EP0966832A2 - Systeme et procede donnant a un site de donnees eloigne une connectivite d'utilisateur - Google Patents

Systeme et procede donnant a un site de donnees eloigne une connectivite d'utilisateur

Info

Publication number
EP0966832A2
EP0966832A2 EP97939756A EP97939756A EP0966832A2 EP 0966832 A2 EP0966832 A2 EP 0966832A2 EP 97939756 A EP97939756 A EP 97939756A EP 97939756 A EP97939756 A EP 97939756A EP 0966832 A2 EP0966832 A2 EP 0966832A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
telephone
user
telephone number
data site
remote data
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP97939756A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
William B. Barker
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Data Race Inc
Original Assignee
Data Race Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US08/740,775 external-priority patent/US5889845A/en
Priority claimed from US08/888,406 external-priority patent/US6295357B1/en
Application filed by Data Race Inc filed Critical Data Race Inc
Publication of EP0966832A2 publication Critical patent/EP0966832A2/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/54—Arrangements for diverting calls for one subscriber to another predetermined subscriber
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/64—Hybrid switching systems
    • H04L12/6418—Hybrid transport
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L69/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services independent of the application payload and not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • H04L69/16—Implementation or adaptation of Internet protocol [IP], of transmission control protocol [TCP] or of user datagram protocol [UDP]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L69/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services independent of the application payload and not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • H04L69/16—Implementation or adaptation of Internet protocol [IP], of transmission control protocol [TCP] or of user datagram protocol [UDP]
    • H04L69/161—Implementation details of TCP/IP or UDP/IP stack architecture; Specification of modified or new header fields
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L69/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services independent of the application payload and not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • H04L69/16—Implementation or adaptation of Internet protocol [IP], of transmission control protocol [TCP] or of user datagram protocol [UDP]
    • H04L69/163—In-band adaptation of TCP data exchange; In-band control procedures
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L69/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services independent of the application payload and not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • H04L69/16—Implementation or adaptation of Internet protocol [IP], of transmission control protocol [TCP] or of user datagram protocol [UDP]
    • H04L69/164—Adaptation or special uses of UDP protocol
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M7/00—Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres
    • H04M7/0024—Services and arrangements where telephone services are combined with data services
    • H04M7/0057—Services where the data services network provides a telephone service in addition or as an alternative, e.g. for backup purposes, to the telephone service provided by the telephone services network
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M7/00—Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres
    • H04M7/12—Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres for working between exchanges having different types of switching equipment, e.g. power-driven and step by step or decimal and non-decimal
    • H04M7/1205—Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres for working between exchanges having different types of switching equipment, e.g. power-driven and step by step or decimal and non-decimal where the types of switching equipement comprises PSTN/ISDN equipment and switching equipment of networks other than PSTN/ISDN, e.g. Internet Protocol networks
    • H04M7/121—Details of network access arrangements or protocols
    • H04M7/122—Details of network access arrangements or protocols where the PSTN/ISDN access is used as an access to networks other than PSTN/ISDN
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/64—Hybrid switching systems
    • H04L12/6418—Hybrid transport
    • H04L2012/6429—Terminal adapters
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/64—Hybrid switching systems
    • H04L12/6418—Hybrid transport
    • H04L2012/6472—Internet
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/64—Hybrid switching systems
    • H04L12/6418—Hybrid transport
    • H04L2012/6475—N-ISDN, Public Switched Telephone Network [PSTN]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2203/00—Aspects of automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M2203/15—Aspects of automatic or semi-automatic exchanges related to dial plan and call routing
    • H04M2203/156—On-line status dependent routing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/42314—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers in private branch exchanges
    • H04M3/42323—PBX's with CTI arrangements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/42314—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers in private branch exchanges
    • H04M3/4234—Remote access to features of PBX or home telephone systems-teleworking in a PBX
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/428—Arrangements for placing incoming calls on hold

Definitions

  • the present invention relates a system and method which provides connectivity between one or more users and a remote data site over a communication line, wherein the users have data connectivity to the remote data site through the communication line and also maintain telephone connectivity with other parties through the communication line
  • a user desires to connect to a remote data site to obtain data or perform other communications data operations.
  • a user who desires access to the Internet typically connects to an Internet access provider in order for the user to be able to connect to the Internet.
  • many people who desire to work at home referred to as telecommuters, desire to connect to the local area network (LAN) at the corporate office in order to retreive files, obtain data or perform other data access communications functions.
  • LAN local area network
  • the user data typically uses the standard POTS (plain old telephone service) telephone line in his home.
  • POTS plain old telephone service
  • the user uses an analog modem, such a V.34 modem, or an ISDN terminal adapter, to connect through the POTS telephone line to the remote data site.
  • V.34 modem Voice over IP
  • a new system method which enables the user to connect to the remote data on a communications line, wherein the user maintains the ability to receive telephone calls from other parties through the communications line while the user is connected to the remote data site on the communications line.
  • the present invention comprises a system and method for enabling a remote user to connect to a remote data site on a communication line, such as a telephone line, wherein the remote user is still able to receive telephone calls from other parties on the telephone line.
  • a remote user thus allows a remote user to connect to a remote data site, such as a corporate office or Internet Service Provider, on a single telephone line, while also maintaining the ability to receive telephone calls on this single telephone line. This obviates the necessity of the user having to purchase a second telephone line for incoming calls while data communications are being performed, thus reducing access costs.
  • the remote user includes a modem or user telephony communication device configured to connect to a remote data site through the public switched telephone network (PSTN).
  • PSTN public switched telephone network
  • the remote user may be a home user desiring to connect through an Internet service provider to the Internet, or a telecommuter working at home desiring to connect to a local area network (LAN) at a corporate office or another data site.
  • the remote user includes a computer system or other data access device.
  • the user telephony communications device is configured to connect to a communication line, such as a telephone line
  • the communication line or telephone line has a first telephone number, 1 e , the communication line or telephone line has been assigned a first telephone number by the telephone company central office
  • the remote data site includes one or more communication servers
  • the communication servers perform intelligent call routing functions according to the present invention, as discussed below
  • the communication servers are configured to connect to the PSTN
  • the user telephony communication device connects to one of the one or more communication servers
  • the one or more communication servers connect to one or more data servers or data storage devices
  • the remote data site is an Internet service provider
  • the one or more communication servers connect to the Internet
  • the communication server at the remote data site when the user telephony communications device connects to the remote data site on a communication line, the communication server at the remote data site operates to assign a second telephone number The second assigned telephone number may also be pre-assigned by the remote data site The communication server at the remote data site then performs a call forwarding operation to call forward telephone calls made to the first telephone number to be forwarded to the second assigned telephone number After the user telephony communications device connects to the remote data site on the communications line, the user telephony communications device performs data transfers, such as web browsing or file transfers, with the remote data site using the communication line
  • the call forwarding operation causes the telephone company central office to forward or route the telephone call made to the first telephone number to the second telephone number, i e , causes the telephone call to be forwarded or routed to the second telephone number
  • this second telephone number is maintained by the remote data site
  • the remote data site receives the telephone call to the assigned second telephone number
  • the communication server at the remote data site receives a telephone call to an assigned second telephone number, i.e., a call that has been forwarded or routed to an assigned second telephone number
  • the communication server determines which user corresponds to the received call and if the user telephony communications device which has this assigned second telephone number is currently connected to the remote data site The communication server then routes the received
  • the remote user can still perform data communications with the remote data site while allowing telephones at the remote user's location to able to receive telephone calls that were made to the first telephone number, all on a single communications line. This obviates the necessity of the remote user having to purchase a second phone line, since the user can perform data communications with the remote data site while still being able to receive telephone calls.
  • the user telephony communications device first performs a call forwarding operation to call forward telephone calls made to the first telephone number to be forwarded to the second assigned telephone number.
  • the second assigned telephone number is pre-assigned by the remote data site.
  • the user telephony communications device then connects to the remote data site on a communication line. After the user telephony communications device connects to the remote data site on the communications line, the user telephony communications device performs data transfers, such as web browsing or file transfers, with the remote data site using the communication line.
  • the user telephony communications device connects to the remote data site on a communication line, and the communication server at the remote data site dynamically assigns a second telephone number to the user The remote data site transmits this dynamically assigned second telephone number to the user telephony communications device.
  • the second telephone number is dynamically assigned on each connection.
  • the user telephony communications device then disconnects from the remote data site and performs a call forwarding operation to call forward telephone calls made to the first telephone number to be forwarded to the second assigned telephone number. Once the user telephony communications device has performed this call forwarding operating, the user telephony communications device reconnects to the remote data site on the communication line, and then begins performing data transfers.
  • a telephone call provided by the communication server on the communication line to the user telephony communication device operates to ring all other telephone extensions connected to that telephone line.
  • the telephone call when a telephone call is received from the communication server at the remote data site, the telephone call not only rings at the user telephony communication device, but also rings at all of the other extensions in the house which are connected to the telephone line.
  • the location where the user is located includes logic which causes the other extensions to ring when a telephone call is received from the communication server at the remote data site.
  • the present invention thus comprises a system and method for enabling a subscriber to receive incoming telephone calls on a telephone line and ring all extensions associated with the telephone line.
  • the telephones may be rung even when the subscriber is performing data communications with a remote data site on the telephone line. Also, due to the data communications being performed, the incoming call information is received in a data packet, not as a traditional ring signal from the telephone company central office.
  • the present invention is operable to receive the call information in the data packet and ring other extensions. This obviates the necessity of the subscriber having to purchase a second telephone line for incoming calls while data communications are being performed, thus reducing access costs.
  • the system comprises a telephone line for transferring telephone signals between a telephone network and a premises, and the system comprises first and second conductor pairs comprised within the premises for transferring telephone signals within the premises.
  • the system further comprises a wiring device coupled between the telephone line and the conductor pairs, wherein the wiring device connects the telephone line to the second conductor pair.
  • One or more telephone instruments are coupled to the first conductor pair, i.e., the normal wiring typically found in premises today.
  • the system further comprises a communication device or modem coupled to both the first and second conductor pairs and coupled to the telephone line through the second conductor pair and wiring device.
  • the invention is operable to ring all of the telephones connected to the first conductor pair inside the subscriber's premises.
  • the first conductor pair would have normally been connected to the external telephone line.
  • the system and method advantageously employs the wiring device to reroute the telephone line to the second conductor pair in the home instead of the first conductor pair to which the phones are connected.
  • the second conductor pair is normally not used within a house with a single purchased telephone line, and is normally used to connect to a second purchased telephone line.
  • the system and method further employs a modem which receives signals indicating an incoming telephone call from the telephone line via the second conductor pair and causes ring signals to be generated to the telephones connected to the first conductor pair in response to the signals indicating an incoming call.
  • the signals indicating an incoming call comprise one or more data packets.
  • the modem includes a Central Office (CO) simulator circuit, which includes a ring generator, coupled to the first conductor pair which regenerates the telephone signals, such as a ringing voltage, to the telephones connected to the first conductor pair.
  • the modem includes a ring generator coupled to the first conductor pair for ringing the telephones which are coupled to the first conductor pair.
  • the modem further comprises a line interface circuit coupled to the second conductor pair.
  • the line interface circuit comprises a switch coupled between the conductors of the second conductor pair and the modem. The switch closes, i.e., goes off hook, in order to complete a circuit with a CO at the far end of the telephone line.
  • the switch closes to enable the modem to answer or place a call on the telephone line.
  • the modem further comprises communications circuitry, such as a data pump and a codec, for performing data communications with the telephone network on the telephone line.
  • the modem is coupled to a computer, wherein the modem is operable to perform data communications between the computer and the telephone network.
  • the modem further comprises a controller, such as a microcontroller or a task of the attached computer, operably coupled to the line interface and the communication circuitry. The controller is operable to control the ring generator to ring the one or more telephone instruments in response to signals indicating an incoming call received from the second conductor pair transferred on the telephone line which indicate an incoming call.
  • the control circuitry is operable to control the ring generator to ring the one or more telephone instruments in response to the signals indicating an incoming call received from the second conductor pair through the telephone line while the modem is performing data communications with the telephone network.
  • the remote data site may transmit a data packet or signals which indicates an incoming call.
  • the modem is also operable to perform voice communications between the one or more telephone instruments and the telephone network on the telephone line while simultaneously performing the data communications with the telephone network.
  • the system further comprises a relay for selectively coupling the first conductor pair to either the second conductor pair or to the ring generator.
  • the relay couples the first conductor pair to the second conductor pair when the switch is open, i.e., on hook, thereby enabling normal voice communications using the telephones as if the wiring device and modem were not present.
  • the relay couples the first conductor pair to the ring generator when the switch is closed. Thereby, the modem is enabled to perform simultaneous voice and data communications on the telephone line, and the ring generator is thereby enabled to ring the telephones via the first conductor pair.
  • the relay is comprised within the modem. In another embodiment, the relay is comprised within a second wiring device coupled between the modem and the first and second conductor pairs. In the second wiring device embodiment, the ringing circuit may be comprised within the second wiring device rather than within the modem, or the second wiring device may comprise a ring booster circuit to assist in ringing the telephones. If the ringing circuit is comprised within the second wiring device, the computer provides a notification to the computer user that a call is incoming, since there is no ringing circuit in the modem to ring a telephone coupled directly to the modem. Preferably, the computer displays an indication on its display screen of the incoming call and/or beeps or synthesizes the sound of a ringing phone.
  • the computer receives the data packet, such as an LP packet, indicating the incoming phone call and controls the ring generator to ring the telephones in response to the packet, rather than the modem controlling the ring generator.
  • the data packet such as an LP packet
  • Figure 1 illustrates a system wherein a user connects to a remote data site on a communication line, such as a telephone line, while maintaining telephone connectivity on the communication line according to the present invention
  • Figure 1A illustrates an embodiment of the invention where the remote data site is an Internet service provider
  • Figure 2 illustrates the communication servers of Figures 1 and 1 A
  • Figures 3A and 3B are flowchart diagrams illustrating the user telephony communications device connecting to a remote data site on a communication line and performing operations to maintain telephone connectivity on the communication line according to the present invention
  • Figure 3C is a flowchart diagram illustrating operations when the user telephony communications device disconnects from the remote data site
  • Figure 4 illustrates one embodiment of the user telephony communications device receiving an assigned second telephone number
  • Figure 5 is a flowchart diagram illustrating operations performed by the user telephony communications device according to the embodiment of Figures 3 A and 3B;
  • Figures 6A and 6B are flowchart diagrams illustrating an alternate embodiment where the remote data site dynamically assigns telephone numbers to the user telephony communications device, and the user telephony communications device temporarily disconnects from the remote data site to perform the call forwarding operation;
  • Figure 6C is a flowchart diagram illustrating operation of the remote data site receiving a telephone call and routing the call to the user telephony communications device;
  • Figures 7A and 7B are flowchart diagrams illustrating operations performed by the user telephony communications device according to the embodiment of Figures 6A through 6C; and
  • Figures 8A and 8B are flowchart diagrams illustrating an alternate embodiment where the remote data site performs the call forwarding operation
  • FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a telecommunications system including a modem 104 of Figure 1 which does not embody the extension ring capabilities of the present invention, but which serves to illustrate advantages of the present invention;
  • Figure 10 illustrates a home which couples to a standard POTS telephone line
  • Figure 1 1 is a block diagram of a telecommunications system according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 12 illustrates the wiring device of Figure 1 1 configured according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 13 illustrates in more detail the relay of Figure 1 1; and Figure 14 is a block diagram of a telecommunications system according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a system which provides a user operating a user telephony communications device with connectivity to a remote data site over a communication line or telephone line.
  • the user maintains telephone connectivity with other parties through this communication line or telephone line while the user is connected to the remote data site on the communication line.
  • the user can receive telephone calls made to the telephone number assigned to the communication line or telephone line while the user telephony communications device 104 is connected to the remote data site over the communication line or telephone line.
  • the user can also place outgoing telephone calls on the communication line or telephone line while the user telephony communications device 104 is connected to the remote data site over the communication line or telephone line.
  • the system of Figure 1 illustrates a remote user including a user telephony communication device 104 configured to connect to a remote data site through the public switched telephone network (PSTN).
  • the remote user may be a home user, i.e., a user operating at his home.
  • the user may be a person at home desiring to connect through an Internet service provider to the Internet
  • the user may also be a telecommuter working at home desiring to connect to a local area network (LAN) at a corporate office or another data site.
  • LAN local area network
  • the user is a person who desires to connect to a remote data site through a communication line or telephone line and who desires to be able to receive calls on that communication line or telephone line without having to purchase a second phone line from the telephone company.
  • the remote data site correspondingly may be an Internet service provider, a corporate LAN, a telephone company central office, or any other location where data is stored or through which data may be accessed.
  • the remote user will generally operate a computer system 102.
  • the computer system 102 may be any type of data access device, including a general purpose computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a network computer, or television or other viewing device configured as an Internet access device or information access device.
  • PDA personal digital assistant
  • the computer system 102 connects through a user telephony communication device
  • the user telephony communication device 104 comprises a modem 104 which connects to the PSTN.
  • the modem 104 is a standard modem.
  • the modem 104 supports both voice and data capabilities.
  • the modem 104 is a digital simultaneous voice and data (DSVD) modem.
  • the user telephony communication device 104 comprises an ISDN terminal adapter, ATM card, or other user telephony communications device 104 for connecting to the PSTN.
  • the user telephony communication device 104 may be external to the computer system 102, or may be comprised in the computer system 102.
  • the user telephony communication device 104 is configured to perform intelligent call forwarding operations to enable the user to be able to receive telephone calls on a telephone line 108 while performing data access operations using the telephone line 108.
  • the modem 104 is a standard modem, and a communication server at the remote data site operates to perform the call forwarding operations.
  • the remote user location also includes a telephone 106, which provides standard
  • the telephone 106 also connects to the PSTN, preferably through the PSTN.
  • the telephone 106 may connect directly to the PSTN or may connect through the user telephony communication device 104 to the PSTN.
  • the user telephony communication device 104 may also be comprised in the telephone 106.
  • the user telephony communication device 104 comprises communication logic for sending / receiving voice and/or data.
  • the user telephony communications device 104 can also be broadly defined as comprising one or more of the communication device 104, the telephone 106, and/or the computer system 102 configured to operate as a telephony communications device.
  • the user telephony communication device 104 connects to the PSTN through a communications line or communications media 108.
  • the communications line 108 is a standard POTS telephone line, such as category 3 two wire twisted pair wiring.
  • the communication line 108 may be a POTS telephone line or an ISDN line, or other type of communication line.
  • the communications line 108 may comprise any of various other types of media, such as ordinary twisted pair telephone wiring, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable or other types of transmission media.
  • the communication line or telephone line 108 has an associated first telephone number, i.e., the communication line or telephone line 108 has been assigned a first telephone number by the telephone company central office.
  • the other parties dial this first number.
  • this causes ring signals to be generated on the communication line or telephone line 108.
  • This causes all telephony devices connected to the communication line 108 or telephone line 108 to "ring" or otherwise indicate that a call is occurring.
  • the remote user connects through the user telephony communication device or modem 104, through the PSTN to a remote data site.
  • the remote data site includes one or more communication servers 122, also referred to as remote data site servers 122.
  • the one or more communication servers 122 perform intelligent call routing functions according to the present invention, as discussed below.
  • the one or more communication servers 122 are configured to connect to the PSTN.
  • the user telephony communication device 104 connects through the PSTN to the remote data site, the user telephony communication device 104 connects to one of the one or more communication servers 122 at the remote data site.
  • the one or more communication servers 122 are preferably coupled together by a data bus and an audio bus.
  • the audio bus is configured to carry speech and/or voice data
  • the one or more communication servers 122 connect to one or more data servers or data storage devices 124.
  • the remote data site is an Internet service provider
  • the one or more communication servers 122 connect to the Internet
  • the user telephony communication device 104 connects through the PSTN and through the one or more communication servers 122 to the Internet.
  • the remote data site is a corporate LAN
  • the one or more communication servers 122 connect to the corporate LAN, i.e., connect to one or more data servers or file servers on the corporate LAN.
  • the system and method of the present invention allows the remote user to connect through a single telephone line 108 through the PSTN to a remote data site, while enabling the user to be able to receive telephone calls from external parties on this same telephone line 108. This obviates the necessity for the remote user having to purchase a second phone line to receive telephone calls while the user is performing remote data access services, such as Internet access or access to the corporate LAN.
  • FIG. 1 A - Internet Service Provider Embodiment
  • the remote data site is an Internet service provider premises which provides connectivity to the Internet.
  • the Internet service subscribers home includes a computer 102 and user telephony communication device 104.
  • the user telephony communication device 104 connects to the public switched telephone network (PSTN).
  • PSTN public switched telephone network
  • the Internet service provider premises connects to the PSTN through one or more inbound dial-up data lines as shown.
  • the Internet service provider premises also connects to the PSTN through a plurality of direct inward dial (DID) voice lines.
  • DID direct inward dial
  • the Internet service providers premises includes one or more communications servers 122.
  • Figure 1A illustrates the ISP premises as having three communications servers 122 as shown.
  • the communication servers 122 are connected by an audio bus 132 and a data bus 134.
  • the data bus 134 provides connectivity between each of the communications servers 122.
  • the audio bus 132 conducts telephony voice data between the communication servers 122.
  • the user telephony communication device 104 connects through the PSTN and through one of the inbound dial- up data lines to the ISP premises.
  • a call forwarding operation is performed, preferably by either the user telephony communication device 104 or a communication service 122 at the ISP premises.
  • the call forwarding operation is performed prior to or during the connection in order to call forward telephone calls that would normally be received at the user's or subscriber's home, wherein the call forwarding operation routes or forwards these calls to the Internet service provider's premises.
  • the call forwarding operation operates to forward calls that would normally be received at the Internet service subscriber's home to one of the direct inward dial (DID) voice lines which are received at the ISP premises.
  • DID direct inward dial
  • the call-forwarding operation is performed prior to or during the data connection in order to call-forward telephone calls that would normally be received at the user's or subscriber's home, wherein the call forwarding operation routes or forwards these calls to the remote data site.
  • the call forwarding operation preferably operates to forward calls that would normally be received at the subscriber's home to one of a plurality of direct inward dial (DID) voice lines which are received at the remote data site from the PSTN.
  • the call forwarding operation may comprise a standard call forwarding operation, such as using "72#", or the operation may comprise use of other telephony features such as call diversion to another number in the case of a busy line.
  • the communications service 122 at the ISP premises When the ISP premises receives a voice telephone call on one of the DID lines, which has been forwarded from a respective user's home telephone number, the communications service 122 at the ISP premises operates to route this call through a respective inbound dial- up data line, which the user is currently using, through the PSTN, through the user's single telephone line, to the user telephony communication device 104 of the user to which the call is intended.
  • the Internet service subscriber can receive voice telephone calls on the single telephone line while also performing data communications using this single telephone line.
  • the voice traffic is included or multiplexed into the IP traffic being provided to the user.
  • the voice traffic is transferred to the user telephony communication device using DSVD modems.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one of the one or more communication servers 122 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 2 illustrates two communication servers 122.
  • the two communications servers 122 are connected by a local area network (LAN) data bus 134 and an audio bus 132, as shown.
  • each communications server 122 includes a multi-line adapter for connecting to a multi-line carrier service of the PSTN.
  • Examples of a multi-line carrier service of the PSTN include Tl lines, ISDN primary rate interface (PRI), asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL), and other digital subscriber line technologies.
  • Examples of multiline adapters includes Tl lines, ISDN-PRI adapters, and digital subscriber line adapters, among others.
  • Each communication server 122 also includes multi-modem adapters, as shown.
  • Each communication server 122 further includes an optional analog line interface which provides standard POTS (plain old telephone service) telephone connectivity.
  • POTS plain old telephone service
  • each communications server 122 includes a network interface card for connecting to the data bus 134.
  • the data bus 134 may comprise a local area network.
  • the local area network may comprise an Ethernet network or Token Ring network or many other types of network protocols.
  • Each communication server 122 further includes inter-chassis audio bus interface logic for coupling to the audio bus 132.
  • the audio bus interface include the MVIP architecture or the SCSA (signal computing system architecture).
  • the audio bus 132 is used for transferring voice data between the respective communication servers 132.
  • the audio bus 132 is necessary because a user may be connected through the PSTN to a first communication server 122, and a telephone call may be forwarded to a second assigned telephone number at a different communication server 122.
  • the server 122 which receives the call to the second assigned telephone number is required to route the voice signals to the communication server 122 to which the user currently has a data connection, so that the voice signals may be routed through the user's data connection through the PSTN to the user telephony communication device 104
  • Each of the communications servers 122 includes a memory for storing second number assignment information.
  • the remote data site statically pre-assigns a second telephone number to each user telephony communication device 104.
  • a user telephony communications device 104 has been assigned a second telephone number, preferably a direct inward dialing (DID) number
  • This second telephone number is preferably assigned by the communication server 122 at the remote data site
  • the second telephone number is pre-assigned, i.e., is already assigned prior to the telephony communications device 104 connecting to the remote data site.
  • the second telephone number is also statically assigned, i.e., the same second telephone number is used by a respective remote user during each connection to the remote data site.
  • the respective user telephony communication device 104 When the user later desires to connect to the remote data site, the respective user telephony communication device 104 performs a call forwarding operation to the assigned second telephone number before connecting to the remote data site.
  • the user telephony communication device 104 first connects to the remote data site, and the communication server 122 at the remote data site operates to perform the call forwarding operation.
  • the call forwarding operation may comprise a standard call forwarding operation, such as using "72#", or the operation may comprise use of other telephony features such as call diversion to another number in the case of a busy line.
  • the memory 210 stores a data structure or table comprising each user, or user telephony communication device 104, and the corresponding assigned second telephone number.
  • the respective communication server 122 uses the second telephone number to determine the appropriate user to which the call should be routed.
  • Each communication server 122 includes logic for providing both data and voice communications on a single communication line 108.
  • the logic operates to include the analog voice data into the data stream, which is provided to the user.
  • the communication server 122 includes the voice traffic into the IP packets which are being transmitted to the user telephony communication device 104.
  • each of the communication server 122 and the user telephony communication device 104 include DSVD modems for performing the simultaneous voice and data operations.
  • Figures 3A - 3C a flowchart diagram illustrating operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.
  • Figures 3A - 3C illustrate an embodiment whereby the user, or the user telephony communication device 104, is assigned a telephone number and performs a call forwarding operation to this telephone number before connecting to the remote data site.
  • the call forwarding operation enables the user telephony communication device 104 to maintain telephone connectivity on the communication line 108 for incoming calls while data communications are being performed.
  • the 104 is configured to connect to a communication line, such as a telephone line.
  • the communication line or telephone line has a first telephone number, i.e., the communication line or telephone line has been assigned a first telephone number by the telephone company central office.
  • the other parties dial this first number.
  • this first number causes ring signals to be generated on the communication line or telephone line 108. This causes all telephony devices connected to the communication line or telephone line 108 to "ring" or otherwise indicate that a call is occurring.
  • the user telephony communications device 104 is the user's modem or other communications device, or a computer system configured to perform a telephony modem function.
  • the first telephone number is the telephone number assigned to the respective home user, i.e., the telephone number a party dials to call the home user.
  • the user telephony communications device 104 has been assigned a second telephone number, preferably a direct inward dialing (DID) number This second telephone number is preferably assigned by the remote data site
  • the remote data site can assign DID numbers to each user and actually maintain a much lesser number of physical lines, i.e., a number of physical lines which is far less than the number of possible subscribers to the remote data site This is possible since it is presumed that not every subscriber will desire to connect to the remote data site at exactly the same time This also differs from the conventional situation where a home user is required to purchase a second telephone number and pay for this second telephone number twenty-four hours a day, regardless of how often this second telephone number is used According to this embodiment, the remote data site allocates DID numbers to each user or subscriber, and maintains a plurality of physical telephone lines which is a fraction of the number of users.
  • the remote data site can pay for and maintain a much smaller number of physical telephone numbers which are only used when users connect to the remote data site This results in considerable cost savings to each of the remote users who are no longer required to purchase a second telephone number, and in essence only required to pay for the time period that a physical telephone line is allocated when the user is connected to the remote data site.
  • the second telephone number is pre-assigned, i.e., is already assigned prior to the telephony communications device connecting to the remote data site.
  • the second telephone number is also statically assigned, i.e., the same second telephone number is used by a respective remote user during each connection to the remote data site
  • the second telephone number is assigned.
  • each communication server 122 at the remote data site maintains a data structure in memory which stores the assigned second telephone numbers and their corresponding users.
  • the second telephone number is dynamically assigned on each connection.
  • the user telephony communications device 104 performs a call forwarding operation to call forward telephone calls made to the first telephone number to be forwarded to the second assigned telephone number
  • the telephony communication device performs a call forwarding operation which directs that telephone calls made to the first telephone number and assigned to the remote user should instead be routed to the second telephone number which is being maintained at the remote data site.
  • the call forwarding operation may comprise a standard call forwarding operation, such as using "72#", or the operation may comprise use of other telephony features such as call diversion to another number in the case of a busy line.
  • the user telephony communications device 104 connects to the remote data site on a communication line 108.
  • the user telephony communications device 104 makes a telephone call on the communication line 108 to the remote data site.
  • the communication line 108 may be a POTS telephone line or an ISDN line, or other type of communication line.
  • the communications line 108 may comprise ordinary telephone wiring, such as two wire twisted pair wiring, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable or other types of transmission media, or a combination thereof.
  • the user telephony communications device 104 After the user telephony communications device 104 connects to the remote data site on the communications line 108, in step 312 the user telephony communications device 104 performs data transfers with the remote data site using the communication line 108. For example, if the remote user is a home user who desires to perform Internet access, and the remote data site is an Internet access provider that provides access to the Internet, the user telephony communications device 104 performs various web browsing or other Internet access functions in response to user input. If the remote user is a telecommuter operating at home and desiring to connect to the corporate LAN, then the user telephony communications device 104 performs various file access or other data access or communications functions with the local area network of the corporate office in response to user input.
  • FIG. 3B Communication Server Receives Call to Assigned Second Telephone Number
  • the call forwarding operation performed in step 306 causes the telephone company central office to forward or route the telephone call made to the first telephone number to the second telephone number, i.e., causes the telephone call to be forwarded or routed to the second telephone number.
  • this second telephone number is maintained by the remote data site.
  • the communication server 122 at the remote data site When the communication server 122 at the remote data site receives a telephone call to an assigned second telephone number in step 313, i.e., a call that has been forwarded or routed to an assigned second telephone number, the communication server 122 examines the data structure in memory in step 314 to determine which user corresponds to the received call. After determining the appropriate user in step 314, in step 316 the server 122 at the remote data site determines if the user telephony communications device 104 which has this assigned second telephone number is currently connected to the remote data site.
  • step 320 the communication server 122 routes the received telephone call to the user telephony communications device 104 using the communication line that is currently being used for data transfers between the user telephony communications device 104 and the remote data site.
  • the remote data site operates to route the telephone call which has been forwarded to the assigned second telephone number on to this POTS or ISDN telephone line through the PSTN to the user telephony communications device.
  • PSTN public switch telephone network
  • the user telephony communications device 104 includes simultaneous voice and data capabilities.
  • the user telephony communications device 104 is capable of receiving both voice and data communications on the same communications line at substantially the same time.
  • the communication server 122 at the remote data site operates to multiplex the telephony voice data onto the communication line that is currently being used for data communications between the user telephony communications device 104 and the communication server 122 at the remote data site.
  • the remote user can still perform data communications with the remote data site while allowing telephones at the remote user's location to able to receive telephone calls that were made to the first telephone number, all on a single communications line. This obviates the necessity of the remote user having to purchase a second phone line, since the user can perform data communications with the remote data site while still being able to receive telephone calls.
  • a telephone call provided by the communication server 122 on the communication line to the user telephony communication device operates to ring all other telephone extensions connected to that telephone line.
  • the telephone call not only rings at the user telephony communication device, but also rings at all of the other extensions in the house which are connected to the telephone line.
  • the location where the user is located includes logic which causes the other extensions to ring when a telephone call is received from the communication server 122 at the remote data site. This embodiment is discussed further below.
  • the communication server 122 plays a recorded voice message asking the calling party to please try the number again.
  • the user telephony communications device 104 is configured to disable the call forwarding operation made in step 306 after the user telephony communications device disconnects from the remote data site. When this occurs telephone calls that are originally made to the first telephone number are received by the remote user without any call forwarding operations being performed.
  • the communication server 122 at the remote data site operates to perform a remote access call forwarding (RACF) operation to cancel the initial call forwarding made by the user telephony communications device 104 in step 306.
  • RAF remote access call forwarding
  • FIG. 3C a flowchart diagram is shown which illustrates operation of the user telephony communications device when data communications are terminated with the remote data site.
  • the user telephony communications device discontinues data communications with the remote data site in response to user input.
  • the user telephony communications device disconnects from the remote data site, i.e. disconnects from the communication server 122 at the remote data site, in response to the user desiring to discontinue data operations with the remote site.
  • step 336 the user telephony communications device performs an operation to the telephone company central office which operates to discontinue the call forwarding operation performed in step 306 of Figure 3 A.
  • the user telephony communications device performs this operation to discontinue the call forwarding in step 336 in response to the user telephony communications device disconnecting from the remote data site in step 334.
  • the user telephony communications device preferably discontinues the call forwarding operations in step 336 after the user telephony communications device discontinues data communications to the remote data site. This is necessary, since the user telephony communications device is required to have a dial tone from the telephone company central office in order to cancel the call forwarding operation.
  • the user telephony communications device may discontinue the call forwarding operation in step 336 just prior to the user telephony communications device disconnecting from the remote data site in step 334.
  • the user telephony communications device discontinues call forwarding in step 336 prior to disconnecting in 334 in order to ensure that no calls are inadvertently forwarded to the assigned second telephone number at the remote data site after the disconnection is performed.
  • a party attempting to call the remote user using the first telephone number may receive a busy signal during the short period that that the user telephony communications device is still connected but the call forwarding operation has been discontinued.
  • FIG. 4 a flowchart diagram which illustrates operation of a user telephony communication device receiving an assigned second telephone number is shown.
  • Figure 4 illustrates four steps labeled 342 - 348. It is noted that steps 342 - 346 are optional steps, and one or more of steps 342 - 346 may be omitted, as desired.
  • the user telephony communication device receives an assigned second telephone number. This number is stored by the user telephony communication device, and is used each time the user telephony communication device connects to the remote data site.
  • the user telephony communication device may receive the assigned second telephone number in various ways.
  • the remote data site provides software to the user, and the user configures the user telephony communication device using the software.
  • This configuring includes the user telephony communications device receiving and storing the assigned second telephone number.
  • the remote data site is an Internet service provider
  • the remote data site provides software, such as one or more floppy disks, to the user, which the user then uses to store one or more software applications on the user's computer and/or configure the user telephony communication device with the assigned second telephone number.
  • steps 342 - 348 are now discussed. These steps illustrate operation of a user subscribing to a remote data site and receiving an assigned second telephone number.
  • the user telephony communication device provides subscription information to the remote data site to enable usage of the remote data site.
  • the remote data site receives the subscription information.
  • the subscription information enables the user to begin an account with the remote data site, i.e., allows the user to begin using the remote data site.
  • the user For example, if the user is a home user who desires Internet access, and the remote data site is an Internet service provider, the user provides information to the Internet service provider to begin an account with the Internet service provider.
  • the user telephony communication device provides the subscription information to the remote data site.
  • the subscription information may be provided by any of various means. In other words, the user may set up an account to begin using the remote data site using any of various means. If the user is a home user or telecommuter who desires access to the corporate LAN, the user preferably obtains the necessary information to begin using the corporate LAN from the corporation's information services (IS) manager, or through other means.
  • IS information services
  • Step 346 illustrates the remote data site transmitting the assigned second telephone number to the user telephony communication device in response to the remote data site receiving the subscription information.
  • the user telephony communication device may receive the assigned second telephone number through any of various means.
  • Step 346 illustrates one embodiment where the remote data site transmits the assigned second telephone number to the user telephony communication device on the communication line or telephone line.
  • the user telephony communication device receives the assigned second telephone number.
  • the assigned second telephone number may be received through any of various means, such as through transmission from the remote data site, or through user configuration. The assigned second telephone number may be received in response to the remote data site receiving the subscription information in step 344.
  • FIG. 5 a flowchart diagram is shown illustrating steps performed by the user telephony communication device in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 illustrates steps performed by the user telephony communication device in the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 3 A and 3B.
  • the user telephony communication device is assigned a telephone number, referred to as the second telephone number, and performs a call forwarding operation to this telephone number before connecting to the remote data site.
  • the call forwarding operation enables the user telephony communication device to maintain telephone connectivity on the communication line while data communications are being performed on this communication line. In other words, the user can receive telephone calls on the same telephone line that is being used for data connectivity.
  • the user telephony communications device has been assigned a second telephone number, preferably a direct inward dialing (DID) number.
  • This second telephone number is preferably assigned by the remote data site.
  • the second telephone number is pre-assigned, i.e., is already assigned prior to the user telephony communications device connecting to the remote data site.
  • the user telephony communications device receives and stores this assigned second telephone number.
  • the user receives software from the remote data site which configures the second telephone number on the user telephony communications device.
  • the communication server 122 may also transmit the second telephone number directly to the user telephony communications device on the communication line.
  • the assigned second telephone number is received and stored in the user telephony communications device only once, and this number is used each time for connection to the remote data site.
  • step 306 the user telephony communications device performs a call forwarding operation to call forward telephone calls made to the first telephone number to be forwarded to the second assigned telephone number.
  • the user telephony communication device performs a call forwarding operation which directs that telephone calls made to the first telephone number and assigned to the remote user should instead be routed to the second telephone number which is being maintained at the remote data site.
  • the call forwarding operation may comprise a standard call forwarding operation, such as using "72#", or the operation may comprise use of other telephony features such as call diversion to another number in the case of a busy line.
  • the user telephony communications device connects to the remote data site on a communication line.
  • the user telephony communications device which includes the modem 104 or other communications device, or a computer system configured to operate as a telephone communications device, makes a telephone call on a communication line or telephone line to the remote data site. This involves the modem 104 or other communications device dialing the telephone number of the remote data site to establish a telephone connection.
  • the communication line may be a POTS telephone line or an ISDN line, or other type of communication line.
  • the communications line may comprise ordinary telephone wiring, such as two wire twisted pair wiring, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable or other types of transmission media.
  • the user telephony communications device After the user telephony communications device connects to the remote data site on the communications line in step 308, in step 312 the user telephony communications device performs data transfers with the remote data site using the communication line. For example, if the remote user is a home user who desires to perform Internet access, and the remote data site is an Internet access provider that provides access to the Internet, the user telephony communications device performs various web browsing or other Internet access functions in response to user input. If the remote user is a telecommuter operating at home and desiring to connect to the corporate LAN, then the user telephony communications device performs various file access or other data access or communications functions with the local area network of the corporate office in response to user input.
  • the call forwarding operation performed in step 306 causes the telephone company central office to forward or route the telephone call made to the first telephone number to the second telephone number, i.e., causes the telephone call to be forwarded or routed to the second telephone number.
  • this second telephone number is maintained by the remote data site.
  • the communication server receives the telephone call to the assigned second telephone number and routes this telephone call to the user telephony communications device.
  • This call is received by the user telephony communications device in step 315 on the communication line that is currently being used for data transfers between the user telephony communications device and the remote data site in step 312.
  • the call is received by the user telephony communications device in step 315 in response to the remote data site routing the telephone call to the user telephony communications device instep 320 of Figure 3B.
  • a telephone call provided by the communication server 122 on the communication line to the user telephony communication device operates to ring all other telephone extensions connected to that telephone line.
  • the location where the user is located includes logic which causes the other extensions to ring when a telephone call is received from the communication server 122 at the remote data site. This embodiment is discussed further below.
  • Figures 6A - 6C Alternate Embodiment - Remote Data Site Dynamically Assigns Telephone Numbers
  • FIG. 6A and 6B a flowchart diagram illustrating operation of an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown.
  • Figures 6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment whereby the communication server 122 operates to dynamically assign second telephone numbers to user telephony communication devices which connect to the remote data site.
  • the user telephony communication device 104A is required to disconnect from the communication line in order to perform the call forwarding operation.
  • the call forwarding operation is performed in order to maintain telephone connectivity while data communications are being performed.
  • the user telephony communications device connects to the remote data site on a communication line.
  • step 402 the user telephony communications device makes a telephone call on a communication line or telephone line to a communication server 122 at the remote data site. This involves the user telephony communications device or modem 104 dialing the telephone number of the remote data site to establish a telephone connection.
  • the communication server 122 at the remote data site transmits an assigned second telephone number to the user telephony communications device.
  • the user telephony communications device has a first assigned telephone number, which is the main telephone number that is used to dial or call the telephony communications device. For example, if the user is a home user operating at home, the first telephone number is the telephone number assigned to the respective home user, i.e., the telephone number an external party would dial to call the home user's telephone.
  • the remote data site assigns a second telephone number to the user telephony communications device This second telephone number is used at the remote data site for call forwarding as discussed below.
  • the second telephone number is dynamically assigned on each connection. This differs from the embodiment of Figures 3 - 5, where the second telephone number is statically assigned, and the same second telephone number is used by a respective remote user during each connection to the remote data site.
  • the one or more communication servers 122 at the remote data site waits a short period of time, for example, five minutes or more, before reassigning a dynamically assigned second telephone number to a new remote user once a prior remote user has been disconnected.
  • the one or more communication servers 122 at the remote data site preferably each maintain a plurality of second telephone numbers which are dynamically assignable to remote users, i.e., to user telephony communications devices, which connect to the remote data site.
  • the remote data site can maintain a number of second telephone numbers which is far less than the number possible subscribers to the remote data site. This is possible since it is presumed that not every subscriber will desire to connect to the remote data site at exactly the same time. This also differs from the conventional situation where a home user is required to purchase a second telephone number and pay for this second telephone number twenty-four hours a day, regardless of how often this second telephone number is used.
  • the remote data site maintains a plurality of these second telephone lines, and dynamically assigns these telephone numbers to remote users as needed when these users connect to the remote data site. Since not every user will desire to connect to the remote data site at the exact same time, the remote data site can pay for and maintain a much smaller number of second telephone numbers which are dynamically assignable to users who connect to the remote data site. This results in considerable cost savings to each of the remote users who are no longer required to purchase a second telephone number, and in essence only required to pay for the time period that a second telephone number is assigned to the remote user's telephony communications device when the user is connected to the remote data site.
  • step 406 the user telephony communications device disconnects from the remote data site.
  • step 408 the user telephony communications performs a call forwarding operation to call forward telephone calls made to the first telephone number to be forwarded to the second assigned telephone number.
  • the user telephony communication device performs a call forwarding operation which directs that telephone calls that would normally be made to the first telephone number assigned to the remote user should instead be routed to the second telephone number which is being maintained at the remote data site.
  • the call forwarding operation may comprise a standard call forwarding operation, such as using "72#", or the operation may comprise use of other telephony features such as call diversion to another number in the case of a busy line.
  • step 410 the user telephony communications device reconnects to the remote data site on the communication line.
  • a call forwarding operation has been performed to forward telephone calls made to the first telephone number to the second telephone number at the remote data site, and the user telephony communications device is again connected to the remote data site.
  • the user telephony communications device performs data transfers with the remote data site using the communication line. For example, if the remote user is a home user who desires to perform Internet access, and the remote data site is an Internet access provider that provides access to the Internet, the user telephony communications device performs various web browsing or other Internet access functions. If the remote user is a telecommuter operating at home and desiring to connect to the corporate LAN, then the user performs various file access or other data access or communications functions with the local area network of the corporate office.
  • the call forwarding operation performed in step 408 causes the telephone company central office to forward or route the telephone call made to the first telephone number to the second telephone number, i.e., causes the telephone call to be forwarded or routed to the second telephone number.
  • this second telephone number is maintained by the remote data site.
  • the remote data site receives a telephone call to the assigned second telephone number in step 413.
  • This telephone call which is forwarded or routed to the assigned second telephone number is received by the communication server 122 located at the remote data site.
  • the communication server 122A at the remote data site receives a telephone call to an assigned second telephone number in step 413, i.e., a call that has been forwarded or routed to an assigned second telephone number
  • the communication server 122 examines the data structure in memory in step 414 to determine which user corresponds to the received call.
  • the communication server 122 dynamically maintains the data structure of assigned second telephone numbers. After determining the appropriate user in step 414, in step 416 the server 122 at the remote data site determines if the user telephony communications device which has this assigned second telephone number is currently connected to the remote data site.
  • step 420 the communication server 122 routes the received telephone call to the user telephony communications device using the communication line that is currently being used for data transfers between the user telephony communications device and the remote data site.
  • the communication server 122 routes the received telephone call to the user telephony communications device as described above.
  • step 420 the communication server 122 routes the received telephone call to the user telephony communications device using the communication line that is currently being used for data transfers between the user telephony communications device and the remote data site.
  • the user telephony communications device includes simultaneous voice and data capabilities.
  • the user telephony communications device is capable of receiving both voice and data communications on the same communications line at substantially the same time.
  • the communication server 122 at the remote data site operates to multiplex the telephony voice data onto the communication line that is currently being used for data communications between the user telephony communications device and the communication server 122 at the remote data site.
  • the remote user can still perform data communications with the remote data site while allowing telephones at the remote user's location to able to receive telephone calls that were made to the first telephone number, all on a single communications line. This obviates the necessity of the remote user having to purchase a second phone line, since the user can perform data communications with the remote data site while still being able to receive telephone calls.
  • a telephone call provided by the communication server 122 on the communication line to the user telephony communication device operates to ring all other telephone extensions connected to that telephone line. This embodiment is discussed further below.
  • the communication server 122 plays a recorded voice message asking the calling party to please try the number again.
  • the user telephony communications device is configured to disable the call forwarding operation made in step 306 after the user telephony communications device disconnects from the remote data site. When this occurs telephone calls that are originally made to the first telephone number are received by the remote user without any call forwarding operations being performed.
  • Figures 7A and 7B are a flowchart diagram illustrating operation of the user telephony communications device according to the method described with reference to Figures 6A - 6C. Steps which are similar or identical to the steps in Figures 6A - 6C have the same reference numerals for convenience Due to the similarity of Figures 7A - 7B and Figures 6A - 6C, only steps which are different in Figures 7A and 7B are explained for convenience.
  • step 405 is a counterpart to step 404 shown in Figure 6A.
  • the remote data site transmits an assigned second telephone number to the user telephony communications device
  • the user telephony communications device receives the assigned second telephone number from the remote data site, which was transmitted by the remote data site in step 404 of Figure 6A.
  • step 415 encompasses certain functionality of steps 413 - 420 in Figure
  • step 415 the user telephony communications device receives a telephone call forwarded from the remote data site.
  • Figures 8A and 8B a flowchart diagram illustrating operation of a second alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown.
  • Figures 8 A and 8B illustrate an embodiment whereby the communication server 122 operates to dynamically assign second telephone numbers to user telephony communication devices which connect to the remote data site.
  • Figures 8A and 8B also illustrate an embodiment whereby the communication server 122 at the remote data site operates to perform the call forwarding operation. As discussed above, the call forwarding operation is performed in order to maintain telephone connectivity while data communications are being performed.
  • step 502 the user telephony communications device connects to the remote data site on a communication line.
  • the user telephony communications device makes a telephone call on a communication line or telephone line to a communication server 122 at the remote data site. This involves the user telephony communications device or modem 104 dialing the telephone number of the remote data site to establish a telephone connection.
  • the communication server 122 at the remote data site assigns a second telephone number to the user telephony communications device.
  • the user telephony communications device has a first assigned telephone number, which is the main telephone number that is used to dial or call the telephony communications device.
  • the remote data site assigns a second telephone number to the user telephony communications device in step 504 This second telephone number is used at the remote data site for call forwarding as discussed below.
  • step 506 the communication server 122 at the remote data site performs a call forwarding operation to call forward telephone calls made to the first telephone number to be forwarded to the second assigned telephone number.
  • the communication server 122 at the remote data site performs a call forwarding operation which directs that telephone calls that would normally be made to the first telephone number assigned to the remote user should instead be routed to the second telephone number which is being maintained at the remote data site.
  • the call forwarding operation may comprise a standard call forwarding operation, such as using "72#", or the operation may comprise use of other telephony features such as call diversion to another number in the case of a busy line.
  • the communication server 122 at the remote data site performs the call forwarding operation.
  • the second telephone number may be statically assigned once or dynamically assigned on each connection.
  • step 512 the user telephony communications device performs data transfers with the remote data site using the communication line.
  • the remote user is a home user who desires to perform Internet access
  • the remote data site is an Internet access provider that provides access to the Internet
  • the user telephony communications device performs various web browsing or other Internet access functions.
  • the remote user is a telecommuter operating at home and desiring to connect to the corporate LAN, then the user performs various file access or other data access or communications functions with the local area network of the corporate office.
  • FIG. 8B Communication Server Receives Call to Assigned Second Telephone Number
  • the call forwarding operation performed in step 506 causes the telephone company central office to forward or route the telephone call made to the first telephone number to the second telephone number, i.e., causes the telephone call to be forwarded or routed to the second telephone number.
  • this second telephone number is maintained by the remote data site.
  • the telecommunications system comprises a telephone line 108 coming from the PSTN into the protector block 34 of a home or other premises.
  • the system further comprises first and second conductor pairs 46 and 44, respectively.
  • the first and second conductor pairs 46 and 44 transfer telephone signals within the house.
  • the first conductor pair 46 is connected to the telephone line 108.
  • the first and second conductor pairs 46 and 44 are comprised within a single cable having a connector which plugs into a jack in the protector block
  • the cable connector and jack are configured to connect the telephone line and conductor pairs as described
  • One or more telephone instruments, 13A through 13N are coupled to the first conductor pair 46 Since the first conductor pair 46 is coupled to the telephone line 108, the telephones 13 are also coupled to the telephone line 108 The telephones 13 are rung by a ringing signal generated by a ring generator provided within a
  • CO Central Office
  • a line interface 32 of the modem 104 comprises a switch which closes (goes off hook) to place a call to the remote data site
  • the modem 104 places the call to the remote data site and establishes a data connection with the remote data site in order to perform data communications with the remote data site
  • the switch closes, a circuit is completed with the CO at the far end of the telephone line 108
  • the CO can not generate a ring signal on the telephone line 108 to place a call on the telephone line 108.
  • the CO can not place a call on the telephone line 108 since the telephone line 108 is "busy", i.e , off hook, when the modem 104 and remote data site are in data communication
  • the modem in the communication server 122 preferably transmits a data packet to the modem 104 which includes an indication of an incoming call
  • the data packet may include, for example, an Internet Protocol (IP) data packet, or a data frame, such as a V.42 protocol data frame.
  • IP Internet Protocol
  • Control circuitry in the modem 104 receives the data packet and acts to provide the subscriber with an indication of the incoming call
  • the controller 24 controls a ring generator in a CO simulator circuit 30 to ring a second telephone 106 coupled to the ring generator in the CO simulator 30
  • the controller 24 provides an indication of the incoming call to the computer 102.
  • the computer 102 provides an indication to the user such as beeping the speaker of the computer 102, displaying a visual indication of the incoming call on the display screen of the computer 102, or simulating the sound of a telephone ringing, for example.
  • the modem 104 has no means to ring the other telephone 13 extensions in the house.
  • FIG. 10 an illustration of a home which is coupled to a standard POTS telephone line 108 is shown.
  • the telephone line 108 comes from the PSTN to a protector block 34 on the outside of the home or premises.
  • homes wired prior to 1990 receive Station-D house wiring comprising two wire pairs.
  • the first wire pair is a red/green wire pair.
  • the second pair is a yellow/black wire pair. In homes which only subscribe to one telephone line, the yellow/black pair is unused.
  • homes wired subsequent to 1990 receive twisted pair cable comprising two, three or four wire pairs.
  • the first pair is a blue/white and white/blue wire pair.
  • the second pair is an orange/white and white/orange wire pair.
  • the present invention includes a novel system and method for rewiring the home so that other telephone instruments ring when a telephone call is routed from the remote data site to the home user on the single telephone line.
  • the modem 104 of Figure 1 operates to regenerate the telephony signals, such as a ringing signal, for the telephones in the house.
  • the present invention employs a wiring device 38, preferably coupled to the protector block 34, for advantageously wiring the telephone line 108 to a second conductor pair within the home.
  • Figure 1 a block diagram is shown of a telecommunications system including the wiring device 38 of Figure 10 and the modem 104 of Figure 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the telecommunications system comprises a telephone line 108 coming from the PSTN into the protector block 34 of a home or other premises.
  • the system further comprises first and second conductor pairs 46 and 44, respectively.
  • the first and second conductor pairs 46 and 44 transfer telephone signals within the house.
  • the first conductor pair 46 is connected to the telephone line 108, as shown in Figure 2.
  • the first and second conductor pairs 46 and 44 are comprised within a single cable having a connector which plugs into a jack in the protector block.
  • the cable connector and jack are configured to connect the telephone line and conductor pairs as described.
  • the wiring device 38 is coupled between the two conductor pair cable connector and the protector block jack.
  • the wiring device 38 couples the telephone line 108 to the second conductor pair 44 as shown.
  • the wiring device 38 comprises a device, comprising a male and female modular telephone connector.
  • the male connector couples to the protector block 34 and the female connector couples to a cable housing the conductor pairs 46 and 44 wired inside the house.
  • Figure 12 illustrates the wiring device 38 connecting the incoming red/green pair of wires of the telephone line 108 to the second (yellow-black) conductor pair 44 inside the house.
  • the wiring device 38 switches the telephone line 108 from being connected to the first conductor pair 46, as it normally would be, to being connected to the second conductor pair 44.
  • An embodiment is contemplated in which separate wiring devices may be placed at each of the telephone jacks within the premises for switching the first and second conductor pairs.
  • the wiring device 38 advantageously requires only a single wiring device to perform the switching.
  • one or more telephone instruments, or handsets, 13 A through 13N are coupled to the first conductor pair 46.
  • the telephone line 108 is normally coupled to the first conductor pair 46.
  • the telephones 13 would normally be coupled to the telephone line 108 via the first conductor pair 46 through the protector block 34.
  • the telephones 13 would be rung by a ringing signal generated by a ring generator provided within a Central Office (CO) of the PSTN
  • CO Central Office
  • the modem 104 is coupled to the first and second conductor pairs 46 and 44 Preferably, the modem is also coupled to the computer 102 of Figure 1
  • the modem 104 performs data communications between the computer 102 and the communications server 122 of Figure 1 on the telephone line 108 as described previously
  • a telephone instrument 106 of Figure 1 is coupled to the modem 104
  • the modem 104 also performs voice communications on the telephone line 108 between a subscriber speaking on the telephone instrument 106 and a second subscriber coupled to the communications server 122 as described previously
  • the modem 104 comprises a line interface circuit 32 coupled to the second conductor pair 44
  • the line interface 32 comprises various circuits commonly used in telephony devices such as a "hook" switch, surge suppression circuits, impedance matching circuits, a ringing voltage detector circuit, and telephony interface transformer
  • the switch in the line interface 32 closes (goes off hook) to create a closed circuit with the CO at the other end of the telephone line 108 for the purpose of making a telephone call
  • the switch closes (hook goes off hook) the line interface 32 draws current on the second conductor pair 44, as will be discussed below
  • a full-duplex analog signal passes through the line interface 32 between the telephone line 108 and a data pump 20 coupled to the line interface 32
  • the data pump 20 is a Lucent Technologies M-l 634
  • the data pump performs the functions, among others, of modulating digital data for transmission as an analog signal on the second conductor pair 44 and demodulating modulated data received from the second conductor pair 44 into digital data.
  • the data pump 20 comprises an interface for transferring data frames, or data packets, between an interface comprised in a controller 24
  • the controller 24 performs various control functions of the modem 104.
  • the modem 104 is a Digital Simultaneous Voice-Data (DSVD) modem, and the controller 24 demultiplexes simultaneously transmitted, i.e , multiplexed, speech and data frames received from a far end DSVD modem comprised in the communications server 122.
  • DSVD Digital Simultaneous Voice-Data
  • the controller 24 is operable to receive compressed speech frames, i.e., voice encoded speech, from the data pump 20 and provide the data frames to a codec 28 coupled to the controller 24
  • the controller 24 is also operable to receive compressed speech frames from the codec 28 and provide the compressed speech frames to the data pump 20
  • the controller 24 is also operably coupled to the computer 102
  • the controller 24 is coupled to the computer 102 by an expansion bus, such as an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) or Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, through bus interface circuitry
  • ISA Industry Standard Architecture
  • PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect
  • the controller 24 is operable to execute instructions to control the codec 28 and data pump 20 to provide the user a means to receive telephone calls on the telephone line 108 while performing data transfers with the communications server 122 on the telephone line 108.
  • the controller 24 comprises any processor device which is capable of executing a stored program of instructions including a task within computer 102.
  • the controller 24 comprises a processor, such as a microprocessor core and peripheral devices, such as the asynchronous serial interface
  • the controller 24 is a Zilog Z80182 microcontroller
  • the stored program instructions which the controller 24 executes are comprised within a memory (not shown), such as a read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), FLASH memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), among others, or a combination thereof
  • ROM read-only memory
  • PROM programmable ROM
  • EPROM erasable PROM
  • FLASH memory dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), among others, or a combination thereof
  • DRAM dynamic random access memory
  • SRAM static random access memory
  • the memory comprises frame buffers used to buffer frames received from the data pump 20 before being provided to the codec 28, and to buffer frames received from the codec 28 before being provided to the data pump 20
  • the asynchronous serial port on the controller 24 receives bytes or blocks of data, and the controller 24 places the bytes or blocks of data into one of the frame buffers until an entire frame has been placed into the buffer.
  • the memory may be comprised within or without the controller 24
  • Codecs such as codec 28, are well known in the art of voice encoded speech
  • the codec 28 comprises an AT&T 1635
  • the codec 28 performs, among others, encoding of speech received from the telephone 106 and providing the compressed speech frames to the controller 24.
  • the codec 28 further receives compressed speech frames from the controller 24 and decodes the compressed speech frames back into analog voice signals which are provided to the telephone 106 for reproduction to the subscriber
  • a compressed speech frame comprises 39 characters, or bytes Of the 39 bytes, 32 of the bytes comprise voice encoded speech, 5 of the bytes comprise standard protocol control bytes, such as v 42 protocol bytes, and 2 bytes comprise voice frame specific control bytes
  • the standard protocol bytes comprise error checking and/or error correction bytes, such as cyclic redundancy code (CRC) bytes
  • the voice encoded speech bytes comprise parameters which specify an encoded representation of the speech received by the codec 28 from the telephones 106 and 13 or received from the remote data site via the telephone line 108.
  • the communications server 122 sends one or more data frames to the modem 104 to notify the modem 104 of an telephone call placed to the telephone line 108 telephone number
  • the data frame conforms to the compressed speech frame format just described
  • a code indicating the incoming telephone call is placed by the communication server 122 in one or both of the 2 voice frame specific control bytes or is placed in one or more of the 5 standard protocol control bytes.
  • the codec 28 is coupled to a Central Office (CO) simulator circuit 30
  • CO Central Office
  • the CO simulator 30 comprises circuitry for detecting on hook and off hook conditions generated by telephone 106 and/or telephones 13
  • the CO simulator 30 communicates the detection of on and off hook conditions to the controller 24.
  • the CO simulator 30 comprises a ring generator for ringing the telephones 13 and 106.
  • a relay 22 is coupled to the CO simulator 30, the first conductor pair 46, and the second conductor pair 44 as shown.
  • the relay 22 connects the first conductor pair 46 to the second conductor pair 44.
  • the telephones 106 and 13 are connected to the telephone line 108, through the first and second conductor pairs 46 and 44, to operate as they would in the absence of the wiring device 38 and modem 104.
  • the CO generates a ringing voltage on the telephone line 108
  • the ringing voltage reaches the telephones 106 and 13 to ring their ringers.
  • the relay 22 connects the first conductor pair 46 to the CO simulator 30, rather than the second conductor pair 44
  • the ring generator in the CO simulator 30 is capable of ringing the telephones 13 and 106.
  • the ring generator is controlled by the controller 24 to ring the telephones 13 and 106 at the appropriate time.
  • the controller 24 detects signals indicating that a call is coming in on the telephone line 108, such as a data packet indicating an incoming call
  • the controller 24 instructs the CO simulator ringing circuit to generate a ringing signal, i.e., a ringing voltage.
  • the communications server 122 transmits a data packet to the modem 104 which includes command codes indicating a ring signal, as previously discussed. That is, the communications server 122 attempts to place a call to the modem 104 to perform voice communications by sending a data frame including the appropriate command code understood by the modem 104 to be a ring signal.
  • the relay 22 advantageously prevents the CO simulator 30 from being coupled to the actual CO in the PSTN.
  • the relay 22 comprises a double pole double throw relay as shown in Figure 13.
  • the relay 22 may comprise electromechanical, electrical, or preferably, optoelectronic relay devices.
  • the relay 22 is controlled by a line current sensing circuit 31.
  • the circuit 31 senses current draw by the line interface 32 on the second conductor pair 44.
  • the relay 22 connects the first conductor pair 46 to the CO simulator 30, and thus to the telephones 13 and 106.
  • the relay 22 connects the first conductor pair 46 to the second conductor pair 44, thereby connecting the telephones 106 and 13 to the telephone line 108.
  • Figure 13 also shows a modular connector used to connect the first and second conductor pairs 46 and 44 to the modem 104
  • relay 22 and relay control circuit 31 are shown to be comprised within the modem 104 in Figure 4, it is noted that the relay 22 and relay control circuit 31 may be comprised outside of the modem 104. In one embodiment, the relay 22 and relay control circuit 31 are comprised within a second wiring device, which is coupled between the modem
  • the second wiring device further comprises a ring generator or ring booster circuit for ringing the telephones 13.
  • the relay 22 is coupled between the first conductor pair 46 and the ring generator. This embodiment advantageously alleviates the ring generator in the CO simulator 30 from having a powerful enough ring generator to ring all of the telephones 13 in the event that there are many telephones 13
  • the CO simulator 30 is alleviated from having a ring generator at all.
  • the modem 104 is comprised within an environment allowing restricted power consumption or space.
  • An example of such an environment is in a notebook computer.
  • the modem 104 is a PCMCIA modem, for example.
  • the subscriber is notified of an incoming call by the computer 102 to which the modem 104 is coupled.
  • the computer 102 may beep, simulate the sound of a telephone ringing, and/or notify the subscriber in a graphical manner on the computer screen of the incoming call.
  • FIG 14 a block diagram is shown of a telecommunications system including the wiring device 38 of Figure 10 according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
  • the embodiment of Figure 14 is similar to that of Figure 1 1, and corresponding circuit portions are numbered identically for simplicity and clarity.
  • the relay 22 and relay control circuit 31 are comprised in a second wiring device 54, as shown.
  • the second wiring device 54 is coupled between the modem 104 and the first and second conductor pairs 46 and 44.
  • the second wiring device 54 further comprises a ring generator, included in a CO simulator 30, for ringing the telephones 13
  • the relay 22 is coupled between the first conductor pair 46 and the ring generator
  • the second wiring device 54 couples the second conductor pair 44 to the modem 104
  • the modem 104 may be a conventional modem as is well know in the art of modem design
  • the conventional modem does not necessarily comprise the CO simulator 30 and relay 22, and/or codec 28 Rather, the modem 104 is capable of performing data communications between the computer 102 and the remote data site That is, the modem 104 is capable of receiving a data stream from the computer 102, modulating the data stream, and transmitting the modulated data stream on the telephone line 108 to the remote data site
  • the modem 104 is capable of receiving a modulated data stream from the telephone line 108 and demodulating the received modulated data stream into a data stream to provide to the computer 102
  • the first subscriber speaks into a microphone 52 of the computer 102 and listens via a speaker 50 of the computer 102
  • the microphone 52 and speaker 50 are comprised as part of a sound card or other audio device of the computer 102
  • the audio device receives the first subscriber's speech and transforms the speech into digital voice data
  • the computer 102 transforms the digital voice data into another format, such as encoded and/or compressed voice data
  • the subscriber's speech may be encoded by various techniques, such as GSM encoding techniques, voice encoding techniques, etc
  • the computer 102 then multiplexes the encoded voice data with other data into a data stream.
  • the other data is the data of the data communications being performed between the computer 102 and the remote data site, such as Internet data
  • the multiplexed data stream is then provided to the modem 104
  • the modem 104 transmits the data stream to the remote data site
  • the computer 102 packetizes the data stream into a stream of data packets, such as Internet Protocol (EP) packets, and provides the data packet stream to the modem 104 for modulation and transmission to the remote data site
  • the encoded voice is transmitted in packets, such as IP packets or other packets, to the remote data site
  • the communications server 122, or voice gateway 122 of Figure 1 at the remote data site receives the stream of data packets and de-multiplexes the Internet data from the encoded voice data
  • the voice data is then transmitted by the communications server 122 to the second subscriber through the PSTN
  • the Internet data is provided to the data server 124, i e
  • the communications server 122 receives voice signals from the second subscriber and converts the voice signals into data
  • the communications server 122 also receives data from the data server 124
  • the communications server 122 multiplexes the voice and data into a data stream and sends the data stream to the modem 104 on the telephone line 108
  • the modem receives the data stream and provides it to the computer 102
  • the computer 102 de-multiplexes the Internet data and speech data If the speech data is encoded, preferably, the computer processor decodes the speech
  • the computer 102 provides the decoded speech to the audio device which plays the speech on the computer's speaker 50
  • the first subscriber performs voice communications with the second subscriber coupled to the communications server 122 through the PSTN on the telephone line 108 while performing data communications with the remote data site on the telephone line 108
  • the remote data site is an ISP
  • an Internet connection is established between the subscriber and the ISP, such as a Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) or Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP) connection
  • PPP Point-to-Point Protocol
  • SLIP Serial Line Internet Protocol
  • the ISP creates an IP address for the subscriber
  • the ISP receives a telephone call directed at the subscriber but which was forwarded to the ISP, as previously described
  • the ISP matches the incoming call to the created IP address
  • the ISP then sends a signal indicating the incoming call to subscriber's computer 102
  • the signal indicating the incoming call comprises data in one or more data packets, such as EP packets
  • the computer 102 receives the packet indicating the incoming call and notifies the subscriber of the incoming call
  • the computer 102 notifies the subscriber of the incoming call visibly, such as via an icon on the computer's display screen, or audibly, such as via the speaker 50
  • the computer 102 when the computer 102 receives the packet indicating the incoming call, the computer 102 controls the ringer in the wiring device 54 to generate a ringing voltage to ring the telephone extensions 13
  • the subscriber may advantageously be notified of the incoming call in the event that the subscriber is not situated so as to detect the notification of the incoming call from the computer 102, such as the visual or audible notification. That is, rather than the modem 104 detecting the data packet indicating the incoming call and in response controlling the ring generator, as in the embodiment of Figure 1 1, in the embodiment of Figure 14, the computer 102 detects the data packet indicating the incoming call and in response controls the ring generator to ring the extensions 13.
  • the computer 102 may control the ring generator by means of an interface, such as a serial, parallel, Universal Serial Bus (USB), IEEE 1394 or other such interface coupled between the computer 102 and the wiring device 54, as shown. Furthermore, the computer 102 may control the ring generator through the modem 104 Furthermore, the computer 102 may include an expansion card which couples to an expansion slot in the computer 102, wherein the expansion card interfaces to the ring generator to control the ring generator in response to being programmed by the computer 102. Preferably, the various operations described which are performed by the computer 102 are performed, at least in part, by software executing on the computer 102.
  • USB Universal Serial Bus
  • the remote data site provides information to the subscriber's computer 102 which identifies the caller of the incoming call.
  • the computer 102 provides the subscriber with the indication of the incoming call, the computer 102 also identifies the caller who placed the incoming call, such as on the computer's display screen or audibly via the speaker 50.
  • the subscriber may advantageously selectively answer the call.
  • a system which enables a remote user to connect to a remote data site on a communication line, such as a telephone line, while maintaining the ability to receive incoming telephone calls on the telephone line.
  • the present invention thus allows a remote user to connect to a remote data site, such as a corporate office or Internet Service Provider, on a single telephone line, while also maintaining the ability to receive telephone calls on this single telephone line. This obviates the necessity of the user having to purchase a second telephone line for incoming calls while data communications are being performed, thus reducing access costs.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)
  • Data Exchanges In Wide-Area Networks (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système et un procédé destinés à permettre à un utilisateur éloigné de se connecter à un site de données éloigné par une ligne de télécommunications, telle qu'une ligne téléphonique, l'utilisateur éloigné pouvant toujours recevoir des appels téléphoniques provenant d'autres correspondants sur cette même ligne téléphonique. Il devient donc inutile pour un utilisateur d'acquérir une deuxième ligne téléphonique destinée aux communications entrantes pendant l'exécution de communications de données, ce qui permet de réduire les coûts d'accès. L'utilisateur éloigné est doté d'un modem ou d'un dispositif de communication téléphonique pour utilisateur configuré pour être connecté à un site de données éloigné à travers le réseau téléphonique commuté public. La ligne de télécommunications ou de téléphone comporte un premier numéro de téléphone. Le site de données éloigné comprend un ou plusieurs serveurs de communication qui effectuent des opérations d'acheminement d'appels intelligents. Lorsque l'utilisateur se connecte au site de données éloigné par une ligne de télécommunications, soit le site de données éloigné, soit le dispositif de communication téléphonique pour utilisateur effectue une opération de renvoi automatique d'appels pour renvoyer automatiquement les appels téléphoniques effectués au premier numéro de téléphone vers un deuxième numéro de téléphone préaffecté par le site de données éloigné. Si, lorsque l'utilisateur est en train d'effectuer des communications de données sur la ligne de communication avec le site de données éloigné, un autre correspondant effectue un appel téléphonique vers l'utilisateur éloigné, l'appel téléphonique au premier numéro de téléphone est renvoyé au deuxième numéro de téléphone maintenu par le site de données éloigné grâce à l'opération de renvoi automatique d'appels. Le serveur de communication situé sur le site de données éloigné achemine alors l'appel téléphonique reçu vers le dispositif de communication téléphonique pour utilisateur au moyen de la ligne de télécommunications ordinairement utilisée pour les transferts de données entre le dispositif de communication téléphonique pour utilisateur et le site de données éloigné. Ainsi, il est inutile pour un utilisateur éloigné d'acquérir une deuxième ligne téléphonique, puisqu'il peut effectuer des communications de données avec le site de données éloigné tout en restant en mesure de recevoir des appels téléphoniques.
EP97939756A 1996-09-06 1997-09-03 Systeme et procede donnant a un site de donnees eloigne une connectivite d'utilisateur Withdrawn EP0966832A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US708267 1985-03-05
US70826796A 1996-09-06 1996-09-06
US740775 1996-11-01
US08/740,775 US5889845A (en) 1995-11-15 1996-11-01 System and method for providing a remote user with a virtual presence to an office
US888406 1997-07-07
US08/888,406 US6295357B1 (en) 1996-09-06 1997-07-07 System and method for ringing other subscriber telephones connected to a telephone line during data communications on the telephone line
PCT/US1997/015450 WO1998010573A2 (fr) 1996-09-06 1997-09-03 Systeme et procede donnant a un site de donnees eloigne une connectivite d'utilisateur

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EP0966832A2 true EP0966832A2 (fr) 1999-12-29

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WO (1) WO1998010573A2 (fr)

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WO1998010573A2 (fr) 1998-03-12

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