outlet;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard telephone wall outlet;

a shape allowing direct mounting in a standard outlet receptacle or opening; and

a form to at least in part substitute for a standard telephone outlet.

26. The device according to claim 23, wherein said device is further pluggable into and attachable to a telephone outlet.

27. The device according to claim 23, wherein said single enclosure is structured to attach to a mating fixture secured on a wall of a building.

28. The device according to claim 23, wherein said device is integrated within a telephone outlet.

29. The device according to claim 23, wherein said single enclosure is attachable to a wall of a building.

30. The device according to claim 23, wherein the telephone wire pair is connected to concurrently carry a power signal, and wherein the power signal is couplable to the device to at least in part power said first modem by the power signal.

31. The device according to claim 23, wherein the telecommunications network is based on wiring connecting to a building, said port is a connector, and said first modem is a wired modem.

32. The device according to claim 31, wherein the telecommunications network is based on a local-loop telephone wire pair connecting to a building, said port is a telephone connector, and said first modem is a telephone modem.

33. The device according to claim 32, wherein the digital data signal over the local-loop telephone wire pair is xDSL based and said first modem is a xDSL modem.

34. The device according to claim 33, wherein the digital data signal is ADSL based, said first modem is an ADSL modem, and said telephone connector is a RJ-11 type connector.

35. The device according to claim 23, wherein said second modem is operative to perform bi-directional communication with one or more identical modems connected to the telephone wire pair.

36. The device according to claim 23, wherein said second modem is operative to perform full-duplex point-to-point communication with only a single other modem over the telephone wire pair.

37. The device according to claim 23, wherein:

the digital data signal transmitted and received over the telephone wire pair carries digital data based on a first protocol;

the digital data signal transmitted to and received from the telecommunications network carries digital data based on a second protocol different from the first protocol;

and said router or gateway is operative to adapt between the first and second protocols.

38. The device according to claim 23, wherein the digital data signal carried by the telephone wire pair or said telecommunications network is based on Internet Protocol.

39. The device according to claim 23, wherein said first transceiver is a Local Area Network (LAN) transceiver, said data connector is a LAN connector, and communication with the first data unit is based on LAN standard.

40. The device according to claim 39, wherein said first transceiver is an Ethernet transceiver, said data connector is a RJ-45 type connector, and communication with said first data unit is based on IEEE802.3 standard.

41. The device according to claim 40, wherein communication with the first data unit is based on an IEEE802.3, 10BaseT, or 100BaseTX standard.

42. The device according to claim 39, wherein:

the digital data signal carried over the telephone wire pair comprises distinct first and second digital data streams using time division multiplexing;

said device is further operative to couple the digital data signal carried over the telephone wire pair to a second data unit; and

said device further comprises;

a second data connector connectable to the second data unit; and

a second transceiver coupled between said second data connector and said router or gateway for transmitting and receiving packet-based bi-directional digital data with the second data unit, and

further wherein said device is operative to pass the first digital data stream between the telephone wire pair and the first data unit and to pass the second digital data stream between the telephone wire pair and the second data unit.

43. The device according to claim 42, wherein said second transceiver is a Local Area Network (LAN) transceiver, said second data connector is a LAN connector, and communication with the second data unit is based on LAN standard.

44. The device according to claim 43, wherein said second transceiver is an Ethernet transceiver, said data connector is a RJ-45 type connector, and communication with the first data unit is based on IEEE802.3 standard.

45. The device according to claim 44, wherein communication with the second data unit is based on an IEEE802.3, 10BaseT, or 100BaseTX standard.

46. A device for passing digital data between a local loop telephone wire pair at least in part external to a residential building and a home network in the building based on a home network medium, the telephone wire pair being connected for carrying a first bi-directional digital data signal in a first digital data frequency band distinct from, and higher than, an analog telephone frequency band, the home network being connected for carrying, on the home network medium, a second bi-directional digital data signal in a second digital data frequency band, and wherein said device comprises a single enclosure and, within said single enclosure:

a first telephone connector for connecting to the telephone wire pair;

a first modem connected for transmitting the first digital data signal over, and receiving the first digital data signal from, the telephone wire pair;

a first filter coupled between said telephone connector and said first modem for substantially passing signals in the digital data frequency band;

a port for coupling to the home network medium;

a second modem coupled to said port for transmitting the second digital data signal over, and receiving the second digital data signal from, the home network medium;

a first data connector connectable to a first data unit;

a first transceiver coupled to said first data connector for transmitting packet-based digital data to, and receiving packet-based digital data from, the first data unit; and

a router or a gateway coupled to pass digital data between said first modem, said second modem and said first transceiver and for handling protocol layers above the physical layer,

wherein said device is operative to pass digital data between the home network and the telephone wire pair, and to pass digital data between the home network and the first data unit.

47. The device according to claim 46, wherein:

said device is further operative to couple an analog telephone signal to an analog telephone set;

the telephone wire pair is further connected for carrying an analog telephone signal in the analog telephone frequency band; and

said device further comprises, in the single enclosure;

an analog telephone connector for connecting to the analog telephone set; and

a second filter coupled between said first telephone connector and said analog telephone connector for substantially passing signals in the analog telephone frequency band.

48. The device according to claim 46, wherein said single enclosure is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard telephone outlet;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard telephone wall outlet;

a shape allowing direct mounting in a standard outlet receptacle or opening; and

a form to substitute for a standard telephone outlet.

49. The device according to claim 46, wherein said device is further pluggable into and attachable to a telephone outlet.

50. The device according to claim 46, wherein said single enclosure is structured to attach to a mating fixture secured on one of the walls of the building.

51. The device according to claim 46, wherein said device is integrated within a telephone outlet.

52. The device according to claim 46, wherein said single enclosure is attachable to one of the walls in the building.

53. The device according to claim 46, wherein the telephone wire pair is connected to concurrently carry a power signal, and wherein the power signal is couplable to said device to at least in part power said first modem by the power signal.

54. The device according to claim 46, wherein the home network medium is based on a wire pair installed at least in part in walls of the building, said port is a connector, and said second modem is a wired modem.

55. The device according to claim 54, wherein the home network is based on a telephone wire pair, said port is a second telephone connector, and said second modem is a telephone modem.

56. The device according to claim 55, wherein said second telephone connector is an RJ-11 type connector.

57. The device according to claim 46, wherein the digital data signal over the local loop telephone wire pair is xDSL based, and said first modem is an xDSL modem.

58. The device according to claim 57, wherein the digital data signal is ADSL based, said first modem is an ADSL modem, and said first telephone connector is an RJ-11 type connector.

59. The device according to claim 46, wherein said second modem is operative to perform bi-directional communication with one or more identical modems connected to the telephone wire pair.

60. The device according to claim 46, wherein said first modem is operative to perform full-duplex point-to-point communication with only a single other modem over the telephone wire pair.

61. The device according to claim 46, wherein:

the digital data signal transmitted and received over the telephone wire pair carries digital data based on a first protocol;

the digital data signal transmitted to and received from the home network medium carries digital data based on a second protocol different from the first protocol;

and said router or gateway is operative to adapt between the first and second protocols.

62. The device according to claim 46, wherein the digital data signal carried by the telephone wire pair or the home network is based on Internet Protocol.

63. The device according to claim 46, wherein said transceiver is a Local Area Network (LAN) transceiver, said first data connector is a LAN connector, and communication with the first data unit is based on a LAN standard.

64. The device according to claim 63, wherein said transceiver is an Ethernet transceiver, said first data connector is a RJ-45 type connector, and communication with said first data unit is based on an IEEE802.3 standard.

65. The device according to claim 64, wherein communication with the first data unit is based on an IEEE802.3, 10BaseT, or 100BaseTX standard.

66. The device according to claim 63, wherein:

the first digital data signal carried over the telephone wire pair comprises distinct first and second digital data streams using time division multiplexing;

said device is further operative to couple the first digital data signal carried over the telephone wire pair to a second data unit; and

said device further comprises;

a second data connector connectable to the second data unit; and

a second transceiver coupled between said second data connector and said router or gateway for transmitting packet-based digital data to, and receiving packet-based digital data from, the second data unit, and

further wherein said device is operative to pass the first digital data stream between said telephone wire pair and the first data unit and to pass the second digital data stream between said telephone wire pair and the second data unit.

67. The device according to claim 66, wherein said second transceiver is a Local Area Network (LAN) transceiver, said second data connector is a LAN connector, and communication with the second data unit is based on a LAN standard.

68. The device according to claim 67, wherein said first transceiver is an Ethernet transceiver, said first data connector is a RJ-45 type connector, and communication with the first data unit is based on an IEEE802.3 standard.

69. The device according to claim 68, wherein communication with the second data unit is based on an IEEE802.3, 10BaseT, or 100BaseTX standard.

70. A device for passing digital data between data units and a telephone wire pair, the telephone wire pair being connected for carrying a bi-directional digital data signal in a digital data frequency band distinct from, and higher than, an analog telephone frequency band, wherein said device comprises a single enclosure, and within said single enclosure:

a telephone connector for connecting to the telephone wire pair;

a first modem connected for transmitting the digital data signal to, and receiving the digital data signal from, the telephone wire pair;

a first filter coupled between said telephone connector and said first modem for substantially passing signals in the digital data frequency band;

a first data connector connectable to a first data unit;

a first LAN (Local Area Network) transceiver coupled to said first data connector for transmitting packet-based digital data signals to, and receiving packet-based digital data signals from, the first data unit;

a second data connector connectable to a second data unit;

a second transceiver coupled to said second data connector for transmitting packet-based digital data signals to, and receiving packet-based digital data signals from, the second data unit; and

a router or a gateway coupled to pass digital data between said first modem and said first and second transceivers and for handling protocol layers above the physical layer,

wherein said device is operative to pass digital data between said first and second data units and said telephone wire pair.

71. The device according to claim 70, wherein:

said device is further operative to couple an analog telephone signal to an analog telephone set;

the telephone wire pair is further connected for carrying the analog telephone signal in the analog telephone frequency band; and

said device further comprises, in the single enclosure;

an analog telephone connector for connecting to the analog telephone set; and

second filter coupled between said telephone connector and said analog telephone connector for substantially passing signals in the analog telephone frequency band.

72. The device according to claim 70,

wherein said single enclosure is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard telephone outlet;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard telephone wall outlet;

a shape allowing direct mounting in a standard outlet receptacle or opening; and

a form to substitute for a standard telephone outlet.

73. The device according to claim 70, wherein said device is further pluggable into and attachable to a telephone outlet.

74. The device according to claim 70, wherein said single enclosure is structured to attach to a mating fixture secured on a wall of a building.

75. The device according to claim 70, wherein said device is integrated within a telephone outlet.

76. The device according to claim 70, wherein said single enclosure is attachable to a wall in a building.

77. The device according to claim 70, wherein the telephone wire pair is connected to concurrently carry a power signal, and wherein the power signal is couplable to said device to at least in part power said first modem by the power signal.

78. The device according to claim 70, further operative to communicate with a telecommunications network external to a building, wherein said device further comprises:

a port for coupling to the telecommunications network; and

a second modem coupled to said port for transmitting the digital data signal to, and receiving the digital data signal from, the telecommunications network.

79. The device according to claim 78, wherein the telecommunications network is based on wiring connecting to the building, said port is a connector, and said first modem is a wired modem.

80. The device according to claim 79,

wherein the telecommunications network is based on a local-loop telephone wire pair connecting to the building, said port is a telephone connector, and said first modem is a telephone modem.

81. The device according to claim 80, wherein the digital data signal carried over the local-loop telephone wire pair is xDSL based, and said first modem is an xDSL modem.

82. The device according to claim 81, wherein the digital data signal is ADSL based, said first modem is an ADSL modem and said telephone connector is an RJ-11 type connector.

83. The device according to claim 70, wherein said first modem is operative to perform bi-directional communication with one or more identical modems connected to the telephone wire pair.

84. The device according to claim 70, wherein said first modem is operative to perform full-duplex point-to-point communication with only a single other modem over the telephone wire pair.

85. The device according to claim 78,

wherein:

the digital data signal transmitted and received over the telephone wire pair carries digital data based on a first protocol;

the digital data signal transmitted to and received from the telecommunications network carries digital data based on a second protocol different from the first protocol; and

said router or gateway is operative to adapt between the first and second protocols.

86. The device according to claim 70, wherein the digital data signal carried by the telephone wire pair is based on Internet Protocol.

87. The device according to claim 70, wherein

the packet-based digital data signal transmitted to and received from at least one of said data units is based on Internet Protocol.

88. The device according to claim 70, wherein each of said data connectors is a LAN connector, and communication with each of said data units is based on LAN standard.

89. The device according to claim 88, wherein each of said first LAN transceiver and second transceiver is an Ethernet transceiver, each of said first and second data connectors is a RJ-45 type connector, and communication with each of the data units is based on an IEEE802.3 standard.

90. The device according to claim 89, wherein communication with each of said data units is based on an IEEE802.3, 10BaseT, or 100BaseTX standard.

91. The device according to claim 70, wherein the digital data signal transmitted to, and received from, said first modem carried over the telephone wire pair comprises distinct first and second digital data streams using time division multiplexing, and wherein said device is further operative to pass the first and second digital data streams to respective ones the first and second data units.

92. The device according to claim 70, wherein said first data connector is a LAN connector and communication with the first data unit is based on a LAN standard.

93. The device according to claim 92, wherein said first transceiver is an Ethernet transceiver, said first data connector is an RJ-45 type connector, and communication with the first data unit is based on an IEEE802.3 standard.

94. The device according to claim 93, wherein communication with the first data unit is based on an IEEE802.3, 10BaseT, or 100BaseTX standard.

95. A device for passing digital data between data units to a local loop telephone wire pair, the local loop telephone wire pair being connected for carrying a bi-directional digital data signal in a digital data frequency band distinct from, and higher than, an analog telephone frequency band, wherein said device comprises a single enclosure and, within said single enclosure:

a first telephone connector for connecting to the telephone wire pair;

an xDSL modem connected for transmitting the digital data signal to, and receiving the digital data signal from, the local loop telephone wire pair;

a first filter coupled between said first telephone connector and said xDSL modem for substantially passing signals in the digital data frequency band;

a first data connector connectable to a first data unit;

a first LAN (Local Area Network) transceiver coupled to said first data connector for transmitting packet-based digital data to, and receiving packet-based digital data from, the first data unit;

a second data connector connectable to a second data unit;

a second transceiver coupled to said second data connector for transmitting packet-based digital data to, and receiving packet-based digital data from, the second data unit; and

a router or a gateway coupled to pass digital data between said xDSL modem and said first LAN and second transceivers and for handling protocol layers above the physical layer,

wherein said device is operative to pass digital data between the first and second data units and the telephone wire pair.

96. The device according to claim 95, wherein:

said device is further operative to couple an analog telephone signal to an analog telephone set;

the telephone wire pair is further connected for carrying an analog telephone signal in the analog telephone frequency band; and

said device further comprises, in the single enclosure;

an analog telephone connector for connecting to the analog telephone set; and

a second filter coupled between said first telephone connector and said analog telephone connector for substantially passing signals in the analog telephone frequency band.

97. The device according to claim 95, wherein said single enclosure is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard telephone outlet;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard telephone wall outlet;

a shape allowing direct mounting in a standard outlet receptacle or opening; and

a form to substitute for a standard telephone outlet.

98. The device according to claim 95, wherein said device is further pluggable into and attachable to a telephone outlet.

99. The device according to claim 95, wherein said single enclosure is structured to attach to a mating fixture secured on a wall of a building.

100. The device according to claim 95, wherein said device is integrated within a telephone outlet.

101. The device according to claim 95, wherein said single enclosure is attachable to a wall in a building.

102. The device according to claim 95, wherein the telephone wire pair is connected to concurrently carry a power signal, and wherein the power signal is couplable to said device to at least in part power said first modem by the power signal.

103. The device according to claim 95, wherein the digital data signal is ADSL based, said first modem is an ADSL modem and said telephone connector is a RJ-11type connector.

104. The device according to claim 95, wherein:

the digital data signal transmitted and received over the telephone wire pair carries digital data based on a first protocol;

the packet-based digital data transmitted to and received from the first data unit is based on a second protocol different from the first protocol; and

said router or gateway is operative to adapt between the first and second protocols.

105. The device according to claim 95, wherein the digital data signal carried by the telephone wire pair is based on Internet Protocol.

106. The device according to claim 95, wherein communication with at least one of the data units is based on Internet Protocol.

107. The device according to claim 95, wherein each of said first and second data connectors is a LAN connector, and communication with each of the data units is based on a LAN standard.

108. The device according to claim 107, wherein each of said first LAN and second transceivers is an Ethernet transceiver, each of said first and second data connectors is an RJ-45 type connector, and communication with each of the data units is based on an IEEE802.3 standard.

109. The device according to claim 108, wherein communication with each of the data units is based on an IEEE802.3, 10BaseT, or 100BaseTX standard.

110. The device according to claim 95, wherein the digital data signal carried over the telephone wire pair comprises distinct first and second digital data streams using time division multiplexing, and wherein said device is further operative to pass the first and second digital data streams to respective ones of the first and second data units.

111. The device according to claim 95, wherein said first data connector is a LAN connector and communication with the first data unit is based on a LAN standard.

112. The device according to claim 111, wherein:

said first transceiver is an Ethernet transceiver;

said first data connector is an RJ-45 type connector; and

communication with the first data unit is based on an IEEE802.3 standard.

113. The device according to claim 112, wherein communication with the first data unit is based on an IEEE802.3, 10BaseT, or 100BaseTX standard.

114. A device for coupling a first data unit and an analog telephone set to a telephone wire pair, the telephone wire pair being connected for carrying a telephone signal multiplexed with a data signal, wherein said device comprises a single enclosure and, within said single enclosure:

a first telephone connector for connecting to the telephone wire pair;

a data connector connectable to the first data unit; and

a second telephone connector for connecting to the analog telephone set,

wherein said device is operative to substantially pass only the telephone signal between said first and second telephone connectors and to substantially pass only the data signal between said first telephone connector and said data connector, and the telephone signal is a digital telephone data signal.

115. The device according to claim 114, wherein:

the telephone wire pair is connected for carrying the telephone signal and the data signal using frequency division multiplexing (FDM);

the data signal is carried in a data frequency band;

the telephone signal is carried in a telephone frequency band distinct from the data frequency band; and

said device further comprises, in said single enclosure;

a first filter coupled between said first telephone connector and said data connector for substantially passing only signals in the data frequency band; and

a second filter coupled between said first telephone connector and said second telephone connector for substantially passing only signals in the telephone frequency band.

116. The device according to claim 115, wherein the data frequency band is above the telephone frequency band, and wherein said first filter is a high pass filter and said second filter is a low pass filter.

117. The device according to claim 114, wherein said single enclosure is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard telephone outlet;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard telephone wall outlet;

a shape allowing direct mounting in a standard outlet receptacle or opening; and

a form to substitute for a standard telephone outlet.

118. The device according to claim 114, wherein said device is further pluggable into and attachable to a telephone outlet.

119. The device according to claim 114, wherein said single enclosure is structured to attach to a mating fixture secured on a wall of a building.

120. The device according to claim 114, wherein said device is integrated within a telephone outlet.

121. The device according to claim 114, wherein said single enclosure is attachable to a wall of a building.

122. The device according to claim 114, wherein:

the data signal is a bi-directional digital data signal;

the telephone wire pair is connected to carry the bi-directional digital data signal; and

said device further comprises a modem connected for transmitting the digital data signal to, and receiving the digital data signal from, the telephone wire pair.

123. The device according to claim 122, wherein the telephone wire pair is connected to concurrently carry a power signal, and wherein the power signal is couplable to said device to at least in part power said modem by the power signal.

124. The device according to claim 122, wherein the telephone wire pair is part of, or connected to, a local-loop telephone wire pair connecting to a building, and wherein said modem is a telephone modem.

125. The device according to claim 124, wherein the digital data signal carried by the local-loop telephone wire pair is xDSL based and said modem is an xDSL modem.

126. The device according to claim 125, wherein the digital data signal is ADSL based, said modem is an ADSL modem and said first telephone connector is an RJ-11 type connector.

127. The device according to claim 122, wherein said modem is operative to perform bi-directional communication with one or more identical modems connected to the telephone wire pair.

128. The device according to claim 122, wherein said modem is operative to perform full-duplex point-to-point communication with only a single other modem over the telephone wire pair.

129. The device according to claim 122, wherein the digital data signal carried by the telephone wire pair is based on Internet Protocol.

130. The device according to claim 114, further comprising a transceiver coupled to said data connector for transmitting packet-based digital data to, and receiving packet-based digital data from, the first data unit.

131. The device according to claim 130, further comprising a router or a gateway coupled to said transceiver and operative for handling protocol layers above the physical layer.

132. The device according to claim 130, wherein said transceiver is a Local Area Network (LAN) transceiver, said data connector is a LAN connector, and communication with the first data unit is based on a LAN standard.

133. The device according to claim 132, wherein said transceiver is an Ethernet transceiver, said data connector is an RJ-45 type connector, and communication with the first data unit is based on an IEEE802.3 standard.

134. The device according to claim 133, wherein communication with the first data unit is based on an IEEE802.3, 10BaseT, or 100BaseTX standard.

135. The device according to claim 114, wherein:

the digital data signal carried over the telephone wire pair comprises distinct first and second digital data streams using time division multiplexing;

said device is further operative to couple the digital data signal carried over the telephone wire pair to a second data unit; and

said device further comprises;

a second data connector connectable to the second data unit; and

a transceiver coupled between said second data connector and a router or gateway for transmitting packet-based digital data to, and receiving packet-based digital data from, the second data unit,

wherein said device is operative to pass the first digital data stream between the telephone wire pair and the first data unit and to pass the second digital data stream between the telephone wire pair and the second data unit.

136. The device according to claim 135, wherein said transceiver is a Local Area Network (LAN) transceiver, said second data connector is a LAN connector, and communication with the second data unit is based on a LAN standard.

137. The device according to claim 136, wherein communication with the second data unit is based on an IEEE802.3, 10BaseT, or 100BaseTX standard.

138. A device for coupling a first data unit and an analog telephone set to a telephone wire pair, the telephone wire pair being connected for carrying a telephone signal multiplexed with a data signal, wherein said device comprises a single enclosure and, within said single enclosure:

a first telephone connector for connecting to the telephone wire pair;

a data connector connectable to the first data unit; and

a second telephone connector for connecting to the analog telephone set; and

a transceiver coupled to said data connector for transmitting packet-based digital data to, and receiving packet-based digital data from, the first data unit, wherein said device is operative to substantially pass only the telephone signal between said first and second telephone connectors and to substantially pass only the data signal between said first telephone connector and said data connector.

139. The device according to claim 138, further comprising a router or a gateway coupled to said transceiver and operative for handling protocol layers above the physical layer.

140. The device according to claim 138, wherein said transceiver is a Local Area Network (LAN) transceiver, said data connector is a LAN connector, and communication with the first data unit is based on a LAN standard.

141. The device according to claim 140, wherein said transceiver is an Ethernet transceiver, said data connector is an RJ-45 type connector, and communication with the first data unit is based on an IEEE802.3 standard.

142. The device according to claim 141, wherein communication with the first data unit is based on an IEEE802.3, 10BaseT, or 100BaseTX standard.

143. A device for coupling a first data unit and an analog telephone set to a telephone wire pair, the telephone wire pair being connected for carrying a telephone signal multiplexed with a data signal, wherein said device comprises a single enclosure and, within said single enclosure:

a first telephone connector for connecting to the telephone wire pair;

a data connector connectable to the first data unit;

a second telephone connector for connecting to the analog telephone set;

a second data connector connectable to a second data unit; and

a transceiver coupled between said second data connector and a router or gateway for transmitting packet-based digital data to, and receiving packet-based digital data from, the second data unit,

wherein;

said device is operative to substantially pass only the telephone signal between said first and second telephone connectors and to substantially pass only the data signal between said first telephone connector and said data connector,

the data signal carried over the telephone wire pair comprising distinct first and second digital data streams using time division multiplexing,

said device is further operative to couple the data signal carried over the telephone wire pair to the second data unit, and

said device is operative to pass the first digital data stream between the telephone wire pair and the first data unit and to pass the second digital data stream between the telephone wire pair and the second data unit.

144. The device according to claim 143, wherein said transceiver is a Local Area Network (LAN) transceiver, said second data connector is a LAN connector, and communication with the second data unit is based on a LAN standard.

145. The device according to claim 144, wherein communication with the second data unit is based on an IEEE802.3, 10BaseT, or 100BaseTX standard.