Multiplex communications – Pathfinding or routing – Switching a message which includes an address header
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-14
2003-12-16
Olms, Douglas (Department: 2661)
Multiplex communications
Pathfinding or routing
Switching a message which includes an address header
C379S014000, C379S230000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06665299
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of broadband access networks, and more specifically to a method and system for telephony and high speed data access on a broadband access network.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Broadband access networks may provide a viable alternative to present local exchange carrier (LEC) loops in providing voice and data transmissions. Although a number of innovations have occurred concerning high speed cable modems and radio frequency (RF) telephony equipment, these innovations do not support both data and telephony well. Furthermore, present broadband access networks such as cable systems are susceptible to network failures and power outages. During, for example, a power outage, transmission over the cable system is not possible. LEC loops have very limited bandwidths; however, the LEC loops have separate power sources and operate even during power outages providing for emergency calls or other lifeline services.
What is needed is an invention that supports data and telephony access over broadband access networks while still providing, at least, basic telephony service during power outages.
SUMMERY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides for a system for providing telephony and high speed data access over a broadband access network. The system includes a network interface unit (NIU) coupled to a telephone line, the NIU coupled also to the broadband access network, the broadband access network coupled to an intermediate point-of-presence (IPOP), and the IPOP coupled to at least one external access network.
The present invention also provides for a network interface unit (NIU) of a system for providing telephony and high speed data access on a cable network. The system includes a broadband telephone interface (BTI) coupled to a backup local exchange carrier (LEC) line, and a cable modem coupled to the BTI. The cable modem is coupled to the cable network.
The present invention also provides for an office in a system for providing telephony and high speed data access on a cable network. The office includes a network interface unit (NIU) having a broadband telephone interface (BTI) and a cable modem. The office also includes a telephone line coupled to the BTI and a cable coupled to the cable modem.
The present invention provides for a network interface unit (NIU) in a system for providing telephony and high speed data access on a cable network. The NIU includes a cable modem and a means for accessing a telephone line during a power outage.
The present invention provides for an intermediate point-of-presence (IPOP) in a system for providing telephony and high speed data access on a broadband access network. The IPOP includes means for separating voice and data traffic, means for switching to an external access network, and means for routing to the external access network. The separating means is coupled to the switching means and the routing means is coupled to the switching means.
The present invention further provides for an intermediate point-of-presence (IPOP) in a system for providing telephony and high speed data access on a broadband access network. The IPOP includes an access network termination system (ANTS), a switch coupled to the ANTS, and at least one number translation database coupled to the switch.
The present invention provides for a method for providing telephony and high speed data access on a broadband access network. The method includes the steps of providing a network interface unit (NIU), coupling a telephone line and the broadband access network to the NIU, using the NIU to provide telephony and high speed data access on the broadband access network, and using the NIU to support the telephone line during power outages.
The present invention provides for a method for providing a network interface unit (NIU) in a system for providing telephony and high speed data access on a cable network. The method includes the steps of supporting a backup, local exchange carrier (LEC) line with a broadband telephone interface (BTI), using the backup LEC line during a failure of the cable network, and accessing telephony and high speed data through a cable modem coupled to the cable network.
The present invention provides for a method for providing lifeline services during a power outage in a system for providing telephony and high speed data access on a broadband access network. The method includes the steps of connecting a backup local exchange carrier (LEC) line to the system and accessing the backup LEC line.
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Bellovin Steven Michael
Condon Joseph Henry
Cox Richard Vandervoort
Fraser Alexander Gibson
Kalmanek Jr. Charles Robert
AT&T Corp.
Olms Douglas
Pizarro Ricardo M.
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