FR2851386A1 - Broad-band data network accessing system, has DSL access multiplexer establishing or removing connection between x-DSL port and x-DSL modem based on command from management server and attribution ports communicating with gateway - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has a user terminal (T) associated to a x-digital subscriber loop (DSL) modem (10) that is connected to one x-DSL port of a DSL access multiplexer (35), and to a signal gateway (40). The multiplexer establishes or removes a connection between one port and the modem based on command from a management server (50) and from the attribution ports that communicate with the signal gateway. An independent claim is also included for a method of accessing a broad-band data network.

Description

1 2851386

  The present invention relates to a system and method for accessing a high-speed data network by high-speed link of x-DSL type.

  The invention lies in the field of high speed access and typically finds its application in a new mode of access to a high speed data network, based in particular on x-DSL technologies, which allows the sharing of broadband resources over time.

  Digital coding techniques of the x-DSL 10 type make it possible to transport over existing copper pairs of the analog (PSTN) or digital (ISDN) telephone network high speeds ensuring, with respect to users, services of the fast Internet type or audio visuals. The term x-DSL (from "x 15 Digital Subscriber Loop") denotes all broadband broadband services grouping together all the technological families such as HDSL, SDSL, ADSL, VDSL, ADSL-Lite, etc.

  Currently, access to a data network of the Internet, video, audio, etc. type is done in two modes: the switched low-speed mode, called radial up "in English, and the high-speed mode in x-DSL For a better understanding, the invention will now be presented with reference to FIG. 1 which diagrams the two known modes of access to a data network.

  The dial-up, low-speed access mode initially consists of establishing a connection between a low-speed modem 20 with automatic dialing associated with a user terminal Tl, and the data network I, of the IP type for example. , via the telephone network R, of analog PSTN type or of digital ISDN type. A signaling gateway 40 exchanges service messages with 2 2851386 the switches of the telephone network, that is to say for example with a self-routing switch CAA, connected to the modem 20 with automatic dialing via a distributor not shown, and with a 5 CTS secondary transit switch, hierarchically superior. The signaling gateway 40 transmits information, in particular on the calling number, to a narrowband access server NAS (“Network Access Server”).

  A link is then established between the modem 20 to 10 automatic dialing and a port of the NAS access server to allow access to the data network I, of IP type.

for example.

  The assignment of a port from the NAS server to the user modem 20 is therefore carried out at each request 15 for connection establishment. This access mode therefore makes it possible to share over time a port intended for data traffic by k users. The ratio 1 / k is the contention ratio of the access network, and it is determined by the access operator according to the connection time and the number of users, 1 / k is often greater than or equal to 1 / 10. The disadvantage of this access mode is that it is limited to a low-speed link.

  The second high-speed access mode, using x-DSL technology, conventionally consists in establishing a permanent link between an x-DSL port of a DSL access multiplexer, referenced 30 and commonly called DSLAM (from English "Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer") and an x-DSL 10 modem associated with a user's T2 terminal. In general, the x-DSL cabling is superimposed on the telephone network so that the customer infrastructure can on the one hand deliver to the various narrow band terminals such as T3 telephone sets, fax machines, answering machines, modems. of the switched type, etc. of “narrowband” services and on the other hand of delivering to one or more broadband terminals such as T2 computers or televisions connected to digital decoders for example, “broadband” services . Multiplexing of the two types of signals allows this simultaneous transport of the two types of services on the same infrastructure. The commissioning of an x-DSL modem 10 conventionally requires the installation of an x-DSL filter 11 separating narrowband signals and x-DSL signals at the point of service provision to the user. In this second access mode, the DSLAM 30 then communicates with a broadband access server BAS (from the English "Braodband Access Server") via an RC collection network which can be of ATM, gigabit Ethernet type, etc. ...

  Conventionally, whatever the access mode, behind the access network RA, formed in particular by the NAS server or the BAS server, an aggregation is performed at the level of data network I to optimize Internet traffic by example. Thus, for example, a speed of 16 kbit / s is allocated to the switched mode against 40 to 100 kbit / s for the x-DSL mode. In known manner, an authentication server 61 of an Internet access provider 60 performs AAA type authentication (from the English "Authentication, Authorization and Accounting" 1) using the RADIUS protocol (from English "Remote Access Dial In User Service"). A proxy server 62 makes it possible to direct the connections to the service provider or to the Internet access provider 60 for each user, to establish counting tickets, etc. All the message exchanges, and the protocols implemented, behind the access network RA are widely known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in more detail below.

  In the current context of the increase in transmission speed, and the explosion of multimedia services, such as digital television, or video on demand, for example, on the Internet, numerous broadband access systems have been introduced at the users. However, currently, for the x-DSL broadband access mode, telecommunications operators can only offer users permanent access to x-DSL services. 5 Thus, when a customer subscribes to an x-DSL service, a physical link is permanently assigned to this customer, whether he uses this service on a regular or ad hoc basis. The cost of access to the x-DSL service does not vary according to the time of use, the customer must pay a lump sum even if he does not use the service regularly. In addition, having a physical link permanently assigned to each customer requires the operator to monopolize a broadband access resource for each customer. The broadband access resources 15 are therefore not used in an optimum manner vis-à-vis the user and the operator and limit the mass deployment of this technology which remains relatively inexpensive Student. The broadband market is therefore limited to consumers wishing to have permanent access to broadband resources, that is to say generally to businesses.

  "Broadband access resource" means an x-DSL port and a logical connection in the DSL 30 access multiplexer.

  A first solution for sharing broadband services which has been envisaged consists in sharing broadband connections between several users simultaneously. The disadvantage of this solution lies in the fact that this line sharing generates a speed sharing between the users, so that during peak hours, we can no longer really speak of broadband services.

  Another solution which has been envisaged consists in proposing a service aiming to reserve a broadband resource for a user for a determined period of time by integrating, in the network, a device for assigning a broadband connection. This solution does not however make it possible to automatically assign an xDSL port to a user at the time of his connection and to delete it automatically and in real time at the time of his disconnection. It requires manual intervention by the user or operator to reserve a period of time. The user must therefore necessarily evaluate in advance the time of the day and the duration during which he will access the broadband services.

  Also, the technical problem which is the subject of the present invention is to propose a system for accessing a broadband data network, by broadband link of xDSL type, comprising at least one user terminal associated with a modem x -DSL, said x-DSL modem being intended to be connected to an x-DSL port of a DSL access multiplexer capable of exchanging x-DSL signals with said data network, which would make it possible to share a connection over time broadband between several users, by establishing a connection between a user's x-DSL modem and an x-DSL port of the DSL access multiplexer, in real time, when establishing a connection session. x-DSL transmission and for the duration of this session.

  In addition, the access system should also make it possible to keep the existing equipment on the network so as not to cause a significant additional cost which would not be advantageous for a mass deployment of x-DSL technology.

  The solution to the technical problem is obtained, according to the present invention, by the fact that the user terminal is also associated with a call function of a telephone network which communicates with a signaling gateway, and that the multiplexer d DSL access is arranged so that it can automatically establish or delete a connection between one of its x-DSL ports and said x-DSL modem, on order from a management and port allocation server which communicates with said signaling gateway.

  Thus, the call function makes it possible to establish a first connection to a management and port allocation server, by means of a signaling gateway which transmits to it a request for x-DSL session establishment. On the basis of the information contained in this request, the port management and allocation server controls the DSL access multiplexer to establish an x-DSL connection between one of its ports and the x-DSL modem. Likewise, the management and port allocation server commands the DSL access multiplexer 15 to remove the connection between the broadband resource and the x-DSL modem at the end of the session. Thanks to this system, the connection between the x-DSL modem and a port of the DSL access multiplexer is no longer made permanently when the subscription is taken out, but temporarily when the establishment is established. an xDSL transmission session. Thus, it is possible to share the same x-DSL resource temporally between several users, so that the speed of the line is not affected and that the high-speed resource 25 can be used optimally.

  The invention also relates to a method for accessing a high-speed data network, by high-speed link between an x-DSL modem associated with a user terminal and an x-DSL port of a data multiplexer. DSL access 30 capable of exchanging x-DSL signals with said data network. This method is remarkable in that it comprises steps prior to the establishment of the xDSL link which consist in: establishing a first low-speed connection, through a telephone network, by dialing a dedicated call number for an x-DSL data transmission service, - identify the calling number, - identify the DSL access multiplexer for attaching the calling number, - identify the user profile associated with the calling number, - search for x-DSL ports , of the home DSL access multiplexer, corresponding to said access profile 10 of the calling user, which are available to establish an x-DSL transmission session, - assign, to the calling user, an x-DSL port identified among the available ports, - breaking the first connection and establishing an x-DSL transmission session between the assigned x-DSL port and the x-DSL modem associated with the terminal of the calling user.

  Thus, the first connection, established through the telephone network, allows the management and port allocation server to access information concerning the user, in particular the calling number, the service profile to which the user has subscribed. etc ... Thanks to this information, the management server can then identify the port, among the available ports of the attachment access multiplexer of the user's terminal, which corresponds to the profile of the user. When the port is identified, the server orders the termination of the first low-speed connection and the establishment of an x-DSL connection between the x-DSL modem associated with the user's terminal 30 and the DSL access multiplexer.

  The access system according to the invention also makes it possible to offer additional services, which until now has not been possible to deliver in x-DSL broadband mode because the x-DSL link between the modem x35 DSL and a port of the access multiplexer was established from 8 2851386 permanently. Thus, advantageously, the access system according to the invention can be used to allow access to a high-speed data network regardless of the DSL access multiplexer attached. This therefore means that the system according to the invention makes it possible to develop services linked to nomadism.

  Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given by way of illustrative but nonlimiting example with reference to the appended figures which represent FIG. 1, already described, a diagram of two known systems. of access to a data network, - Figure 2a, a diagram of a first embodiment of a system of access to a data network according to the invention, - Figure 2b, a diagram of a second embodiment of a data network access system according to the invention, - Figure 3a, a diagram of a first embodiment of a DSL access multiplexer suitable for systems of Figures 2a or 2b, - Figure 3b, a diagram of a second embodiment of a DSL access multiplexer suitable for the systems of Figures 2a or 2b, - Figure 4, a flowchart illustrating the steps of a method of accessing a data network according to the invention, - FIG. 5, a diagram of the system of FIG. 2a used to allow the delivery of 30 x-DSL services to a nomadic user.

  In all the figures which will be described, the same references are used to designate the same elements.

  FIG. 2a diagrams a system for accessing a high-speed data network I, by high-speed link of the x-DSL type, according to a first embodiment.

  A broadband T terminal, of the computer type for example, is associated with a first x-DSL modem 10 and with a call function from the telephone network R. An x-DSL filter is associated with the first modem 10 and makes it possible to separate the signals from the telephone traffic, that is to say from the TE telephone, from the signals from the data traffic, that is to say from a modem for example.

  The call function is preferably integrated into a second low-speed modem, with automatic dialing.

  The x-DSL filter 11 routes the signals to a so-called "active" DSL access multiplexer, referenced 35 and 15 also called A-DSLAM. This A-DSLAM is in fact an adapted conventional DSLAM access multiplexer, that is to say one comprising additional functions and interfaces.

  Finally, a server 50 for managing and allocating x-DSL ports communicates with the signaling gateway 20 40 of the telephone network, with a proxy server 62 of a service provider, or of an access provider 60 at the Internet network for example, and finally, with the active DSL access multiplexer 35.

  The call function, which can be embodied by the dialing function of the TE telephone terminal or by the low-speed modem 20 with automatic dialing, is used to transmit a request for x-DSL session establishment via the signaling network of the telephone network R. In fact, the request for establishment of 30 x-DSL session is routed, with a signaling request, to the A-DSLAM 35. The ADSLAM communicates with the signaling gateway 40 through the CAA equipment. , CTS of the telephone network R so as to retransmit this request for session establishment 35 originating from the call function.

  The call function 20, as well as the filter 11, can also be integrated with the x-DSL modem 10 so as to form a single compact housing.

  The structure of 1A-DSLAM 35 will be described in more detail below, with reference to FIGS. 3a and 3b.

  For the sake of simplification, a single broadband terminal T of a single user is shown in FIG. 2a, but of course, it should not be forgotten that several terminals of several users can be attached to the same DSL access multiplexer active 35.

  Likewise, the server 50 for managing and allocating x-DSL ports is attached to one or more broadband access servers BAS, via a proxy server 62 of a service provider, or an Internet access provider 15 60 for example, and routers not shown. This port management and allocation server 50 makes it possible to control one or more active access multiplexers 35. It dialogues with the signaling gateway 40 to examine requests for establishment of x-DSL session originating from the telephone network. It also identifies the called and calling numbers, using for example the functions ANI (from the English "Automatic Number Identification") or DNIS (from the English "Dialed Number Identification Service" [), and it processes the 25 information which reaches him in order to be able to control the A-DSLAM 35.

  At least two databases are attached to this server 50. Thus, a first database, BI, contains information on the access profile of each user attached to it, that is to say each user. the gateway 40 and the A-DSLAMs 35 which it controls. The access profile includes several indications such as the type of service to which the user has subscribed, recognizable by a service identifier for example, the point of attachment to the access network, that is to say the A-DSLAM il 2851386 on which the user depends, the type of x-DSL 10 modem of the user (ADSL, SDSL, VDSL ...), the uplink and downlink speed of the x-DSL line, the priorities of access, guaranteed debit etc ...

  The second database, B2, includes information on the state of the x-DSL ports of the A-DSLAMs 35 that the server 50 controls as well as on the state of the established sessions. Information on the status of x-DSL ports includes information on the number of 10 ports, the type of ports, the availability of ports, the speeds associated with each port, etc. Information on the status of sessions establish the start and end of each x-DSL session.

  This B2 database is updated by the BAS (s), to which the active DSL access multiplexer (s) 35 is (are) attached, via the proxy server 62, at each establishment and break of x-DSL session.

  The x-DSL session is then established, in a conventional manner, between the x-DSL modem 10 and the broadband access server BAS, via the A-DSLAM, according for example to the PPP / IP protocol, well known from the skilled person. This session, according to the PPP / IP protocol, is represented by an arrow in dotted lines in FIG. 2a.

  FIG. 2b shows diagrammatically the access system to a high-speed data network, by high-speed link, according to a second embodiment. In this second embodiment, the calling function is integrated into a low speed modem 20 with automatic dialing, also called low speed telephone modem. This modem 20 sends, 30 via the A-DSLAM 35, a signaling request to the signaling gateway 40 of the telephone network R. A narrow band access server NAS is arranged between the gateway 40 of signaling and the server 50 35 for management and port allocation. Thus, the gateway 12 2851386 transmits to the NAS access server information in particular on the calling number, as well as a request for a low-speed connection. With this information, the NAS access server can assign one of its ports to the low-speed modem 20, so as to establish a low-speed connection with this modem 20. After a synchronization phase, a direct physical link is established between the low-speed modem 20 and the NAS access server, on which the user can transmit information concerning him. This link, represented by an arrow in alternately short and long dashes in FIG. 2b, in particular allows the user to transmit to the NAS an identifier which is attached to it. The NAS then retransmits to the management and port allocation server 50 the number of the calling party, the identifier attached to the user, as well as a request for x-DSL session establishment originating from the gateway. signaling 40. The server processes the information it then receives from the NAS and controls the active DSL access multiplexer 35 to allow the creation of a high-speed connection between the 10 xDSL modem, associated with the terminal T, and the access multiplexer 35.

  The x-DSL session is then established, in a conventional manner, between the x-DSL modem 10 and the broadband access server BAS, via the A-DSLAM, according for example to the PPP / IP protocol, well known from the skilled person. This session, according to the PPP / IP protocol, is represented by an arrow in dotted lines in FIG. 2b.

  The structure and operation of the active DSL access multiplexer 35 will be better understood with regard to FIGS. 3a and 3b which schematize two embodiments. The active DSLAM, referenced 35, is highlighted in Figures 3a and 3b by the frame in dotted lines. It includes a traditional DSLAM 30 to which other functions have been associated or adapted.

  In the first embodiment shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3a, separator filters 32a, 32b ... 32N are associated respectively with each of the N x-DSL ports of the multiplexer 30, and thus make it possible to separate the telephone traffic, which is redirected to one or more switches with independent routing of CAA, data traffic of Internet type, video, TV, voice over IP etc ..., which is redirected to a data network via the broadband access server LOW.

  The distribution function, which is usually manual, has been modified and consists of a non-blocking electronic switching function 31 mxm, with m = U + N, where U represents the number of users attached to the access multiplexer, and N represents the number of 15 x DSL ports in the access multiplexer 30. This function is for example implemented by an electronic switch or by an automatic distributor, also called flexible distributor in the telecom jargon.

  A management interface 33 is furthermore provided 20 for dialoguing with the server 50 for managing and allocating the ports, and for controlling the non-blocking switching function 31 on reception of orders emanating from the management server 50.

  The electronic switch or flexible distributor 25 can be separated from the conventional DSLAM or else integrated. Likewise, as in the case of the NAS, the BAS can be integrated into 1A-DSLAM 35 before the RC collection network.

  When the user of the terminal T1 for example wishes to establish an x-DSL session, he sends a signaling request, as well as a request for x-DSL session establishment, to the signaling gateway, via the switch CAA through the automatic distributor 31, as indicated by the dotted arrow in FIG. 3a. Then the gateway 40 transmits the request for session establishment to the server 50 for managing and allocating ports, directly or through the NAS according to the embodiment chosen. The port management and allocation server 50 then sends an order to the management interface 33 of the active x-DSL access multiplexer 35 to allocate an available x-DSL port to the x-DSL modem associated with the terminal T1 The management interface 33 then controls the automatic distributor 31 to establish a high-speed x-DSL connection between the high-speed modem associated with the terminal T1 and an x-DSL port of the A10 DSLAM. This establishment of x-DSL connection is represented by the crossed arrows in the distributor 31 of FIG. 3a. Simultaneously, the first connection with the signaling gateway, or with the NAS depending on the embodiment chosen, is broken.

  In the second embodiment, shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3b, the non-blocking electronic switching function 31 is placed, no longer upstream of the separator filters 32 but between the filters 32a, 32b ... 32U and DSLAM 30. The separator filters 32a, 32b ... 32U, just as in the first embodiment, make it possible to separate the high-speed signals from the low-speed signals. These filters are U in number, U representing the number of users attached to the access multiplexer 35.

  In this case, the user of the terminal T1, for example, who wishes to establish an x-DSL session, sends a signaling request, as well as a request for x-DSL session establishment, to the signaling gateway, via the switch. CAA through a filter 32a. The signaling gateway transmits the request for establishment of an x-DSL session to the server 50 for managing and allocating ports, directly or through the NAS, depending on the embodiment chosen. The server 50 for managing and assigning ports then sends an order to the management interface 33 of the active x-DSL access multiplexer 35 to assign an available x-DSL port to the 2851386 x-DSL modem associated with the terminal. Tl. The management interface 33 then controls the non-blocking electronic switching function 31 to establish a high-speed x-DSL connection between the high-speed modem associated with the terminal Tl and a 5 x-DSL port of the A- DSLAM. This connection establishment is represented by the dotted arrow in FIG. 3b and no longer corresponds, in this case, to switching but to activation of an xDSL link on the user's line by switching a port. Pl of the DSIAM on the 10 output of the non-blocking electronic switching function 31. As in the first embodiment, this function is implemented by an electronic switch or by an automatic distributor. On the other hand, in this second embodiment, this function is U x N, where U represents the number of users attached to the multiplexer and N the number of ports P1, P2 ... PN of this multiplexer; N being much less than U, typically substantially equal to the contention ratio 1 / k of the access network.

  The advantage of this second embodiment lies in the reduction in the number of ports (U x N) of the function 31 compared to the first embodiment (m x m with m = U + N). The automatic distributor 31 can be integrated into the DSLAM 30 as well as the filters 32a ... 32U. The operation of the access system, by xDSL link, to the data network I, of the IP type for example, shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 2a and 2b will be better understood by also referring to the flow diagram of FIG. 4 which represents the steps of a method for accessing a data network, by x-DSL link.

  A user who wishes to access, from his attachment point to the access network, that is to say from the DSL access multiplexer 35 to which he is attached, within the framework of the first embodiment (FIG. 2a) or 35 from any point of attachment to the network 16 2851386 of access in the context of the second embodiment (FIG. 2b), to a high speed data network I, of the Internet, video, television, voice over IP type etc ..., with an Internet access provider 60 or a multimedia service provider 5 for example, activates the call function 20 on the telephone network. This first step 500 makes it possible to call a telephone number dedicated to at least one x-DSL broadband service.

  The signaling gateway makes it possible to identify a signaling request and a request to establish an x-DSL session (step 510). It then transmits (step 520) the request for x-DSL session establishment, with the calling number, to the server 50 for managing and allocating ports.

  The server processes the request and identifies the calling number, using for example the ANI function, as well as the attachment point to the network, that is to say ADSLAM 35 to which the calling number is attached.

  Simultaneously, the server scans the first database B1 to identify the access profile of the user attached to the calling number.

  Then, in step 530, the server consults the second database B2 to determine whether there is an xDSL port, of the A-DSLAM on which the user depends, which corresponds to the access profile of the user, in terms of type, speed, priority, quality of service etc ..., and who is available.

  If no port is available, the request is rejected (step 540) and the first connection established between the call function, that is to say the low-speed modem 20, and the gateway 40, is broken.

  If at least one port is available, for example port number yyy, then the server 50 sends an order to the management interface 33 of the A-DSLAM 35 attached to the user, for example the A-DSLAM zzz number to assign one of the ports identified to the x-DSL modem 10 associated with the user's terminal T (step 550). This order is for example in the form: "ADSLAM number zzz, allocation of port number yyy, user xxx". The order 5 having been sent, the server also controls the interruption of the first connection established with the signaling gateway 40 (step 560).

  A session, of PFP / IP type, between the x-DSL modem 10 and the broadband access server BAS, via the A-DSLAM 35 10 is then opened, in a conventional manner. Thus, in step 570, the identified port of the A-DSLAM establishes a physical connection and synchronizes with the x-DSL modem 10 associated with the user's terminal T. A PPP / IP session opening request is sent through the BAS 15 to which the A-DSLAM 35 is attached. The user then sends his username and password for authentication to his access provider. The authentication request is processed, in step 580, by a proxy server 62 of the Internet access provider which directs it, using the RADIUS protocol, to an authentication server 61 of the access provider to the Internet. The authentication server then verifies the username and password of the user.

  When the authentication is not done correctly, the establishment of the x-DSL link is refused (step 591). On the other hand, when the authentication procedure proceeds correctly, the authentication server sends back a positive response further comprising information, such as the IP address, the DNS address, etc., allowing the user to connect to a data network I.

  Upon receipt of the positive response (step 592), the BAS typically issues a ticket to indicate the opening of an x-DSL session. This ticket is also transmitted to the server 50 for managing and allocating 18 2851386 ports to allow an update of the second database B2 (step 593). This ticket is for example in the following form: A-DSLAM number zzz, port number assigned yyy, user session number xxx in progress, start of session.

  When the user logs out, he issues a ticket to indicate the end of the session. This ticket makes it possible to transmit to a counting server, such as for example the proxy server 62, information on the session of the x-DSL user (duration, volume exchanged, etc.). This information is also transmitted to the server 50 for managing and assigning ports to release the port number yyy of the A-DSLAM number zzz. For this, the server 50 for managing and assigning ports sends a break order x of the x-DSL link intended for the interface 33 for managing the ADSLAM (step 594). Simultaneously, the server updates the database B2 (step 595) by transmitting to it the information according to which the port number yyy is made available and being for example in the form: "end of session of user number xxx, session duration, port number yyy free ".

  The additional step 515 of the flow diagram of FIG. 4, the arrows of which are shown in broken lines, is implemented when the system of FIG. 2b is used. In this case, the signaling gateway does not transmit the x-DSL session establishment request directly to the port management and allocation server 50 but via a NAS access server attached to the autonomy switch CAA routing 30 on which the user depends. The NAS access server assigns one of its ports to the low-speed modem 20 associated with the user's terminal T to establish a low-speed connection with the modem. After a synchronization phase, a physical link is established and the user can transmit to the NAS an identifier which is attached to him. The NAS then transmits to the management and port allocation server 50 the request for x-DSL session establishment with the calling number and its identifier. Then, when an x-DSL port has been identified to be connected to the x-DSL modem associated with the user's terminal T, the first low-speed connection with the NAS is broken (step 565). The subsequent steps 530 to 550 and 570 to 595 are identical to those previously described.

  This second embodiment is particularly well suited to the delivery of x-DSL services to so-called nomadic users. Indeed, the transmission of the identifier to the server 50 for managing and allocating ports, prior to the allocation of a port of an A15 DSLAM to a user's x-DSL modem, allows the server 50 to management and port allocation to recognize if the user is in nomadic mode. This identifier also allows the server to find the profile of the user associated with it.

  The system of FIG. 2a, corresponding to the first embodiment, although being a priori less well adapted, also makes it possible to offer services intended for nomadic users, in particular in the case where the telephone network used is of the type digital ISDN 25 because, in this case, information, such as the identifier attached to the user, can be conveyed by the D channel at the same time as the signaling request. An example of use of this access system to allow access to a data network regardless of the DSL access multiplexer of attachment of a user, is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 5.

  A user can access the high-speed data network I from different network access points, that is to say from different geographical areas each equipped with an A-DSLAM 35, 36.

  For this, another server 70, of the personal mobility or nomadic server type, is arranged in the network and communicates with the server 50 for managing and allocating ports. This additional server 70 is intended to follow the nomadic users during their travels, that is to say during the change of attachment zone. It contains a database on the access sessions of nomadic users of the various A-DSLAMs attached to the port allocation server 50.

  There may be one or more mobility servers 70 in the network, each in connection with several management and port allocation servers 50, so that nomadic users can benefit from the nomadic service in a large managed area. by the access operator to which they are attached.

  Furthermore, the mobility server 70 can be connected to a specific network for the overall management of mobility, in a network I, of users who are attached to other access or service providers. On the other hand, the information specific to session creation in the base B2 can be communicated to a presence server, using the H323 or SIP type protocols well known to those skilled in the art, to locate the user and determine whether he can be reached for establishing an IP type connection in order to deliver voice over IP, video conference, instant messaging, etc. services.

  The user of terminal T, who wishes to access in nomadic mode whatever his location, from another access network with terminal T or T ′, to a data network, of Internet, Video type, television, voice over IP etc ..., via an access provider 60, calls a telephone number dedicated to the nomadism service by activating the call function, ie the low-speed modem 20 or 35 201 with dialing automatic, from a window 21 2851386 displayed on the screen of its terminal T or T '. In fact, whatever the terminal T or T 'from which the user connects, before the call function is activated and a first connection is established with the signaling gateway 5, a window s' displayed on the terminal screen. The opening of this window allows the user to say whether he is at home on his usual terminal T or outside his home on his transportable terminal T, of the portable personal computer or 10 pocket personal assistant type for example, or on another terminal T '. In the first case, its profile is then known and listed in the port management and allocation server 50 and the establishment of the xDSL session is done in the manner already described with reference to FIGS. 2a and 4. In the second case, when the user is not at home, the low-speed 20 'modem then dials the number dedicated to the nomadic service. The connection request is transmitted by the ADSLAM 36 to the management and port allocation server 50 via the signaling gateway 40.

  After recognition of the calling and called numbers, the server 50, in relation to the mobility server 70, identifies the request of the mobile user and of his attachment point to the access network, that is to say the 25 second A-DSLAM referenced 36 in FIG. 5. The server then consults its second database B2 to determine the availability of an x-DSL port having a nomadic access profile for establishing a connection of entry-level, that is to say a low-speed connection 30 of minimum quality, with the A-DSLAM 36 to which the user is temporarily attached. The mobility server 70 then transmits the profile of the mobile user to the management server 50. At the time of the transmission of the identifier by the user and the recognition of his profile, a network command is sent to the broadband access server BAS to adjust the profile suitable for the nomadic user. ie the speed, the quality of service, the services etc ... by the selection of a virtual router of BAS as an example. The other steps are identical to the steps of the method described with reference to FIG. 4.

  In the case where the access system according to the second embodiment is used, that is to say the system of FIG. 2b, the modem 20 ′ always calls one and the same number, whether the user is at home or traveling, and connects to the signaling gateway 40.

  The identifier attached to the user is transmitted after his connection to the NAS low-speed access server. Thanks to this identifier, the management and allocation server 50 can immediately retrieve the profile of the user either locally in its database B1, or from the mobility server 70 and assign him the appropriate x-DSL port. to his profile.

  In another application, the server 50 for managing and assigning ports can also manage port pools. A pool is then defined by a grouping of several x-DSL ports into a subset dedicated to a particular application. Thus, a pool could for example be reserved for an access provider or else for a geographical area. This management by pool makes it possible to avoid the allocation of all the ports of one or more A-DSLAMs to the same access provider or to a single geographical area for example. Such pool management can be done, for example, by assigning a special number to each subset of ports. Thus, a number will for example be assigned to a subset of 1000 ports of an ADSLAM, the subset being for example reserved for users of an Internet service provider, while a second number will be assigned to another subset of 23 2,851,386,500 ports, for example dedicated to users of another service provider.

  In this case, the management and port allocation server analyzes the called number, using for example the DNIS function, before consulting the second database B2. The consultation of the B2 base is therefore done with an additional parameter which is the called number, which limits the choice of an x-DSL port in a pool of ports dedicated to the called number. The database 10 B2 of the port management and allocation server 50 is supplemented by information on the management of the port pools at the level of each A-DSLAM.

  On the other hand, the system described according to the different embodiments can also be used so that the users can change or negotiate their service profile at the time of their request for establishment of x-DSL session. Conventionally, it is considered that the profile of a user is fixed when the latter subscribes to a service and x20 DSL access provider. Its profile can be declined according to one or more parameters such as the bit rate (up / down, symmetrical or asymmetrical), the type of ADSL, SDSL, VDSL port.

  , quality, services etc ... The speed can for example be asymmetrical of 64 kbits / 128 kbits, 128 25 kbits / 512 kbits, 128 kbits / lMbits, 64 kbits / 1.5Mbits, 256 kbits / lMbits etc ... or symmetrical 256 kbits / 256 kbits, 512 kbits / 512 kbits etc ..., the quality results in a guaranteed speed or not, the services are for example of Internet type, voice on IP, digital television, video at 30 la request etc ... Thanks to the system according to the invention, a user can connect at different times of the day to access different services and, depending on the desired service, he can modify his profile. Thus, he can make a first request in establishment of 35 x-DSL session to access the Internet with a non-guaranteed speed 24 2851386, then at another time, he can make another request to access a videoconferencing service with a guaranteed speed (symmetrical SDSL) at 256 kbits / 256 kbits and finally, during a third request for example, it can request access to a film or a television channel with a guaranteed speed (asymmetric ADSL ) at 64 kbits / 1.5 Mbits. In these different cases, the user modifies his service profile at the time of his request for x-DSL session establishment. This can be done either by a network command which adjusts the characteristics, in terms of speed, quality, type of services, etc., of the DSLAM-BAS access chain, or by assigning a dedicated port. to a determined service profile, with for example a port ADSL type 64 bit / 128 kbit speed dedicated to the Internet or voice over IP, a P2 port SDSL type guaranteed bit rate 512 kbit / 512 kbit to access videoconferencing services, a P3 port of ADSL type with guaranteed speed 64 kbits / 1.5 Mbits to access digital television or the Internet etc ... DTD: In the examples which have just been described , x-DSL sessions are all established between the x-DSL modem and an open type BAS access server. Of course, it should not be forgotten that the systems and methods described also function when the x-DSL session has to be established between the x-DSL modem and an equivalent access server to the BAS, such as for example the LNS ( from the English "L2TP Network Server") which is an access server, of the closed type, well known to those skilled in the art.

  In addition, in the examples described, the existing equipment of the network has been kept in order to avoid a significant additional cost following a modification of the network architecture. However, it will be possible in the future to envisage integrating on a same platform the functions of the server 50 for managing and allocating 35 ports with those of the signaling gateway 40.

  2851386 Thanks to the system and method according to the invention, the engineering consisting in manually and permanently connecting an xDSL port of DSLAM with a user's xDSL modem is eliminated, and the xDSL port of DSLAM 5 can be shared by multiple users over time without affecting the speed of the connection.

26 2851386

Claims (13)

  1. Access system to a broadband data network (1), by x-DSL type broadband link, 5 comprising at least one user terminal (T) associated with an x-DSL modem (10), said modem x-DSL (10) being intended to be connected to an x-DSL port of a DSL access multiplexer (35) capable of exchanging x-DSL signals with said network (1) of 10 data, characterized in that the user terminal (T) is also associated with a call function (20) of a telephone network which communicates with a signaling gateway (40), and in that the DSL access multiplexer 15 (35 ) is arranged so that it can automatically establish or delete a connection between one of its x-DSL ports and said x-DSL modem (10) on order from a management and allocation server (50) ports which communicates with said signaling gateway (40).   2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the call function (20) communicates with the signaling gateway (40) via the DSL access multiplexer (35) which carries a signaling request, as well a request for x-DSL session establishment, originating from the call function (20).   3. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the call function is integrated in a low speed modem (20) with automatic dialing.   4. System according to one of claims 1 to 3,   characterized in that a data network access server (NAS) (I) is arranged between the signaling gateway (40) and the port management and allocation server 5 (50), to allow the establishment of a low-speed connection between the low-speed modem (20) and the access server (NAS).   5. System according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the server (50) for managing and allocating ports controls several DSL access multiplexers (35, 36).   6. System according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the ports of the DSL access multiplexer (s) (35) are grouped into sub-assemblies dedicated to different applications.   7. System according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the DSL access multiplexer (35) further comprises: - a non-blocking electronic switching function (31) mxm, with m = U + N, 25 o U represents the number of users associated with the access multiplexer and N represents the number of x-DSL ports of the access multiplexer, said function being arranged upstream of N separator filters 30 (32a .. 32N), and - A management interface (33) intended to communicate with the server (50) for managing and allocating ports.   8. System according to one of claims i to 6,   characterized in that the DSL access multiplexer (35) further comprises: - a non-blocking electronic switching function 5 (31) U x N, where U represents the number of users associated with the access multiplexer and N represents the number of x-DSL ports of the access multiplexer, said function being arranged downstream of U separator filters (32a ... 32U), and - a management interface (33) intended to communicate with the server (50) management and port allocation. 9. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the non-blocking switching function (31) consists of an automatic distributor. 20. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the server (50) for managing and assigning ports comprises a first database (B1) containing information on the access profile of each user, and a second database (B2) containing information on the state of the xDSL ports of the access multiplexer (s) that he controls and on the state of the established sessions.   11. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the server (50) for managing and allocating ports is also connected to a counting server (62) which transmits to it information on the state of the x-DSL session.   12. System according to any one of the preceding claims 5, characterized in that it further comprises at least one mobility server (70) in connection with at least one server (50) for managing and allocating ports.   13.Use of the system according to one of the preceding claims, to allow access to a high-speed data network (I) regardless of the DSL access multiplexer (35, 36) of attachment.   14.A method of accessing a high-speed data network (I), by x-DSL type high-speed link, between an x-DSL modem (10) associated with a user terminal (T) and an x-DSL port a DSL access multiplexer 20 (35) capable of exchanging x-DSL signals with said data network (I), characterized in that it includes steps prior to the establishment of the x-DSL link, consisting in - establishing (500) a first low-speed connection, through a telephone network (R), by dialing a dedicated telephone number for an x-DSL data transmission service, - identifying the calling number, - identifying the multiplexer access DSL of the calling number, - identify the profile of the user associated with the calling number, 30o 2851386 - search for x-DSL ports, of the connecting access multiplexer, corresponding to said access profile of the calling user, which are available 5 to establish an x-DSL transmission session, - assign, to the calling user, an xDSL port identified among the available ports, - breaking the first connection and establishing an x-DSL transmission session between the assigned x-DSL port and the x-DSL modem associated with the calling user terminal .   15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that, at the time of the establishment of the first low-speed connection, the user transmits his identifier.   16. Method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, at the end of the session, the x-DSL port which has been allocated during the x-DSL transmission session is released.