MXPA01010775A

MXPA01010775A - Wide area communication networking

Info

Publication number: MXPA01010775A
Application number: MXPA/A/2001/010775A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Michael George Gorman; Robert Wesley Bossemeyer Jr; Michael Steven Pickard; Denise Violetta Kagan; Scott Christopher Goering; Bruce Edward Stuckman; Michael Tisiker; Jeffrey Neumann; Dale Brian Halling
Original assignee: Ameritech Corporation
Priority date: 1999-04-22
Filing date: 2001-10-22
Publication date: 2002-06-05

Abstract

A wide area communications network (500) includes a first digital subscriber line (502). A first network interface device (504) connects to the digital subscriber line (502). The first network interface device (504) separates an ISDN channel (508) from a digital subscriber channel (510). An ISDN telephone (508) is connected to the network interface device (504). A protocol translator (512) is connected to the network interface device (504) by the digital subscriber channel (510). A hub (514) is connected to the protocol translator (512). A plurality of devices (516, 518) is connected to the hub (514). A digital subscriber line access multiplexer (506) is connected to the first digital subscriber line (502). The digital subscriber line access multiplexer (506) separates the digital subscriber channel from the ISDN channel (522). A public switched telephone network (523) is connected to the ISDN channel (522). An asynchronous transfer mode network (526) is connected to the DSLAM (506) by a first virtual circuit (524) of the digital subscriber channel. An ISP (528) is connected to the DSLAM (506) by a second virtual circuit (530) of the digital subscriber channel. A LAN (532) is connected to the ATM network (526) by the first virtual circuit (524).

Description

OPERATION IN EXTENSIVE AREA COMMUNICATION NETWORK RECIPROCAL REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS The present invention relates to the following co-pending patent applications that have been assigned to the same assignee of the present invention, whose subject matter is hereby incorporated by reference thereto: 1. "Method and Apparatus for Providing a Derived Digital Telephone Voice Channel, "Serial No. 08 / 742,164, issued November 1, 1996. 2." Home Gateway System Telephony and Method, "serial No. 09/061, 1, 833, issued April 16, 1998. 3. "Telecommunication System, Method and Subscriber Unit for Use Therein," serial No. 09 / 119,094, issued July 20, 1998. 4. A00472 5. A00473 TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to telecommunication systems and more particularly to a wide area communication network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present digital subscriber line (DSL) services are connected from a subscriber location to an Internet service provider (ISP). DSL or ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) provides an extensive line of bandwidth that is ideal for communication network operation. However, DSL uses the ATM protocol (asynchronous transfer mode) to carry data over a twisted pair of copper wires. Typically, DSL is operated over the local closed circuit portion of the telephone network. ATM is a connection-oriented service and most DSL lines are installed as a permanent virtual circuit unique to an ISP. This unique permanent virtual circuit does not allow other communication applications to use the DSL line. For example, a user may want to share computer data on the DSL line without operating on the Internet. In addition, a user may want to use the DSL line for voice or facsimile data. None of those applications are allowed with the present DSL services. Thus, there is a need for a wide area communication network that can operate on DSL lines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is established with particularity in the appended claims. However, other features of the invention will become apparent and the invention will be better understood, referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a telephone network according to the present invention. Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the central station 20 of a telephone company of the figure according to the present invention. Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a telephone subscriber location 10, such as a typical home or small office according to the present invention. Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a cascaded location according to the present invention. Figure 5 shows a block diagram representation of an exemplary network operation unit according to the present invention. Figure 6 represents a block diagram of a subscriber unit according to the present invention.

Figure 7 presents a block diagram representation of a user interconnect unit according to the present invention. Figure 8 presents a perspective view of a subscriber unit according to the present invention. Figure 9 presents a perspective view of a subscriber interconnection unit according to the present invention. Figure 10 represents a block diagram representation of a converter according to the present invention. Figure 11 shows a block diagram representation of an interconnection unit according to the present invention. Figure 12 shows a block diagram representation of an interconnection unit according to with the present invention. Figure 13 presents a flowchart representation of a method according to the present invention. Figure 14 presents a flowchart representation of a method according to the present invention. Figure 15 presents a flowchart representation of a method according to the present invention. Figure 16 presents a flowchart representation of a method according to the present invention. Figure 17 shows a flow chart representation of a method according to the present invention.

Figure 18 shows a block diagram of a wide area communication network according to the present invention. Figure 19 shows a block diagram of a wide area communication network according to the present invention. Figure 20 shows a block diagram of a wide area communication network according to the present invention. Figure 21 shows a block diagram of a wide area communication network according to the present invention. Figure 22 shows a block diagram of a wide area communication network according to the present invention. Figure 23 shows a block diagram of a wide area communication network according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES The various embodiments of the present invention provide several advantages over the prior art. The modalities described here allow a small company to install a wide area communication network. This allows small businesses to transmit voice, data, facsimile, video and other data in a wide area communication network that has DSL lines. Note that Figures 1-17 describe a variety of background information about digital subscriber lines and a method of deriving a telephone line. Figures 18-23 show modalities of a wide area communication network. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a telephone network according to the present invention. Typically, subscribers of telephones 10 are serviced by analog telephone lines driven to central station 20 by a closed subscriber circuit 12 that includes twisted pairs of copper wires. A number of subscribers 14 can also be connected via a closed subscriber circuit to a remote terminal 16 which combines a number of subscribers 14 to a digital multiplexed data line 18 for transmission to the central station 20. For example, a 24-channel multiplexed T1 line in North America for data line 18. Typically, a number of central stations 20 are connected via direct trunk circuits 22 or through cascaded locations 30. Cascaded locations 30 provide trunk circuits 22 for connecting two central stations or other cascaded locations 30. The cascaded locations 30 can thus provide connections between central stations that do not have direct interconnection trunk lines. It is to be understood that telephone switching networks may have multiple levels of cascade switching or other network topological configurations. The unique characteristics of the present invention will be identified with respect to the characteristics of the components of the network and their unique configuration.

Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the central station 20 of a telephone company of Figure 1 according to the present invention. The central station 20 preferably includes a means for providing analog telephone lines, such as conventional POTS. Conventional POTS is typically controlled by the local device 23. Local telephone switching devices, such as Northern Telecom DMS-100 or Lucent No. 5 ESS are well known to those skilled in the art. In alternative modalities, a similar telephone line may be provided by a service of the Centrex type or a private branch telephone center (PBX). As is known to those skilled in the art, an analog telephone service may also be provided by a digital carrier current system, such as a carrier current T1 or another type of concentrator. In addition to the POTS service, the central station may also include a means to provide a digital data line. For example, a digital data line can be made by a digital line access multiplexer Subscriber (DSLAM) 24 for multiplexing subscriber's digital closed circuits. Digital subscriber circuits closed to the digital carrier current systems provided by the remote terminal 16 and the office terminal 25 provide digital data lines that allow the subscribers 10 (Figure 1) to transmit large amounts of digital multiplexed data traffic to through the twisted pair POTS telephone line. The subscriber digital closed loop is preferably an asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL). The ADSL typically performs a digital subscriber line with a maximum data rate of the central station 20 to the subscriber 10 which is higher than the maximum available data rate of the subscriber 10 to the central station 20. For example, the ADSL typically provides an asymmetric data rate of 1.5 megabits per second (mbs) to the subscriber from the central station and approximately 400 kilobits per second (kbs) from the subscriber's location to the central station. Most preferably, the ADSL supplements a protocol for transmission of ATM data between the subscriber 10 (Figure 1) and the central station 20. Of course, other types of protocols can be used for data transmission. In alternative modalities, the digital data line can be provided by other types of digital systems. carrier current, such as a digital system based on a SONET (synchronous optical network). As shown in Fig. 2, the closed-loop subscriber pairs 12 which transmit the traffic of both analogue and digital data from the subscribers 10 to the central station 20 are terminated in a main distribution frame (MDF) 26. From MDF 26, closed subscriber circuits 12 are connected to a means for separating the vocal frequencies of POTS 32 from digital data traffic 34 such as a divider 28, for example. Preferably, the divider 28 is realized by the DSLAM 24. The internal operation of the divider 28 will be described, later in more detail in relation to a divider to the subscriber 10. The divider 28 preferably has two inputs: One for the POTS signals and another for data traffic. From the splitter 28 the separate POTS 32 speech signals connected back to the MDF26 and the local switching device 23 which controls the POTS telephone calls. The data traffic output of the divider 28 is directed to the DSLAM 24 to multiplex the digital data to a suitable format for transporting in a data network 40. Preferably, the DSLAM 24 multiplexes and packs several digital data lines with lower speed of data. signal to a SONET OC-3 or a speed signal DS-1 that is transmitted by a fiber optic network. Depending on the data network 40, the DSLAM 24 can operate at higher bit rates, such as those appropriate for the SONET OC-12. It should be understood that the data network 40 can be of many different topological configurations. Preferably, the data network 40 is connected to a cascaded location 30 to allow access to other central stations. In the case of closed subscriber circuits which are connected to the central station through a digital closed loop carrier current system (i.e. a remote terminal 16 and an office terminal 25) the DSLAM 24 and the divider 28 are placed preferably in the remote terminal 16. The data and speech signals are separated with the divider 28 as described above. The speech signals are transmitted in the digital closed loop carrier current system to the office terminal 25 where they are connected through the MDF 26 to the local circuit switch 23. Preferably, the data signals are transmitted in a separate frame of fiber optic or SONET in the carrier current system, so that they can be easily separated from the speech signals in the office terminal 25. These signals are transmitted from the office terminal to the data network 40. Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a telephone subscriber location 10, such as a typical home or a small office in accordance with the present invention. A network interconnect device (NID) 41 connects the subscriber to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). The subscriber's closed circuit 12 between the subscriber 10 and the central station 20 is terminated at the NID 41. The customer premises equipment (CPE) such as a regular telephone set 52 or other CPE equipment such as a basic system, PBX or network of computers 56 for accessing the PSTN is connected to the IND 41. Vocal signals from a analog telephone line 53 and data signals from a data line are typically transmitted., to the subscriber 10 in the same pair of subscribers 12. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the NID 41 includes a means for separating the speech frequency signals from the data signals. Preferably, a splitter 44 separates the speech frequency signals from the data traffic that share the wireframe pair of the subscriber loop 12. For example, to separate POTS from the data traffic, the splitter 44 typically includes a high pass filter 46 and a low-pass filter 48. To separate the speech signals from POTS, the low-pass filter 48 blocks the high-frequency signals, for example the signals above 5 kHz, by passing only the signals of lower vocal frequencies in a closed circuit of CPE POTS 50. The vocal signals in the closed circuit of CPE POTS 50 are connected to the regular telephone 52, such as the Bell 500 apparatus that provides conventional POTS service. It should be noted that a conventional computer modem can also use the conventional closed circuit of CPE POTS 50. To recover the data traffic, the high pass filter 46 blocks the low frequency signals, for example the signals below 5 kHz , leaving only the high frequency data traffic signals to be emitted in a separate closed circuit of the CPE 56 data network. The closed circuit of the CPE 56 data network is connected to the CPE equipped to give access to the data traffic , for example a network of personal computers. In the preferred embodiment, the CPE data network 56 performs an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network. Each of the personal computers 58 is equipped with an ATM network interconnect (NIC) card to allow the computer to access the CPE 56 data network. The NIC 41 also preferably includes data segmentation and reassembly capability ( SAR) to pack data for transmission in the data network 56. Of course, other types of computer networks, such as an Ethernet network, can also be applied. Preferably; the CPE data network 56 is also equipped with one or more digital telephones 60 capable of interconnecting the data network 56 to enable a subscriber to establish a voice telephone call in the CPE data network 56. For example; a digital telephone 60 can be made with one of the personal computers 58 in the data network 56 by adding a telephone microphone and an appropriate NIC with the telephony functions. The telephone microphone transmits and receives analogue vocal signals similar to a conventional telephone microphone. The computer and the NIC provide SAR capability to convert the analog voice to a stream of digital packets for transmission in the CPE data network 56. The data network 56 also transmits the basic telephony signaling functions. One such system capable of providing such a digital telephone is a telephone system based on the ATM network of Sphere Communications in Lake Bluff, Illinois. Using the CPE data network 56, the subscriber 10 can establish a voice call using a telephone line derived from the digital data line. The POTS service operates as usual in the POTS 50 cabling to provide regular telephone service, such as a telephone line that transmits analog voice signals in addition, the data network 56 with digital telephone 60 also has the ability to establish vowel telephone calls. using one or more derived speech lines made through the data network, as will be explained below in more detail. Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a cascaded location according to the present invention local switch 70 of class 5 typically connects local subscriber loops to the telephone network while a separate cascaded voice switch (not shown) provides conventional circuit-switched connections for directing POTS traffic between the central stations 20 (Figure 1) of the PSTN. Local switches, such as the Lucent 5 ESS and the Nortel DMS 100, and the cascaded voice switches, such as the Lucent 4 ESS and the Nortel DMS 250, are well known to those skilled in the art. In comparison, the means for providing data access to the data networks is preferably a packet switch that controls the traffic of digital data. For example, a cascade switch for data access 72 provides access to data networks that transmit digital data traffic. Preferably, the data networks are equipped to accept connections switched by ATM packets. The cascade switch for data access is an ATM structure switch configured to provide on-demand virtual connections between end users and providers of networks and data services. The cascade switch for data access 72 can connect the end users with various network service providers (NSPs), such as UUNet, MCI, Sprintnet and AADS (Amehtch Advanced Data Services). The cascaded location 30 may also include to interconnect the cascade switch for data access 72 and that of class 5. For example, the interconnect unit (IWU) 74 may perform an interconnection between the cascade switch for data access 72 and the switch of class 5 of the PSTN. The IWU 74 is capable of converting a voice telephone call into the cascade switch data network protocol for data access 72 to the protocol for circuit switch 1 of switch 70 of class 5. Preferably, IWU 74 interconnects a data stream of ATM packets to a multiplexed protocol for circuit switch with dynamic distribution of voice channels, such as TR-303. Figure 5 presents a block diagram representation of an exemplary interconnection unit according to the present invention. In particular, the IWU 74 performs the SAR 76 of the voice data from an ATM flow to an analogous speech signal. The voice signal is then converted to the data protocol, such as a TR-303 protocol. More preferably, as seen in Figure 4, the IWU 74 converts the packaged vocal flows of ATM to a digital PCM format. It should be noted that the local switch 70 may also be directly connected to the cascade switch for data access 72 without the interconnection of IWU 74. The digital switches of the most recent generation may be able to interconnect directly with the transfer protocol of the latter. data from the cascade switch for data access 72. For example, recent generation circuit switches can directly accept an ATM data flow pair to switch to the PSTN without the need for an IWU. Although the TR-303 protocol is described above, other protocols according to the present invention can also be used. In particular, other protocols, including a PRI protocol, a TR-08 protocol or a TR-57 protocol, could also be used within the scope of the present invention. With the system of Figures 1-5, a derivative voice telephone line can be made and used, using the data network, together with the methods and systems that follow. A subscriber establishes a digital voice call similar to an ordinary telephone call, using the digital telephone 60 of Figure 3. The SAR and A / D function of the digital telephone 60 converts the subscriber's analogue vocal signals to a packetized flow of digital data. for transporting them in the subscriber data network 56. Preferably, the packetized stream of digital data is in ATM format. The subscriber data network 56 transmits the derived stream of telephone line data to the high frequency portion 55 of the DSL dedicated to digital communications. Next, the high frequency portion 55 of the DSL is combined with the low frequency portion 53 of the DSL in the subscriber closed circuit 12 in which it is transported to the central station 20. Note: the derived telephone line uses the portion of digital data 55 to the subscriber data network 56, leaving available the portion of lower frequencies for analog voice telephone calls. At the central station 20 shown in Figure 2, the splitter 28 separates the derived stream of telephone line data from the POTS traffic. The derived stream of telephone line data is multiplexed by the DSLAM 24 together with several data streams or flows derived from telephone line data from other subscribers. For example, the DSLAM 24 may combine data streams from a number of different subscribers with a higher speed digital signal, such as a DS-3 or OC-3 signal. The telephone line data stream is then transmitted in the data network 40 to the cascaded location 30. In the cascaded location 30 shown in Figure 4, the derived telephone and data line sessions are switched by the switch in cascade for data access 72. Preferably, data sessions to an NSP are switched directly by the cascade switch for data access 72 to the desired NSP without entering the PSTN. For voice calls that must enter the PSTN, the cascade switch for data access 72 directs the flows derived from telephone line data to the IWU 74. The IWU 74 preferably converts the derived stream of telephone line data to a speech signal in a TR-303 format that can be switched by telephone switch 70 of class 5. By means of switch 70 of class 5, the derived voice call enters the PSTN and is switched as a POTS call. If needed, a separate cascade switch establishes a circuit connection to the desired central station 20. Figure 6 represents a block diagram of a subscriber unit according to the present invention. In particular, a subscriber unit 100 allows connection to a public switched telephone network.

The public switched telephone network has at least one switch and at least one digital subscriber line 102, as described in Figures 1-5, in communication with the switch. In accordance with the present invention, the subscriber unit 100 is operable to send and receive voice calls in the public switched telephone network. Although the various embodiments of the present invention have been described in connection with a public switched telephone network, these embodiments could be similarly applicable to voice communications in other communication networks. In particular, telephone calls may be transmitted, within the scope of the present invention, using a communication network, such as the Internet as a means of transport for at least a portion of a call. In these embodiments of the present invention, the functionality of an analog local switch or a digital switch could be performed by a server or router corresponding to a local Internet service provider or could include an IP (Internet protocol) access in combination with a central station switch. In addition, the switch of the present invention could be a central station circuit switch or a packet switch, depending on the nature of the network. The subscriber unit 100 includes a subscriber line interconnection digital unit 104 that receives a plurality of data packets from the subscriber line 102 and identifies those selected from a plurality of received data packets corresponding to a stream of data. data received from a first derivative digital telephone. The subscriber unit 100 is further operable to transmit, through the digital subscriber line, a plurality of transmitted data packets corresponding to a data stream transmitted from the first derived digital telephone line. In one embodiment of the present invention, the data packets are formatted according to the protocol of the asynchronous transfer mode (ATM). In addition, a hierarchical protocol structure including, for example, an Ethernet protocol transmitted by ATN or an Internet protocol (IP), such as a TCP / IP transmitted by ATM could also be used. However, other packet data protocols and hierarchical structures and combinations could also be realized within the scope of the invention The packets received by the subscriber unit 100, intended to be received by the subscriber unit 100, include a address, compatible with the protocol or the particular protocols used to format the data packets, which corresponds either to the subscriber unit 100 or to a corresponding subscriber In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in which an IP is used, the data packets addressed to the subscriber unit 100 could be identified, based on a particular IP node address or URL corresponding to either the particular subscriber unit 100 or a particular subscriber, using the subscriber unit 100. Alternatively , an ATM address could be used for the same purpose in an ATM protocol configuration. ripper 100 further includes an encoder / decoder 106. The decoder / decoder 106 receives the transmitted data stream from the analog to digital converter (A / D) 108 and encodes the data stream transmitted to the plurality of transmitted data packets. The encoder / decoder 106 also receives the plurality of data packets received from the digital subscriber line interconnection unit 104 and decodes the plurality of received data packets to a stream of received data to be transmitted to the digital converter. analog (D / A) 110 through line 122. Analog to digital converter 108 converts a transmitted analog signal from user interconnection unit 112 to the transmitted data stream. The digital to analog converter 110 converts the received data stream to a received analog signal for transmission to the user interconnection unit 112 through line 124. In this way, the digital subscriber line interconnection unit 104, the decoder / decoder 106, the A / D converter 108 and the D / A converter 110 operate in harmony to send and receive basic telephony signaling between the digital subscriber line 102 and a user interconnection unit 112. This user interconnection unit 112 provides the basic functionality of a regular analog telephone set. In particular, the user interconnection unit 112 provides an interconnection to a user of the subscriber unit and, at a minimum, generates the transmitted analog signal sent to the A / D converter 108 and generates an acoustic signal based at least on a portion of the analog signal received. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a direct data path 114 is provided to communicate with the user interface unit 112. This data path could drive the flow of transmitted data, the stream of received data or both. In embodiments of the present invention in which the user interface unit 112 includes a processor, the data path 114 is advantageous to allow digital communication without the need for conversion to analog data and then back to digital. Figure 7 shows a block diagram representation of a user interface unit according to the present invention. In particular, the user interconnection 112 of Figure 6 is shown in more detail, according to several alternative modalities. The user interface unit 112 optionally includes a wire telephone converter μA / wire μB 125 which converts the line of analog signals 122 of the D / A converter 110 so that it appears as a typical wire pair μA / wire μB 127 to the unit telephone line interconnection 120. In particular, the wire transducer μA / wire μB 125 adds a voltage derivation and provides any necessary generation or conversion of the signal levels from line 122 to appear as a regular analog telephone line, even though analog signals, such as voice and ring signals through line 122, were transported in a packet data line. In various embodiments of the present invention, the functionality of the D / A converter 110, the A / D converter 108 and the wire transducer μA wire μB performs the functions of a line card used in conjunction with a digital central station switch. The optional telephone line interconnection unit 120 provides an interconnection between the processor 126 and the wire feeder μA / wire μB 125, converting the basic telephony signals such as hang, off-hook and ring signals to be detected by the processor or generated the string processor μA / wire μB 127. In this mode, the numeric keypad 134 is also coupled with the tone generator DTMF 128, the switch hook 132, the alert signal generator 130 and the telephone microphone 140, at the same yarn μA / wire μB 127 to respond directly to the basic telephony signals, and / or to generate them, driven by the wire pair μA / wire μB 127 in a manner familiar to those skilled in the art. Although the present invention including a switch hook is described, other similar devices, including a flash key or a reception button, could also be used within the scope of the present invention. However, the processor 126, including a plurality of interconnection terminals (not specifically shown) and the general memory 144, is also capable of responding to basic telephony signals and / or generating them directly, in a similar manner. In this way, marked numbers can be recorded and stored for purposes of redialing or speed dialing, conditions can be detected that require distinctive ringing patterns and distinctive ringing can be generated, stored voice signals can be generated and signals can be analyzed received vowels, and hanging and off-hook signage can be generated, without the use of the switch hook. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the functionality supplied by the μA / wire yarn converter μB 125 and the telephone interconnection unit 120 could be replaced or impersonated by direct digital connection 114 to the processor 126. The plurality of interconnecting terminals ( not specifically shown) of the processor 126 could provide the appropriate conversion from the analogous devices, such as the keypad 134 and the DTMF tone generator 128, the switch hook 132, the alert signal generator 130 and the telephone microphone 140. In various embodiments of the present invention, the user interconnect unit advantageously includes a display unit. In several embodiments, this display unit is a liquid crystal display (LCD) capable of displaying information related to incoming and outgoing calls to send and also control information for the operation of the subscriber unit. In particular, a user graphical interconnect (GUI) is performed to operate the telephone, using the processor 126, the display device 136 and the additional keys 138.

In a further embodiment of the present invention the keys are distributed adjacent to the display unit, the plurality of keys operable by the user to activate the selected ones of a plurality of call control options, displayed on the display device adjacent thereto. In this way, a plurality of call control options, such as call transfer, retention, redial, conferences, activation, speed dialing, hands-free, line release, line selection, etc., can be performed by a user by presenting a menu of commands and pressing the key adjacent to the command displayed on the display device. The display device 136 is also capable of displaying a plurality of data related to an outgoing call, for example, by monitoring the digits dialed by the user and displaying the destination telephone number reflected by these digits. The processor is further operable to time the call duration from the time the telephone line is off-hook and displaying the duration on the display device 136. The call memory 142 is available to store the plurality of data related to an outgoing call. for a plurality of outgoing calls. This data can be retrieved and reviewed by the user and transferred to an external device coupled to the suscpptor unit through the data interconnection unit 152. The processor 126 is also capable of receiving and encoding identification data of the caller. related to the identity of a calling subscriber and the display unit is capable of displaying a plurality of data related to an incoming call. In this way, the caller ID signals received during the silent interval between the first and second rings of an incoming telephone call can be decoded and displayed to the user before the corresponding line is considered off-hook. Similarly, for a suscpptor to a caller ID and retention service that is busy in a first conversation with a first caller, the processor 126 can receive information about the caller ID corresponding to the second caller. It calls and displays it to a user to determine if the first caller should be placed on hold and the second call should be answered. Additionally, the call layout characteristics corresponding to a caller ID or a call hold could also be made, using the display and the keys of the keypad 134 or the additional keys 138. The call memory 142 it is also available to store a plurality of data related to an incoming call for a plurality of incoming calls, The plurality of data related to the incoming call includes information about the caller's ID, the duration of the call (if completed) the call), indicating the data if the incoming call includes a facsimile message. In this embodiment of the present invention, the stored data can be retrieved and viewed or transferred, as discussed above in relation to outgoing call data. Although many of the preceding discussions have considered single-line access in various embodiments of the present invention, the subscriber unit 100 is capable of monitoring and accessing multiple telephone lines, at least one of which is a telephone line digital derivative. In these embodiments, the display device 136 is capable of displaying the status of a plurality of lines and the user is able to access and establish calls on any of a plurality of lines. In addition, the suscpptor unit 100, by using the processor 126 and in response to a signal generated by the user interconnect unit and in response to a user action is able to initiate a connection to a remote central station in one or more digital telephone lines derived transmitted by the digital subscriber line. In this embodiment of the present invention, the processor 126, coupled to the encoder / decoder 106 and the digital subscriber line interconnection 104, is capable of accepting data corresponding to a second digital telephone line derived in addition to a first digital derived telephone line and the processor 126 is also capable of monitor the state of the second digital derivative telephone line. More generally, the subscriber unit 100, in response to a signal generated by the user interconnection unit 112 in response to a user action, is capable of initiating up to N additional digital derivative telephone lines, in which N is greater than 2. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the user interface unit 112 further comprises an intelligent card interconnect unit 146 capable of accepting and communicating with a smart card (not specifically shown). Preferably, the smart card interconnect unit 146 is compatible with PCMCIA standards and can accept any of a wide variety of such smart cards. In one such embodiment, the smart card inserted into the smart card interconnect unit 146 stores a plurality of data associated with the user, the processor 126 being capable of transferring a plurality of smart card data from a smart card, so that the use of the suscpptor 100 unit can be customized for the particular user. In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of smart card data includes a protocol address, such as an IP node address or an ATM address, corresponding to the user. In addition, the address of the telephone could be changed or canceled by the address of the user transferred by the smart card so that calls directed to the user could be sent to the particular subscriber unit 100 in a derived digital telephone line. Once the data has been transferred from the smart card, the subscriber unit can automatically register the presence of the subscriber at the location of the particular subscriber unit 100, by sending a data message to the remote central station through the line digital subscriber Alternatively, the registration of the presence of the user in the particular subscriber unit 100 containing the smart card could optionally be performed, only with the activation of the user either in response to an inquiry by the suscpptor unit, for example in response to a message displayed on the display device 136 or by the user's action in the absence of such an inquiry. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the smart card data contains either other personal user options, including options set by the client or command for the subscriber converter. These set-up or command options include device macros to perform a series of commands on the subscriber unit by touching a single button and could also include a speed dial list of a user. In another embodiment of the present invention, the user interface unit 112 further includes a keyboard 150, the subscriber unit being capable of communicating with a first data service through the digital subscriber closed circuit. In this way, subscriber unit 100 can operate as a PC or network computer to access data service, such as Internet services or the global network from subscriber unit 100. In such modality, communication with the first data service through the digital closed-loop subscriber could use data packets that do not correspond to a digital derivative telephone line. However, one or more derived digital lines could be used, however, for this purpose. In this modality, the user interconnect unit 112 further includes a display actuator 148 for driving a remote display device. In an application in which communicating with a first data service the device driver 148 allows the use of a larger display than could be integrated in the subscriber unit itself. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the subscriber unit 100 specifically includes the functionality of a fax modem. In this way the subscriber unit 100 is operable to send or receive a plurality of messages by fax. In this embodiment, a received fax message or a fax message to be sent to the subscriber unit or the same could be communicated using the data interconnect unit 152 in combination with a document scanner or a printer or other specific device. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the subscriber unit, under the control of the processor 126, performs the functionality of an answering machine in which greetings are stored and reproduced to incoming callers and messages of callers are stored in a memory device, such as a general memory 144. Figure 8 represents a perspective view of a subscriber unit according to the present invention. In particular, a subscriber unit 100 is presented incorporating the various features and options presented in connection with the descriptions of Figure 6 and Figure 7. Housing I60 includes an integral display device 136, a numeric keypad 134 and a telephone microphone 140. The additional keys 138 (which are not adjacent to the display device 136) provide access to advanced features and controls of the subscriber unit 100. The smart card slot 162 corresponds to the smart card interconnect unit 146 disposed within the housing . The display device socket 166 is coupled to the display actuator 148 within the housing 160 and the data interconnect socket 164 is coupled to the data interconnect unit 152 also disposed within the housing 160. Figure 9 presents a view in perspective of a subscriber interconnection unit according to the present invention. In particular, Figure 9 presents an interconnection unit for use in a telecommunication system, which includes a switch, a local closed circuit that couples the switch to a subscriber location. In this embodiment, a local closed circuit segment includes a twisted pair of copper and the asymmetric digital subscriber line is driven by the local closed circuit. In addition, the asymmetric digital subscriber line drives a plurality of derived digital telephone lines, as described in connection with Figures 1-5. The subscriber interconnection unit of Figure 9 advantageously couples the asymmetric digital subscriber line to a landline analog telephone. The subscriber interconnect unit 180 includes a housing 182 having an upper surface 184 and a lower surface 186 substantially coplanar to the upper surface. An electrical coupler 188 provides a connection to a cable capable of driving the asymmetric digital subscriber line. An RJ-11 190 female jack provides a connection to an analog telephone cable (not specifically shown). A converter 200, arranged inside the housing, coupled to the electrical coupler 188 and the RJ-11 socket 190, converts the first analog signals generated by the analog telephone to a first plurality of data packets for transmission to a selected one of a plurality of data sets. derivative digital telephone lines u and converts a second plurality of data packets received from the selected one of a plurality of digital telephone lines derived to a second analog signal for transmission to the analog telephone. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the subscriber interconnection unit 180 includes several optional features that correspond to the features described in relation to the subscriber unit 100. The components that are common to the subscriber unit 100 are assigned common reference numbers. In addition, the subscriber unit 180 includes a first indented portion 192 of the upper surface 184 for accepting the analog telephone in addition to the same. A plurality of anti-slip feet is coupled to the infeed surface 186 of the housing 182. Although the RJ-11 190 female jack is shown for coupling to the analogue landline phone many other electrical connections are possible, including other plug and socket combinations, within the scope of this embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention the digital subscriber line is driven by regular telephone wiring within a home. In this embodiment, the electric coupler 188 is also made, using a RJ-11 socket, however, as the RJ-11 I90 socket, other electrical connection options are possible within the extensive scope of the present invention. Figure 10 shows a block diagram representation of a converter according to the present invention. In particular, the converter 200 for use with the subscriber interconnection unit 180 of FIG. 9 is presented. The digital subscriber line 102 is connected to the electrical coupler 188. The components that are common to the subscriber unit 100 are assigns common reference numbers. The converter 200 operates in a manner similar to the subscriber unit 100, however, some of the components of the subscriber unit 100 are supplied by a landline analog telephone that is connected to the unit. In other words, the functionality of the user interface unit 112 is provided by the interconnection unit 202 in combination with the analogue landline telephone. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "subscriber unit" should include the various modalities of the subscriber unit 100, as well as the various modalities of the subscriber interconnection unit 180 in combination with an analog landline telephone. in accordance with the present invention, a multi-line analog telephone may be coupled to the subscriber interconnect unit 180. Similarly to the subscriber unit 100, the subscriber interconnect unit 180 combination and the line analog telephone terrestrial and multiple lines is able to access and monitor the plurality of telephone lines and is also capable of selecting one of the plurality of telephone lines to make a voice call. The converter 200 is also capable of converting a third plurality of data packets received from an additional one of the plurality of digital telephone lines derived to a third analogous signal for transmitting it to the analog telephone. Figure 11 shows a block diagram representation of an interconnection unit according to the present invention. In particular, a user interconnection unit for use according to another embodiment of the converter 200 of FIG. 10 is shown. The lines 122 and 124 from the A / D converter 108 and the D / A converter 110 are coupled to the wire converter. μA / wire μB 125, as described in connection with various modes of the subscriber unit 100. The output 204 appears as a regular tip and ring pair to the analogue landline telephone.

The user interconnection unit 202 of FIG. 11 exhibits minimal functionality. It may be convenient to include additional functions for the subscriber interconnection unit 180. In particular, many of the additional functions described in connection with the subscriber unit 100 may also be included in a subscriber interconnection unit 202 in accordance with the present invention. Although the subscriber interconnect unit 180 of FIG. 9 does not exhibit each of these additional functions, these functions can nonetheless be included, as described in connection with an alternative embodiment for the interconnection unit 202 presented in FIG. 12. Figure 12 shows a block diagram representation of an interconnection unit according to the present invention. In particular, an alternative embodiment of the interconnection 202 designated by the reference number 202 'is presented. In this embodiment, numerous features of the subscriber unit 100 are included. Common reference numbers are assigned to the components that are common to the subscriber unit. The output 204 of the wire feeder μA / wire μB 125 is coupled to the analogue landline telephone as well as to the telephone line interconnection unit 120. The processor 126, the display device 136, the additional keys 138, call memory 142, the general memory 144, the smart card exchange unit 146, the display driver 148, the keyboard 150 and the data interconnect unit 152 operate as previously described in relation to the user interface unit 112. FIG. 13 presents a flowchart representation of a method according to the present invention. In particular, a method for initiating a call for use with various modalities of the subscriber unit or the various modalities of the subscriber interconnection unit 180 in combination with a landline analog telephone is presented. The method begins at step 300 by receiving a hook-off signal, generated by the subscriber unit in response to an action by a user. In one embodiment of the present invention this signal would be generated with the switch hook of a subscriber unit responding to the telephone microphone that is being picked up. In other embodiments, a hang-up signal could be generated by the user by selecting an additional key of the subscriber unit, such as a "hands-free" key to initiate a call, using a speaker microphone function of the subscriber unit or a "send" key commonly used by cell phones to initiate a call. The method continues in step 302 by initiating a first digital telephone line derived from the plurality of digital telephone lines derived in response to the off-hook signal. In particular, the off-hook signal is converted to data in a transmitted data stream that is converted to a transmitted data packet that is transmitted along the digital subscriber line to a switch via an interconnect unit. This begins a data packet exchange between the switch and the subscriber unit that drives the basic telephony signals that correspond to the derived digital telephone line. In one embodiment of the present invention, the data packet is routed to an interconnection unit where it is converted to the signaling protocol to interconnect the switch. Figure 14 presents a flowchart representation of a method according to the present invention. In particular, a method for initiating and terminating a call for use with various modalities of the subscriber unit 100 or the various modalities of the subscriber interconnect unit 180 in combination with a landline analog telephone is presented. Steps 300 and 302 proceed as described in relation to the method described with respect to Figure 12. The method continues in step 304 by generating a line signal in use., in the subscriber unit, indicating that a first derivative digital telephone line is in use. In step 306, a visual indicator is generated in the subscriber unit in response to the line signal in use. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the visual indicator includes a display, on the display device 136, of the destination telephone number and the duration of the call. Optionally, the visual representation includes an indicator of a number assigned to the derived digital line. Thus, in a multi-line configuration, a visual designator, such as "line 1" may also be represented. The method continues in step 308 monitoring in the subscriber unit, the content of at least one of the plurality of data packets of the digital subscriber line. In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the incoming packets is continuously monitored by the subscriber unit to determine if any of the plurality of incoming data packets has an address corresponding to the subscriber unit. If so, the data payload of each such packet is transformed to the received data stream for transfer to the user interconnect unit to make the call. Further. The flow of transmitted data would be converted to a plurality of data packets directed to the switch. In step 310, a hang signal is received, generated by the subscriber unit in response to an action by a user. In one embodiment of the present invention this signal would be generated by a switch hook of a subscriber unit that responds to the telephone microphone that is hanging. In other embodiments, a hang signal could be generated by the user by selecting an additional key of the subscriber unit such as a "line release" key used to end a call, using a speaker microphone function of the unit. subscriber. In step 312, the derived digital telephone line is terminated in response to the hang signal. In particular, the call is terminated when the hang signal is transmitted to the switch and the subscriber unit stops creating a stream of transmitted data and transmitted data packets. The exchange of data packets between the switch and the subscriber unit corresponding to the derived digital telephone line ends. In step 314, the visual representation indicating the line is terminated, with the termination of the call. Figure 15 presents a flowchart representation of a method according to the present invention. In particular, a method for responding to an incoming call for use with various modes of the subscriber unit 100 or the various modes of the subscriber interconnect unit 180 in combination with a landline analog telephone is presented. One skilled in the art will recognize, based on the disclosure herein, that this method can be used in conjunction with other methods of the present invention described herein. The method begins at step 320 by monitoring the content of at least one data packet to detect an incoming call. As discussed previously, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the monitoring step is performed continuously. Prior to the initiation of an outgoing call or the receipt of an incoming call, the monitoring step is important both for the detection of the use of other derived digital lines and for the detection of an incoming call for the particular unit of the subscriber. During a call, the monitoring step is important for the identification data packets that correspond to the call in progress. The method continues in step 322 determining whether the received packet indicates an incoming call. After carrying a data packet addressed to the particular unit of the subscriber, the data portion of the packet or a stream of received data is transferred - the data indicating a ring signal from the central station. In response, the method initiates the ringing as shown in step 324. In step 326, the caller ID information is decoded, i.e., transmitted, in a preferred mode, between the silence interval and the first one. and the second ringing signal is displayed on the display device and stored in a call memory. The method continues in step 328 to determine if a off-hook signal has been received. An off-hook signal has been received, the call is made in step 330 by continuously sending and receiving data packets corresponding to a derived digital telephone line between the subscriber unit and the central station during the course of the call. In step 332, a line signal in use is generated in response to the off-hook signal and step 334 a visual indicator is generated and the user is visualized, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this visual indicator includes the duration of the call and the data received from the caller's ID. The visual indicator may optionally include a line designator that indicates the line number of the line in use. In step 336, the method proceeds by determining whether a hang signal has been generated in response to a user action, in step 338, in response to the detection of a hang signal the digital derivative line is terminated. The method continues by returning to step 320 and continuing to monitor the content of the incoming data packets for the initiation of an incoming call. In a traditional embodiment of the present invention when the remote party engaged in a telephone call on the derived digital telephone line hangs, the subscriber unit generates a hang signal a predetermined time later to end the line in cases in which the party remote to hung. Figure 16 presents a representation in the flow branch of a method according to the present invention. In particular, a method for indicating the use of a digital telephone line derived by another subscriber unit for use with various modes of the subscriber unit 100 or the various modes of subscriber interconnect unit 180 in combination with an analog telephone is presented. of landline. One skilled in the art will recognize, based on the present disclosure, that this method can be used in conjunction with the other methods of the present invention described herein. The method begins at monitored step 340, at the subscriber unit, the content of at least a plurality of data packets corresponding to the digital subscriber line. The method continues in step 342 determining that a first derived digital telephone line is in use, based on the content of at least one of the plurality of data packets. In this embodiment of the present invention, the subscriber unit monitors the traffic of the data packets to determine the presence of incoming and outgoing calls by other units of the subscriber they share, to the same digital subscriber line. In such modality, the addresses of the other subscriber units in the particular subscriber unit of interest are recorded, so that the packets addressed to the other subscriber units can be read. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, all incoming data packets are monitored for the presence of basic telephony signals to determine if other derived digital telephone lines are in use. In step 344, a line signal in use is generated in the subscriber unit, indicating that a first derived digital telephone line is in use. This line signal in use in the subscriber unit can be used to display information in the state of one or more additional lines that are used by other subscriber units connected to the same subscriber's digital line. In operation, the present invention allows a plurality of subscriber units to be advantageously connected to a single subscriber line. The nature of the digitally derived telephone line allows additional telephone lines to be added upon request up to the limits of the subscriber's digital closed-loop bandwidth. All of these lines can be monitored and accessed by a single subscriber unit connected to the digital subscriber line. The subscriber unit of the present invention is capable of performing the advanced features of a multi-line Centrex-based system without the need for additional technical support. For example, the subscriber unit can make three-way calls, call transfers, call activation, call retention, etc. Figure 17 shows a representation in the flow branch of a method according to the present invention. In particular, a more detailed method is presented for indicating the use of a digitally derived telephone line by another subscriber unit, for use with various modalities of the subscriber unit 100 or the various modes of the interconnection unit of the subscriber 180 in combination with an analog landline phone. One skilled in the art will recognize, based on the disclosure herein, that this method can be used in conjunction with the other methods of the present invention described herein. Steps 340, 342 and 344 correspond to similar steps presented in relation to Figure 16. Step 346 continues to generate a visual indicator in response to the line signal in use. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this visual indicator includes the duration of the call, the data received from the caller's ID. The visual indicator also includes a line designator that indicates the number of lines in the line in use. In step 348, it receives a signal to add a line, generated in response to an action by the user. In one embodiment of the present invention, this signal is generated by a off-hook signal in which the line is currently in use. In this way, the subscriber unit stops adding a new line instead of adding the user to a call on an existing line when the handset is being lifted during a period when another derived digital telephone line is in use. In this mode, an existing call would have access from a user by pressing another key, such as a programmable key, adjacent to the portion of the display indicating that a call is in progress. In an alternative mode, the functions could be reversed and a hang-up signal would stop joining or an existing call and an additional key could be used to generate a signal to add a line. The method continues in step 350 by initiating a second derived digital line by establishing bidirectional communication of packet data with the central local office. The optional steps 352 and 354 correspond to the reception of a retention signal generated by the action of the user, such as pressing a retention button and putting the second derivative digital line in "retention". The optional steps 356 and 358 correspond to the reception of a signal based on the action of a user indicating one of a plurality of derived digital lines that are currently active and having access to a corresponding one of the plurality of derived digital lines. In step 360, a hang signal is received and the step 362 terminates the second digital line derived in response to the hang signal. These steps are similar in general outline to the steps described in relation to the methods of Figures 14 and 15. Figure 18 represents a block diagram of a wide area communication network 500 according to the present invention. The network 500 has a first digital subscriber line 502 connected between the first network interconnect device (NID) 504 and the subscriber digital line access multiplexer (DSLAM) 506. The NID 504 separates an ISDN channel ( integrated services digital network) 508 of a subscriber digital channel 510. A protocol translator 512 is connected to the digital subscriber channel 510. The protocol translator converts between the ATM format of the DSL 510 channel of a network format of local area, such as Ethernet (CDCS - sense of shock and shock arrest). A central unit 514 is connected to the protocol translator and a plurality of devices 516, 518. The central unit 514 connects the plurality of devices to each other and can act as a repeater. An ISDN 520 telephone is connected to the ISDN channel 508. The DSLAM 506 separates the digital subscriber channel from the ISDN channel 522. It is connected to the ISDN channel 522 to the PSTN (public switched telephone network) 523. The digital channel of Subscriber includes a first virtual circuit 524 connected to an asynchronous transfer mode network 526. An ISP (Internet service provider) 528 is connected to a second virtual circuit 530 of the digital subscriber channel. A local area network 532 is connected by the first virtual circuit 524 to the ATM network 526. Technically, the first virtual circuit 524 would extend the protocol translator 512 to the 532 LAN. The DCL lines are a service that operates through of ordinary twisted pair copper wires. The DSL is connected between a central station of a telephone company and a subscriber's location.

The DSL uses the ATM protocol (asynchronous transfer mode) to transport the data through the telephone wires. ATM is a service oriented to the connection. Before any data is transmitted, a virtual circuit must be defined between the end points. In the case of DCL services of the prior art, a permanent virtual circuit is defined between the subscriber and an ISP. However, ATM specifies as many permanent virtual circuits as switched virtual circuits. A switched virtual circuit is connected to the beginning of a section and disconnected when the session has ended, similar to a telephone call. A virtual circuit is defined by a virtual path identifier (VPI) and a virtual circuit identifier (VCI). These identifiers are included in the header of each ATM cell (packet). An ATM switch examines the VPI and the VCI to determine how to switch a cell. Since the virtual circuit (path) has been defined before any data is sent, the ATM switch needs to examine only a small portion of the identifiers. This allows the ATM switch to fly as opposed to the storage and activation approach of the routers. This makes ATM more secure and faster than routing systems such as the Internet. Note that the same physical medium and the same bandwidth can be used and commonly used for more than one virtual circuit. Thus, in Figure 18 the first virtual circuit 524, the second virtual circuit 530 and the ISDN channel 508 are all driven through the single DSL line 502.

Figure 19 shows a block diagram of a wide area communication network 550 according to the present invention. The network includes a first DSL 552 connected to a first NID 554. The NID divides the ISDN channel (POTS channel) 556 from subscriber digital channel 558. An ISDN 560 telephone is connected to the ISDN channel 556. In another mode , two ISDN telephones are connected to the ISDN channel 556. The ISDN channel 556 is an ISDN channel of BRI (basic rate interconnection) and has two B channels and one D channel. The two B channels allow two simultaneous telephone calls . The channel is used for control information, such as the establishment of a call. B channels can also be used to boost data. A protocol translator 562 is connected to the first NID 554. A central 554 is connected to the protocol translator 562. The central 564 connects a local area network to each other. The local area network can include a variety of electronic devices. For example, a digital facsimile machine 566 may be connected to the central 564. A digital facsimile machine 566, as used herein, means a facsimile apparatus that is capable of sending and receiving facsimile information (facsimile transmission with information converted from analog to digital), using a digital data standard in position to a facsimile apparatus that transmits and receives facsimile data (facsimile transmission with information converted from analog to digital) through a POTS telephone line. It connects a computer 568 to the central 564. A subscriber unit 570 is connected to the central 574. A POTS telephone 572 and a facsimile apparatus of POTS (facsimile apparatus) 574 are connected to the 570 subscriber unit. The 570 subscriber unit makes conversions between the LAN format data and the POTS signals. A DSLAM 576 is connected to the DSL 552. The ISDN channel 556 connects the DSLAM 576 to the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) 578. A second virtual circuit 580 of the digital subscriber channel is connected between either ISP 582 and the DSLAM 576. A first virtual circuit 584 of the digital channel of the subscriber extends through the DSLAM 576, the ATM network 586 to a second DSL 588. The second DSL 588 is connected to a second local area network 590. The second area network local includes an ATM switch 592. A plurality of computers 594 is connected, 596, a digital facsimile machine (network facsimile apparatus) 598 and a second subscriber unit 600 to ATM switch 592. A POTS602 telephone is connected to subscriber unit 600. In one embodiment, the unit is combined of subscriber and phone to form a network telephone. Figure 20 shows a block diagram of a wide area communication network 620 according to the present invention. The network 620 has a first location of the subscriber 622. A first network interconnect device (NID) 624 is connected to the first subscriber location 622. A first digital line of the subscriber 626 connects the NID 624 to a first access multiplexer to subscriber digital line (DSLAM) 628. DSLAM 628 is coupled to an ATM network 630. A second subscriber digital line access multiplexer (DSLAM) 632 is connected to the ATM network 630. A switched telephone network public (PSTN) 634 connects the first DSLAM 628 to the second DSLAM 632. A second digital line of the subscriber 636 connects the second DSLAM 632 to a second location of the subscriber 638. In one embodiment, the second location of the subscriber 638 is connected to the second NID Figure 21 shows a block diagram of a wide area communication network 650 according to the present invention. A first location of the subscriber 652 includes a first LAN 654 and a first telephone system 656 connected to a NID 658. The LAN 654 includes a 660 network facsimile apparatus and a 662 subscriber unit. A POTS 664 telephone and a telephone are connected. POTS 666 facsimile apparatus to subscriber unit 662. The subscriber unit makes conversions between an analog telephone signal and a digital telephone signal. The ISDN facsimile apparatus 668 is connected to the telephone system 656. An ISDN facsimile apparatus is a facsimile apparatus that is capable of communicating facsimile information through an ISDN line. A first DSL 670 connects the NID 658 to a first DSLAM 672. An ATM network 674 is connected to the DSLAM 672. A second DSLAM 676 is connected to the ATM network 674. A second digital line of the subscriber 678 connects a second location of the subscriber 680 to the second DSLAM 676. A first ISP 682 and a second ISP 684 are connected to the ATM network 674. Internet 686 connects the first ISP 682 and the second ISP 684. An interconnect unit (IWU) 688 is connected to the DSLAM 672. The IWU makes conversions between a packet data format and a circuit switch data format. A PSTN 690 connects the IWU to the DSLAM 676. In one embodiment, the telephone signal of the 664 telephone is driven by a telephone virtual circuit. In another embodiment, the telephone virtual circuit terminates the ISP 682. In this mode, the telephone signal is driven by the Internet during a portion of the call. In another embodiment, the telephone circuit ends in the interconnection unit. The call is then routed as a regular circuit switched call. In one embodiment, a facsimile transmission with converted analog-to-digital information from (a) the digital facsimile apparatus 660 is driven by a virtual facsimile circuit. In one embodiment, the telephone system receives a POTS signal from NID 658. In this case, the telephone or facsimile apparatus connected to the telephone system must be a POTS device. This system allows a small company to connect a communication network through a digital subscriber line. The communication network includes computer data, voice signals and facsimile signals. Figure 22 shows a block diagram of a wide area communication network 700 according to the present invention. The first subscriber location 702 includes a first local area network 704 and a first telephone system 706. The first LAN 704 and the telephone system 706 are connected to a first NID 708. The first DSL line is connected. 710 to NID 708. The first DSLAM 712 is connected to the first DSL line 710. The DSLAM 712 separates the first DSL channel 714 from the first telephony channel 716. A public switched telephone network 718 is connected to the first telephony channel 716. An ATM network 720 is connected to the first DSL channel 714. A second DSLAM 722 is connected to the ATM network via a second DSL channel 724. The second DSLAM 722 is connected to the PSTN 718 via a second telephone channel 726 A second DSL line 728 is connected to the second DSLAM 722. A second NID 730 is connected to a second subscriber location 732 to the second DSL line 728. A second local area network 734 and a second telephone system 736 are connected to the second NID 730. Figure 23 shows a block diagram of a wide area communication network 750 according to the present invention. A first subscriber location 752 in a first local access and transport area (LATA) 754 includes a first LAN 756 and a first telephone system (TS-1) 758. Note that the telephone system may consist of a single line of POTS or a single line of ISDN BRI and that telephone (or computer) equipment can be connected to the line. The first LAN 756 and the first telephone system 758 are connected to the first NID 760. The first LAN 756 includes a first computer 762, a subscriber unit 764 and a network facsimile apparatus 766. A telephone 768 is connected to the subscriber unit 764. A telephone 770 is part of the first telephone system 758. The first DSL 772 line connects a first DSLAM 774 to the NID 760. The DSLAM 774 is connected to an ATM network 776 via a prime DSL channel 778. A PSTN 780 is connected to the DSLAM 774 via a first telephone channel 782 and through an IWU 784. A second DSL channel 786 connects the ATM network 776 to a second DSLAM 788. A second telephone channel 790 connects the PSTN 780 to the DSLAM 788. A second DSL 792 line connects a 788 DSLAM to a second NID 794. The NID 794 is connected to the second subscriber location 796 in a second local access and transport area (LATA) 798. The second subscriber location includes a second LAN 800 and a second telephone system 802 connected to the NID 794. A second 804 computer is connected to the LAN 800. A second telephone 806 and a device of facsimile 808 are part of the second telephone system 802. A first ISP 810 is connected to the ATM network 776. The ISP 810 is connected to a POP (point of presence) of Internet 812 via Internet 814. The Internet POP 812 connects the second DSL line 792 through a central station - service switching point (CO / SSP) 814. In one embodiment, a first virtual circuit couples the first computer 762 to a second computer 804. The first virtual circuit is driven by the first line DSL 772, the ATM network 776 and the second DSL line 792. In another embodiment, a first switched circuit connects the first telephone 770 to a second telephone 806. The first switched circuit connects through the first DSL line 772, the PSTN 780 and the second DSL line 792. In another embodiment, a network telephone 768 is connected to the second telephone system 802 via a hybrid circuit. The first hybrid circuit includes a second virtual circuit connecting the first LAN 756 to the IWU 784. A second switched circuit connects the IWU 784 to the second DSL line 792 through the PSTN 780. The second telephone channel 790 connects the second one. telephone 806. In another embodiment, the first hybrid circuit includes a second virtual circuit that connects the first LAN 756 to the DSLAM 774, the ATM network 776 and the ISP 810. An Internet telephony circuit connects the ISP 810 through the Internet. Internet 814 to the Internet POP 812. A second switched circuit connects the Internet POP 812 to the second DSL 792. The second telephone channel connects the DSL 792 to the second telephone 806. Note that the term "Internet circuit" is used to describe the routing of call data over the Internet. In another embodiment, a second hybrid circuit connects the facsimile digital apparatus 766 to the facsimile apparatus 808. The second hybrid circuit includes a third virtual circuit that connects a first LAN 756 to the DSLAM 774 and then to the IWU 784. A third circuit switched connects the IWU 784 to the second DSL line 792 via PSTN 780. The second telephone channel connects the DSL 792 to the facsimile apparatus 808. The previously written network allows small businesses to connect wide area communication networks that can transmit a variety of data types. The types of data include computer data, voice signals, facsimile signals and video signals. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in view of the foregoing description, almost any type of data (signal) can be sent through the wide area network. The communication network has advantages over DSL services that provide access to both switched or packet switched networks (cells) and circuit switched networks. In addition, the wide area network is easily reconfigurable as the company moves and extends. The various methods described herein, in a preferred embodiment, are intended for operation as software programs operating in a computer processor. One skilled in the art will recognize that other technical support applications could be used, such as bridges and routers. It should also be noted that various methods of the present invention could be stored in a tangible storage medium, such as a magnetic or optical disk, a read only memory or a random access memory, and could be produced as a manufacturing article. Thus, a concept, as well as several modalities including the preferred embodiment, of a wide area communication network has been described herein. The various methods and systems modalities, enabling a wide area communication network through digital subscriber lines, provide a significant improvement over the prior art. Additionally, the various embodiments of the present invention described herein have other features that distinguish the present invention from the prior art.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the exposed invention of numerous coins can be modified and can assume many different moaalities of the preferred forms specifically noted and described above. In accordance with the foregoing, it is intended that the appended claims cover all modifications of the invention that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A wide area communication network, comprising: a first digital subscriber line; a first network interconnect device connected to the digital subscriber line, the first network interconnect device separating an ISDN channel from a digital subscriber channel; an ISDN telephone connected to the network interconnection device; a protocol translator connected to the network interconnection device through the digital subscriber channel; a central unit connected to the protocol translator; a plurality of devices connected to the central; an access digital subscriber line multiplexer connected to the first digital subscriber line, the subscriber digital line access multiplexer separating the digital subscriber channel from the ISDN channel; a public switched telephone network connected to the ISDN channel; an asynchronous transfer mode network connected to the subscriber digital line access multiplexer by means of a first virtual circuit of the digital subscriber channel; an ISP connected to the multiplexer accessing the digital subscriber line by means of a second virtual circuit of the digital subscriber channel; and a local area network connected to the mode network in asynchronous transfer by the first virtual circuit.

2. - The system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the plurality of devices includes a computer.

3. The system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the device priority includes a subscriber unit and a telephone connected to the subscriber unit.

4. The system according to claim 3, further characterized in that it also includes a facsimile apparatus connected to the subscriber unit.

5. The system according to claim 1, further characterized in that it also includes a digital facsimile apparatus connected to the central.

6. The system according to claim 1, further characterized in that it also includes a second digital subscriber line that connects the local area network to the asynchronous transfer mode network.

7. The system according to claim 6, further characterized in that the local area network includes an ATM switch.

8. The system according to claim 7, further characterized in that it also includes a plurality of computers connected to the ATM switch.

9. - The system according to claim 8, further characterized in that it also includes a second subscriber unit connected to the local area network.

10. The system according to claim 9, further characterized in that it also includes a POTS telephone connected to the subscriber unit.

11. The system according to claim 10, further characterized in that it also includes a facsimile apparatus coupled to the ATM switch.

12.- A wide area communication network, comprising: a first subscriber location; a first network interconnection device connected to the first subscriber location; a first digital subscriber line connected to the first network interconnect device; a first multiplexer for accessing the digital subscriber line connected to the first digital subscriber line; an ATM network connected to the digital subscriber line access multiplexer; a second multiplexer for accessing the digital subscriber line connected to the ATM network; a second subscriber digital line connected to the second subscriber digital line access multiplexer; a second subscriber location connected to the second digital subscriber line; and a public switched telephone network that connects the first subscriber digital line access multiplexer to the second subscriber digital line access multiplexer.

13. - The system according to claim 12, further characterized in that it also includes a first ISP connected to the ATM network and a second ISP connected to the ATM network.

14. The system according to claim 12, further characterized in that the first subscriber location includes a first local area network.

15. The system according to claim 14, further characterized in that a first subscriber location includes a first telephone system.

16. The system according to claim 15, further characterized in that the first network interconnection device is connected to the first local area network, the first telephone system and the first digital subscriber line.

17. The system according to claim 16, further characterized in that the first local area network includes a subscriber unit and a telephone connected to the subscriber unit, the subscriber unit converting an analog telephone signal to a subscriber signal. digital phone

18. The system according to claim 17, further characterized in that the digital telephone signal is driven by a telephone virtual circuit.

19. - The system according to claim 18, further characterized in that the telephone virtual circuit terminates at the first ISP.

20. The system according to claim 18, further characterized in that the telephone virtual circuit terminates in an interconnection unit.

21. The system according to claim 17, further characterized in that the first local area network includes a facsimile apparatus.

22. The system according to claim 21, further characterized in that the facsimile apparatus connects the subscriber unit.

23. The system according to claim 21, further characterized in that the facsimile apparatus is capable of receiving and sending facsimile transmission with information converted from analog to digital.

24. The system according to claim 23, further characterized in that the transmission of facsimile with information converted from analog to digital is driven by a virtual facsimile circuit.

25. The system according to claim 21, further characterized in that the telephone system receives a POTS signal from the first network interconnection device.

26. - The system according to claim 21, further characterized in that the telephone system receives an ISDN signal from the first network interconnection device.

27. The system according to claim 26, further characterized in that the telephone system includes a facsimile apparatus compatible with the ISDN.

28.- A wide area communication network, comprising: a first subscriber location having a first local area network and a first telephone system, the first local area network and the first telephone system connected to a first device of network interconnection; a first DSL line connected to the first network interconnection device; a first DSLAM connected to the first DSL line, the first DSLAM separating a first DSL channel from the first telephony channel; a public switched telephone network connected to the first telephony channel; an ATM network connected to the first DSL channel; a second DSLAM connected to the network of ATM through a second DSL channel and connected to the public switched telephone network by a second telephone channel; a second DSL line connected to the second DSLAM; and a second subscriber location having a second network interconnect device connected to the second DSL line and connected to the second local area network and to a second telephone system.

29. The system according to claim 28, further characterized in that the first virtual circuit is coupled between the first computer connected to the first local area network and a second computer connected to the second local area network.

30. The system according to claim 29, further characterized in that the first virtual circuit is driven by the first DSL line, the ATM network and the second DSL line.

31. The system according to claim 28, further characterized in that the first connected circuit connects a first telephone in the first telephone system to a second telephone in the second telephony system.

32. The system according to claim 31, further characterized in that the first switch circuit is connected through the first DSL line, the public switched telephone network and the second DSL line.

33. The system according to claim 28, further characterized in that a network telephone is connected to the first local area network by means of a subscriber unit.

34. The system according to claim 33, further characterized in that the first hybrid circuit connects the first network telephone to the second telephone of the second telephony system.

The system according to claim 34, further characterized in that the first hybrid circuit comprises: a second virtual circuit that connects the first local area network to the first DSLAM and then to an interconnection unit; a second switched circuit connecting the interconnection unit to the second DSL line through the public switched telephone network; the second telephone channel of the second DSL line that connects to the second telephone.

36. The system according to claim 34, further characterized in that the first hybrid circuit comprises: a second virtual circuit connecting the first local area network to the first DSLAM and then through the ATM network to an ISP; an Internet telephony circuit that connects the ISP through the Internet or an Internet POP; a second switched circuit that connects the Internet POP to the second DSL; the second telephone channel of the second DSL line that connects to the second telephone.

37. The system according to claim 28, further characterized in that the digital facsimile apparatus is connected to a first local area network. 38.- The system according to claim 37, further characterized in that a second hybrid circuit connects the digital facsimile apparatus to a facsimile apparatus connected to the second telephony system. 39.- The system according to claim 38, further characterized in that the second hybrid circuit comprises: a third virtual circuit connecting the first local area network to the first DSLAM and then to an interconnection unit; a third switched circuit connecting the interconnection unit to the second DSL line through the public switched telephone network; the second telephone channel of the second DSL line that is connected to the facsimile apparatus. 40.- The system according to claim 28, further characterized in that the first location of the subscriber is in a first local access and transport area. 41.- The system according to claim 40, further characterized in that the second location of the subscriber is in a second local access and transport area.