WO2004081805A1

WO2004081805A1 - A dedicated communications system and interface

Info

Publication number: WO2004081805A1
Application number: PCT/AU2004/000285
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ron Johan; James Barlow; Joe Moldovan
Original assignee: Uhs Systems Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2003-03-10
Filing date: 2004-03-09
Publication date: 2004-09-23

Abstract

A versatile network interface (1203) connects terminals (1201, 1213, 1221), formerly interconnected via dedicated links and using a variety of signal formats to a packet network (1207). A digital signal processor or other signalling converter converts signalling from the terminals to a digital format compatible with a processor in the interface. The processor packetizes the information and affixes an ID stamp which establishes the association of the terminals. The interface is capable of handling a plurality of signal formats and of establishing links with a plurality of different legacy systems.

Description

A dedicated communications system and interface

Technical field

This invention relates to the provision of special services over a communication network. Background art

Special services is a broad term encompassing a variety of non-POTS services usually delivered over the installed copper network, and usually making use of dedicated links, although some low traffic special services may use dial-up links. Such services include telemetry and security systems such as burglar alarm systems and point-to-point one-way, two-way and point-to- multipoint telecommunications systems such as hot-lines and PABX to PABX connections over a wide area, EFTPOS and ATM services. Throughout this specification, the term telemetry may be used interchangeably to refer to special services generally.

Exemplary applications of special services include, ® Fire alarms - point-to-multipoint

• PABX to PABX connections - point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, or multipoint-to-multipoint o PABX extensions - point-to-point, point-to-multipoint o High-volume communication to automatic teller machines (ATM) - point-to-multipoint

• High security alarm systems - point-to-multipoint » Intercom systems - point-to-point • Traffic light control systems - point-to-multipoint

• Communication of high-volume Point-of-Sale financial transactions to financial institutions (EFTPOS - Electronic Funds Transfer Point Of Sale) - point-to-multipoint

• Audio broadcast lines over specially tuned copper pairs carrying audio content with bandwidth of up to 20 kHz - point-to-point

Special telecommunications services predate the switched telephone system. In their earliest manifestations special telecommunications services consisted of a connection carried over one, two or three pairs of copper wire between two geographically separate sites and were used to carry telecommunications between the two sites such as voice, telegraph, telemetry etc. With the passage of time it became necessary to extend the reach of these connections, initially to adjacent telephone exchange buildings, where the range allowed the service to be extended using a copper cable, and ultimately the requirement was to be able to provide a permanent or semipermanent connection between two geographically separate sites as long as the sites could be connected to a telephone exchange building. This was made possible using FDM and TDM multiplexers and dedicated analogue and digital links.

Generally special telecommunications services involve the transmission of proprietary signals from one set of customer special services equipment located at the one end of the telecommunications link to another set of customer special services equipment located at the other end of the link. The signals may consist of,

• Voice signals covering the spectrum from 300 Hz to 3400 Hz, optionally with low frequency DC-style (decadic) signalling

• Audio signals, such as associated with radio or television programming covering the spectrum from DC to 20 kHz, with optional low frequency DC-style signalling (decadic signalling)

• Proprietary Voice frequency (VF) encoded data signals as used with some alarm systems

• Standards-based Voice frequency (VF) encoded data signals using a known data modem implementation such as V.21 and V22, as used with some traffic light control systems and Point- of-Sale (POS) transaction systems • Proprietary digital signals, such as relay open-circuit/close- circuit signalling systems as used in some fire alarm systems

• Standards-based data-interface signals using known data interface standards such as X.21bis or X.21 as used by known Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) to communicate with their host computer

• DC current loops as used with some fire alarm systems

The signals may be carried over multi-wire links including two-wire, four-wire and six-wire, where some of the wires carry the DC-style signalling and the others carry the analogue signals.

The signals associated with the special telecommunications service are generally unmodified by the intermediate telecommunications network.

Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrate the two broad categories of networks used for the carriage of special services. Figure 1 shows an end-to-end system as used for the connection of various services including intercom systems, PABX extensions, hot-lines and the like. Figure 2 shows a tree and branch realisation of the special services network as used for the carriage of point-to-multipoint services such as fire intercom systems, traffic light management systems, EFTPOS transaction carriage systems and the like. These services can be generally classified as transaction type services.

Figure 1 shows a Peripheral Terminal (101), such as a known PABX system , connected to an optional Dedicated Peripheral Terminal Network Interface (103) such as a network demarcation device used by the Telco for interface conversion, which may be used for changing from six-wire PABX VF and signalling interface to four-wires VF and phantom signalling for transmission over the customer access copper network (105) to the nearest telephone exchange where the signal enters the special services network (107), further detailed in Figure 3 and Figure 4. The signals associated with the customer service exit the network and are terminated on a second optional Dedicated Peripheral Terminal Network Interface (109) which connects to the customer Peripheral Terminal (111). This arrangement supports bi-directional transmission of, for example, voice and signalling.

Figure 2 shows a Peripheral Terminal (201), such as a known fire alarm panel, connected to an optional Dedicated Peripheral Terminal Network Interface (203) such as a communications conversion device used to convert the various alarm conditions signalled by the fire alarm panel to signals that are suitable for transmission over a dedicated (band-width limited) telecommunications network. The signals travel over the copper access network (205) to the nearest telephone exchange where they enter the special services network (207), further detailed in Figure 3 and Figure 4. On exiting the special services network, the signals terminate on a network node (215), which in the case of some fire alarm implementation may be used to call out the local fire brigade, or the network node (215) may be used to concentrate the signals from multiple Peripheral Terminals (201 , 211) and to forward them over a different network (217) which could also be the special services network or the known Digital Data Network (DDN), using a point-to-multipoint, to their final destination node (211) which could be a fire monitoring station.

A number of scenarios are used to illustrate some of the known network topologies generally used for special services telecommunications networks (107 and 207) that carry the signals associated with the telecommunications services described above. Some of these scenarios are shown in Figure 3 and are described below in more detail.

The first example, 301 , 302, 303, 305, 306, shows a point-to-point customer service where both service ends terminate in the same telephone exchange building.

The second example, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311 , illustrates a point-to- point service where one service end is connected to one telephone exchange building and the other terminates on a different telephone exchange building. The services are interconnected via copper cables running between the two telephone exchange buildings.

The third example, 320 to 328, is of a point-to-point service where one service end is connected to one telephone exchange building and the other terminates on a different telephone exchange building. In this case the two ends of the service are interconnected via a permanent circuit carried over a line transmission system (e.g., TDM or FDM) which forms part of the telecommunications operator's (Telco) inter-exchange network.

Figure 3 Item 301 illustrates the customer premises equipment connected via copper pair (Item 302) to the Main Distribution Frame (MDF) shown as Item 303 in the local telephone exchange building (Item 304). The two service ends (Items 301 and 305) are interconnected via a jumper wire (Item 306) on the MDF (Item 303). In this way a permanent or semi- permanent telecommunications link is established between the two service ends (Items 301 and 305).

Figure 3 Items 307, 308 and 309 illustrates a permanent or semipermanent point-to-point service where the two ends of the service (Items 307 and 309) are connected to different telephone exchange buildings. The copper cable carrying the service from the customer premises (Item 307) comprises multiple wires such as two-wires, four-wires and so on as required for the carriage of the service, terminates on the MDF (Item 303) in the telephone exchange building (Item 304). The service is then carried to the second telephone exchange building (Item 312) via a dedicated copper cable (Item 308) which comprises multiple wires such as two-wires, four-wires an so on as required for the carriage of the service, which terminates on the MDF of the first telephone exchange building (Item 303) and the MDF of the second telephone exchange building (Item 310). The telecommunications path is completed by copper cable (Item 311) comprising multiple wires such as two- wires, four-wires and so on as required for the carriage of the service, which connects the second customer's premises equipment (Item 309) to the network.

The third service configuration is illustrated by Figure 3 Items 320, 321 , 322, 323, 325, 326 and 328. In this configuration the first service termination point at the customer premises (Item 320) connects to the MDF (Item 303) at the first telephone exchange building (Item 304). A jumper on the MDF is used to connect the service to a multiplexer (Item 321) that combines a range of services on to a single higher speed connection, which in a digital TDM system could be 2 Mb/s E1 or 1.5 Mb/s T1 digital links (Item 322) which carry the signals associated with the special service link in digital format optionally using one or more time-slots and optionally using signalling bits using a known PCM signalling format such as CAS (Channel Associated Signalling). The traffic is sent over the telephone company's inter-exchange network (Item 323) where it is groomed by being directed to the other end of the network over either TDCC (Time Division Cross-Connect) equipment, or a series of multiplex/demultiplex equipment, distribution frames and manual patches to eventually exit the inter-exchange network (Item 323) over a high speed connection (Item 325) to a terminal multiplexer (Item 326) located in the second exchange building (Item 327) to be reconstituted for transmission to the second customer premises (Item 328).

The distribution frames and manual patches perform the network traffic cross-connect function as shown in Figure 4 where the traffic from the customer premises special service equipment (420) is carried over copper cable (407) which terminates on terminal multiplexer equipment (421). The traffic stream from the customer premises special service equipment (420) is combined with traffic streams from other customers' equipment by the terminal multiplexer equipment (421) and sent over a multiplexed high-speed data stream (422) to either the destination (where possible) or more often to an intermediate exchange (401). In the intermediate exchange (401) the multiplexed data stream (422) is demultiplexed by the multiplex equipment (402) and the original traffic restored on the copper cable (408) that terminates on the exchange copper cable distribution frame (430). Jumper cable (403) is used to patch the traffic associated with multiplex equipment (402) through to the intermediate multiplexer (404) which combines the traffic with traffic from other sources on to a multiplexed stream (425) to be sent to the terminal multiplexer (440) for transmission to the second customer site (428). The above illustrates traffic flow in one direction (420) to (428). As the communications link is bi-directional, traffic flow in the other direction, (428) to (420) is also supported.

Referring back to Figure 3, from the perspective of the customer premises equipment (Items 301 , 305, 307, 309, 320 and 328) all three network scenarios appear unchanged, with traffic and signalling information carried transparently from end-to-end by the telecommunications network (Item 340).

As a further example of the use of special services consider the general case of telemetry systems as used in the collection of fire alarms and the control and monitoring of traffic management systems such as traffic signalling light systems as illustrated by Figure 6. Item (678) represents a location from which telemetry information is obtained, such as an industrial site. The telemetry information is sent to the central monitoring and control centre (601) such as the fire alarm monitoring centre or the fire brigade, or, in the case of traffic light control, a traffic monitoring centre. The telemetry information from the monitored site (678) is carried over copper cable (612) to the local exchange building (610) where the copper cable terminates on the distribution frame (611). The telemetry signal is carried over a copper or a multiplexed link (609) as described above to an exchange building (614) where the traffic from one or more local exchanges terminates on the distribution frame (606) which connects to the regional telemetry concentrator equipment (605). Site (615) illustrates the case where the connection carrying the telemetry service terminates directly at the exchange (614) where the regional telemetry concentrator equipment (605) is terminated.

The regional telemetry concentrator units (605, 635) connect to the central monitoring and control centre (601) via dedicated links (604, 602) which may be multiple point to point links or point to multi-point data links carried over the known special services telecommunications network or the Digital Data Network (603) as described above.

Figure 5 illustrates the arrangement of dedicated networks for the collection and concentration of fire alarms through the special services network. The fire alarm panel (501) is connected to an analogue modem (503) which converts the non-standard digital output from the fire panel into a form suitable for carriage over a band-limited voice frequency network. The signal terminates in a regional concentrator (515) which uses signal conversion means (517) to convert the signal into a form suitable for transmission over a point-to-multipoint DDN. The interface into the DDN is via a suitable data modem (519). The signal terminates in a regional monitoring center (523) used to alert the fire brigade as required.

Figure 7 illustrates the existing arrangement for connecting EFTPOS terminals to a financial institution using dedicated lines. Figure 7 shows a known arrangement of a number of EFTPOS terminals 701 , connected via a common bus 702 to a transaction concentrator 703. The transaction concentrator controls communication between the EFTPOS terminals and a modem 704 which is connected to a dedicated line 705, which is jumpered (706) through the MDF 707 to modem bank 708 which feeds into a packet assembler/disassembler (PAD), 709. The PAD is connected through a data link 711 to a legacy network such as a point-to-multipoint DDN link 712, which concentrates the transaction traffic into a small number of digital links 713, connected to the financial institution 714. An alternative known implementation utilises a concentrating host located inside the Telco network (714) which then routes the individual transactions into the various Financial Institutions (718, 719) over a known X.25 network.

This implementation uses known data protocols and interfaces, such as SDLC NRM over V.22 leased-line modem at 705 and X.25 at 715.

An alternative arrangement for EFTOPS terminals uses dial-up connexions. In this embodiment, each EFTPOS terminal is associated with its own modem which connects over a phone line to the POTS network and thence to the legacy X.25 network via a modem bank, and finally to the financial institution through the X.25 network.

Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) connect through DDN point-to-multipoint links (805) using low-speed base-band data modems (803, 813) communicating with their respective Financial Institutions using known low- speed protocols such as SDLC.

The known systems have a number of inherent limitations in that, 1) The need to carry both traffic and signalling in a mesh network (multipoint to multi-point network) results in significant network inefficiencies

2) The automatic cross-connection and reconfiguration of services requires complex cross-connect switches and sophisticated network management systems. As a result most telecommunications companies have elected to implement the cross-connections manually. The use of manual cross-connection, or patching means result in service rearrangements which are labour intensive and error prone

3) Fault location and service restoration are highly labour intensive due to the complexity introduced by the manual cross-connect system and the lack of management and remote fault isolation and location facilities in the multiplexers (Items 321 and 326) used

4) At present the delivery of special services requires the use of dedicated copper cable. As a significant number of special services require the use of multiple copper pairs these place a strain on the telecommunications access cable network used to connect the customer service to the local telephone exchange building by their excessive use of cable and network resources.

5) The copper link to the customer premises is un-supervised so that faults are not immediately reported and are difficult to locate leading to delays in service restoration.

6) The multiplexed streams used by the current system are not utilised efficiently as they cannot be readily shared by traffic not associated with special services. 7) The cost of the customer service is distance based.

8) The current implementation does not readily support the delivery of additional services over the dedicated link to the customer terminal that may be desirable such as video monitoring.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to attempt to ameliorate the effects of one or more of the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention

According to a first embodiment of the invention there is provided a peripheral terminal network interface (VPTNI) adapted to provide an interface for the translation and transmission of non-voice signal formats to a virtual dedicated path between at least a first peripheral terminal and at least one second terminal via a communication network having a network protocol, the peripheral terminal generating non-voice signal formats;

the VPTNI including:

a processor;

signal converter means adapted to convert a signal in the signal format from a peripheral terminal to a digital format compatible with an input to the processor;

a stored virtual dedicated link ID stamp identifying the association of the signal applied to the processor input with one or more of said second terminals as part of a virtual dedicated link;

the processor adapted to packetize the converted signals from the signal converter and affix a corresponding ID stamp to each packet;

a transmitter adapted to convert the stamped packetized output from the processor to a network protocol message compatible with the network protocol;

the transmitter transmitting the virtual dedicated link ID stamped packets to the communication network for transmission to said second terminal.

According to a second embodiment, the VPTNI is adapted to translate and transmit two or more different first peripheral terminal signal formats, the VPTNI including two or more signal converters, and a buffer to store the output from the signal converters.

In a third embodiment, the VPTNI is adapted to receive two or more different first peripheral terminal signal formats at the same time. in a fourth embodiment, one or more of the first peripheral terminals is a legacy terminal.

In a fifth embodiment, the ID stamp identifies a virtual dedicated link arrangement between the first and second terminals.

In a sixth embodiment, the interface includes a receiver.

In a seventh embodiment, the interface is adapted to convert 2 or more terminal signal formats to network protocol.

In an eighth embodiment, the VPTNI includes a DSP to convert transactional signals to a digital format compatible with the processor.

In a ninth embodiment, the VPTNI includes a general purpose input/output to convert non-standard decadic signals to a format compatible with the processor.

In a tenth embodiment, the VPTNI includes a serial communication controller to convert standard decadic signals to a format compatible with the processor.

The invention is also applicable in a network environment, and, in an eleventh embodiment, the invention provides a virtual link network arrangement adapted to support one or more virtual dedicated links across a communication network, the link or links including one or more terminals associated with a VPTNI, a network path configuration controller adapted to establish a virtual dedicated path to said second terminal or terminals in response to the ID stamp.

In a twelfth embodiment, the controller allocates the ID stamp to the VPTNI when the VPTNI is initially connected to the network.

In a thirteenth embodiment, the ID stamp identifies a virtual dedicated path through the network to one or more second terminals.

In a fourteenth embodiment, the VPTNI requests an ID stamp from the controller, the ID stamp corresponding to the address of a second terminal.

In a fifteenth embodiment, a second communication network is interposed between the communication network and the second terminal.

In a sixteenth embodiment, a second VPTNI interface is provided between the second terminal and the first communication network.

In a seventeenth embodiment, the network includes at least one interface manager managing one or more interfaces associated with the manager.

In an eighteenth embodiment, the manager is adapted to configure the VPTNIs associated with the manager.

In a nineteenth embodiment, the manager means communicates with the interfaces associated with the manager means via the network.

In a twentieth embodiment, the manager is adapted to convert packets to a format or protocol compatible with the second terminal.

The invention is also embodied in a method of establishing a virtual dedicated link across a communication network, between one or more terminals associated with a VPTNI, and accordingly a twentyfirst embodiment provides a method including:

converting signals from the or each terminal to a digital format compatible with the processor,

converting the digital signals to a packetized network compatible protocol;

adding a header to the packetized converted signals to produce labelled packets, the header including ID stamp indicating association of the labelled packets with the virtual dedicated link;

transmitting the labelled packets to the network; and either

a) transmitting the packets across the network via a path indicated by the ID stamp; or

b) routing the labelled packets to a destination terminal indicated by the ID stamp.

In a twentysecond embodiment, the controller allocates the ID stamp to the VPTNI when the VPTNI is initially connected to the network

In a twentythird embodiment, the VPTNI requests an ID stamp from the controller, the ID stamp corresponding to the address of a second terminal.

In a twentyfourth embodiment, the peripheral terminal is programmed to dial a POTS number, and wherein the VPTNI converts the POTS number to a request for an ID stamp.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

The invention will now be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 is illustrative of a generalized embodiment of a special services arrangement for point-to-point links of the prior art. Figure 2 shows a generalized embodiment of a special services arrangement of the prior art for point-to-multipoint links.

Figure 3 represents the connections for various prior art embodiments of dedicated links;

Figure 4 illustrates an example of the MDF jumpering arrangement for prior art dedicated links;

Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of prior art dedicated link network for ATMs;

Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a traffic light control network according to the prior art;

Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary arrangement for an EFTPOS network of the prior art;

Figure 8 illustrates an ATM network using DDN;

Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the present invention suitable for use with point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, and multipoint-to-multipoint applications; Figure 10 shows an embodiment of the invention adapted for point-to- multipoint applications;

Figure 11 shows an embodiment of the invention adapted for point-to- point and multipoint-to multipoint applications;

Figure 12 shows a further embodiment of the invention adapted for point-to-multipoint and point-to-multipoint applications;

Figure 13 illustrates a network in which various embodiments of the invention are shown;

Figure 14 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the functional elements of a peripheral terminal of the invention;

Figure 15a & 15b show an exemplary embodiment of a data packet for use in a system embodying the invention;

Figure 16 illustrates detail of a multi-service connection embodiment of the invention.

Figure 17 is a representation of the classification of various types of peripheral terminals.

Figure 18 illustrates a functional block diagram of a versatile peripheral terminal network interface according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 19 illustrates a protocol stack used for message transmission according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Figure 9 shows a communications system according to a first embodiment of the invention including a Peripheral Terminal (901) located at the first customer premises in communications with Peripheral Terminal (913) located at the second customer premises through a broadband network (907). The communications is achieved by the Peripheral Terminal (901) previously used to communicate over the special services network, communicating with the Versatile Peripheral Terminal Network Interface (VPTNI) (903) located at the first customer premises. The VPTNI 903 is adapted to convert the signals from the peripheral terminal 901 in one or more different formats as discussed further in relation to Figures 14 & 17. The VPTNI 901 is used to interface the Peripheral Terminal (901) via the Broadband access network (905), which may include one or more of the following: xDSL, Optical Fibre, HFC and various broadband cellular networks such as 3G or 1xRTT to connect to a broadband core network (907) which includes switching means to groom the traffic from Peripheral Terminal (901) through the network to Versatile Peripheral Terminal Network Interface (915) located at the second customer premises. The Versatile Peripheral Terminal Network Interface (915) is connected to the core network (907) via a broadband access network including xDSL, Optical Fibre, HFC and various broadband cellular networks such as 3G or 1xRTT.

In a preferred embodiment, VPTNI 903 may have more than one Peripheral Terminal interface, each receiving different format input signals and each associated with a different destination Peripheral Terminal. The VPTNI may be equipped with a corresponding number of signal converters adapted to convert the various input signals to network compatible format. In addition, a virtual path identification (ID Stamp) may be associated with each input, so the signals can be directed to appropriate different destinations.

Control means 909 is used to configure the end-to-end route through the broadband network (907) to provide the permanent or semi-permanent communications path between Peripheral Terminal (901) at the first customer premises and Peripheral Terminal (913) at the second customer premises.

An example of this embodiment is the carriage of Audio Broadcast services from, say, a studio to the radio transmitter. Peripheral Terminal (901) is the audio source. Versatile Peripheral Terminal Network Interface 903 is the interface unit both converting the audio source into a form suitable for carriage over the broadband network, such as IP and transmitting the resultant data over the broadband access network 905 into the core network 907. Versatile Peripheral Terminal Network Interface 915 receives the data and converts it into a form suitable for interfacing to the radio transmitter (913). The preferred embodiment allows the VPTNI (903) to deliver broadband Internet services at the same time as supporting one or more Peripheral Terminals.

Figure 10 is similar to the embodiment given in Figure 9, as described above with the addition of the management entity (1019). The management entity has a number of functions including, but not limited to, polling the VPTNI units (1001 , 1013) to ensure that they are operating correctly and to confirm accessibility, to provide a facility to remotely upgrade the software in the Versatile Peripheral Terminal Network Interface units and to provide means to remotely configure or re-configure the units in line with customer requirements.

Figure 11 shows an embodiment of the invention suited for point-to-multipoint (transaction) applications. Multiple Peripheral Terminals (1101 and 1113) are in constant communication with pre-defined hub terminal, for example, hub terminal (1121) is associated with Peripheral Terminals (1101 and 1113). Hub terminal (1123) has other Peripheral Terminals (not shown) associated with it. The association may be setup by the Control unit (1111) during service activation, by, e.g., storing an ID Stamp in the VPTNI associating specific transmissions from the VPTNI with the designated hub, or by the installer as described below. The VPTNI incorporates the ID Stamp in the header of the packets it transmits. The ID Stamp is retained through network restarts.

As in Figure 9 above, the Versatile Peripheral Terminal Network Interface units (1103, 1115 etc.) are located at the customer premises and convert the signals from the Peripheral Terminal (1101 , 1113 etc.) to a format suited for carriage over the broadband access (1105) and core (1107) networks in a manner that ensures compatibility with the protocols used by the hub terminals (1121 , 1123 etc.).

The function of the management system 1119 is as described above in relation to the management entity 1019 of Figure 10.

An example of this embodiment is the carriage of electronic funds transfer point-of-sale (EFTPOS) transactions from locations that generate large transaction volumes such as supermarket stores and the like. Traditionally a dedicated copper connection would be used to provide this link (Refer to Figure 7). In this exemplary embodiment, one or more Peripheral (EFTPOS) Terminals (1101) are connected to a VPTNI unit (1103) which has the function of converting the transactions from the EFTPOS Terminal into a form suitable for carriage over the broadband network, such as IP and transmitting the resultant data over the broadband access network 1105 into the core network 1107 thence to the hub terminal (1121) for forwarding to the financial institution. With reference to Figure 7, the Hub Terminal may be a concentrating host located inside the Telco network (714) with suitable IP or ATM¹ interfaces which forwards the EFTPOS transactions to the Financial Institutions (718, 719) via the known X.25 network. In an alternative embodiment, the Hub Terminal (1121) may be the Financial Institution.

Figure 12 shows an embodiment of the invention suited for point-to-multipoint applications similar to that described in Figure 11. The Interface/Management unit (1219) may be used in applications where the hub terminal (1221) is not compatible with broadband signalling and therefore requires the reconversion of the signal into a format derived from, but is not necessarily identical to the format generated by the Peripheral Terminal (1201). Interface/management unit 1219 includes appropriate signal conversion functionality for this purpose.

An exemplary embodiment is the remote monitoring of fire alarms. The known fire alarm panels use 'dry' contacts to indicate various alarm conditions. These are inputs into the VPTNI unit (1203) which generates appropriate messages compatible with the broadband network. These messages are transmitted over the broadband access network (1205) to the broadband core network (1207) thence to the Interface/Management unit (1219) to be converted into a format suitable for interfacing to the fire alarm monitoring system (1221). With reference to Figure 5, the output of the Interface/Management unit (1219) is similar to that of the Regional Concentrator (515 and 517). The Interface/Management unit (1219) also implements the management function for the VPTNI units as described above. The virtual end-to-end path through the broadband core network (1207) is defined by the entry of an ID Stamp stored in each VPTNI. The stamp can be entered in a number of ways including,

• Having the ID Stamp remotely downloaded from the Control subsystem (1209) as part of service activation

• Having the ID Stamp remotely downloaded from the Interface/Management subsystem (1225) as part of service activation

• Having the ID Stamp locally entered into the VPTNI (1203) by a technician during installation using a standard telephone handset and dialling the destination address as a standard multi-digit telephone number

• Having the ID Stamp locally entered into the VPTNI (1203) by a technician during installation using a standard web browser

The preferred embodiment supports a number of ways by which the ID Stamp is used to identify the destination of the transaction messages carried over the end-to-end network,

o Using the ID Stamp to identify the destination address of the transaction messages. This embodiment may be used for the known IP networks implementing a closed user group with unique IP addresses for each node in the network. This embodiment is also applicable to an embodiment using known ATM networks.

• Using the ID Stamp over a known IP closed user group network to access a known DNS in order to obtain the message destination address. This embodiment may be used with dial-up EFTPOS to map the dial-up number (say 123456) to a destination IP address by requesting a DNS mapping for 123456@aaa.uhs.ip, The major advantage of this approach is that it allows the destination addresses for an entire group of VPTNI units to be modified by changing entries in the DNS. Figure 13 shows a communications system according to a number of embodiments of the invention including Customer'Special Services Equipment. In a first of these embodiments Customer Special Services Equipment 1303, 1304, 1305, 1306, are connected to link/equipment interfaces (1311 to 1314) which convert between the equipment signals from 1303, 1304, 1305 and 1306 and the link signals (such as at 1322 and 1324). The link/equipment interfaces in the preferred embodiment are VPTNIs including Customer xDSL modems, preferably xDSL Gateways (1311 to 1314). In many cases the customer has a copper connexion (phone line or coax), but in some cases, the link may be optical fibre. The xDSL Gateways may be equipped with appropriate interfaces for the type of customer link. The xDSL Gateways (1311 to 1314) connect via copper cable (1322 and 1324) (e.g., the customer's telephone line) to multiplexer such as DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Loop Access Multiplexer) equipment (1351) located, for example, in the Telephone Exchange Building (1341 to 1343). The DSLAM equipment connects to an ATM or IP based packet network also known as a broadband core network (1361). An xDSL Gateway Network Management System discussed below (1369) (see also Figure 11 Item 1119) is used to supervise and manage the xDSL Gateways and a Broadband Network Grooming System (Item 1363) (see also Figure 11 Item 1111) discussed below is used to configure the path for the customer generated traffic through the packet network (1361) in a similar manner to setting up a VPN (virtual private network). Broadband Network Grooming System (Item 1363) is a normal part of a packet network.

At the time a telecommunications customer requires a special service permanent or semi-permanent connection to be set up to either link two or more customer sites (eg. for PABX to PABX connections or intercom systems etc.) or to provide a connection from a customer site to a central site such as used for fire alarm applications, the network operator configures a dedicated permanent or semi-permanent telecommunications path through the telecommunications network (Item 1380) between the Customer Special Services Equipment Terminal (Item 1303) at one end of the network to the Special Services Equipment Terminal (Item 1306) at the other end. This includes the configuration of the packet network (1361), using the Broadband Network Grooming System (1363), to recognise packet header information (ID Stamp) such as source and/or destination address or other characteristic information which may be used to identify the association of the packet with the special service.

The dedicated permanent or semi-permanent telecommunications link used for the carriage of special services can span across multiple packet networks each configured using its own Broadband Network Grooming System, enabling the spanning of networks operated by different telecommunications companies in accordance with commercial agreements.

The path comprises an xDSL Gateway (Item 1312, which has many features in common with the UltraSec Gateway from UHS Systems Pty Ltd described in patent application PCT/AU 03/00921 , further detailed in Figure 14), a copper cable (Item 1322) which is connected to the MDF (Item 1331) in the local exchange building (Item 1341) and terminated via internal exchange cabling (Item 1325) on the prior art DSLAM equipment (Item 1351).

The xDSL Gateway (Item 1312) converts the signals compatible with the end user equipment, such as voice frequency signals using the end user equipment supplier's proprietary protocol and related signalling associated with the special services traffic, to packet based traffic (IP or ATM) to be carried over the copper cable (Item 1322) to the DSLAM (Item 1351) and then into the telecommunications packet (IP and/or ATM) network (Item 1361) over a high-speed digital connection (Item 1355) carried over fibre or metallic cable.

The packet traffic from the xDSL Gateway unit (Item 1312) is directed

(groomed) by the packet network (Item 1361) in a manner determined by the Broadband Network Grooming system (Item 1363) described below. The traffic enters the packet network (Item 1361) via high-speed digital connection (Item 1355), is groomed to follow a virtual path or virtual circuit (Item 1365) using information contained in the packet header (ID Stamp) or determined by the source and/or destination address contained in the data packet and exits the packet network (Item 1361) via a high-speed digital connection (Item 1328) to connect to the DSLAM (Item 1327) at the destination telephone exchange building (Item 1342) to which the destination terminal 1306 is connected via an xDSL Gateway unit (Item 1314). The DSLAM (Item 1327) at the destination telephone exchange building (Item 1342) converts the packet traffic into an xDSL format which is suitable for transmission over the copper cable network (Item 1324) to the xDSL Gateway (Item 1314) located at the customer premises. The xDSL Gateway (Item 1314) converts the packet traffic back into signal compatible with the end user equipment (Item 1306) such as voice frequency signals using the proprietary protocol or voice as appropriate for the end user equipment.

A similar implementation provides a permanent or semi-permanent path between the special services customer premises equipment (Item 1304) and special services customer premises equipment (Item 1305). Additionally it is possible to implement multi-point connections between 1303, 1304, 1305 and 1306 by, for example, appropriate designation in the packet headers (ID Stamp).

The invention does not require the simultaneous replacement of all legacy special services at the same time. Thus the change-over may be phased in or only the services to specific customers may be changed, leaving other services in their original format. For example, special services where the telecommunications path does not cross exchange boundaries, as illustrated by the service path between special services customer premises equipment Item 1301 and special services customer premises equipment Item 1302, may be left unchanged, that is, jumpered at the local exchange building (Item 1341) MDF (Item 1331). If the services are to be converted to the inventive system, the service is carried in packet form as for Item 1303 which then could be returned locally either via the DSLAM directly (Item 1351) or via the packet network (Item 1361) and the DSLAM (Item 1351) depending on the DSLAM capability. For this implementation an xDSL Gateway, such as Item 1311 would need to be deployed at the customer premises to interface to the existing customer equipment 1301 , 1302. The advantages of using packet carriage over the above implementation include simultaneous support for other services, such as Internet access, the sharing of the copper cable (Item 1321) with POTS and the ability to carry the service from Item 1301 directly to its ultimate destination, as generally services such as 1301 are used to connect to a regional concentrator (1302).

The end-to-end path through the packet network (Item 1361) is ^' configured by the Broadband Network Grooming System (Item 1363). In one possible embodiment this item comprises one or more known computer workstations possibly operating in a redundant mode connected via a highspeed data link (Item 1362) into the packet network (Item 1361). The highspeed data link (Item 1362) carries the configuration information entered by a service operator into the equipment items that make up the packet network (Item 1361). The configuration information configures an end-to-end virtual circuit or path through the packet network (eg. Item 1366) which is used to connect the traffic from the source DSLAM at the first telephone exchange building to the destination DSLAM at the second telephone exchange building.

The xDSL Gateways (Item 1314) that provide the interface between the packet network and the special services customer premises equipment (Item 1306) are managed by the xDSL Gateway Network Manager 1369. The xDSL Gateway Network Manager includes one or more computer workstations possibly operating in a redundant mode connected into the packet network (Item 1361) via one or more high-speed data links which carry multiple virtual data links (Item 1368) from all the xDSL Gateways.

Status information from the xDSL Gateways (Item 1311 to 1314) is sent to the xDSL Gateway Network Manager (Item 1369) by one of a number of ways, including spontaneous transmission, transmission in response to a poll message from the xDSL Gateway Network Manager or included in a 'stay-alive' message sent from the xDSL Gateways to the xDSL Gateway Network Manager on a regular basis.

The use of the xDSL Gateway Network Manager (Item 1369) allows all of the xDSL Gateway units to be constantly monitored, thereby supporting rapid fault identification. Fault location can then be initiated by an operator by, for example, the reconfiguration of the service path using the Broadband Network Grooming (Item 1363) system to allow the various routing points along the data path to be tested, thereby allowing the faulty segment to be identified. This is achieved by, for example using loop back, the injection of a known signal from a test access point in the packet network (1361) towards the faulty service end, and configuring the various network routing points along the path to return the signal to its origin. The faulty segment is one that returns only part or none of the original signal. The xDSL Gateway Network Manager also allows the service operator to remotely configure the xDSL Gateway unit to support various interfaces, avoiding the need for a customer visit by a qualified technician.

In the event that the customer moves premises, the Broadband Network Grooming (Item 1363) system allows the customer's network to be rapidly reconfigured from a central remote site by a small number of highly qualified technicians, avoiding the need for the service path to be re-patched manually at every exchange that the service transits. In addition it assists with fault location as the traffic may be configured to loop back at various locations.

One advantage of the invention is that one xDSL Gateway unit can support one or more special services allowing them to be carried on the customers existing two-wire telephone line while still supporting the existing telephone service, eliminating the need for the single or multiple copper pair lines that were previously required to support the carriage of some of the special services. Furthermore, additional services such as broadband Internet and telephony, which do not require dedicated links, can also be carried over the same copper telephone line.

In the case where a customer or service provider is connected to a plurality of customers, a single xDSL gateway may be used at the customer or the service provider's premises to terminate a plurality of dedicated links.

Figure 14 provides further detail of the functional elements making up the preferred embodiment of the xDSL Gateway that provides the interface between the packet network and the voice frequency signals compatible with the special services customer premises equipment. The xDSL Gateway includes:

special services interface 1403;

line interface 1404;

network processor 1405;

an optional POTS splitter 1406;

Ethernet interface 1407;

xDSL modem 1408; and

power supply 1410.

The special services interface 1403 is connected to the special services customer equipment 1401 via line 1402, and is also connected to the network processor 1405 and the line interface, 1404. The line interface 1404 is also connected to line 1411 and optional POTS splitter 1406 which separates/combines the low frequency POTS signals and the DSL signals. The DSL signals are sent to/received from the xDSL modem 1408, while the POTS signals are interchanged with the voice frequency (vf) services via line 1412. The wireless modem 1409 may be used as an alternative, as a backup or redundant link in association with line 1411.

The xDSL Gateway unit supports both copper cable (xDSL, Item 1408) and wireless (1409) connections into the packet network (Figure 13 Item 1361). The special services customer equipment (1401) may be off the shelf equipment as currently deployed by the users of permanent and semipermanent networks. The xDSL Gateway unit includes the special services interface 1403 which is adapted to convert between one or more proprietary protocols used in the different special services customer equipments and the network protocol (Refer to Figure 17). The special service Interface block (Item 1403) supports the various interface configurations required to support the customer equipment, such as two-wire, four-wire and six-wire and the like. In addition, various proprietary and standard voice frequency signalling formats are terminated by the special service Interface block (Item 1403). The physical interface to be used towards the customer equipment (two-wire, four- wire, six-wire and the like) as well as the voice frequency format to be terminated, if any, are selected for the particular customer service by direct configuration of the xDSL gateway through the use of configuration switches, direct serial terminal connection or via, for example the xDSL Gateway Network Manager (Figure 13 Item 1369).

Once configured to the specific interface type, each special service Interface block (Item 1403) converts the electrical signals received from the special services customer equipment into data packets suitable for transmission over the packet network (Figure 13 Item 1361). Depending on the customer application, the data is sent as an exact replica of the input signal, or it is terminated and converted into a more suitable format for transmission. Any on/off signalling information associated with the service, such as decadic dialling is also converted into a form suitable for transport over a packet network.

The special service Interface (SSI) (Item 1403) converts the data packets received from the packet network (Figure 13 Item 1361) over the xDSL or wireless links into electrical signals suitable for transmission to the special services customer equipment. In addition, any on/off signalling information associated with the service, such as decadic dialling is also converted into a form suitable for interfacing to the special services customer equipment. The SSI may be designed to provide the xDSL Gateway with an interface to a multiplicity of proprietary special service terminals including, 2- wire feeding and non-feeding, 2-wire interface with E&M, 4-wire, 4-wire with E&M etc. as used for PABX interconnection and PABX out-door extensions. The SSI 1403 functions bi-directionally (refer also to Figure 17 and 18). In relation to a 6-wire PABX-to-PABX connection, two wires are used for signalling and four wires are used for voice (two in each direction). Thus, for this application, the VPTNI needs to be provisioned with two different types of peripheral interfaces - a GPIO for the signalling, and a DSP for the voice. In a 4-wire PABX-to-PABX connection, decadic signalling is superimposed on the 4-wire vf by DC shifting the centre tap of a transformer connected to one of the pairs. Thus the VPNI peripheral interface to manage this format needs transformer or similar splitter means as a first stage to split the decadic signal from the voice. The decadic signals are then applied to a GPIO and the voice is applied to a DSP.

Depending on the type of special services customer equipment, the special service Interface (SSI) (Item 1403) may also be used for monitoring the special services customer equipment (1401), and reporting any irregularities such as equipment fault or equipment missing by testing for loss of DC or AC signal on the interface.

The Network Processor (1405) receives the signals from the special service Interface (1403) and adds the required addressing (ID Stamp), checksum and other information to ensure reception of the data packets at the other end of the network. The complete data packet is then presented to the xDSL Modem (1408) or the optional wireless Modem (Item 1409) for transmission on to the packet network. In the opposite direction, traffic received by the Network Processor (1405) from either of the xDSL Modem (1408) and the optional wireless Modem (1409), is analysed for completeness and is modified by having headers etc. removed then forwarded (or processed and forwarded in the case of a transaction based service) to the special service Interface (1403) to be outputted as an electrical signal to the special services customer equipment (Item 1401).

The Network Processor (1405) terminates remote commands, management messages and software download from the xDSL Gateway Network Manager (Figure 13 Item 1369) and generates acknowledgments and status messages.

The Line Interface (1404) connects the xDSL Gateway to the telephone land line (1411) used to convey the xDSL signal.

In an ADSL embodiment the copper cable telephone line (Item 1411) may be used to simultaneously carry both the ADSL and POTS signals. The optional POTS Splitter (1406) is then used to separate out the high frequency ADSL signals from the low frequency POTS signals that may be carried on the telephone land line (1411). The low frequency POTS signal is conveyed to the in-premises telephone line (1412) and the high frequency signals are conveyed to the ADSL modem (1408).

The xDSL Modem (1408) terminates the packet data from the packet network which may be, for example either ATM cells or IP packets (or IP packets carried within ATM cells) used to carry the data to/from the packet network, and to forward the data to the Network Processor (1405). The packet data is generated in the xDSL Gateway at one end of the service (for example Figure 13 Item 1312), carried over the packet network and terminates in the xDSL Gateway at the other end of the service (for example Figure 13 Item 1314). The Network Processor (1405) examines the data for messages from the packet network (Figure 13 Item 1361) to identify management messages including polls, control, configuration and acknowledgment messages, which are terminated. The xDSL Modem supports the carriage of additional messages on the broadband network to the Customer Terminal (in addition to messages carried to the special services customer equipment (Item 1401)) such as messages used when 'surfing' the Internet. These messages are passed on to the Ethernet unit (1407) by the Network Processor (1405).

The Network Processor (Item 1405) identifies conditions local to the Customer Terminal that need to be reported to the xDSL Gateway Network Manager (Figure 13 Item 1369). The Network Processor (1405) generates messages corresponding to these conditions using the known ATM or IP message format suitable for transmission over a broadband network. The messages may be sent out over the ADSL (1408) and/or the Wireless (1409) IP, preferably implemented over a cellular network such as GSM (GPRS) or CDMA (1xRTT), to the xDSL Gateway Network Manager (Figure 13 Item

1369). The xDSL Gateway Network Manager (Figure 13 Item 1369) sends an acknowledgment message to the Customer Terminal indicating that the alarm message has been received.

In one embodiment, the VPTNI interfaces may be programmed to proxy the routine requests and responses at either end, reducing the amount of traffic across the network. This embodiment may not be suitable for continuous verification of the link between the customer premises and the exchange, but can be used, for example, to perform local health checks on the peripheral terminal.

The Power supply (1410) is used to power the Customer Terminal and optionally charge a battery for the provision of power in the event of AC mains failure.

In the preferred embodiment, the xDSL Gateway may operate using an ADSL connection, using the ADSL Modem (1408) or using a wireless data packet connection with the Wireless Modem (1409) which supports connection into the broadband network in places where land line connection is not supported. For improved reliability the xDSL Gateway may operate using both an ADSL connection, using the ADSL Modem (1408) and using a wireless IP connection with the Wireless Modem (1409).

The versatile peripheral terminal network interface may be adapted to handle inputs from two or more peripheral terminals at the same time. In one embodiment, the VPTNI includes two or more input signal converters and buffer (see 1809 in Figure 18) to store the digital outputs from the converters for transmission under the control of the microprocessor.

The general form of the messages used to carry the data packets associated with the end to end special service are shown in Figure 15.

Figure 15a illustrates the typical form of the message including the header field that may be used to direct the packet to its ultimate destination. This may include, source and/or destination information, for example.

Figure 15b details the message payload that may be used to convey status and control information require for the correct operation of the network. This includes, for example,

a type segment, in this example 8 bits;

a message length indicator (16 bits);

a message ID segment (32 bits) which may include the ID Stamp;

a timestamp (24 bits); an information payload which may include remote destination address(eg, up to 100 bytes);

an end of packet check-sum crc (2 bytes).

The type segment indicates the type of information carried by the packet.

The length segment indicates the amount of information in the packet.

The ID segment is used to uniquely identify the message to the receiver by using schemes such as pseudo random keys and the like.

The timestamp indicates the time the packet was compiled, and can be used to reconstitute the order of packets.

The message container can be used to carry up to 100 bytes.

The CRC check-sum allows the receiver to determine whether the packet has suffered any errors in the transmission process.

The path taken by these messages through the broadband core network is set up as part of the service activation for a given customer by using the Broadband Network grooming configuration system (Item 1363).

Figure 19 details the protocol stacks used in the embodiment of the invention that uses ADSL as the connection means to the broadband network from a Peripheral Terminal (1907) configured to send transaction messages to a Hub Terminal (1910). This Figure will be discussed for an embodiment of the invention used for the carriage of legacy transaction based systems such as fire alarm systems.

Item (1901) shows the protocol stack implementation in the Peripheral Terminal (prior art). Automated announcements from the Peripheral Terminal system are sent in known formats using voice frequency signals to be sent out over the dedicated landline connection.

The Peripheral Terminal communications stack (1901) includes

1. Transaction Message generator which converts the various alarm reports to a string of digits

2. VF Format which converts the string of digits into predefined VF tones

3. Analogue two-wire interface which applies the tone to the dedicated land line interface of the Peripheral Terminal

The VPTNI implements a protocol stack (1902) that is complementary to that in the Peripheral Terminal System. This protocol stack (1902) is used by the VPTNI to decode the transaction messages from the Peripheral Terminal. The decoded messages are re-coded by the VPTNI protocol stack (1903) for transmission over the broadband network. The message structure used is shown in Figure 15 and is carried as a UDP message using the known Internet Protocol (IP) which carries the source and destination addresses for the messages.

In the exemplary embodiment the VPTNI protocol stack (1902) includes

1. Analogue two-wire interface, this interface simulates the leased line to the Peripheral Terminal (Fire Alarm equipment) and behaves like the leased line concentrator equipment generally used to terminate signals from this type of Peripheral Terminal equipment (Figure 5 Items 515, 517)

2. VF Format, this block receives and detects the VF tones used by the Peripheral Terminal equipment to communicate

3. Transaction Message, this block reconstructs the original message sent by the Peripheral Terminal equipment

The VPTNI protocol stack (1903) includes

1. Transaction Message block, this block assembles the transaction message to be transmitted to the Hub Terminal (1910)

2. UTP, this block generates the proprietary message by affixing header and trailer data to the event message 3. UDP, this block encapsulates the proprietary UTP message in the known UDP format

4. IP, this block encapsulates the UDP message in the known IP format

5. ATM, this block encapsulates the IP message in the known ATM format

6. ADSL, this block encapsulates the ATM message in the known ADSL format

Figure 19 item (1909) is the Interface/Management unit. This unit,

1. Receives Transaction Messages from the VPTNI. It then transcodes and forwards the messages to the legacy Hub Terminal (1910)

2. Manages the VPTNI (1908) by supporting the remote download of configuration and software and by regularly sending poll messages and monitoring for poll-response messages from the VPTNI

Figure 19 - 1904 illustrates the protocol stack used by at the Interface/Management unit to decode the messages from the VPTNI. The decoded messages are put through the Interface/Management unit protocol stack (1905) for delivery to the Hub Terminal (1910) for operator display.

The Interface/Management unit protocol stack (1904) includes

1. IP, this block un-encapsulates the UDP message

2. UDP, this block un-encapsulates the proprietary UTP message

3. UTP, this block un-encapsulates the Event Message included in the proprietary UDP message

4. Transaction Message, this block re-creates the original

Transaction Message as sent by the Peripheral Terminal equipment (1901)

The Interface/Management unit protocol stack (1905) includes 1. HT Protocol, this block converts the Transaction Messages into a string recognisable by the known Host Terminal such as an Automation System

2. Data Link, this block transfers the message string to the known Host Terminal using the a known communications format such as RS.232

The contents of the Transaction messages and their corresponding acknowledgment messages are encrypted for added security.

An additional advantage of this embodiment of the invention is that it eliminates the need for regional telemetry concentrator equipment and dedicated point-to-point and point-to-multi-point links greatly simplifying the implementation of wide-area telemetry networks.

A further embodiment of the invention is in the field of electronic funds transfer such as electronic funds transfer point of sale terminal networks (EFTPOS) and automatic teller machines (ATM).

There are two basic forms of EFTPOS systems. The first utilizes dedicated lines as described above in relation to Figure 7, and the second uses dialup connexions.

A further advantage of this invention is that EFTPOS terminals using dialup connexions may be upgraded to a virtual dedicated and monitored link to the financial institution by connection to the VPTNI. A dialup EFTPOS requires a simulated telephone line and may be considered as a dedicated line with feed enabled (refer to Figure 17).

Figure 16 shows an embodiment of the present invention adapted for EFTPOS application which can be superimposed on existing EFTPOS facilities while providing line and transmission economies.

In Figure 16, the customer premises 1601 is connected to the MDF 1609 by phone line 1600. The customer premises includes one or more transaction terminals 1602 connected to VF modem 1603 which in turn is connected to dial capture device 1605. Dial capture 1605 interfaces the output from modem 1603, eg, DTMF signals, to a format suitable for transmission by the link format, for example, via ADSL modem 1606. The use of DSL permits the POTS service to be maintained to telephone subset 1608 via low pass filter 1607.

When a person wishes to make a transaction, the card is read by the terminal 1602, and a PIN is entered into the terminal by the person. This information now needs to be authenticated by the financial institution.

At the MDF 1609, the subscriber line 1600 is patched to the DSLAM 1613, where the POTS is split off and patched to the POTS network 1623 via POTS switch 1612. The DSLAM, as previously described, connects the digital signals to the broadband core, eg, IP, network 1615 via link 1614 in packet format.

The packets to the financial institution are routed through the IP network 1615 to the gateway 1617. At this point the ID Stamp is discarded and the packet is forwarded to the financial institution using the known destination address which may be configured as part of the initialisation of the service, or, in the case of dialup terminals, determined from the telephone number dialled to initiate the transaction.

In an alternative embodiment, the financial institution may be connected directly to the IP network (1615) allowing the packet to be sent directly from the terminal (1602) to the destination financial institution (1621) using the ID stamp entered as described above.

In addition, a further embodiment of the invention, also shown in Figure 16, permits fax transmission using the DSL link. Fax machine A (1604) at the customer premises is connected to the dial capture device 1605 in a similar manner to the capture of the financial transaction information, the destination information is converted to an IP address associated with fax server 1626, or encapsulated in the message. The fax is then transmitted in packet form to fax server 1626 via IP network 1615 in a similar manner to the transmission of the financial transaction request using a unique ID Stamp. Fax server 1626, extracts the destination fax/phone number and acts as the originating fax source to transmit the fax to the destination fax machine B 1629, via the PSTN 1623.

Figure 17 illustrates typical services to which the present invention may be applied. The services are classified under the characteristics set out in the following:

The bottom row indicates examples of the terminals which generate the types of signals in that column. This is an exemplary list, not an exhaustive list. The term "transactional" refers to those entities in which non-voice signals or commands or pre-designated messages are transmitted. The term non- transactional entities refer to systems in which unstructured signals, such as speech, are transmitted. The transmission of voice signals over packet networks is known. However, the translation and transmission of non-voice signal formats has not been implemented on a packet network, and this invention seeks to provide a solution for this application. One application of the present invention is in the communication of transactional signal formats across a packet network. Such a solution is suitable for a broad range of non- voice signal formats, and can be applied to legacy systems.

In Figure 17, the transactional classification is shown as a tree structure converging at an apex which can be thought of as the versatile peripheral terminal network interface 1722. The transactional terminals include devices which operate using voice frequency signalling, shown generally at 1714, and devices which use non-VF signalling, shown generally at 1717.

The VF devices 1714 are broken down to feeding, 1715, (powered from the exchange), and non-feeding, 1716 (powered at the subscriber premises). Feeding devices use dial-type signalling, and are outside what is normally considered to be special services. However, the present invention is sufficiently adaptable to accommodate these devices.

Feeding devices include systems using proprietary VF signalling, such as intelligent alarm panels, and systems using industry standard signalling, such as dial-up EFTPOS or ATMs. In order to convert the outputs from these devices, a dial capture unit, 1707, 1708, is used. The dial capture unit (DCU) is a specifically designed/programmed digital signal processor (DSP).

The non-feeding devices, 1716, are connected via leased lines in the absence of the current invention. These devices also can be broken down to those using proprietary signalling, 1703, and those using industry accepted signalling. Examples of the latter are high-traffic EFTPOS and traffic light controls 1704. The proprietary signals may be captured by a DSP, 1709. The industry standard signalling is usually designed to operate via a conventional VF modem. To convert these signals for transmission in a network utilizing the invention, a digital modem, 1710, is used. Effectively, all the signal converters for transactional VF signalling can be thought of as being reduced to an appropriately programmed and equipped DSP 1713.

The non-VF transactional devices, 1717, can also be divided into proprietary, 1705, and industry standard signalling, 1706.

The proprietary non-VF equipment is typified by a fire panel or PABX-to-PABX signalling 1705 (as distinct from the VF channels). The signals may be non- structured digital signals such as decadic signalling. These signals may be captured using general purpose inputs and outputs, 1711 , having the necessary physical and electrical interface capability.

The standard non-VF equipment is exemplified by an ATM, 1706. The signals may be captured by a serial communication controller, 1712, (e.g., a USART or a UART).

The non-transactional devices 1721 include VF as, e.g., speech (~4 kHz), and studio quality audio (up to about 15 to 20 kHz). These signals may be captured by a suitable DSP.

The functionality of one or more of the interfaces 1707 to 1712 is incorporated in a preferred embodiment of the VPTNI 1722, as the application of the VPTNI requires.

In order to provide the versatility necessary to accommodate this diverse range of inputs a DSP is implemented that supports the wide range of VF style interface requirements, including,

• The decoding of proprietary VF signalling format into a digital format acceptable by the μP

• The generation of proprietary VF signals based on data from the μP,

• The decoding of standard VF modem signalling format into a digital format acceptable by the μP

o The generation of standard VF modem signals based on data from the μP,

• The analogue to digital conversion of VF and studio quality audio (up to about 15 to 20 kHz) signals into a format acceptable by the μP

• The digital to analogue conversion of data from the μP into VF and studio quality audio (up to about 15 to 20 kHz) signals

A preferred embodiment of the DSP has two interfaces, the first a feeding interface generating -48 Volt Battery feed and Ring signal and signals line- looped/unlooped state.

The second interface is a non-feeding.

General purpose inputs and outputs are implemented that, • Accept decadic signalling (0 Volt and -48 Volt levels)

• Generate decadic signalling (0 Volt and -48 Volt levels)

• Accept proprietary input lines (0 Volt and +12/ +24 Volt levels)

• Generate proprietary output lines (0 Volt and +12/ +24 Volt levels)

Standard serial interface that support various standards including,

• . V.24/V.28

• X.21

• X.21 bis

• V.35

• V.36

• RS.485

• Etc.

Figure 18 shows a functional block diagram of the arrangement of the interface elements of a VPTNI 1801 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. On the downstream side (customer premises), the VPTNI includes a DSP 1802, a GPIO 1803, and an SCC 1804. Each of these mediates between the microprocessor 1805 and the corresponding peripheral terminal connected to the interface device. The memory 1806 stores ID Stamps which serve to associate each particular downstream interface and its corresponding destination terminal on the upstream side of the network. The microprocessor 1805 retrieves the appropriate identifier from the memory 1806, and associates this identifier with the data flow from the corresponding peripheral terminal after it has been converted by the interface (1802, 1803, 1803) to which it is connected to a form compatible with the microprocessor. 1805. The xDSL modem 1807 transmits the information to the network. The identifier enables the controller (Item 1111 in Figure 11 and Item 1211 of Figure 12) to direct the data flow to the intended upstream terminal with which the peripheral terminal is associated.

In the downstream direction, the xDSL modem 1807 sends the downstream traffic to the microprocessor 1805, which uses the identifiers stored in memory 1806 to route the traffic to the appropriate peripheral terminal via the corresponding interface 1802, 1803, 1804.

The wireless modem 1808 functions in an analogous manner to the xDSL modem 1807 with respect to the wireless packet network.

One advantage of this embodiment is that multiple services, each connected by a separate interface and using different signalling protocol, may be concurrently supported and connected to different termination point across the network.

When the invention is applied to the prior configuration of EFTPOS terminals shown in Figure 7, the concentrator 703 may be connected into the VPTNI, or the concentrator may be replaced by a multipoint bus (e.g., an RS485) connection to the VPTNI.

In summary, various applications of this invention may provide one or more of the following significant advantages for both transactional and non- transactional leased line or dedicated networks including,

• Significantly simplifying network re-arrangements

• Significantly simplifying fault location and service restoration

• Improving the utilisation of network infrastructure, particularly that of the copper access network

• Eliminating the need to 'tune' copper pairs. This is particularly applicable to dedicated audio circuits

• For transactional networks such as telemetry etc. eliminating the need for costly intermediate regional concentration points

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A peripheral terminal network interface (VPTNI) adapted to provide an interface for the translation and transmission of non-voice signal formats to a virtual dedicated path between at least a first peripheral terminal and at least one second terminal via a communication network having a network protocol, the peripheral terminal generating non-voice signal formats;

the VPTNI including:

a processor;

a peripheral interface including signal converter means adapted to convert a signal in the signal format from a peripheral terminal to a digital format compatible with an input to the processor;

2. A VPTNI as claimed in claim 1 , the VPTNI being adapted to translate and transmit two or more different first peripheral terminal signal formats, the VPTNI including two or more signal converters, and a buffer to store the output from the signal converters.

3. A VPTNI as claimed in claim 2 adapted to receive two or more different first peripheral terminal signal formats at the same time.

4. A VPTNI as claimed in claim any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one or more of the first peripheral terminals is a legacy terminal.

5. A VPTNI as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, the ID stamp identifies a virtual dedicated link arrangement between the first and second terminals.

6. A VPTNI as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the interface includes a receiver means adapted to receive network protocol signals from the communication network, the VPTNI being adapted to convert network protocol signals addressed to a destination peripheral terminal to a format appropriate to that terminal and to transmit those signals to said destination terminal.

7. A VPTNI as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the interface is adapted to convert 2 or more terminal signal formats to a network protocol.

8. A VPTNI as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, including a DSP to convert transactional signals to a digital format compatible with the processor.

9. A VPTNI as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, the interface including a general purpose input/output to convert non-standard decadic signals to a format compatible with the processor.

10. A VPTNI as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, the interface including a serial communication controller to convert standard serial communication signals to a format compatible with the processor.

11. A VPTNI as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, including peripheral interface including signal converter means adapted to convert a signal in a non-transactional signal format to a digital format compatible with an input to the processor.

12. A VPTNI as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the non-transactional signal format is a studio audio signal or a voice frequency signal.

13. A VPTNI as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, including a first peripheral interface adapted to convert peripheral terminal signals of a first format to a digital format compatible with an input to the processor, and a second peripheral interface adapted to convert peripheral terminal signals of a first format to a digital format compatible with an input to the processor.

14. A VPTNI an interface substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

15. A virtual link network arrangement adapted to support one or more virtual dedicated links across a communication network, the link or links including one or more peripheral terminals associated with a VPTNI as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 , a network path configuration controller adapted to establish a virtual dedicated path to said second terminal or terminals in response to the ID stamp.

16. A network arrangement as claimed in claim 15, including a VPTNI network manager, wherein the VPTNI network manager allocates an ID stamp to the VPTNI when the VPTNI is initially connected to the network.

17. A network arrangement as claimed in claim 16, wherein the VPTNI retrieves a destination identifier from the peripheral terminal and uses the destination identifier to request an ID stamp from the VPTNI manager.

18. A network arrangement as claimed in claim 15, wherein the VPTNI requests an ID stamp from the controller, the ID stamp corresponding to the address of a second terminal.

19. A network arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18 including a second communication network interposed between the communication network and the second terminal.

20. A network arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein a second VPTNI interface is provided between the second terminal and the first communication network.

21. A network arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the manager is adapted to configure the VPTNIs associated with the manager.

22. A network arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 21 , wherein the manager means communicates with the interfaces associated with the manager means via the network.

23. A network arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the manager is adapted to convert packets to a format or protocol compatible with the second terminal.

24. A network arrangement substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

25. A method of establishing a virtual dedicated link across a communication network, between one or more peripheral terminals associated with an interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14,

the interface including a processor,

the network including a network path configuration controller,

the method including:

converting the digital signals to a packetized network compatible protocol;

transmitting the labelled packets to the network; and either

a) routing the labelled packets to a destination terminal indicated by the ID stamp ; or

b) routing the labelled packets to a destination terminal address indicated in a reference table by the ID stamp.

26. A method as claimed in claim 25 wherein there is a VPTNI network manager associated with one or more of the VPTNIs, and wherein the VPTNI requests a destination address from the network manager,

wherein the network manager sends the absolute destination address to the VPTNI as a secondary ID stamp, and

wherein the VPTNI stores the secondary ID for inclusion in packet headers.

27. A method as claimed in claim 25 or claim 26 wherein the peripheral terminal is programmed to dial a POTS number, and wherein the VPTNI stores the POTS number as an ID stamp.