Multifunction interface facility connecting wideband multiple access subscriber loops with various networks

• US 6,937,595 B2
• Filed: 06/04/2001
• Issued: 08/30/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/31/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: AT&T Corporation (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: AT&T Corporation (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: Barzegar, Farhad, Gerszberg, Irwin, Treventi, Philip Andrew
• Primary Examiner(s): Sam, Phirin
• Application Number:
  US09/871,648
• Publication Number:
  US 20010028644A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,548 Days
• Field of Search: 370/465, 370/493, 370/494, 370/495, 370/351, 370/352, 370/353, 370/354, 370/355, 370/356, 370/400, 370/401, 370/404, 370/405, 370/406, 370/419, 370/420, 370/421, 370/261, 370/264, 370/270, 370/359, 370/389, 370/402
• US Class Current: 370/352
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2856 Access arrangements, e.g. Internet access asynchronous transfer mode networks H04L12/5601; broadband local area networks H04L12/2801; optical access or distribution networks H04Q11/0067; access to open networks H04L12/5691; digital subscriber line end-user equipment and bit-level processing of data on a PSTN-based network H04M11/00; home network gateways H04L12/2834; wireless access networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2883 ATM DSLAM
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2896 Distributed processing, e.g. on line cards
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/062 using different frequency bands for speech and other data

Abstract

An device, called a facilities management platform (FMP) connects current digital and analog carrier networks and packet switched networks of interexchange carriers with high speed multiple access subscriber links implemented over twisted pair lines. The subscriber line is terminated by an access module containing one or more modems. In preferred embodiments, the modems are high-speed digital tethered vial radio channel or xDSL modems. The FMP interface applies and receives signaling and voice through a digital loop carrier (DLC) via a multiplexer connected directly to the DLC backplane. The multiplexer is controlled by a controller of an access module. It translates data from the subscriber link to the form compatible with the digital backplane to create the appearance of one or more line cards. The FMP also may contain a sound generator to allow it to handle calls through an analog carrier network. The FMP, through the same access module transmits data to and from the modems directly through connected digital networks, such as ATM or SONET, of an interexchange carrier. Through this interface, different network companies can offer competing products through different networks all seamlessly connected through a high speed subscriber line.

Claims

1. A central office interface between a multiple access link to a subscriber

premises and a local carrier network:

a digital loop carrier with a digital interface to permit access to a digital backplane of said digital loop carrier;

a controller with a modulator/demodulator configured to apply data corresponding to multiple voice call sessions from said link to said digital interface, and

to apply data corresponding to said multiple voice call sessions from said digital interface to said link;

said multiple access link being established over a single twisted pair metallic interface;

wherein said controller is connected to another digital network; and

said controller is configured to add a new call to said multiple voice call session in response to signaling data received through said another digital network.

2. A central office interface between a multiple access link to a subscriber

premises and a local carrier network:

a digital loop carrier with a digital interface to permit access to a digital backplane of said digital loop carrier;

a controller with a modulator/demodulator configured to apply data corresponding to multiple voice call sessions from said link to said digital interface, and

to apply data corresponding to said multiple voice call sessions from said digital interface to said link;

said multiple access link being established over a single twisted pair metallic interface;

wherein said controller is connected to another digital network; and

said controller is configured to add a new call to said multiple voice call session in response to signaling data received through said link, said controller being further configured to route selectively said new call through said another digital network responsively to signaling data received through said link.

3. A central office interface between a multiple access link to a subscriber

premises and a local carrier network:

a digital loop carrier with a digital interface to permit access to a digital backplane of said digital loop carrier;

a controller with a modulator/demodulator configured to apply data corresponding to multiple voice call sessions from said link to said digital interface, and

to apply data corresponding to said multiple voice call sessions from said digital interface to said link;

said multiple access link being established over a single twisted pair metallic interface;

wherein said controller is connected to another digital network; and

said controller is configured to add a new call in said multiple voice call session in response to signaling data received through said link, said controller being further configured to route selectively said new call through said another digital network responsively to signaling data received through said link;

further comprising a data storage unit; and

said controller being further configured to route said new call responsively to signaling data and subscriber data corresponding to said call, said subscriber data indicating services permitted for a calling party corresponding to said call.