Multiplex communications – Communication techniques for information carried in plural... – Adaptive
Reexamination Certificate
1997-07-07
2001-05-08
Olms, Douglas (Department: 2661)
Multiplex communications
Communication techniques for information carried in plural...
Adaptive
C370S465000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06229818
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed generally to data communications, and more particularly to a system and method for isolating the local and remote sides of an active data termination point, to allow local and remote communications using a common data transfer technique across a common transmission medium.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Computer networking involves the linking of computers, peripheral devices, and perhaps telephonic devices, into a consolidated data communications system. Technological networking advances are taking place at various networking levels, including multi-node network structures such as multipoint, star, ring, loop and mesh network topologies used in networks ranging from local area networks (LAN) to proliferative global area networks (GAN) such as the Internet. Of great consequence to the continued success of computer networking is the ability to efficiently and economically interconnect these various networks in local and remote configurations.
As networks continue to gain acceptance and favor, there is a continuing desire to transmit ever-increasing amounts of data across the transmission medium in a given amount of time. In other words, the increased demand for network solutions has propelled the need to maximize the data bandwidth. This need has led to many techniques and systems for increasing the data bandwidth, such as the use of T-carrier services (e.g., T1 and T3), and integrated services digital networks (ISDN).
Emerging applications for higher speed communications applications have driven the need for advanced technologies that leverage the installed base of communications platforms around the world. One such technology allows relatively high-speed data transmission over existing copper-based twisted-pair lines. This technology, referred to generally as digital subscriber line (DSL) technology, includes various species, including high-bit-rate DSL (HDSL), very high-bit-rate (VHDSL), and asymmetric DSL (ADSL). Each of these technologies allows digital information to be transferred from a service provider, via the existing copper telephone lines, at rates in the range of many megabits per second (Mbps). For example, an ADSL line can provide rates at 6 Mbps downstream from a service provider, and 384 Kbps upstream to the provider using the existing telephone line. As can be seen, these data rates far exceed many competing technologies (e.g., ISDN: 128 Kbps, T1: 1.544 Mbps, etc.). These higher digital connectivity data rates are being demanded by users for Internet access, telecommuting, video conferencing, and the like.
The significance of the use of the existing telephony copper base should not be underestimated. The undepreciated world-wide value of this asset has been estimated at over 600 billion dollars. There are approximately 700 million local loops around the world, and over 160 million of these are in the United States. It would therefore be desirable to utilize this pre-installed communications base, as physical connectivity costs would be greatly reduced.
Connections by individual computer users to networks such as the Internet has grown at astronomical rates. Moreover, surveys have indicated that many Internet subscribers have more than one computer at a local site, and it appears this trend will continue. Therefore, it is also becoming more common to connect small office/home office (SOHO) computers into a local network configuration within the SOHO environment.
The present invention provides a manner in which remote network technologies can be brought into the SOHO environment. It provides for a local area network that is independent of, yet compatible with, the remote network, without requiring additional cabling or hardware. The present invention, therefore, provides a solution to the aforementioned and other shortcomings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Generally, the present invention relates to a system and method for isolating the local and remote sides of an active data termination point to allow local and remote communications using a common data transfer technique across a common transmission medium.
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a system for providing a local network at a customer premise and a remote network coupling the local network to a remote service provider is provided. The system includes a transmission medium forming a local network within the customer premise, and forming a remote network through a subscriber line connecting the customer premise to the remote service provider. The transmission medium is used for voice band communication between the customer premise and the remote service provider, for data band communication within the local network, and for data band communication between the local network and the remote service provider. A master node is coupled between the local network within the customer premise and the subscriber line. The master node controls data band communications between the local network and the remote service provider.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the master node includes a digital subscriber line (xDSL) modem. The xDSL modem is configured to communicate with the remote service provider using an xDSL voice and data transmission scheme, and is further configured to communicate with customer premise equipment coupled to the local network using the xDSL voice and data transmission scheme.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for allowing remote voice signal and data signal transfers between a central office and one or more subscriber nodes via a transmission medium, while further allowing local data signal transfers among the subscriber nodes via the same transmission medium. A local portion of the transmission medium interconnecting the subscriber nodes is isolated from a remote portion of the transmission medium. Voice and data signals are distinguished from each other, and voice signals are provided to customer premises equipment connected to the local portion of the transmission medium. The local data signals on the local portion of the transmission medium, as well as the remote voice and data signals on the remote portion of the transmission medium, are transmitted via the common transmission medium using a transfer technology which is common to both the local and remote portions of the common transmission medium.
The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The figures and the detailed description which follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.
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SOHO Skyway, Author Unknown, Mar. 26, 1997, pp. 1-2 (Obtained from the Internet at http://www.sohoskyway.net/CustEq.html).
ADSL Forum: General Introduction to Copper Access Technologies, Author Unknown, May 13, 1997, pp. 1-6 (Obtained from the Internet at http://www.adsl.com/general_tutorial.html).
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Advanced Micro Devices Patent Application entitled: “Multipoint Access Protocol Utilizing A Point-To-Point Methodology”, Date filed: Mar. 19, 1997, Ser. No.: 08/820,526.
Advanced Micro Devices Patent Application entitled
Advanced Micro Devices , Inc.
Olms Douglas
Pizarro Ricardo M.
Williams Morgan & Amerson P.C.
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