WO2000067458A1

WO2000067458A1 - System and method for retrofitting existing building telecommunications infrastructures

Info

Publication number: WO2000067458A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/011541
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brett B. Stewart; James W. Thompson
Original assignee: Wayport, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-04-30
Filing date: 2000-04-26
Publication date: 2000-11-09
Also published as: AU4678200A

Abstract

A system and method for retrofitting telecommunications infrastructures of existing buildings with new telecommunications services. The present invention allows new telecommunications services to be provided over existing telephone lines with reduced cost. The telephony line interface module (or line interface transducer) used in retrofitting rooms of a building may be implemented as a telephone jack, in a telephony device, or as a separate device or 'brick' which connects to the existing telephone wiring. In order to retrofit a room of a building with additional telecommunication capabilities, the line interface module is located in the room and connected to the existing telephone wiring. In one embodiment, a modulation unit may be connected to the existing telephone wiring, e.g., to the 'other end' of the existing telephone wiring proximate to the PBX. The modulation unit may also be connected to a network, such as the Internet. The modulation unit is configured to communicate with line interface modules in each of a plurality of rooms and is configured to communicate with the network, and may optionally also communicate with the PBX. The system and method may operate to retrofit one or more rooms with improved telecommunication capabilities, such as a second phone line, a modem line, and/or a network line, among other capabilities. The present invention also provides improved telephony line interface module and telephony device embodiments that effectively implement line card functionality in the telephony line interface module and/or telephony device, respectively.

Description

TITLE: SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RETROFITTING EXISTING BUILDING TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to telecommunications and data systems, and, more particularly, to retrofits of existing building telecommunications infrastructures.

2. Description of the Relevant Art

As newer telecommunications services have become more prevalent, existing buildings such as hotels, apartments and office buildings desire to offer these services to their inhabitants, e.g., hotel guests, apartment dwellers or office workers. However, existing buildings have generally been unable to offer these newer telecommunication services due to the high cost of adding additional communications lines. The present cost of retrofitting existing buildings is $400 per room or more in many cases.

For example, the majority of hotels are wired such that only a single copper pair is provided to each room for a single telephone line. However, this has been inadequate for standard services such as Ethernet, or simply providing two or more telephone lines to a room. Even some recently built apartment complexes find that the wiring for their telecommunications services is underground with buried runs of several hundred feet, too far to provide Ethernet service. For example, consider an apartment complex comprising twenty small building with four to eight units per building. All wires for the telephones come to one collection point and then travel underground for about 300-m (1000-ft) to the clubhouse building. The 300-m run is in excess of the 100-m limit for standard Ethernet, and Ethernet is not specified to run over this type of wire at high speeds. The complex is pre-wired for telephones and cable but not high speed Internet access.

Additionally, many apartment complexes are now in the business of reselling primary telephone services using an in-house PBX. Many times, the apartment complex overcornmits its telephony resources by leasing a small number of telephone lines for the PBX and providing telephone service to a larger number of apartments at a price slightly less than direct service would cost. Central-office digital subscriber line services do not cross an unmodified PBX, being a direct connection from the central office to the end-user, so the apartment complex is unable to provide DSL to each apartment using the same method used to provide telephone service.

Figure 1 - PBX Telephony System 100 Figure 1 illustrates an existing building telecommunication infrastructure 100 in the prior art. This infrastructure 100 comprises a basic analog two-wire telephone connection setup. The public switched telephone network (PSTN) lines 105 are provided from the central office to a main wiring distribution facility 110 in the general vicinity of an end-user. As illustrated, the end-user is shown at a location 130A. Generally speaking, the illustrated embodiment is that of an office, hotel, or apartment complex, where the locations 130 comprises offices, hotel rooms, or apartments. Each location 130 receives telephone services through a local PBX 112. As shown, the main wiring distribution facility 110 includes a PBX 112 coupled to receive digital telephony signals from the public switched telephone network (PSTN) 105. Telephone line 120, comprising one or two copper pairs, is coupled between the main wiring distribution facility 110 and a first one of a plurality of user locations, including user location 130A. User location 130A, as shown, includes a junction box 132, e.g. a station jack 132, coupled to line 120. Station jack 132 couples to a first telephone 134A and a second telephone 134B. A modem jack 136 splits off of the wiring of station jack 132 to a data processing unit 138, e.g. computer 138.

Telephone signals from the PSTN 105 are routed from the PBX 112 as separate communications channels 120. Each communications channel 120 comprises one telephone line, usually with dial tone and frequently with additional telephony services such as last number redial, call waiting, etc. The individual telephone lines 120 are typically cross-connected through so-called 66 blocks (or 110 blocks) to the two-wire telephone line 120. The two-wire telephone line 120 runs from the main wiring distribution facility 110 to the end-user site 130A. The two- wire telephone line 120 typically comprises two copper wires that may meet the requirements of Category 3 of the ANSI/TIA EIA-568-A Standard entitled "Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard", often referred to as "Cat 3" wires. Frequently, telephone line 120 is not even Cat 3.

At the end-user site 130A, the two- wire telephone line 120 terminates at a telephone outlet 132, including a junction box ("J box") and a telephone jack (usually an RJ-11 socket). Typically, an RJ-11 socket in the J box 132 receives an RJ-l 1 plug that connects a line to the end-user telephone 134. A modem 136 may also be connected into the same line, either through an extension outlet in a duplicate J box, or by unplugging the telephone 134 and plugging in the modem 136. The modem 136 provides data communications to a computer 138 over the telephone line 120. It is noted that while newer telephony installations may include telephone lines with extra pairs or even so called Cat 5 wiring for Local Area Networking, defined by the ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-A Standard referenced above, many existing telephone lines are still two- wire telephone lines 120 (Cat 3). In general, the prior art system of Figure 1 operates as follows. Power for the communications over the communications channel are provided over the two- wire telephone lines 120 over which the communications are transmitted. To announce an incoming communication (i.e. a telephone call) coming in over the PSTN 105, a ring voltage is sent from the central office to the PBX 112. The PBX 112 sends ring voltage over the two-wire telephone line 120, through the RJ-11 socket in the J box 132, and into the telephone 134, which then rings. A ring may be mechanically or electronically generated by the telephone 134. When the end-user answers the telephone call, the telephone 134 goes off-hook, and a full duplex and so analog communications stream which is converted in many PBXs or central offices to a 64kbps digital communication stream may be transmitted over the two- wire telephone line 120 back to the switching location 110, through the PBX 112 and the calling party.

Data communications between the computer 138 and an external network are over the same two- wire telephone line 120 as voice telephone communications. In general, data and voice are not multiplexed over the two- wire telephone line 120, although this may be performed, usually through the computer 138. The modem 136 typically transfers data using, for example, the V.90 protocol, although other protocols (V.34, etc.) are also used. Data transfer rates are generally limited to no more than 56kbs downstream to the computer 138 and substantially slower upstream. Recent developments have led to some mergmg of multiple communications lmes onto fewer numbers of communications channels For example, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) communications provides for simultaneous voice and data connections over the existing telephone frastructure from central office to subscπber but not through a PBX. ISDN requires an ISDN terminal adapter at the user location and additional equipment

Digital Subscπber Lme (DSL) provides for POTS telephony communications in the lower frequency band coupled with digital communications m the upper frequency bands In Digital Subscπber Line communications (generally designated as xDSL), the impulse response of the communications channel from the central office to the subscπber, typically over a two-wire circuit, is characterized. The frequency spectrum of the channel is then divided mto sub-channels or bins for data transmission The number and division of the subchannels may be determined by the channel response, up to the limits of the particular communications scheme chosen The maximum data throughput on xDSL ranges from 128kbps duplex usmg IDSL (ISDN DSL) to 52Mbps downstream and 1.5Mbps upstream usmg VDSL (Very high bit rate DSL). It is noted that SDSL (Symmetπc DSL), also called HDSL (High bit rate DSL), uses a two-wire telephone lme to deliver up to 2 0 Mbps duplex.

As another example, U.S. Patent No. 5,844,596 teaches that two pairs of telephone wires may be used, along with a low pass filter and a high pass filter, to route a telephone lme and a video connection to a desired location This method has the advantage of routing two different communication lmes onto a smgle communications channel consistmg of a two- wire telephone lme This disclosure teaches that the voice data is segregated mto a sub-channel m the voice frequency band Video or other data are transmitted over a higher frequency range different and separate from the voice frequency range The data throughput taught is less than 64kbps total.

Applicant is also aware of several systems from Tut Systems of Pleasant Hill, CA, which also purport to provide voice and data connectivity over existing wiπng

Figure 2 - Telephony System 200 with POTS and DSL

Figure 2 illustrates an example of a pπor two- wire telephone lme communications channel 120, mcludmg one telephone lme and data signals. The smgle telephone lme is provided by a POTS lme 120 from the PBX 112, while the data signals are provided through DSL transceiver 236A at a mam wiring distribution facility 210. The DSL signals from DSL transceiver 236A are added to telephone lme 120 m the higher frequency range while the POTS telephone signals are transmitted m the lower frequency range The POTS lme and the DSL signals are provided to the user location 230A, which may be one of a plurality of user locations 230

As shown, Fig 2 mcludes a mam wiring distπbution facility 210 mcludmg PBX 112 coupled to receive digital telephony signals from the PSTN 105 PBX 112 is coupled to POTS splitter 214 through lme 120 DSL transceiver 236A couples network signals from the network 205 over the lme 216 to the POTS splitter 214 The mam wiring distribution facility 210 is coupled to the user location 230A by two-wire telephone lme 120 At the user location 230A, a station jack 232 receives POTS telephone signals and the DSL signals, providmg the POTS telephone signals to a telephone 134 and the digital DSL signals to a DSL transceiver 236B The digital transceiver 236B is coupled to a computer 138 Telephone signals from the PSTN 105 are routed from the PBX 112 as separate communication channels

120. Each communication channel 120 comprises one telephone line, usually with dial tone and frequently with additional telephony services, as mentioned above, over a two-line telephone line 120. The DSL transceiver

236A operates to convert network traffic coming over network 205 into DSL traffic routed over line 216 on to telephone line 120 at POTS splitter 214.

At the end-user site 230A, the two-wire telephone line 120 terminates at a station jack 232. Station jack 232 typically includes a junction box ("J box") and a telephone jack (usually an RJ-11 socket). Typically, the RJ- 11 socket in the J box receives an RJ-11 plug that connects a line to the end-user telephone 134. The second DSL transceiver 236B is coupled to two-wire telephone line 120 at station jack 232. The DSL transceiver 236B is a separate device outside the station jack 232 and couples typically to the computer 138. The use of DSL transceiver 236B typically replaces the use of a modem in the computer 138.

In general, the prior art system 200 of Fig. 2 operates as follows. As with the system of prior art Fig. 1,

POTS telecommunications are provided from the PSTN 105, through the PBX 112, over the two-wire telephone line 120, to the station jack 232, to the end-user telephone 134. Data communications between the computer 138 and an external network 205 are over the same two-wire telephone line 120 as the POTS voice telephone communications.

One problem with the use of DSL transceiver 236B is that the resultant digital data is not "Internet ready", i.e., is not comprised in IP packets, and hence must be re-formatted into IP packets for transmission on the Internet. In addition, computer systems generally are equipped with an analog modem and do not include a DSL transceiver 236B. When the computer includes an analog modem, the analog modem signals occupy virtually all of the POTS voice bandwidth, thus preventing any POTS voice calls during this time. The analog modem signals also "tie up" the PBX as well as valuable long distance trunk lines to the PBX.

What is needed is an improved system and method for retrofitting buildings with new telecommunications services over the existing telephone wiring. Also desirable is a system and devices for providing a plurality of voice telephone sub-channels and a network data sub-channel over a single two-wire telephone line. The total bandwidth would preferably exceed 4 Mbps of throughput and possibly be as high as

100 Mbps.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One embodiment of the present invention provides an improved system and method for retrofitting telecommunications infrastructures of existing buildings with new telecommunications services. The system allows new telecommunications services to be provided over existing telephone lines with reduced cost. One embodiment also includes an improved system and method for providing a plurality of telephone connections and data traffic over a single communications channel, e.g., over existing telephone wiring in the rooms. An embodiment of the invention also provides improved telephony line interface module and telephony device embodiments which effectively implement line card functionality in the telephony line interface module and/or telephony device, respectively.

In one embodiment, the telephony line interface module (or line interface transducer) used in retrofitting rooms of a building may be implemented as a telephone jack or may be implemented in a telephony device. The line interface module may also be implemented as a separate device or "brick" which connects to the existing telephone wiring, wherein one or more telephony devices may be connected to this separate device.

In order to retrofit a room of a building with additional telecommunication capabilities, the line interface module is located in the room and connected to the existing telephone wiring. Where the telephony line interface module is comprised as a telephone jack, the existing telephone jack may be removed, and the line interface module may be connected to the existing telephone wiring in the first room in place of the removed existing telephone jack. Thus, in this embodiment, the telephony line interface module preferably has a similar form factor to the telephone jack being replaced. Where the telephony line interface module is comprised as a telephony device, the telephony device may be simply connected to the existing telephone wiring, e.g., connected to the existing telephone jack, in place of any existing telephone. For example, the telephony line interface module may be comprised in a standard POTS or digital telephone. Where the telephony line interface module is implemented as a separate device or "brick", the brick is connected to the existing telephone wiring at the existing jack, and various telephony devices may be connected to the brick.

In one embodiment, a modulation unit may be connected to the existing telephone wiring, e.g., to the "other end" of the existing telephone wiring proximate to the PBX. The modulation unit may also be connected to a network, such as the Internet. The modulation unit is configured to communicate with line interface modules in each of a plurality of rooms and is configured to communicate with the network, and may optionally also communicate with the PBX.

Once the line interface module is connected to the existing telephone wiring in a first room, and the modulation unit is coupled to the existing telephone wiring, this operates to retrofit the room with the additional telecommunication capabilities.

The telephony line interface module at the user location may include internal modem logic, e.g., an A/D converter, data pump and a protocol processor, or other similar logic. The telephony line interface module may also include a network transceiver, such as an Ethernet transceiver or DSL transceiver, which couples to the internal modem. When the user in the room desires to make a modem connection to a data site, the user's modem, which may be referred to generally as a telephony device (or an "external modem" or "user modem"), communicates directly with the internal modem comprised in the line interface module. The internal modem then provides the digital signals to the network transceiver. The network transceiver subsequently provides network packets over the telephone line. Due to the short distance between the external modem and the internal modem, and hence presumably the low noise characteristics between them, the external and internal modems are able to communicate at an optimal rate. Also, even when the user only has an analog modem, "Internet ready" IP packets can be transmitted directly from the user location at the line interface module, thereby reducing costs in the system as well as bandwidth usage of the system.

Thus, in one embodiment, the existing POTS voice line can be maintained, and the user location includes logic to create data packets, preferably IP packets, for one or more additional phone lines or modem connections. This provides conversion of these various analog or digital data sources (analog or digital phones, analog modems, DSL devices, etc.) into "Internet ready" IP packets at the source location where this data is generated.

The following outlines operation of the line interface module and the modulation unit according to one embodiment. The line interface module may operate to receive analog modem data from a telephony device, (e.g., a user modem) located in the first room and convert the analog modem data into digital modem data. The line interface module may then generate data packets comprising the digital modem data and transmit the data packets over the existing telephone wiring. The modulation unit may receive the data packets from the existing telephone wiring transmitted by the line interface module and provide the data packets to a network (or to the PBX).

The line interface module may also receive analog telephony signals from a POTS telephone located in the first room and transmit the analog telephony signals over the existing telephone wiring in the analog voice band. The analog telephony signals may be provided on the existing telephone wiring to the PBX, possibly passing through a POTS splitter comprised in the modulation unit. The analog telephony signals may comprise standard analog or POTS voice signals and/or analog control signals destined for the PBX. In the preferred embodiment, the analog telephony signals are transmitted on the existing telephone wiring in the analog voice band, and the data packets are transmitted in a higher frequency band than the voice band.

The line interface module may further receive digital telephony signals from a telephone located in the first room and incorporate the digital telephony signals into the data packets. In this instance, the modulation unit may receive the data packets, extract the digital telephony signals, and provide the digital telephony signals to either the PBX or the network.

In the reverse communication direction, the modulation unit may operate to receive digital data from the network and or digital telephony signals from the PBX and provide data packets containing this digital data and/or digital telephony signals to the line interface module. Further, analog telephony signals (POTS signals) from the PBX may be provided to the line interface module in the room, again possibly passing through a POTS splitter comprised in the modulation unit. The line interface module may receive the data packets from the existing telephone wiring sent by the modulation unit and convert at least a portion of the data packets into incoming analog modem data. The line interface module may then provide the mcorning analog modem data to the user modem located in the first room. The line interface module may also convert at least a portion of the data packets into incoming digital telephony signals, which may be provided to a digital telephone in the room. The line interface module may further receive analog telephony signals transmitted from the PBX and provide the analog telephony signals to an analog or POTS telephone in the room.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other advantages and details of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a prior art two- wire analog telephone line communications channel routed from the PSTN through a PBX; Figure 2 is a block diagram of a prior art two- wire communications channel with a telephony subchannel from the PSTN routed through a PBX and a data network sub-channel from a network;

Figure 3A illustrates an existing telecommunications infrastructure including a single copper pair provided from a PBX to each user location, and Figure 3B is a high level diagram illustrating an example retrofit of this infrastructure; Figure 3C illustrates an example wiring cross-connection through an existing or added 66 block before and after the example retrofit of Figure 3B,

Figure 3D is another high level diagram illustratmg an example retrofit of the infrastructure of Figure 3A, Figure 3E illustrates another example wiring cross-connection through an existing or added 66 block,

Figure 4A illustrates an existing telecommunications infrastructure mcludmg two copper pa rs provided from a PBX to each user location, and Figure 4B is a high level diagram illustratmg an example retrofit of this infrastructure,

Figure 4C is another high level diagram illustratmg an example retrofit of the infrastructure of Figure 4A,

Figure 5A illustrates an existing telecommunications infrastructure mcludmg one or two copper pairs and Category 5 wiring provided from a PBX to each user location, and Figure 5B is a high level diagram illustratmg an example retrofit of this mfrastructure,

Figure 5C is another high level diagram illustratmg an example retrofit of the infrastructure of Figure 5A,

Figure 6A illustrates a retrofit system wherem a two-wire communications channel is used to support two or more telephony voice channels and a high speed data network connection, with one of the telephony voice channels bemg analog POTS,

Figure 6B illustrates another embodiment of a retrofit system wherem a two-wire communications channel is used to support two or more telephony voice channels and a high speed data network connection, with one of the telephony voice channels bemg analog POTS,

Figure 6C illustrates a retrofit system wherem a two- wire communications channel is used to support two or more telephony voice channels and a high speed data network connection, with the telephony and data services distributed through multiple locations at the user site, with one of the telephony voice channels bemg analog POTS,

Figure 7A is a block diagram of an embodiment of the modulation unit of Figure 6 that supports two or more telephony voice channels and the network connection over the two- wire communications channel, with one of the telephony voice channels bemg analog POTS,

Figure 7B is a block diagram of another embodiment of the modulation unit of Figure 6 that supports two or more telephony voice channels and the network connection over the two-wire communications channel, with one of the telephony voice channels bemg analog POTS,

Figure 7C is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the modulation unit of Figure 6 that supports two or more telephony voice channels and the network connection over the two-wire communications channel, with all of the telephone voice channels bemg transmitted digitally m an mtegrated data stream, Figure 8 A is a block diagram of an embodiment of the lme interface module of Figure 6 or Figure 6A, corresponding to the modulation unit of Figure 7A, that supports the plurality of telephony voice channels and the high speed data network connection over the two- wire communications channel, with one of the telephony voice channels bemg analog POTS, Figure 8B is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the lme interface module of Figure 6 or Figure 6A, correspondmg to the modulation umt of Figure 7B, that supports the plurality of telephony voice channels and the high speed data network connection over the two-wire communications channel, with all of the telephony voice channels bemg transmitted digitally m an mtegrated data stream, Figure 8C is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the lme mterface module which utilizes the A/D logic m the subscπber lme circuit for voice as well as modem functions,

Figure 8D is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a lme mterface module with an internal modem, which mcludes an mtegrated telephone jack and data jack,

Figure 8E is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a lme mterface module with an internal DSP/data pump, which mcludes an mtegrated telephone jack and data ack,

Figure 8F is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a lme mterface module with an internal DSP/data pump, which mcludes an mtegrated telephone jack and data jack, wherem the lme mterface module uses a predetermined network protocol for digital communications with the modulation unit,

Figure 8G is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the lme mterface module similar to Figure 8C, which does not mclude a POTS splitter,

Figure 8H is a block diagram of another embodiment of the lme mterface module, where the lme mterface module is coupled to a station jack that provides a POTS telephone service,

Figures 9A and 9B are block diagrams of multiple embodiments for faceplates for the lme mterface modules shown m Figures 8A-8H, Figure 10A is a block diagram of an embodiment of a telephony device that supports the plurality of telephone lmes and the high speed data network connection over the two-wire communications channel, with one of the telephone lmes bemg analog POTS, such as may be used m the retrofit of Figure 6 or Figure 6A,

Figure 1 OB is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a telephony device that supports the plurality of telephone lmes and the high speed data network connection over the two-wire communications channel, with all telephone lmes bemg transmitted digitally m an mtegrated data stream, such as may be used in the retrofit of Figure 6 or Figure 6A,

Figure IOC is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a telephony device which utilizes the A/D logic m the subscriber lme circuit for voice as well as modem functions,

Figure 10D is a block diagram of a telephony device that mcludes an mtegrated telephone jack and data jack, as well as an internal modem,

Figure 10E is a block diagram of a telephony device that mcludes an mtegrated telephone jack and data jack, along with a DSP/data pump m place of the internal modem,

Figure 10F is an embodiment of a telephony device mcludmg a modem and an Ethernet device, wherem the telephony device uses a predetermined network protocol for digital communications with the modulation unit, Figure 10G is another embodiment of a telephony device that utilizes the A/D logic m the subscnber lme circuit for voice as well as modem functions,

Figure 11 A is a lme drawing of an embodiment of a front view of a housmg for one embodiment of a modulation unit, Figure 1 IB is a line drawing of an embodiment of a side view of a housing for one embodiment of a modulation unit;

Figure 11C is a line drawing of an embodiment of a side view of a housing for one embodiment of a modulation unit, wherein the sides walls extend to the mounting surface; Figure 1 ID is a line drawing of an embodiment of a bottom view of a housing for an embodiment of a modulation unit;

Figure 12 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the electrical connections of an alternative embodiment of a modulation unit;

Figure 13A is a block diagram of a top view of an embodiment of the alternative embodiment of a modulation unit inside and including the housing of Figs. 11A-D;

Figure 13B is an illustration of a lower left prospective view of an embodiment of the alternative embodiment of a modulation unit inside the housing of Figs. 11A-D;

Figure 13C is a cut-away side view of an embodiment of the alternative embodiment of a modulation unit of Figure 12, showing a line card; Figure 14 is a side view of the line card of Figures 12 and 13 in front of a smart card;

Figure 15 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a smart line card of the alternative embodiment of the modulation unit of Figure 12;

Figure 16A is a block diagram of an embodiment of a line card of the alternative embodiment of the modulation unit of Figure 12, wherein the line card uses DSL protocols; Figure 16B is a block diagram of an embodiment of a line card of the alternative embodiment of a modulation unit of Figure 12, which is configured to provide direct Ethernet service to a user location;

Figure 16C is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a line card of the alternative embodiment of the modulation unit of Figure 12, configured to use a predetermined network protocol;

Figure 17A is a flowchart of a method of retrofitting an existing building by replacing the wall jacks with line interface transducers;

Figure 17B is a flowchart of a method of retrofitting an existing building by replacing the telephones with telephony devices providing two or more telephone lines and a network connection;

Figure 18 is a block diagram of a prior art PBX, including prior art line cards;

Figure 19A is a block diagram of an embodiment of an improved PBX, including line cards providing telephony and network services; and

Figure 19B is a block diagram of an embodiment of an improved PBX, including line cards providing telephony and network services, wherein the line card routes some telephone calls within the network traffic.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Figures 3 - 5 Existmg and Retrofit Examples for a Telecommunications Infrastructure

Figures 3-5 illustrate vaπous examples of existmg telecommunications infrastructure m buildings such as hotels, apartments and office buildings and also illustrate a retrofit of the telecommunications mfrastructure usmg vaπous embodiments of the present mvention In each of Figures 3-5, the "A" figure illustrates an existmg telecommunications mfrastructure m a buildmg, such as a hotel, apartment or office buildmg, and the "B" figure illustrates an example of a retrofit to provide new telecommunications services usmg components accordmg to embodiments of the present mvention In each of the embodiments descπbed, the existmg copper pa r wiring m the buildmg may be used without any retrofit or replacement of the existmg wiring This sigmficantly reduces the cost of the retrofit Figures "C" and above illustrate alternative embodiments

Figure 3 A illustrates a telecommunications mfrastructure wherem a PBX 112 is wired to provide only a smgle copper pan 120 to each user location or room to provide a smgle telephone lme Figure 3B is a high level diagram illustratmg an example retrofit of this mfrastructure to provide new telecommunications services accordmg to the present mvention As shown, the PBX 112 provides the existing smgle copper pa r 120 out to the network distribution unit (also called a modulation unit) 315A This network distπbution unit (NDU) 315A provides connectivity to a network, such as an Ethernet network or the Internet The existmg copper parr 120 is coupled between the network distπbution unit 315 and the user location 330 Thus, the existmg copper pair 120 is used The NDU 315A communicates digital signals from the network and POTS or analog telephony signals from the PBX 112 with the user location 330 Lme mterface logic is also placed at each user location 330, wherem the lme mterface logic communicates with the network distribution unit 315

As an example, consider the illustration of Figure 3C To implement the retrofit from Figure 3 A to Figure 3B, a new 66 block 390 may be added next to the existmg 66 block, if needed, where the phone lmes 120 are connected, leavmg the existmg PBX 112 m place Before the retrofit, as shown m Figure 3 A, the two- wire telephone lme 120 is punched down on a first two connectors 395 on the 66 block 390 The wires to go to the user location are punched down on the connecting connectors 395 of the 66 block 390, as shown After the retrofit, as shown m the lower portion of Figure 3C, rather than the two-wire telephone lme 120 going all the way to the user location directly, a POTS splitter 214 is connected to the connecting connectors 395 of the 66 block 390 The POTS splitter outputs are also punched down on the 66 block 390 on new connectors 395 The lme to the user location 330 is now punched down on new connecting connectors The PBX 112 and the room telephones 334 at user location 330 should notice a difference of only a cleaner signal lme Over telephone lme 120 there will now be no place for buzz or hum to be picked up between the 66 block 390 and the junction box m location 330 In one embodiment, a QAM constellation, e g with 16 pomts, is used for modulation Each point m the constellation may jitter but not so much that it cannot be resolved with rninimum error It should be understood that on a cross-connection board, such as a 66 board, the connectors 395 may be paired such that a first connector 395 of a parr is electπcally coupled to at least a second connector of a pair This allows for an input wire to be rapidly punched down on the first connector 395 of a first pair, an second put wire to be rapidly punched down on the first connector 395 of a second parr, and the second connectors of both pairs to be rapidly connected (i.e., a connecting wire to be rapidly punched down on the second connector 395 of the first parr and the second connector 395 of the second pair).

An alternative embodiment of an example retrofit of the mfrastructure of Figure 3A is shown m Figure 3D. In the embodiment of Figure 3D, the telephone wires 120 are tapped by wires 305 m a sphtterless design Wires 305 provide electπcal and communications access by the NDU 315B to the telephone wires 120. Wires 305 are directly tapped in a sphtterless fashion to the telephone lme 120 to provide electπcal and communications access from the NDU 315B. The NDU 315B communicates digital signals from the network, while POTS or analog telephony signals from the PBX 112 are also exchanged, with the user location 330.

As an example, consider the sphtterless embodiment illustrated m Figure 3E. To implement the retrofit from Figure 3A to 3D, a new 66 block 390 may be added next to the existing 66 block 390, if needed, where the phone lmes 120 are connected, leavmg the existing PBX 112 m place. After the retrofit, as shown m Figure 3E, rather than the two- wire telephone lme 120 going all the way to the user location directly, two other sets of connectors are used so that signals from the PBX 112 are also routed to the NDU 315B over wires 305 as well as to the user location 330 over telephone wire 120. Figure 4A illustrates an existmg telecommunications mfrastructure m a buildmg, wherem the PBX 112 is configured to provide two copper pairs 120A and 120B to each user location or room. These two pairs of copper wiring would be useful to provide two telephone lmes to the user location or room, such as for a first and second telephone number, or for use as a telephone lme and modem connection, among other uses.

Figure 4B is a high level diagram illustrating a retrofit of this telecommunication mfrastructure to provide new telecommunications services accordmg to one embodiment of the present mvention. As shown, in this embodiment, one of the copper pairs 120B from the PBX 112 may be provided to a network distπbution unit (NDU) 315A. The NDU 315A also mcludes an I/O port for couplmg to a network, as shown. The copper pa r 120B is also coupled between the NDU 315A and the user location or room 330. Lme mterface logic is also placed at each user location 330, which communicates with the NDU 315 One advantage of the embodiment shown m Figure 4B is that an existing copper parr 120A remams directly provided from the PBX 112 to the user location 330, thus guaranteemg existing lifeline or emergency services duπng a power failure.

In another embodiment, the retrofit m Figure 4B may mvolve providing both pairs of copper wires 120A and 120B from the PBX to the NDU 315A, and then providmg both parrs of copper wires 120A and 120B from the NDU 315A to the user location. If both copper pa rs are provided from the PBX 112 through the NDU 315A to the user location 330, then POTS lifeline services may not be guaranteed

Figure 4C is another high level diagram illustrating an example retrofit of the infrastructure of Figure 4 A The signals on one of the copper pairs 120B from the PBX 112 may be provided to a network distπbution unit (NDU) 315B through a sphtterless connection through wires 305.

Figure 5A illustrates an existmg telecommunications mfrastructure for an existing buildmg, wherem the PBX 112 provides one or two pairs of copper wires 120 to a user location or room, and m addition provides more advanced wiring 121 to the room, such as Category 5 twisted-pair wiring. Figure 5B illustrates one example of a retrofit of this mfrastructure. As shown, this retrofit embodiment compπses providmg the Category 5 twisted-pair wiring 121 from the PBX through the NDU 315A, wherem the NDU 315A also mcludes a network connection as shown, with the Category 5 wiring 121 bemg provided out from the NDU 315A to the user location 330 Lme mterface logic is also placed at each user location 330, which communicates with the NDU 315A

Figure 5C illustrates another example of a sphtterless retrofit of this mfrastructure As shown, this retrofit embodiment compπses connecting m a sphtterless fashion the NDU 315B to the Category 5 twisted-pair wiring 121 from the PBX to the user location 330

Figures 6A & 6B- Advanced Telephony Systems 300A and 300B

Figure 6A illustrates one embodiment of a system 300A compπsmg a retrofit of an existing buildmg mfrastructure to provide new telephony services Figure 6A is a more detailed diagram of a retrofit such as that shown m Figures 3B or 4B The system 300A provides a plurality of telephone connections and data traffic over a smgle communications channel Specifically, the illustrated embodiment compπses two telephone "lmes" and a network data "lme" over a smgle twisted copper pa r of telephone wires It is noted that for the purposes of this disclosure, the term "telephone" or "telephony device" is mtended to refer to telephones, telephone-like instruments, and other devices capable of acting as a transceiver for what are generally referred to as voice or telephone conversations or data communications, mcludmg computers, wireless phones, modems, fax machmes, etc Other contemplated telephone-like instruments mclude, but are not limited to, DSL modems, ISDN devices and mtegrated multifunction devices

As shown, system 300A mcludes a mam wiring distπbution facility 310 coupled to a plurality of user locations, mcludmg user location 330A, by a two-wire telephone lme 120, also refeπed to as existing telephone lme 120 The mam wiring distπbution facility 310, as shown, mcludes a PBX 112 coupled to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) 105 A modulation umt (NDU) 315A, mcludmg a POTS splitter 214, is coupled to existing telephone lme 120, and is coupled through lme 120 to PBX The user location 330A mcludes a lme mterface module 332 coupled to the telephone line 120 A first telephone 334A, a second telephone 334B, and a data processing unit 336, shown as computer 336, are also coupled to the lme mterface module 332 Existing hotels and apartment complexes have generally been unable to offer newer telecommunication services due to the high cost of addmg new or additional communications lmes The system of Figure 6A allows a buildmg to be retrofit for improved telecommunications services over the existing telephone wires Generally speaking, the illustrated embodiment may be that of an office, hotel, or apartment complex, where the plurality of locations 330 compπse offices, hotel rooms, or apartments Each individual location 330A, 330B, etc receives telephone services through a local PBX 112, although it is noted that separate POTS lmes may be provided mstead It is noted that the embodiment of Figure 6A could also be used with a planned community or any location with centrally controlled telecommunications services

In the illustrated embodiment, the smgle communications channel comprises a two-wire telephone lme 120 It is noted that while the two- wire telephone lme 120 of Figure 6A, shown m vaπous figures, is physically the same as the two-wire telephone lme 120 of Figure 1, two-wire telephone lme 120 of Figure 1 typically only carπes analog signals compπsmg either telephony signals from a smgle telephone or data signals from a smgle modem, while two- wire telephone lme 120 m Figure 6A preferably carπes the digital format mtegrated data stream disclosed herem, possibly m addition to standard POTS analog telephony signals For example, standard POTS analog telephony signals may be earned m the voice band, and the digital format mtegrated data stream disclosed herein may be provided m a higher frequency band Incoming telephone calls are routed from the PSTN 105 to the mam wiring distπbution facility 310 m the general vicinity of the end-user Data network traffic 205 may also be routed to the mam wiring distπbution facility 310 As illustrated, the end-user accesses the telecommunications services (e g voice and data) at a location 330A, preferably one of a plurality of locations 330

Telephone signals from the PSTN 105 are preferably routed out of the PBX 112 as separate communications channels or telephone lmes 120 Each communications channel 120 preferably compπses one telephone lme, usually with dial tone and frequently with additional telephony services such as redial, call waiting, etc Communications channel 120 provides the telephone lme to (or through) modulation unit 315A Modulation unit 315A may mclude the POTS splitter 214 Data network traffic is also provided to the modulation umt 315A from network 205 as shown The network traffic may compπse digital voice, video, audio and/or data signals The modulation umt 315A adds the digital data network traffic to the telephone lme from communications channel 120 and outputs it on a two- wire telephone lme 120 through the POTS splitter 214 From the POTS splitter 214, two- wire telephone lme 120 would normally be routed to a 66 block or 110 block for routing to the end-user location 330A, such as is shown m Figure 3C The two-wire telephone lme 120 runs from the mam wiring distribution facility 310 to the end-user site 330A

At the end-user site 330A, the two-wire telephone lme 120 ends at a lme mterface module 332, which may be side a junction box ("J box") Lme mterface module 332 mcludes logic for communicating with the modulation unit 315 The lme mterface module 332 preferably mcludes one or more telephone jacks (preferably RJ-11 sockets) and may mclude a network connection (preferably an RJ-45 socket) One or more telephones 334 connect to each RJ-11 socket m the lme mterface module 332 As shown, telephones 334A and 334B connect to the lme mterface module 332 A data processmg unit 336, shown as computer 336, also may connect to the lme mterface module 332 It is noted that a modem (such as modem 136 of Figure 1) may be connected m place of a telephone 334 (preferably 334B, as is explamed below with respect to Figures 8-10) for providmg modem communications through the lme mterface module 332 Thus the retrofit of Figure 6A compπses addmg modulation umt 315A and lme mterface module 332

In one embodiment of Figure 6A, an analog POTS telephone signal as well as an mtegrated digital stream compπsmg voice and/or data may be simultaneously provided over telephone lme between modulation umt 315A and lme mterface module 332, thereby allowing at least two mdependent voice streams and at least one data stream As noted above, the standard POTS voice lme may be earned m the voice band, and the digital format mtegrated data stream, or data packets, disclosed herem may be provided m a higher frequency band This embodiment thus preserves use of the analog POTS telephone voice band on the lme 120 The preservation of the analog POTS telephone voice band on the lme 120 enables the use of standard lifeline services such as 911

In addition, preservation of the analog POTS telephone voice band on the lme 120 preserves the use of special POTS functions, such as hotel codes or housekeepmg codes, 1 e , these codes can still be provided from the POTS telephone to the PBX 112 unaltered Examples of hotel codes mclude codes such as *xxxx (e g , *1234) which mdicate, e g , that a maid has finished cleanmg a room, that an item m the room is broken, or that a user has checked out, etc These codes are entered mto the analog phone, typically by a housekeepmg person or possibly by a user of the room These codes (e g , DTMF tones) are passed on the POTS voice band portion of the line 120 to the PBX 112, and then are provided from the PBX 112 to the call accounting system, and then possible to property management software, which may update information based on the received code. For example when a maid finishes cleaning a room, she dials a code, such as *1234, which is passed out of PBX into the call accounting system. The call accounting system receives the code, which indicates that the room is clean, and passes this code or information into the property management software, which updates its database to reflect that now the room is listed as rentable. This operates to preserve these existing PBX functions while providing more advanced telephony functions.

In this embodiment of Figure 6A, the system of Figure 6A generally may operate as follows: Power for the communications channel is provided over the two- wire telephone line 120. To announce an mcoming communication (i.e., a telephone call) coming in over the PSTN 105, a ring voltage, e.g. 48V, is sent from the central office, to the PBX 112, over line 120, and to the modulation unit 315A. The modulation unit 315A passes the signal through the POTS splitter 214 to the telephone line 120. The modulation unit 315A, which may include its own POTS splitter 214, passes the mcoming communication to the respective telephone 334 for which the communication is intended. The modulation unit 315A also may output an integrated (i.e., voice, data and/or control signals) data stream onto telephone line 120. For example, a telephone call coming in over the network 205 as a "voice over IP" (VOIP) telephone call is received by the modulation unit 315 and encoded into the integrated data stream, e.g., encoded as data packets. Network data traffic such as file transfers, Internet data, video, etc., may also be incorporated into the integrated data stream. In response to received digital voice data, the modulation unit 315 encodes a ring notification signal into the integrated data stream and passes the ring notification signal down the two-wire telephone line 120 into the line interface transducer 332. At the line interface transducer 332, ring voltage is generated to cause the respective telephone 334 to ring. The voice over IP telephone call may be transmitted concurrently with a POTS telephone call to/from the PBX 112. In a preferred embodiment, all bandwidth not provided as telephone signals over telephone line 120 is reserved for the use of the integrated data stream or data packets transferred over telephone line 120 to the data processing equipment 336. The modulation unit 315 and line interface transducer 332 of this embodiment are described in Figures 7A and 8A, respectively.

The system works in a reverse manner with respect to communications in the opposite direction. Thus, analog telephony signals from POTS telephone 334A may be transmitted by line interface module 332 unmodified to the modulation unit 315A, through the POTS splitter 214 to the PBX 112. Telephony signals, which may be analog or digital, may also be received from telephone 334B, which may be an analog or digital telephone, respectively. Modem signals may also be received by the line interface module 332 from modem comprised in computing device 336. Alternatively, Ethernet data may be received by the line interface module 332 from computer 336. The modem signals, the digital and/or analog telephony signals, and/or the Ethernet data, may be digitized, if necessary, in the line interface module 332 and incorporated into data packets (the integrated data stream) for transmission across the existing telephone lines 120 to the modulation unit 315. The modulation unit 315 may receive the data packets and provide certain data (e.g., modem data, Ethernet data, VoIP data) to the network 205 (e.g., the Internet) and certain data (e.g., digital or analog voice data or analog control data) to the PBX 112. In another embodiment of Figure 6A, voice and/or data signals received from either the PSTN 105 (POTS telephone signals) or from the network 205 are all mcorporated mto the mtegrated data stream in the modulation unit 315A for transfer to the user location 330 In a similar manner, all analog and/or digital voice or communication signals are mcorporated mto the mtegrated data stream (mcorporated as data packets) m the lme mterface module 332 for transmission across the existing telephone lmes 120 to the modulation unit 315 Thus, m this embodiment, only the mtegrated data stream (data packets) is transferred between modulation umt 315A and lme mterface module 332, and the POTS voice band is not preserved

Accordmg to this embodiment, the system of Figure 6A operates as follows Power for the communications over the communications channel is provided over the two- wire telephone lme 120 To announce an mcommg communication (l e a telephone call) commg m over the PSTN 105, a ring voltage is sent from the central office, to the PBX 112, to the modulation unit 315A In this embodiment, modulation unit 315A does not require POTS splitter 214 The modulation unit 315A encodes a ring notification signal mto an mtegrated (l e voice, data and/or control signals) digital data stream The modulation unit 315A then passes the mtegrated data stream, and optionally the rmg voltage, down the two-wire telephone lme 120 to the lme mterface transducer 332 Alternatively, or m addition, digital voice and/or data received from network 205 is mcorporated mto the mtegrated stream by the modulation umt 315A At the lme mterface transducer 332, rmg voltage is either used or generated to cause the respective telephone 334 to πng The lme mterface transducer 332 also routes telephony signals and or data signals to the other telephone(s) 334 or computer system 336, if they are m use The modulation unit 315A and lme mterface transducer 332 of this second embodiment are described with reference to Figures 7B and 8B, respectively The system operates m the reverse manner for communications m the opposite direction Thus, m this embodiment, all analog and/or digital voice or communication signals received from telephony devices 334A, 334B, and 336 are mcorporated mto the mtegrated data stream (mcorporated as data packets) m the lme mterface module 332 for transmission across the existing telephone lmes 120 to the modulation unit 315 In one embodiment, modulation unit 315A uses the entire frequency range available of the telephone lme

120 In one embodiment the modulation unit 315A "pings" each two- wire telephone lme 120 to determine how many telephone channels are available, if more than two telephone channels are desired Preferably, either a two or four bit per hertz modulation scheme is used over the telephone lme 120 to provide ten Mbps plus 2 x 64 kbps telephony over the Cat 3 wires 120 As shown m Figure 6A, PBX 112 sees a ground start lme and believes it is operating accordmg to regular telephony procedures, e g when the PBX 112 sees 600 ohms, the PBX 112 goes off hook and provides telephony services

In one embodiment, any number of two-wire telephone lmes 120 are contemplated as bemg coupled to the modulation unit 315 A Each individual two- wire telephone lme 120 also couples to one or more lme mterface units 332 Figure 6B illustrates another embodiment of a system 300B compnsmg a "sphtterless" retrofit of an existing buildmg mfrastructure to provide new telephony services Figure 6B is a more detailed diagram of a retrofit, such as shown m Figures 3D or 4C The NDU 315A mcludmg POTS splitter 214 is replaced by an NDU 315B, which may compπse the logic contamed m NDU 315A minus the POTS splitter The NDU 315B is connected to the two-wire telephone line 120 by connecting the wires directly to the two- wire telephone line 120, as shown.

In one embodiment, the line interface units 332 may be replaced in system 300B with standard station jacks 132 connected to line interface units 333. Line interface units 333 differ from the line interface units 332 of Figure 6A in that the digital signals are separately transmitted from the analog POTS signals. The digital signals from the NDU 315B are received by the line interface unit 333 and relayed, as appropriate, to telephone 334B and computer 336. In other respects, the operation of system 300B is similar to the operation of system 300A of Figure 6A.

Figure 6C - Advanced Telephony System with Multiple Phone Lines and Network Access

Figure 6C illustrates an alternative embodiment of the system described in Figures 6A-6B. In the embodiment of Figure 6C, instead of providing the advanced telephony services to only a single user location, e.g., a room, the advanced telephony services are provided to a plurality of user locations through replicated line mterface modules 432A-C. These line interface modules 432A-C operate to extend or replicate the advanced telephony services to different user locations or rooms. In other words, each of the line interface modules 432A- C may be placed in different rooms for the convenience of the user. As an example, in an office suite or hotel suite, the user or provider may desire a first telephone line in a first room, a second telephone line in a second room, and network access in one or more of the rooms, or a third room.

System 400 of Figure 6C, as illustrated, shows telephone signals from the PSTN 105 routed to a PBX 112. The existing communications channel or telephone lines 120 is provided from the PBX 112 and routed to modulation unit 315A, preferably including POTS splitter 214. Data transmissions from a computer network 205 are also routed to the modulation unit 315A. Each communications channel 120 preferably comprises one telephone line, usually with dial tone and frequently with additional telephony services such as redial, call waiting, etc. The modulation unit 315A transmits telephony and data signals over telephone line 120 to the end- user site shown with rooms 430A, 403B and 430C. The two-wire telephone line 120 ends at a line interface module 432A shown in room 430A.

Also as illustrated, a data connection (preferably through an RJ-45 jack) is provided to a computer 336. Line interface module 432A is also coupled through telephone wires to a second line interface module 432B in room 430B. Line interface transducer 432B provides telephony services to telephone 334A in room 430B. Line interface module 432B also provides telephone and/or data signals to line interface module 432C in room 430C. Telephone 334B in room 430C receives telephone signals from line interface modules 432C.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6C, the telephones 334A and 334B may receive differing telephony signals and differing telephony services through their respective line interface modules 432B and 432C. Although not shown in Figure 6C, data signals may be provided by line interface transducers 432B and 432C and telephony signals may be provided by line interface transducer 432A, as desired. It is noted that NDU 300B may also be used in system 400 to replace NDU 300A. It is also noted that line interface modules 432 may operate similarly to line interface units 332 or 333, as necessary. Figure 7A - Modulation Umt 315A

Figure 7A illustrates one embodiment of modulation unit 315A In the modulation unit 315A of Figure 7 A, POTS telephony signals from PBX 112 are passed over lme 120, through POTS splitter 214 m modulation unit 315 A, and through lme 120A directly to the user locatιon(s) The modulation unit 315A also receives digital voice and/or data signals and provides these signals through POTS splitter 214 and through lme 120 directly to the user locatιon(s) The digital signals may include one or more of a voice and/or data stream, e g , an mtegrated data stream

As shown, modulation unit 315A mcludes POTS splitter 214, DSL modem 510, processor 520, memory 525, and network transceiver 530, such as Ethernet transceiver 530 Analog (POTS) telephony signals received over telephone lme 120 from the PBX 112 or from the lme mterface module 332 pass through POTS splitter 214 It is noted that the network transceiver may be any of vaπous types, such as Ethernet, ATM, xDSL, or other types of network communication protocols In the present embodiment, the network is an Ethernet network, and thus an Ethernet transceiver is used m this disclosure

Data is received over network 205, such as from a data server 590 or a Voice over IP server 580 Thus, vanous servers, such as voice over IP server 580 and/or data server 590, may provide data signals over network 205 to the modulation unit 315A The data from the network is received by the Ethernet transceiver 530 The data is transferred from Ethernet transceiver 530 to a framer/controller 515 The framer/controller 515 outputs mtegrated telephony and/or data signals to another transceiver 510, such as DSL modem 510 The processor 520 is also coupled to control the DSL modem 510, the framer/controller 515 and the Ethernet transceiver 530 The transceiver may be any of vanous types, mcludmg xDSL, ISDN, Ethernet, wireless or other types

Processor 520 preferably mcludes or is coupled to memory 525 Memory 525 is configured to store data as required by the processor 520

It is noted that the framer/controller 515 or the processor 520 may mclude compression/decompression logic to remove redundancies from the network data stream DSL modem 510 operates to receive voice and/or data signals from processor or Ethernet transceiver

530 and convert the signals mto a digital subscπber lme (DSL) format The DSL format may be one of ADSL, SDLS, HDSL, etc Transceiver 510 may, of course, use other data transfer protocols, as desired

DSL modem 510 provides a DSL data stream, referred to as the mtegrated data stream, which may compπse mtegrated data and voice signals, to the POTS splitter 214 for output over the two-wire telephone lme 120 As mentioned above, the POTS splitter 214 also receives POTS telephone signals from telephone lme 120 The POTS splitter 214 outputs one or more of analog POTS telephone signals and mtegrated digital data signals onto two- wire telephone lme 120 It is noted that POTS splitter 214 may be mcluded m the modulation umt 315A or external to the modulation unit 315

When the modulation unit 315A receives a data stream, mcludmg one or more of a POTS telephone signals and an mtegrated data stream, over two- wire telephone lme 120, the modulation unit 315A operates in reverse fashion In this mstance, POTS splitter 214 passes the analog or POTS telephony signals through lme 120 to PBX 112 The POTS splitter 214 also provides mtegrated data stream to DSL modem 510 The DSL modem 510 receives the mtegrated data stream and provides the mtegrated data stream to the processor 520 The processor 520 provides digital data signals destined for locations on the network 205 to the Ethernet transceiver 530. Ethernet transceiver 530 is further configured to provide digital data signals, e.g. data packets, to one or more servers or locations over network 205.

Figure 7B - Modulation Unit 315B

Figure 7B illustrates a different embodiment of modulation unit 315B. Elements in Figure 7B that are similar or identical to those in Figure 7A have the same reference numerals for convenience. In this embodiment, the modulation unit 315B is "splitterlessly" connected to two- wire telephone line 120, such as through interface 215, instead of through a POTS splitter 214. Line interface module 332 is replaced with a station jack 132 and a line interface module 333. Line interface module 333 is shown above as a part of system 300B in Figure 6B.

Figure 7C - Modulation Unit 315C

Figure 7C illustrates a different embodiment of modulation unit 315C. Elements in Figure 7C that are similar or identical to those in Figure 7A have the same reference numerals for convenience. In this embodiment, the modulation unit 315C operates to convert received POTS telephone signals into a digital data stream. Thus, in this embodiment, the modulation unit 315C operates to send and receive only a digital data stream.

As shown, modulation unit 315C comprises SLAC 505, framer/controller 515, processor 520, memory 525, DSL modem 510, and Ethernet transceiver 530. The modulation unit 315C receives analog or digital telephony signals over telephone line 120, such as from the PBX 112. The analog telephony signals are received by a subscriber line audio processing circuit shown as a SLAC 505. The SLAC 505 typically includes analog to digital conversion logic and digital to analog conversion logic. The analog to digital conversion logic converts the analog telephony signals received from telephone line 120 into digital telephony signals and provides those digital telephony signals to framer/controller 515. Digital telephony signals received by the SLAC 505 on line 120 are passed to the framer/controller 515.

Various servers, such as voice over IP server 580 and/or data server 590, may provide data signals over network 205 to the modulation unit 315C. Data received over network 205 are received by a digital transceiver, such as Ethernet transceiver 530. The data is transferred from Ethernet transceiver 530 to framer/controller 515. The framer 515 integrates the digital telephony signals from subscriber line circuit 505 with the digital network signals from Ethernet transceiver 530 and outputs integrated digital signals, possibly with added control signals, to the digital transceiver, such as DSL modem 510. DSL modem 510 converts the signals into a digital subscriber line (DSL) format and provides the integrated data stream (including one or more of digital voice, digital data, and control signals) onto two-wire telephone line 120.

Processor 520 preferably includes or is coupled to memory 525. Memory 525 is configured to store data as required by the processor 520. Processor 520 is preferably coupled to each of the SLAC 505, framer 515, DSL modem 510 and network transceiver 530.

When the modulation unit 315C receives an integrated data stream, including one or more of digital voice, digital data and control signals, over two-wire telephone line 120A, the modulation unit 315C operates in reverse fashion. In this instance, DSL modem 510 receives the integrated data stream and provides the integrated data stream to the framer 515. The framer 515 operates on the integrated data stream to provide digital data signals destmed for the PBX 112 to the subscπber lme circuit 505 The processor 520 provides digital data signals destined for locations on the network 205 to the Ethernet transceiver 530 Ethernet transceiver 530 is further configured to provide digital data signals, e g data packets, to one or more servers or locations over network 205 It is noted that at least a portion or all of the modulation unit 315C may be implemented dnectly m a lme card of the PBX 112

In one embodiment of Figure 7C, the modulation unit 315C communicates only with network 205, and no connection is made to a PBX 112 Thus SLAC 505 is not necessary, PBX 112 is not necessary, and all voice traffic is routed through the transceiver 530 to the network 205, such as usmg voice over IP In this embodiment, the processor 520 operates to emulate vaπous PBX features to the user locations 330 to provide vaπous PBX services to the vanous telephony devices at the user locations 330, such as lme indications, three-way calling, conference calls, etc

Figure 8A - Lme Interface Module 332A Figure 8A illustrates an embodiment of lme mterface module 332A (also called a lme mterface transducer) which is intended to operate with the modulation unit 315A of Figure 7A

In one embodiment, the lme mterface modules shown m Figures 8A - 8H are designed to be mcorporated mto the junction box (J box) of a station jack or telephone jack, such as an RJ-11 jack Thus the lme mterface module 332 may have the form factor of a standard telephone jack or junction box (J box) In this embodiment, a retrofit may mclude removmg the existing jack and replacmg this removed jack with the lme mterface module, wherem the lme mterface module connects to the existing telephone wiring m place of the removed jack Alternatively, the lme mterface module may compπse a separate device or "bnck" that connects between the existing telephone wiring (e g , the existing jack) and the existmg telephony device present m the room

As shown, lme mterface module 332A may mclude a POTS splitter 214 coupled to a first telephone outlet 640A and a DSL modem 620 The DSL modem 620 is further coupled to a framer 625 The framer 625 is further coupled to control logic 636, V 90 modem 635, subscriber lme circuitry 630, shown as SLAC/RSLIC 630, a wireless access pomt 655, and a transceiver 645 The transceiver 645 may be an Ethernet transceiver (or other network transceiver), a modem transceiver, a USB transceiver, a "Bluetooth" transceiver, a DSL transceiver, a wireless transceiver, or other type of transceiver The V 90 modem 635 and the SLAC/RSLIC 630 are further coupled to a second telephone port (also a modem port) 640B The transceiver 645 is further coupled to an outlet 650, preferably a network port, e g , an Ethernet outlet The transceiver 645 may also be a USB port, a wireless port, an analog modem jack, etc Note that the telephone lme 120 is also coupled to a lme to user location 430B

The control logic 636 is preferably coupled to each of the components m the lme mterface module 332A and performs control functions m the lme mterface module 332A The control logic 636 may compπse a CPU, DSP, microcontroller, discrete logic, programmable logic such as an FPGA, or other control circuitry

Lme mterface module 332A receives the POTS telephony signals and data packets (e g , mtegrated data stream) over two- wire telephone lme 120 POTS splitter 214 receives the POTS telephone signal plus the integrated data stream and splits off the POTS telephone signal directly to telephone port or jack 640A The integrated data stream is supplied from the POTS splitter 214 to a digital transceiver such as DSL modem 620 The DSL modem 620 provides the integrated data stream to framer 625, which may include a processor such as the processor 520 shown in Figure 7A in the modulation unit 315. The framer 625 provides telephony signals to a subscriber line audio processing circuit and ringing subscriber line interface circuit (SLAC/RSLIC) 630. The SLAC/RSLIC 630 may be configured to convert the digital telephony signals to analog telephony signals and provide the converted analog POTS telephone signals to telephone port 640B. The SLAC/RSLIC 630 is also configured to provide the ring signal to a telephone coupled to telephone port 640B, upon receiving a telephone call intended for that telephone number. The framer 625 is further configured to provide the data traffic to transceiver 645 which is then configured to provide the data traffic to port 650 for data processing equipment 336, such as computer 336 shown previously. As noted above, the computer 336 may include an analog modem, an Ethernet network interface card, or other type of communication device.

The above logic operates in a similar manner in the reverse direction when one or more of analog telephony signals, digital (or analog) telephony signals or modem data, or digital communication data are received at the ports 640A, 640B and 650, respectively. In one example, the digitized modem data (or digital data such as Ethernet data) and digital telephony signals may be comprised in packets (an integrated data stream) and provided over the existing telephone lines 120. The analog voice signals may be provided in the analog voice band of the existing telephone lines 120, and the data packets may be transferred at a higher frequency band.

Line interface module 332A may further include a wireless access point 655 coupled to the framer 625. The wireless access point 655, when present, is configured to provide wireless access, e.g., wireless Ethernet, to the integrated telephone and data system through the framer 625. The wireless access point 655 provides for short range wireless communications. The wireless access point 655 may operate in conjunction with the system described in U.S. Patent No. 5,835,061. The wireless access point 655 may communicate with a wireless Ethernet card comprised in computer 336.

Line interface module 332A may also include a V.90 modem 635 coupled to the framer 625 and the telephone port 640B. The V.90 modem 635 is also coupled to control logic 636. The control logic 636 is further coupled to the framer 625.

In one embodiment, a telephony device (also called a user modem or an external modem) in an external communications device or data processing device may input modem signals to telephone port 640B (or port 650). Either upon receiving modem recognition signals or upon being signaled directly, internal V.90 modem 635 responds to the recognition signals of the external modem. The external modem and the internal V.90 modem 635 may then negotiate and train to a maximum or optimal transfer rate for modem data between the external modem and the internal V.90 modem 635. The V.90 modem 635 will then provide the modem signals to the framer 625 for repackaging and transfer over the two- wire telephone line 120 by the DSL modem 620. Likewise, digitized modem signals (comprised in data packets) may be received from the telephone line 120 by the framer 625 and converted to analog signals that are provided to internal modem 635, which are then communicated to the external modem.

In this configuration, according to this embodiment, the external modem is capable of communicating with the internal modem 635 at the maximum rate allowed between the external modem and the internal V.90 modem 635. The short distance between the external modem and the internal V.90 modem 635, and the presumably low noise characteristics of this very short line, may advantageously provide for optimum transfer and maximum transfer rates during all use, such as guaranteed 56 kbps for a 56 k modem. In other words, due to their close proximity, the internal modem 635 and external modem negotiate the fastest or optimal rate between them. Thus, if the internal and external modems are both 56 k modems, the two modems may negotiate a 56 transfer between them, whereas if the external modem was required to communicate with a modem at a much greater distance, such as a modem at an ISP, then a lesser speed would typically be negotiated.

Figure 8B - Line Interface Module 332B

Figure 8B illustrates an alternate embodiment of the line interface module 332B which is intended to operate with the modulation unit 315B of Figure 7B. This embodiment of line interface module 332B is configured to accept and transmit completely integrated telephony and data signals and to provide the appropriate telephony signals or data signals to an appropriate port as desired.

As shown, line interface module 332B includes a DSL modem 620 coupled to line 120. The DSL modem 620 is further coupled to a framer 625. The framer 625 is further coupled to first SLAC/RSLIC 630A, second SLAC/RSLIC 630B, control logic 636, V.90 modem 635, a wireless access point 655, and a transceiver 645. The first SLAC/RSLIC 630A is further coupled to first telephone port 640B1. V.90 modem 635 and the SLAC/RSLIC 630B are further coupled to a second telephone port 640B2. The transceiver 645, which may be an Ethernet transceiver, modem transceiver, or other interface, is further coupled to a network port 650.

In this embodiment, a completely integrated voice and data signal is transferred digitally over the two- wire telephone line 120 and delivered to a DSL modem 620 in the line interface module 332B, and the analog POTS voice band for analog telephony signals may not be maintained. The DSL modem 620 then provides the integrated voice and data stream to a framer 625, which may include the processor 520 discussed above with respect to Figure 5A. The framer 625 routes the input data to the appropriate destination. The appropriate destinations include the following. First, subscriber line access circuit and ringing subscriber line interface circuit 630A is configured to receive digital telephony signals and to convert the digital telephony signals into analog telephony signals and output the converted analog telephony signals to telephony port 640B1. Second, subscriber line audio processing circuit and ringing subscriber line interface circuit 630B is configured to receive the second set of digital telephony signals and may operate to convert the second set of digital telephony signals into a second set of converted analog telephony signals and output same to port 640B2. Third, V.90 modem 635 may receive modem signals destined for telephone port 640B2. Framer 625 may also provide control signals to and from control logic 636 including those destined for V.90 modem 635. Fourth, data packets from network 205 may be provided to transceiver 645, e.g., Ethernet transceiver, for transmission to data port 650. Fifth, data destined for wireless transmission may be provided to wireless access point 655.

The internal V.90 modem 635 included in line interface module 332B is also configured to send receive modem signals from an external V.90 modem coupled to telephone port 640B2 similar to the internal V.90 modem 635 in line interface module 332A.

Figure 8C - Line Interface Module 332C

Figure 8C illustrates an alternate embodiment of either of line interface modules 332A or 332B which eliminates the A/D and D/A converter logic comprised in modem 635. In this embodiment, internal modem 635 is replaced with a DSP 634 which performs the digital functions of modem 635, including the data pump function. In this embodiment, input signals intended for the internal modem 635 are first provided to subscriber line circuit 630 for analog to digital conversion, and then are provided to data pump (DSP) 634. Likewise, signals output from the data pump 635 are provided to subscriber line circuit 630 for digital to analog conversion and then are provided to port 640B. This removes the A D and D/A converter logic in the modem, thus reducing the cost of the line interface module. In other words, this eliminates the redundant A/D and D/A logic comprised in the modem, and uses the subscriber circuit 630 for this purpose.

Figure 8D - Line Interface Module 332D with Single Data Jack Figure 8D illustrates an additional embodiment of line interface module, referred to as 332D. Line interface module 332D may be similar or identical in most respects to line interface modules 332A - 332C, except that, in this embodiment, line interface module 332D includes a multipurpose data port 750 for transfer of one or more of telephony, modem, and network data traffic. It is noted that the multipurpose data outlet 750 may be included on any of the line interface module embodiments 332A - 332C, as desired, or other embodiments, and thus the configuration and or selection of logic blocks shown in Figure 8D is exemplary only.

As shown, the ports 640B and 650 are replaced with a single data port 750. Thus, in the embodiment shown in Figure 8D, line interface module 332D includes two ports 640A and 750. In a prefeπed embodiment, telephone port 640A includes an RJ-11 jack capable of receiving an RJ-11 connector for providing telephony signals to a telephone, such as telephones 334A and 334B shown previously. Data port 750 is preferably an RJ-45 jack configured to receive either an RJ-11 connector or an RJ-45 connector. The single data port 750 may be coupled to the modem 635, the subscriber line circuit 630, and the Ethernet transceiver 645. The data port 750 includes eight electrical connections or pins labeled 751-758. Pins 754 and 755 are electrically connected to the V.90 modem 635 and the SLAC/RSLIC 630. Pins 751 - 753 and pins 756 - 758 are electrically connected to Ethernet transceiver 645. Operation of various ones of pins 751-758 depends on the particular wiring plug inserted into data port 750. Thus, line interface module 332D is operable to selectively provide data or telephone signals from port 750 to either the V.90 modem 635 and SLAC/RSLIC 630 or to Ethernet transceiver 645, depending on the type of connector inserted into the data port 750.

Figure 8E - Line Interface Module 332E Figure 8E illustrates an embodiment of the line interface module 33E, which incorporates certain features of the line interface module 332C of Figure 8C and line interface module 33D of Figure 8D. The DSP/data pump 634 of the line interface module 332C of Figure 8C is added in place of the modem 635 used with the data port 750.

Figure 8F - Line Interface Module 332F

Figure 8F illustrates an embodiment of line interface module 332F similar to the line interface module 332E of Figure 8E. The line interface module 332F includes a network transceiver 645A and an Ethernet transceiver 645B. Digital data traffic between the line interface module 332F and the modulation unit 315 are framed and encoded according to the pre-determined network protocol of the network transceiver 645 A. Any suitable network protocol may be used, as desired.

Figure 8G - Line Interface Module 333A Figure 8G illustrates an embodiment of line interface module 333 A shown in system 300B in Figure 6B, which eliminates the A D and D/A converter logic comprised in modem 635, as in Figure 8C. Analog POTS telephone signals are received on telephone line 120 at station jack 132 and provided to I/O port 640A, preferably an RJ-11 jack. Digital signals on telephone line 120 may optionally be received by an interface unit 215 and provided to a digital transceiver such as DSL modem 620. The DSL modem 620 provides the digital data stream to framer 625, as described above. As illustrated, telephone signals from the second telephone line coupled to I/O port 640B are transmitted and received to and from the user location as digital signals over telephone line 120.

Figure 8H - Line Interface Module 333B

Figure 8G illustrates an alternative embodiment of line interface module 333B shown in system 300B in Figure 6B, which removes the analog POTS line from the line interface module 333B. Only the digital signals are transferred to the from the line interface module 333B. Other details are similar to Figure 8G. Note that the station jack 132 includes the POTS I/O port 640A, and the digital signals are received from the telephone line 120 through the station jack 132.

It is noted that additional variations may be found in combining features in line interface modules 332 and 333, as shown in Figures 8A-8H.

Figures 9A & 9B - Face Plates

Figure 9A illustrates two embodiments of face plates 810 and 820 for line interface modules 332A-

332C, and 333A, such as the face plate as one might see on the outside of telephone junction box, "J box" or station jack 132, at a user location. Face plate embodiment 810 corresponds to the line interface module 332A,

332C, and 332G described in Figures 8A, 8C, and 8G. Face plate 820 corresponds to line interface module 332B illustrated in Figure 8B.

In face plate embodiment 810, three input/output (I O) ports are illustrated. First port 640A is shown as an RJ-11 jack with four available connection pins. The two innermost pins of port 640A are configured to provide POTS telephony signals (or POTS modem signals) to a telephone device connected to port 640A. I/O port 640B is shown as also including an RJ-11 jack with four connection pins. The two innermost pins provide telephony signals or modem signals which arrived at the line interface module 332 as digital signals. I/O port 650 is shown as an RJ-45 jack with eight connection pins.

Face plate embodiment 820 includes three telephone I O ports. Telephone port 640B1 is shown as an RJ-11 jack configured to accept an RJ-11 plug. Telephone port 640B2 is also shown as an RJ-11 jack configured to accept an RJ-11 plug. Data port 650 is shown configured to accept an RJ-45 jack for providing Ethernet transmissions. Figure 9B illustrates two embodiments of face plates 830 and 840 for line interface modules 332D-332F and 333B shown in Figures 8D-8F. Face plate 830 corresponds to line interface modules 332D-332F illustrated in Figures 8D-8F. Face plate 840 corresponds to line interface module 333A illustrated in Figures 8H.

Face plate embodiment 830 includes two I/O ports, I O port 640A and data port 750. Telephony port 640A is a POTS telephone port shown as including an RJ-11 jack for receiving an RJ-11 telephone plug. Face plate 830 also includes a data port shown as an RJ-45 jack 750. RJ-45 jack 750 is configured to receive either an RJ-11 plug or an RJ-45 plug. When data port 750 receives an RJ-11 plug, data port 750 is configured to transfer telephony signals or modem signals over pins 4 and 5 of the eight pins shown. When data port 750 receives an RJ-45 plug, data port 750 is configured to receive Ethernet signals over pins 1 - 3 and 5, i.e., pins 751 - 753 and 756.

Face plate embodiment 840 includes two telephone I/O ports. Telephone port 640B is shown as an RJ- 11 jack configured to accept an RJ-11 plug. Telephone port 650 is shown configured to accept an RJ-45 jack for providing Ethernet transmissions through line interface module 332H.

Figure 10A - Telephony Device 900A Including Line Interface Module Logic

Figure 10A illustrates an embodiment of a telephony device 900A (e.g., a telephone instrument) which includes or integrates the line interface module 332A of Figure 8A. Thus, instead of incorporating line interface module 332A into the junction box (J box) of a station jack, the logic comprising the line interface module 332A is instead incorporated into telephony device 900A, i.e., is incorporated with standard telephony logic circuitry inside a telephony device.

Telephony device 900A includes components similar to the line interface transducer 332A of Figure 8A, and operates similarly to the line interface transducer 332A of Figure 8A, except that the telephony device 900A also includes telephone circuitry 918 coupled between the POTS splitter 214 and a handset port 919. The POTS telephony circuitry 918 also couples to each of the modem 635, subscriber circuit 930 and port 640B. As shown, telephony device 900A includes a POTS splitter 214 for coupling to a station jack 132. Station jack 132 is shown coupled to a line to user location 430B. Telephony device 900A also includes POTS telephony circuitry 918 coupled to the POTS splitter 214 and a telephone handset port 919. POTS splitter 214 is further coupled to a DSL modem 620. The DSL modem 620 is further coupled to a framer 625. The framer 625 is further coupled to control logic 636, V.90 modem 635, subscriber line circuitry 630, shown as SLAC/RSLIC 930, a wireless access point 655, and a network transceiver 645, e.g., an Ethernet transceiver. The SLAC RSLIC 930 is further coupled to the POTS telephony circuitry 918. The V.90 modem 635 and the SLAC/RSLIC 930 are further coupled to a second telephone port 640B. The transceiver 645 is further coupled to a network port 650.

Telephony device 900A accepts the POTS plus integrated data stream (POTS plus data packets) provided over two-wire telephone line 120A from a station jack 132. A POTS splitter 214 receives the POTS telephone signal plus the integrated data stream and splits off the POTS telephone signal directly to telephone circuitry 918, preferably POTS telephone circuitry 918. POTS telephone circuitry 918 preferably includes the DTMF generator, keypad control, ringer control, etc. associated with a POTS telephone. In another embodiment, the telephone circuitry 918 may include the circuitry associated with a digital telephone. The POTS telephone circuitry 918 provides the POTS telephone signals to a telephone port 919 configured to couple to a telephone handset or other communications input output device, e.g. a TTY machine.

The integrated data stream is supplied from the POTS splitter 214 to a digital (or network) transceiver such as DSL modem 620. The DSL modem 620 provides the integrated data stream to a framer 625, which may include a processor such as processor 520 shown above. The framer 625 provides telephony signals to a subscriber line audio processing circuit and ringing subscriber line interface circuit (SLAC/RSLIC) 930. The SLAC/RSLIC 930 is configured to convert the digital telephony signals to analog telephony signals and provide the converted analog POTS telephone signals to telephone port 640. The SLAC/RSLIC 630 is also configured to signal the POTS telephone circuitry to announce a telephone call, e.g. by ringing, upon receiving a telephone call intended for the telephony device 900A.

The framer 625 is further configured to provide the data traffic to transceiver 645 which is then provided to data port 650 for data processing equipment 336, such as computer 336 shown previously. Telephony device 900A may further include a wireless access point 655 coupled to the framer 625. The wireless access point, when present, may be configured to provide wireless Ethernet access to the integrated telephone and data system through the framer 625. Telephony device 900A may also include a V.90 modem 635 coupled to the framer 625 and the telephone port 640. The V.90 modem 635 is also coupled to control logic 636. The control logic 636 is further coupled to the framer 625.

The telephony device 900A operates in the reverse manner for communications in the opposite direction, as described above. In one embodiment, a user modem (an external modem) in an external communications device or data processing device may input modem signals from the external modem to telephone port 640. Either upon receiving modem recognition signals or upon being signaled directly, such as by control logic 636, the internal V.90 modem 635 responds to the recognition signals of the external modem. The external modem and the internal V.90 modem 635 may then negotiate and train to a maximum or optimal transfer rate for modem data between the external modem and the internal V.90 modem 635. The V.90 modem 635 will then provide the modem signals to the framer 625 for repackaging and transfer over the two- wire telephone line 120A by the DSL modem 620. In this configuration, according to this embodiment, the external V.90 modem is capable of communicating with a distant network device over net 205 at the maximum rate allowed between the external modem and the internal V.90 modem 635. The short distance between the external modem and the internal V.90 modem 635 may advantageously provide for optimum transfer and maximum transfer rates between the modems during all use.

Figure 10B - Telephony Device 900B Including Line Interface Module Logic

Figure 10B illustrates an alternate embodiment of the telephony device 900B which mcludes or integrates the line interface module 332B of Figure 8B. Thus, instead of incorporating line interface module 332B into the junction box ("J box"), the logic comprising the line interface module 332B is instead incorporated into telephony device 900B, i.e., is incorporated with standard telephony logic circuitry inside a telephony device.

Telephony device 900B includes components similar to the line interface transducer 332B of Figure 8B, except that the telephony device 900B also includes telephone circuitry 918 coupled between the subscriber circuit 930A and handset port 919. The telephony circuitry 918 also couples to each of the subscriber circuit 930B, internal modem 635, and port 640B.

As shown, telephony device 900B includes a DSL modem 620 coupled to line 120A. The DSL modem 620 is further coupled to a framer 625. The framer 625 is further coupled to first SLAC/RSLIC 630A, second SLAC/RSLIC 630B, control logic 636, V.90 modem 635, a wireless access point 655, and a network transceiver 645. The first SLAC/RSLIC 930A and the second SLAC/RSLIC 930B are further coupled telephone switching circuitry 918. The telephone switching circuitry 918 is further coupled to a telephone handset port 919. V.90 modem 635 and the SLAC/RSLIC 930B are further coupled to a telephone outlet 640B. The transceiver 645 is further coupled to a network outlet 650. A station jack, also coupled to a line to user location 430A, provides the digital voice/data signals to the DSL modem 620.

This embodiment of telephony device 900B is configured to accept (and transmit) completely integrated telephony and data signals and to provide the appropriate telephony signals or data signals to an appropriate output as desired. In this embodiment, a completely integrated voice and data signal is transferred digitally over the two-wire telephone line 120A and delivered to station jack 132. The DSL modem 620 in the telephony device 900B is coupled to the station jack 132 to receive the integrated data stream. The DSL modem 620 provides the integrated data stream to a framer 625, which may include the processor 520 discussed above. The framer 625 routes the digital data to the appropriate destination.

The appropriate destinations include the following: First, subscriber line audio processing circuit and ringing subscriber line interface circuit (SLAC/RSLIC) 930A is configured to receive digital telephony signals and to convert the digital telephony signals into converted analog telephony signals and output the converted analog telephony signals to telephone circuitry 918. Telephone switching circuitry 918 preferably includes the DTMF generator, keypad, ringer, etc. associated with a POTS telephone with two phone lines. In another embodiment, the telephone circuitry 918 may include the circuitry associated with a digital telephone. The telephone circuitry 918 provides the converted analog telephone signals to a telephone output 919 configured to couple to a telephone handset or other communications input/output device, e.g. a TTY machine.

Second, subscriber line circuit (SLAC/RSLIC) 930B is configured to receive the second set of digital telephony signals and to convert the second set of digital telephony signals into a second set of converted analog telephony signals and output same to port 640B. Third, V.90 modem 635 may receive modem signals from the framer 625 destined for telephone port 640B. Framer 625 may also provide control signals to and from control logic 636 including those destined for V.90 modem 635. Fourth, data packets from network 205 may be provided to transceiver 645, e.g., Ethernet transceiver, for transmission to data port 650. Fifth, data destined for wireless transmission may be provided to wireless access point 655.

The internal V.90 modem 635 included in line interface module 332B is also configured to send/receive modem signals to/from an external V.90 modem coupled to telephone port 640B2, similar to the internal V.90 modem 635 in telephony device 900A.

Figure 10C - Telephony Device 900C

Figure 10C illustrates an embodiment similar to Figure 8C, i.e., Figure 10C illustrates alternate embodiment of either of telephony devices 900A or 900B which eliminates the A/D converter comprised in modem 635. In this embodiment, internal modem 635 is replaced with a DSP 634, which performs the digital functions of modem 635, including the data pump function. In this embodiment, input signals intended for the internal modem 635 are first provided to subscriber line circuit for analog to digital conversion, and then are provided to data pump (DSP) 634. Likewise, signals output from the data pump 635 are provided to subscriber line circuit 630 for digital to analog conversion and then are provided to port 640B. This removes or obviates the necessity of the A/D and D/A logic in the modem, thus reducing the cost of the telephony device.

Figure 10D - Telephony Device 900D Including Line Interface Module Logic

Figure 10D illustrates an embodiment of a telephony device, referred to as 900D, incorporating the logic of line interface module 332D. Telephony device 900D may be similar or identical in most respects to telephony devices 900A - 900C or line interface modules 332A-332F, except that, in this embodiment, telephone device 900D includes a multipurpose data port 750 for transfer of one or more of telephony, modem, and network data traffic. It is noted that the multipurpose data port 750 may be included on any of the telephony devices 900A - 900C, as desired, and thus the configuration and or selection of logic blocks shown in Figure 10D is exemplary only.

As shown, the ports 640B and 650 are replaced with a single data port 750. Thus, in the embodiment shown in Figure 10D, telephony device 900D includes a handset port 919 and a port 750. Data port 750 is preferably an RJ-45 jack configured to receive either an RJ-11 connector or an RJ-45 connector, as described above with respect to Figures 8A-8F.

Figure 10E - Telephony Device 900E Including Modem and Ethernet Capabilities

Figure 10E illustrates an embodiment of telephony device, referred to as 900E, similar to the line interface module 332E, which incorporates certain features of the telephony device 900C of Figure 10C and telephony device 900D of Figure 10D. The DSP/data pump 634 of the telephony device 900E of Figure 10C is added in place of the modem 635 used with the data port 750.

Figure 10F - Telephony Device 900F

Figure 10F illustrates an embodiment of telephony device 900F incorporating the line interface module

332F of Figure 8F. The telephony device 900F includes a network transceiver 645A and an Ethernet transceiver 645B. Digital data traffic between the telephony device 900F and the modulation unit 315 are framed and encoded according to the pre-determined network protocol of the network transceiver 645A. Any suitable network protocol may be used, as desired.

Figure 10G - Telephony Device 900G Figure 10G illustrates a sphtterless embodiment similar to Figure 10C and Figure 8G, i.e., Figure 10G illustrates an alternate embodiment of either of telephony device 900C with a configuration that includes the functionality of sphtterless line interface module 333B. The analog POTS telephone line and an optional second, digital telephoen line are coupled to the telephone handset port 919 through the telephone circuitry 918. The digital signals are received from the telephone line from the station jack 132 through unit an optional interface unit 215 and transferred to the DSL modem 620. Ethernet signals and V.90 modem signals are also digitally encoded to and from the Ethernet port 650 and the telephone port 640B.

Telephony Device Including Modem and Network Interface (e.g., Ethernet) Capabilities Various of the figures above illustrate embodiments of telephony device which include a modem which communicates through a network transceiver, such as an Ethernet transceiver, to telephone lines 120 or to a network, such as an Ethernet network.

Current technology exists which allow telephony devices or modems to connect to networks, such as

Ethernet networks. However, when a modem (external modem) is required to connect to an Ethernet network, the modem consumes a continuous amount of bandwidth, typically a continuous 64k channel, regardless of actual data transmission. This degrades network operations.

In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a device, such as a telephony device or line interface module, which includes an internal modem and a network transceiver, such as an Ethernet transceiver,

DSL transceiver, etc. The internal modem in the telephony device is coupled through the transceiver to communicate packets on a communication line, such as telephone lines 120 or an Ethernet network. Thus the user's external modem communicates with the internal modem in the device, which in turn communicates to the network transceiver to send network packets (Ethernet or IP packets) over the telephone lines 120 or network.

This allows a user to only use bandwidth when needed, instead of requiring a 64K continuous channel. Modem data is converted into IP packets and sent over the network as IP packets, thus consuming less bandwidth than transmission of modem data over the telephone lines 120 or network.

A user can also connect to the network using a modem instead of requiring him to have an Ethernet card.

Also, the combination of a modem and a network transceiver in the telephony device allows a reduction of bandwidth going out of the telephony device and hence a reduction in bandwidth on the network.

Figures 17A and 17B - Retrofit Method Flowcharts

Figure 17A and 17B illustrate methods for retrofitting a building according to various embodiments of the present invention. The described method presumes a retrofit of one or more rooms of a building with additional telecommunication capabilities. The building is presumed to comprise a plurality of rooms, wherein each of the rooms includes one or more telephone jacks and one or more telephony devices comprised in the room. The building includes at least one PBX, and the building includes existing telephone wiring connected between the PBX and the telephone jacks in each of the rooms. Existing telephone wiring may be limited in its telecommunication capabilities, e.g., maybe category 3 or less than category 3, or unrated wire.

Figure 17A illustrates the method wherein a line interface module or line interface transducer 332 is designed to replace a junction box of one or more telephone jacks in each of the rooms. Thus, in the method of figure 17A, the line interface module 332 may have the form factor of a telephone jack, or the form factor of a junction box of a telephone jack. The method of Figure 17B presumes that the line-interface module logic is comprised in a telephony device.

As shown in Figure 17 A, in step 1705 the method may involve connecting a modulation unit 315 to a plurality of the existing telephone lines in the building. As discussed above, the modulation unit 315 may preferably be interposed between the plurality of telephone lines and a PBX of the building. In step 1710, the method may involve connecting a network communications line to the modulation unit 315. Thus, the modulation unit 315 may be connected to a network port or a data port for access, e.g., to a wide area network such as the Internet. In step 1715, the method may involve removing telephone jacks from junction boxes in one or more locations or rooms in the building where a retrofit is desired. In step 1720 the method may involve connecting a line interface module 332 such as described above to the respective existing telephone lines in these rooms. The line interface module 332 may correspond to one of the embodiments described with respect to figures 8A-8H. The line interface module 332 may be inserted in the space where the telephone jacks which were removed, e.g., line interface module 332 may be positioned in the junction boxes in place of the telephone jacks which were removed. This operates to retrofit these rooms or locations in the building for the additional or enhanced telecommunication capabilities.

In the method of Figure 17B, steps 1705 and 1710 are preferably performed as described above. In 1750, the method may involve disconnecting existing telephones from telephone jacks in one or more locations or rooms in the building and removing these existing telephones. In step 1755, the method may involve connecting a new telephony device 900 to each of these telephone jacks. This new telephony device 900 may correspond to one of the embodiments described with respect to figures 10A-10G. Thus, the telephony device inserted in step 1755 includes line interface module logic according to one or more embodiments of the present invention as described above. Thus each new telephony device 900 may be configured to provide one or more telephone lines, including at least one modem connection, and/or network access, to the location. Thus, the method described in 17B operates to retrofit each of the various locations of the rooms in the building with enhanced or new telecommunication capabilities, simply by replacing the existing (typically POTS) telephony device with a new telephony device 900.

In another embodiment, the line interface module may be comprised in a separate device or "brick" that connects to the existing telephone wiring, e.g., to the existing telephone jack. The existing telephony device in the room may then be connected to the brick. Thus, a retrofit may involve disconnecting the existing telephony device in the room, connecting the line interface module brick ("brick") to the existing telephone wiring, and then connecting the existing telephony device to the brick. The brick is preferably configured according to one of the embodiments shown in Figures 8A - 8H, or combinations thereof. Thus, other telephony devices and/or network devices may be connected to other telephony or data ports comprised on the brick. For example, a telephony device, such as a second telephone or modem, may be connected to the brick. A network device, such as an Ethernet card, may also be connected to the brick. The brick may also have a wireless transceiver, such as for wireless Ethernet.

Figure 11 A - Modulation Unit Housing Front View Figure 11A illustrates an embodiment of a front view of housing 1100 for an alternative embodiment of modulation unit 315C. As shown, the housing 1100 includes a slanted top portion of the cover 1101 and a flat front portion of the cover 1102. Housing 1100 also includes four mounting brackets 1105A-1105D. The only other features visible from a front-on view are the air exhaust port 1110 for a cooling fan and connection 1115 for power input to the modulation unit 315C. The air exhaust port 1110 for the fan and the connection 1115 for power input are located on the bottom 1103 of the housing 1100.

Figure 1 IB - Modulation Unit Housing Side View Figure 1 IB is a side view showing side 1104 of the housing 1100. The relative locations of the slanted top 1101 and the flat front 1102 of the housing 1100 are shown. It is noted that the slanted top 1101 and the flat front 1102 are preferably included as a unified cover 1200 of the housing 1100. The relative location of the bottom 1103 of the housing 1100 and the air exhaust port 1110 of the fan are also shown. Note that mounting brackets 1105B and 1105D shown in Figure 12 stand off from the back side of the housing 1100. This allows for a gap 1210 between the housing 1100 and a wall 1205 to which the housing 1100 is mounted. Gap 1210 preferably allows for a convection chimney between the housing 1100 and the wall 1205. As heat radiates from the back of the housing 1100, the air in the gap 1210 is heated, expands and moves upward. The gap 1210 draws in cool air from the bottom of the housing 1100, cooling the housing 1100 from the bottom as the warmer air is expelled out the top of the gap 1210. In a preferred embodiment, the width of gap is approximately 3/8 inch.

Figure 11C - Modulation Unit Housing Side View

Figure 11C is a side view similar to Figure 11B, wherein the open gap 1210 between the housing 1100 and the mounting surface 1205 is covered on the sides by an extension 1190 of the housing 1100. The extension 1190 may advantageously provide for a better air flow chimney by now allowing warm air between the housing 1100 and the wall 1205 to escape sideways.

Figure 1 ID - Modulation Unit Housing Bottom View

Figure 11D illustrates the features visible from a bottom view of the housing 1100. The relative locations of the flat front 1102, the side 1104 illustrated in Figure 14, the opposite side 1106, and the back of the housing 1100 are shown in Figure 15. The location of mounting brackets 1105C and 1105D and the gap 1210 between the housing 1100 and the wall 1205 are also shown. The features of the bottom 1103 of the housing 1100 include the following: The relative location of the air exhaust port 1110 for the fan is illustrated. The relative location of the power input connector 1115 is also shown. In the upper right of the bottom side 1103, a plurality of routing passages 1300 is shown. Routing passages 1300 are shown with a rounded bottom and a flat top. In a preferred embodiment routing passages 1300 are filled with a cable routed through an individual routing passage 1300 and a pliable space-filling material for providing a substantially airtight seal around each of the cables. The cables and the pliable space-filling material are secured to slow air exchange between the inside and the outside of the housing to an insubstantial amount. Empty routing passages 1300 are filled with the spacefilling material. It is noted that eight routing passages 1300 are illustrated to correspond to eight line cards that are preferably resident inside the housing 1100. The line cards will be described below with respect to Figs. 14- 16. Figure 12 - Modulation Unit 315C

Figure 12 illustrates an embodiment of the components and electrical/ communication signal routing of modulation unit 315C, preferably housed in housing 1110 shown above with respect to Figures 11A-1 ID above, and as shown in Figures 13A-13C below. As shown, modulation unit 315C in Figure 12 includes a smart card 1410 coupled to the network 205 for receiving properly routed and formed Ethernet packets. A plurality of signal lines couple the smart card 1410 to a plurality of line cards 1415. Each line card 1415 is coupled through a plurality of signal lines to an I/O connector 1420A-1420H for receiving POTS telephone signals over line 120 from the PSTN 105 and for receiving voice and/or data signals over line 120 from the user location. A storage device 1412 may be coupled to the smart card 1412. Power is provided as required by a power supply 1450 and optionally by power back-up 1460.

In the illustrated embodiment, telephone signals are provided to smart card 1410 over linel20 from the PSTN 105. Digital network signals are also provided to smart card 1410 from the network 205. An embodiment of smart card 1410 will be described below with respect to Figure 15. Smart card 1410 accepts power from the power supply 1450, which is backed up by power backup 1460, e.g. backup battery. Smart card 1410 preferably accepts, in the illustrated embodiment, 32 signal lines, four each from the eight line cards 1415. Smart card 1410 is also shown coupled to a storage device 1412, which may be embodied as a hard drive or as other appropriate storage device such as flash memory.

Line cards 1415 are also coupled to the power supply 1450. In the illustrated embodiment, the line cards 1415 each provide and are provided with digital network signals over four data lines each to smart card 1410. In addition, each line card 1415 is coupled by 48 signal lines to an I/O connector 1420, preferably one of the 50 pin connectors commonly referred to as "Amphenol connectors" and available from Amphenol Corp of Wallingford, Connecticut. Amphenol connectors are 50 pin connectors and are thus capable of receiving up to 50 electrical connections simultaneously. A plurality of Amphenol connectors 1420A-1420H are shown coupled to a plurality of two- wire telephone lines 120. In the embodiment illustrated, each line card 1415 services 12 user locations, such as user locations 330 illustrated in Figure 6 or user locations 430A-430C illustrated in Figure 6A. As each line card 1415 needs two electrical connections for each two- wire telephone line 120 to the user location and 2 electrical connections for each incoming line 120 from the PSTN 105, each line card 1415 uses 48 of the 50 electrical connections in communicating through the Amphenol connectors 1420. Thus, 24 of the 48 are incoming lines to the line card 1415 and 24 of the 48 are outgoing integrated data streams over two-wire telephone lines 120A.

Figure 13A - Modulation Unit 315C inside Housing 1100

Figure 13A illustrates an embodiment of modulation unit 315C shown from the front with the cover of the housing 1100 removed. The preferred locations of the various components of the modulation unit 315C are shown.

As shown, Figure 13A includes housing 1100 divided into a left side 1550 and a right side 1555, divided by a dashed line down a vertical internal wall 1552. The right side 1555 includes an enclosed portion 1525, shown enclosed in dashed lines. The relative locations of left side 1106, right side 1104, and bottom 1103 are noted. On the left side 1550, mounting brackets 1105A (upper) and 1105C (lower), air intake 1520, power back- up 1460, power 1450, fan 1505, and air outlet 1110 are shown On the right side 1555, outside of enclosed portion 1525, mountmg brackets 1105B (upper) and 1105D (lower) are shown On the πght side 1555, mside enclosed portion 1525, fan 1515, motherboard 1510, smart card 1410, lme cards 1415A-1415H, and storage device 1412 are shown Area 1185 at the bottom of the enclosed portion 1525 provides storage and a strain relief area for cables routed out routing passages 1300

The large arrows in Figure 13A illustrate the dnection of airflow m the two compartments (I e sides) of the housmg 1100 of the modulation unit 315C The left side of the modulation unit 315C housmg 1100 is designated 1550 by the arrow to the left of the dashed lme running top to bottom of the figure Note that air is drawn m through an air mtake 1520 on side 1106 of the housmg 1100 Coolmg air is pulled downward through the left half 1550 of the housmg 1100 by fan 1505 at the base of the left side 1550 Exhaust from the fan 1505 is through air outlet 1110 on the bottom 1103 of the housmg 1100 The relative location of the power supply 1450 and the power backup 1460 are shown m the left side 1550 of the housmg 1100 Note that the coolmg air taken in at air mtake 1520 first passes by the heat generating power backup 1460 which is located on the inner side of the outer wall 1106 of the housmg 1100 away from the active components mside the πght side 1555 of the housmg 1100 The warmed coolmg air is now passed over the power supply 1450 before bemg exhausted by the fan 1505 out exhaust port 1110 at the bottom 1103 of the housmg 1100 The left side 1550 of the housmg 1100 is preferably the only portion of the housmg 1100 that is open to the outside air

The πght side 1555 of the housmg 1100 contams a storage compartment, which is substantially airtight The airtight portion of the housmg 1100 is shown within the dashed lmes designated by reference numeral 1525 Inside the airtight portion 1525, air flow is m a clockwise fashion, optionally dnven by a fan 1515 Storage device 1412 rests on the dividing wall between 1550 and 1555, so as not to obstruct airflow Smart card 1410 and the lme cards 1415 are shown m their respective locations coupled to a motherboard 1510 Power is provided from power supply 1450 to the motherboard 1510 through a cable which passes through a substantially airtight seal m the internal dividing wall between the left half 1550 and the right half 1555 of the housmg 1100 In a preferred embodiment, smart card 1410 and the lme cards 1415 couple to the motherboard 1510 through connectors which are mechanically equal to PCI connectors (l e mechanically adhere to the Peripheral Component Interconnect specification), but are electncally different The locations of the Amphenol connectors 1420A-1420H on the lme cards 1415 are illustrated It is noted that m the preferred embodiment, the active components are mounted on the "wrong" side of the smart card 1410 and on the "πght" side of the lme cards 1415 By "wrong" side, it is meant that the PCI card convention of placing the active devices on the πght side of the card when holdmg the mountmg bracket m front of you with the card extendmg away is not followed This configuration of mounting the active components on the "wrong" side of the smart card 1410 may advantageously allow for better convective air flow, either natural or forced, through the sealed portion 1525 of the housmg 1100 Note that as shown, coolmg air is drawn by fan 1515 over the active components of the smart card 1410, directly

Figure 13B - Lower Left Perspective View of Modulation Unit 315C mside Housmg 1100

Figure 13B illustrates a lower left perspective view of the internals of the modulation unit 332C as well as the features of the side 1106 of the housmg 1100 It is noted that the air coolmg mtake 1520 is preferably comprised of scalloped openings opening outward and downward to advantageously eliminate moisture drip into the housing 1100. It is noted that the openings, between the left side 1550 and the right side 1555 of the housing 1100 for cable passages between the left side 1550 and the right side 1555, include guillotine-type slides 1805A- B with foam or other air-blocking materials to provide a substantially air tight compartment 1525 on the right side 1555 of the housing 1100. It is noted that the large open area at the base of the enclosed portion 1525 of the housing 1100 will be partially filled with the cables from the Amphenol connectors 1420A-1420H that will then be routed through the routing openings 1300 at the bottom 1103 of the housing 1100. The open area 1185 also provides a space for strain relief for cables exiting the housing 1100 through the routing passages 1300.

Figure 13C - Modulation Unit 332C Cut- Away Side View

Figure 13C illustrates the side cutaway view of the modulation unit 315C as seen from the side 1104. Relative location of the slanted top 1101, the flat front side 1102, the cover 1200, the mounting brackets 1105B and 1105D, the air exhaust 1110 and the power connection 1115 at the bottom 1103, and the gap 1210 between the housing 1100 and the wall 1205 are shown for reference. Also visible in this view are storage device 1412, e.g. hard drive 1412, and line card 1415H with Amphenol connector 1420H coupled to motherboard 1510 through PCI connector 1705. Line card 1415H is secured in the housing 1100 by bracket 1710, is well know in the art for PCI cards. Note that in the illustrated embodiment, the full length smart card 1410 is seen extending beyond the end of the half-sized line card 1415H. Note that the active components are mounted on the correct side of the line card 1415H, but are not visible on the correct side of the smart card 1410.

Figure 14 - Line Card Side View

Figure 14 illustrates the side view of an embodiment of a line card 1415H showing the relative locations of the PCI connector 1805 on the line card 1415 and the PCI connector 1705 on the motherboard 1510. Amphenol connector 1420 is shown at the top of the line card 1415. It is noted that the active devices are preferably all on the side shown in Figure 14, the "correct" side for PCI cards. Note the PCI full-length smart card 140 extending beyond the end of the line card 1415H. Preferably, no active devices are on the visible side of the smart card 1410.

Fig. 15 - Smart Card 1410 Figure 15 illustrates an embodiment of a smart card 1410, that is, an intelligent line card including a processor 1920 that is operable to control one or more line cards 1415. In one embodiment, the line cards operate as a hub and the smart card operates as a switch. In another embodiment, each of the line cards 1415 operate as a switch and the smart card 1410 operates as a master switch. It is noted that active elements mounted on the side of smart card 1410 are preferably mounted on the wrong side for a PCI card. It is also noted that in the preferred embodiment, smart card 1410 is a full length PCI card. It is noted that smart card 1410 preferably uses a single network protocol, such as Ethernet, for all electronic communications occurring on smart card 1410.

As shown, Figure 21 includes a smart card 1410 including the following: A PCI connector 1910 is operable to provide Ethernet signals to a multi-port switch 1915. The multi-port switch 1915 is coupled to a processor 1920 and a plurality of Ethernet transceivers 1930A-1930F. Multi-port switch 1915 is optionally coupled to an optical fiber transducer interface 1950A for sending optical transmissions off the smart card 1410. The Ethernet transceivers 1930A-1930F are coupled to one or more I/O ports, such as optical transducer port 1950B and/or a plurality of RJ-45 connectors 1960A-1960F.

In the illustrated embodiment, network signals from the network 205 are routed to smart card 1410 through either or both of optical transceiver port 1950B and or the plurality of RJ-45 connectors 1960A-1960F. The network signals are received by the Ethernet transceivers 1930A-1930F and provided to the multi-port switch 1915. Processor 1920 which controls the operations of the devices on smart card 1410 either include or are coupled to a memory 1925. Properly addressed and formed Ethernet packets are routed by the multi-port switch 1915 to line cards via PCI connector 1910 and the motherboard, or are routed off the smart card through an I/O connector such as optical transducer port 1950A, either to the line cards 1415 or to another destination.

In a similar fashion, Ethernet data packets are received from the line cards 1415 or from another location either via the PCI connector 1910 or the optical transducer port 1950A to the multi-port switch 1915, which routes this Ethernet packet data bound for the network 205 through an appropriate Ethernet transceiver 1930 and then, preferably, out an RJ-45 connector 1960.

Figure 16A - Line Card 1415 A

Figure 16A illustrates an embodiment of a line card 1415A compatible with the illustrated line interface module 332A-F of Figures 8A-F and the illustrated telephony device 900 of Figures 10A-F. In other words, line card 1415A provides DSL signals over two-wire telephone line 120 to the end-user location. As shown, Fig. 16A includes line card 1415A which includes the following: PCI connector 2010 couples to a motherboard and also electrically couples to a multi-port repeater 2020. Multi-port repeater 2020 couples to an Ethernet transceiver 2030. The Ethernet transceivers 2030A-2030C couple to DSL modems 2035A-2035C. Each of the DSL modems 2035 couples to two pins of an Amphenol connector 2040. The Amphenol connector is preferably located on the top of the PCI line card 1415A. In the illustrated embodiment, POTS telephony signals over communications channel 120 are received at the Amphenol connector 2040 and routed to a POTS splitter (not shown) on line card 1415A. Network data, preferably in Ethernet format, is received at PCI connector 2010 and transmitted through the multi-port repeater 2020 to the appropriate Ethernet transceiver 2030, based on the Ethernet address. Ethernet signals are received at appropriate Ethernet transceiver 2030 and provided over, preferably an Mil interface, to one of the DSL modems 2035. The DSL modem is configured to accept the Ethernet data and convert the data to DSL modulated data and output the DSL modulated data onto two of the pins of the Amphenol connector 2040.

The line card 1415A operates to receive network traffic in a similar fashion. After receiving DSL modulated signals from the Amphenol connector 2040, the appropriate DSL modem 2035 demodulates the DSL modulated signals provides the demodulated data to the appropriate one of the Ethernet transceivers 2030. The Ethernet transceiver 2030 routes the data through the multi-port repeater 2020 over the PCI connector 2010 to the smart card 1410. Figure 16B - Line Card 1415B

Figure 16B illustrates an embodiment of a line card 1415B that is used to provide Ethernet service to a user location that has high quality wires such as Cat 5 available.

As shown, Fig. 16B includes line card 1415B including the following: A PCI connector 2010 configured to couple to a motherboard also electrically couples to a multi-port repeater 2020. The multi-port repeater 2020 couples to a plurality of transceivers, such as Ethernet transceivers 2030, shown as Ethernet transceivers 2030A-2030C. The Ethernet transceivers 2030A-2030C couple to various pins of a 50 pin

Amphenol connector 2040 located on the top of the line card 1415B.

Ethernet signals received from the user location are transmitted through the Amphenol connector 2040 to the appropriate Ethernet transceiver included in one of the Ethernet transceivers 2030, based on the Ethernet address. The Ethernet packets are then routed through multi-port repeater 2020 over the PCI connector 2010 to the smart card 1410. Network data bound for the user location as Ethernet data is routed from the smart card 1410 through PCI connector 2010 to the multi-port repeater 2020 to one of the Ethernet transceivers 2030 through four wires, or pins, of the Amphenol connector 2040 to the end-user location.

Figure 16C - Line Card 1415C

Figure 16C illustrates an alternative embodiment of a line card 1415C. Line card 1415C operates as a switching line card providing each user location with a separate secure network data connection that cannot be snooped by other users located on the same physical premises who are not either connected into the actual user- location wiring or between the user-location wiring and the line card 1415C. Line card 1415C as a switching line card also operates so that each user location is its own collision domain. In other words, line card 1415C provides a completely switched hub for each user location.

As shown, Figure 16C includes an embodiment of line card 1415C. Line card 1415C includes a connector 2010 for connecting to a motherboard. Connector 2010 is preferably mechanically equal to a PCI connector. Active components on line card 1415C are located on the "correct" side of the line card 1415C. Coupled to the electrical connections of the connector 2010 is a multi-port switch 2025. The multi-port switch 2025 is coupled to a plurality of networking transceivers 2030A-2030C. The networking transceivers 2030A- 2030C operate according to predetermined networking protocols. The exact networking protocol is chosen at installation based on the quality of the telephone lines 120 and the services to be provided to user locations. The networking transceivers 2030A-2030C are coupled to various pins of the Amphenol connector 2040 located at the top of the line card 1415C.

In one embodiment, telephone signals such as over line 120 may be received at the Amphenol connector 2040 on line card 1415C. A POTS splitter (not shown) routes the POTS telephone signals back to a different pair of pins of the Amphenol connector 2040 to be routed to the user location. Properly addressed and formed network data packets may be received by the line card 1415C at the PCI connector 2010. The data packets are routed to the multi-port repeater 2020 and from there through one of the multi-port switches 225 to the appropriate one of the networking transceivers 2030A-2030C. The networking transceivers 2030A-2030C convert the data packet into the appropriate network format and transmits the formatted data over the telephone line 120 through the appropriate pins of the Amphenol connector 2040. One example networking protocol follows the HomePNA specification. It is noted that the current HomePNA specification, that is Home PNA 1.0, provides for a maximum bandwidth of 1 Mbps under ideal conditions over a two- wire telephone line 120. The HomePNA 2.0 specification calls for 25 Mbps on the Ethernet side and 10 Mbps bandwidth on the HomePNA side. It is also noted that at the end-user site, the line interface module 332 embodiment or the telephony device 900 embodiment appropriate to communicate with line card 1415C must have a HomePNA-compatible chip set 620, or its equivalent, on the line interface module 332 or the telephony device 900.

PCI-Based Modulation Unit It is noted that the use of PCI mechanical components in a network device, such as modulation unit

315C, may provide for substantial cost savings over existing technologies. PCI card stocks (half and full length), connectors 1705, 1910, and 2010, and brackets 1710 are made in substantial volumes in an on-going basis. The ease with which PCI cards may be removed and inserted allows for a short turn-around time in installing and in up-grading. Motherboards 1510 configured to accept PCI cards are well known in the computer industry, but not in the networking or telephony industry. Power supplies and connectors for motherboards are also well-known. Using standard computer motherboard components, along with PCI mechanical components, may allow for a lower cost of production and installation over existing networking and telephony technologies. Using known motherboard routing techniques to form custom wiring and routing for the PCI mechanical components allows for maximum efficiency with a low cost of design and production.

Modularity and Upgrading

Using standard computer motherboard components, along with PCI mechanical components, may also allow for cost and time savings during installation and up-grading of the modulation unit 315C. Smart cards 1410 and line cards 1415 represent modular components for a modulation unit 315C, which may operate as a switched router. Upgrading or changing to a better processor on the smart card 1410 or different protocol transceiver on the line card 1415, or just changing out a failed line card 1415 is as easy as 1) open the housing 1100, 2) remove the old line card 1415, 3) insert the new line card 1415, and 4) close the housing 1100.

As an example, a building may have line cards 1415 installed using the HomePNA 1.0 protocol- compatible chipsets, such as line cards 1415C, as the internal network protocol transceivers. The HomePNA 1.0 protocol provides for 1.0 Mbps maximum bandwidth. When the HomePNA 2.0-protocol compatible chipsets are available, the old line cards 1415 can be replaced with line cards 1415 including the new chipsets without changing the entire modulation unit 315C. The housing 1100 and all other components can stay in place.

In the same fashion, upgrading may be accomplished, for example, from 1.0 Mbps HomePNA 1.0 to 10Mbps Ethernet to 25 Mbps HomePNA 2.0, to 100 Mbps Ethernet, to gigabit or optical fiber. For each example upgrade, only the line cards 1415, and possibly the smart card 1410, must be replaced. The housing 1100, motherboard 1510, power supply 1450, etc. all remain in place. Figure 18 - Line Card for PBX

Figure 18 illustrates an embodiment of a prior art line card for a PBX 112. A PBX 112 typically includes a plurality of line cards 920 for providing telephony services to an office or building complex. Each line card 920 typically provides a plurality of telephone lines to the office, typically 5-12. As shown, a PBX 112 includes a backbone bus 910 coupled to the PSTN 105, possibly directly to the

"PCM highway". A plurality of line cards 920, including line card 920A, are coupled to the backbone bus 910. Each line card 920 may include bus interface logic 940 coupled to provide signals to and from the backbone bus 910. A subscriber line audio processing circuit (SLAC) 505 is coupled between the bus interface logic 940 and subscriber line interface circuit (SLIC) 950. The SLIC 950 provides telephony services, e.g. dial tone, over telephone line 120.

PBX 112 typically includes a plurality of line cards 920, with each line card 920 providing a plurality of telephone lines to user locations in the office. The backbone bus 910 is typically a time-division multiplexed bus, such as one implementing the IOM2 protocol. The bus interface logic 920 is time-division multiplexing interface logic placing a telephone call placed over line 120 onto the backbone bus 910 in a digital format in the appropriate time slots assigned to that line card 920A and to that telephone line on that line card 920A. The SLAC 505 and the SLIC 950 provide for the D/A and A D conversion logic as well as the telephone interface logic translate between the digital format of the PSTN 105 and the analog format in a telephone connected to line 120.

Figure 19A - PBX Line Card Providing Network Access

Figure 19A illustrates one embodiment of an advanced line card which provides network access as well as telephony services. Specifically, the illustrated embodiment includes a second bus 860 for providing network traffic to the line card 850A. Line card 850 A is configured to attach to the backbone bus 910 of a standard PBX 112, shown here as PBX 112A as including advanced line cards 850. Generally speaking, line card 850A provides POTS telephone service and digital network access over telephone line 120.

As shown, advanced PBX 112 includes the following: A backbone bus 910 couples to the PSTN 105, providing telephony access to and from the PCM highway. Bus interface logic 940 couples to the backbone bus 910. A SLAC 505 and a SLIC 950 coupled between the bus interface logic 940 and a POTS splitter 214. A network bus 860 on an edge of the line card 850A provides digital access to the network 205. An Ethernet transceiver 530 is coupled to the network bus 860. A framer/controller 515 is coupled between Ethernet transceiver 530 and a DSL modem 510. DSL modem 510 provides network traffic to the POTS splitter 214 provided over telephone line 120.

In the illustrated embodiment, line card 850A provides both POTS telephone services and digital network traffic over telephone line 120. Telephone signals from the PSTN 105 are routed through backbone bus 910. Bus interface logic 940 receives telephony services bound for telephone line 120 off of backbone bus 910 and provides them to SLAC 505 and SLIC 950. SLAC 505 and SLIC 950 include the analog to digital and digital to analog conversion logic typical of subscriber line circuits. The analog POTS telephone services are provided to POTS splitter 214 to be output over telephone line 120. Digital network services are provided over network 205 through network bus 860. Network bus 860 preferably includes connectors on an edge of each of the line cards 850 for exchanging network data between line cards 850. Network traffic is taken off of network bus 860 by a digital transceiver such as Ethernet transceiver 530. The traffic is passed to a framer/controller 515 for translation and passage to a DSL modem 510. In one embodiment the framer/controller 515 may be a processor or a digital signal processor. In another embodiment, framer/controller may be absent and the network traffic may be passed directly from the Ethernet transceiver 530 to the DSL modem 510 over an interface such as MIL DSL modem 510 modulates the network traffic into a DSL modulation format and provides the DSL formatted data to the POTS splitter 214 and sent out over telephone line 120. Thus, advanced to PBX line card 850A may advantageously provide for network traffic as well as POTS telephony traffic from the PBX 112A over the telephone lines 120 to the user location. Line cards 850A and PBX 112A may or may not replace network routers, switches and hubs for routing data to and from the network 205. It is noted that line cards 850A must be provided with properly formed and routed network packets. Those packets may be Ethernet or HP.

Figure 19B - PBX Line Card Providing Network Access

Figure 19B illustrates one embodiment of an advanced line card that provides network access as well as telephony services. Specifically, the illustrated embodiment includes a second bus 860 for providing network traffic to the line card 850B. Line card 850 A is configured to attach to the backbone bus 910 of an upgraded PBX 112A, including advanced line cards 850. Generally speaking, line card 850B provides POTS telephone service and digital voice/network access over telephone line 120.

As shown, advanced PBX 112 includes the following: A backbone bus 910 couples to the PSTN 105, providing telephony access to and from the PCM highway. Bus interface logic 940 couples to the backbone bus 910. A first SLAC 505A and a SLIC 950 coupled between the bus interface logic 940 and a POTS splitter 214. A network bus 860 on an edge of the line card 850A provides digital access to the network 205. An Ethernet transceiver 530 is coupled to the network bus 860. A framer/controller 515 is coupled between Ethernet transceiver 530 and a DSL modem 510. DSL modem 510 provides network traffic to the POTS splitter 214 provided over telephone line 120. A second SLAC 505B couples between the bus interface logic 940 and the framer/controller 515. The illustrated embodiment of the PBX line card 850B, the second SLAC 505B operates to allow the framer/controller 515 to route some digitally-encoded telephone calls over the PSTN 105 instead of over the network 205. Thus, some telephone calls may be completed as voice over IP calls, while others are completed as POTS calls.

While the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood that the embodiments are illustrative and that the invention scope is not so limited. Any variations, modifications, additions, and improvements to the embodiments described are possible. These variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the inventions as detailed within the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for providing additional telecommunication services on an existing telephone system, wherein the existing telephone system is comprised in a building having a plurality of rooms, wherein the existing telephone system includes limited existing telephone wiring provided to each of the plurality of rooms, the system comprising: a line interface module located in a first room of the plurality of rooms, wherein the line interface module is operable to be coupled to the limited existing telephone wiring, the line interface module comprising: a first telephone port configured to couple to a first telephony device; a second telephone port configured to couple to a second telephony device; modem logic coupled to the second telephone port which is operable to couple to the second telephony device and receive analog modem data from the second telephony device, wherein the modem logic is operable to convert the analog modem data into digital modem data; a first processor coupled to the modem logic, wherein the first processor is operable to generate data packets comprising the digital modem data; and wherein the line interface module is operable to transmit the data packets over the limited existing telephone wiring.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the line interface module is operable to provide the additional telecommunication services in the first room without replacement of or addition to the limited existing telephone wiring.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the line interface module is operable to be inserted into the first room to provide at least one analog modem connection and at least one telephone connection in the first room.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first processor is operable to receive mcoming data packets received from the limited existing telephone wiring and generate digital modem data to be provided to the modem logic as received digital modem data; wherein the modem logic is operable to convert the received digital modem data into incoming analog modem data; wherein the line interface module is operable to provide the incoming analog modem data to the second telephony device.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the line interface module is operable to receive analog telephony signals from the first telephone port; wherein the line interface module is operable to transmit the analog telephony signals over the limited existing telephone wiring.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the line interface module is operable to transmit the analog telephony signals on the limited existing telephone wiring in a voice band of the limited existing telephone wiring; wherein the line interface module is operable to transmit the data packets in a higher frequency band than the voice band of the limited existing telephone wiring.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the analog telephony signals comprise at least one of analog voice signals or telephone code signals.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first processor is operable to receive telephony signals from the first telephone port; wherein the first processor is operable to generate the data packets comprising the digital modem data and the telephony signals.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first processor is operable to receive telephony signals from the first telephone port; wherein the first processor is operable to generate an integrated data stream comprising the digital modem data and the telephony signals; wherein the line interface module is operable to transmit the integrated data stream over the limited existing telephone wiring.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the line interface module further includes at least one data port configured to couple to a user network device; wherein the first processor is operable to receive digital data signals from the at least one data port; wherein the first processor is operable to generate the data packets comprising the digital modem data and the digital data signals.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the line interface module further includes at least one data port configured to couple to a user network device; wherein the first processor is operable to generate an integrated data stream comprising the digital modem data and the digital data signals; wherein the line interface module is operable to transmit the integrated data stream over the limited existing telephone wiring. "

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the first processor is operable to receive digital telephony signals from at least one of the first and second telephone ports; wherein the first processor is operable to generate the data packets comprising the digital modem data and the digital telephony signals.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the modem logic includes an analog to digital converter, a data pump and a protocol processor.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the modem logic includes a subscriber line interface circuit and a processor.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the line interface module is comprised in a junction box.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the line interface module is comprised in a telephony device.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the line interface module is comprised in a device adapted to be coupled between a telephone jack and a telephony device; wherein the line interface module includes a third telephone port adapted to be coupled to the limited existing telephone wiring; wherein the line interface module includes a fourth telephone port adapted to be coupled to a telephony device.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the data packets comprise Internet Protocol (IP) packets.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the data packets comprise Ethernet packets.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein the existing telephone system includes limited existing telephone wiring provided from a PBX to each of the plurality of rooms, the system further comprising: a modulation unit which is operable to be coupled to the limited existing telephone wiring, wherein the modulation couples through the limited existing telephone wiring to the PBX, the modulation unit including: one or more data ports for communicating data signals with a network; and a second processor coupled to receive the data packets from the limited existing telephone wiring; wherein the modulation unit is operable to provide the data packets through the one or more data ports to the network.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the line interface module is operable to receive analog telephony signals from the first telephone port; wherein the line interface module is operable to transmit the analog telephony signals on the limited existing telephone wiring in a voice band of the limited existing telephone wiring; wherein the line interface module is operable to transmit the data packets in a higher frequency band than the voice band of the limited existing telephone wiring. wherein the modulation unit is operable to receive the analog telephony signals and provide the analog telephony signals to the PBX; wherein the modulation unit is operable to receive the data packets and provide the data packets to the network.

22. The system of claim 1, wherein the existing telephone system includes limited existing telephone wiring provided from a digital PBX to each of the plurality of rooms, the system further comprising: a modulation unit which is operable to be coupled to the limited existing telephone wiring, wherein the modulation couples through the limited existing telephone wiring to the PBX, the modulation unit including: one or more data ports for communicating data signals with a network; and a second processor coupled to receive the data packets from the limited existing telephone wiring; wherein the line interface module is operable to receive digital telephony signals from the first telephone port; wherein the line interface module is operable to generate the data packets comprising the digital modem data and the digital telephony signals; wherein the modulation unit is operable to receive the data packets and selectively provide the digital telephony signals to the digital PBX and provide the digital modem data to the network.

23. The system of claim 1, wherein the second telephone port is configured to couple to a user modem.

24. A system for providing additional telecommunications services on an existing telephone system, wherein the existing telephone system is comprised in a building having a plurality of rooms, wherein the existing telephone system includes limited existing telephone wiring provided from a PBX to each of the plurality of rooms, the system comprising: a line interface module located in a first room of the plurality of rooms, wherein the line interface module is operable to be coupled to the limited existing telephone wiring, the line interface module comprising: a first telephone port configured to couple to a first telephony device; a second telephone port configured to couple to a second telephony device; modem logic coupled to the second telephone port which is operable to couple to the second telephony device and receive analog modem data from the second telephony device, wherein the modem logic is operable to convert the analog modem data into digital modem data; a first processor coupled to the modem logic, wherein the first processor is operable to generate data packets comprising the digital modem data; and wherein the line interface module is operable to transmit the data packets over the limited existing telephone wiring; and a modulation unit which is operable to be coupled to the limited existing telephone wiring, wherein the modulation unit couples through the limited existing telephone wiring to the PBX, the modulation unit including: one or more data ports for communicating data signals with a network; and a second processor coupled to receive the data packets from the limited existing telephone wiring; wherein the modulation unit is operable to provide the data packets through the one or more data ports to the network; wherein the line interface module and the modulation unit are operable to be inserted into the telephone system to provide the additional telephony and/or data services.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the line interface module and the modulation unit are operable to provide the additional telecommunication services in the telephone system without replacement of or addition to the limited existing telephone wiring.

26. The system of claim 24, wherein the line interface module and the modulation unit are operable to be inserted into the telephone system to provide at least one analog modem connection and at least one telephone connection in the first room.

27. A system for providing additional telecommunication services to a room of a building, wherein the building is comprised of a plurality of rooms, wherein an existing telephone system is comprised in the building, wherein the existing telephone system includes limited existing telephone wiring provided from a PBX to each of the plurality of rooms, wherein the system is comprised in the room, the system comprising: a telephony wiring port operable to be coupled to the limited existing telephone wiring; a first telephone port configured to couple to a first telephony device; a second telephone port configured to couple to a second telephony device; modem logic coupled to the second telephone port which is operable couple to the second telephony device and receive analog modem data from the second telephony device, wherein the modem logic is operable to convert the analog modem data into digital modem data; a first processor coupled to the modem logic and to the one or more telephone ports, wherein the first processor is operable to generate data packets comprising the digital modem data; and wherein the system is operable to transmit the data packets through the telephony wiring port over the limited existing telephone wiring; wherein the line interface module is operable to be inserted into the first room to provide at least one analog modem connection and at least one telephone connection in the first room.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein the system is operable to provide the at least one analog modem connection and the at least one telephone connection in the first room without replacement of or addition to the limited existing telephone wiring.

29. The system of claim 27, further comprising: at least one data port configured to couple to a user network device; wherein the first processor is operable to receive digital data signals from the at least one data port; wherein the first processor is operable to generate the data packets comprising the digital modem data and the digital data signals.

30. A method for retrofitting a first room of a building with additional telecommunication capabilities, wherein the building comprises a plurality of rooms, wherein the building includes existing telephone wiring provided to each of the plurality of rooms, the method comprising: connecting a line interface module to the existing telephone wiring in the first room; wherein said connecting operates to retrofit the room with the additional telecommunication capabilities; the line interface module receiving telephony signals from a first telephony device located in the first room; the line interface module providing the telephony signals on the existing telephone wiring; the line interface module receiving analog modem data from a second telephony device located in the first room; the line interface module converting the analog modem data into digital modem data; the line interface module generating data packets comprising the digital modem data; the line interface module transmitting the data packets over the existing telephone wiring.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein said connecting includes removing a first telephone jack from the first room; wherein said connecting comprises connecting the line interface module to the existing telephone wiring in the first room in place of the first telephone jack.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the line interface module is configured to be located in a space occupied by the first telephone jack; wherein said connecting includes positioning the line interface module in the space formerly occupied by the first telephone jack.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein the line interface module comprises a telephony device; wherein said connecting comprises connecting the telephony device to the existing telephone wiring in the first room.

34. The method of claim 30, wherein the line interface module comprises a telephony device; wherein said connecting includes: disconnecting an existing telephony device from the existing telephone wiring in the first room; connecting the telephony device to the existing telephone wiring in the first room after said disconnecting.

35. The method of claim 30, wherein said connecting includes: disconnecting an existing telephony device from the existing telephone wiring in the first room; connecting the line interface module to the existing telephone wiring in the first room after said disconnecting; and connecting the existing telephony device to the line interface module.

36. The method of claim 29, wherein the line interface module includes: a first telephone port configured to couple to the first telephony device; a second telephone port configured to couple to the second telephony device; modem logic coupled to the second telephone port which is operable to couple to the second telephony device and receive analog modem data from the second telephony device, wherein the modem logic is operable to convert the analog modem data into digital modem data; a first processor coupled to the modem logic, wherein the first processor is operable to generate data packets comprising the digital modem data.

37. The method of claim 30, wherein said connecting the line interface module to the existing telephone wiring in the first room operates to provide the additional telecommunication services in the first room without replacement of or addition to the existing telephone wiring.

38. The method of claim 30, wherein said connecting the line interface module to the existing telephone wiring in the first room operates to provide at least one analog modem connection and at least one telephone connection in the first room.

39. The method of claim 30, further comprising: the line interface module receiving incoming data packets from the existing telephone wiring; the line interface module generating received digital modem data from the incoming data packets; the line interface module converting the received digital modem data into incoming analog modem data; the line interface module providing the incoming analog modem data to the second telephony device.

40. The method of claim 30, further comprising: wherein the line interface module receiving telephony signals from a first telephony device located in the first room and providing the telephony signals on the existing telephone wiring comprises the line interface module receiving analog telephony signals from the first telephone port and transmitting the analog telephony signals over the existing telephone wiring.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the line interface module transmitting the analog telephony signals comprises the line interface module transmitting the analog telephony signals on the limited existing telephone wiring in a voice band of the limited existing telephone wiring; wherem the line interface module transmitting the data packets over the existing telephone wiring comprises the line interface module transmitting the data packets in a higher frequency band than the voice band of the existing telephone wiring.

42. The method of claim 40, wherein the analog telephony signals comprise at least one of analog voice signals or telephone code signals.

43. The method of claim 40, further comprising: the line interface module receiving telephony signals from the first telephone port; wherein the line interface module generating data packets comprises the line interface module generating the data packets comprising the digital modem data and the telephony signals.

44. The method of claim 40, further comprising: the line interface module receiving digital data signals; wherein the line interface module generating data packets comprises the line interface module generating the data packets comprising the digital modem data and the digital data signals.

45. A method for retrofitting a first room of a building with additional telecommunication capabilities, wherein the first room includes at least one telephone jack, wherein the building includes existing telephone wiring connected to the at least one telephone jack in the first room, the method comprising: removing a first telephone jack from the first room; connecting a line interface module to the existing telephone wiring in the first room; wherein the removing the first telephone jack and the connecting the line interface module to the existing telephone wiring operate to retrofit the first room with the additional telecommunication capabilities.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein said connecting the line interface module to the existing telephone wiring comprises locating the line interface module in a space previously occupied by the first telephone jack.

47. The method of claim 45, wherein said connecting the line interface module to the existing telephone wiring comprises locating the line interface module in a junction box of the first telephone jack.

48. The method of claim 45 , further comprising : the line interface module receiving analog modem data from a first telephony device located in the first room; the line interface module converting the analog modem data into digital modem data; the line interface module generating data packets comprising the digital modem data; the line interface module transmitting the data packets over the existing telephone wiring.

49. The method of claim 48, further comprising: the line interface module receiving digital telephony signals from a second telephony device located in the first room; and the line interface module incorporating the digital telephony signals into the data packets.

50. The method of claim 48, further comprising: connecting a modulation unit to the existing telephone wiring; the modulation unit receiving the data packets from the existing telephone wiring after the line interface module transmitting the data packets over the existing telephone wiring; and the modulation unit providing the data packets to a network.

51. The method of claim 50, further comprising: the line interface module receiving analog telephony signals from a second telephony device located in the first room; the line interface module transmitting the analog telephony signals over the existing telephone wiring; the modulation unit receiving the analog telephony signals from the existing telephone wiring; and the modulation unit providing the analog telephony signals to a PBX in the building.

52. The method of claim 48, further comprising: the line interface module receiving data packets from the existing telephone wiring; the line interface module converting at least a portion of the data packets into incoming analog modem data; and the line interface module providing the incoming analog modem data to the first telephony device located in the first room.

53. A method for retrofitting a first room of a building with additional telecommunication capabilities, wherein the building includes existing telephone wiring connected to the first room, the method comprising: disconnecting an existing telephony device from the existing telephone wiring in the first room; connecting a new telephony device to the existing telephone wiring in the first room after said disconnecting; wherein the disconnecting the existing telephony device and the connecting the new telephony device to the existing telephone wiring operate to retrofit the first room with the additional telecommunication capabilities; connecting a first telephony device located in the first room to the new telephony device; the new telephony device receiving analog modem data from the first telephony device located in the first room; the new telephony device converting the analog modem data into digital modem data; the new telephony device generating data packets comprising the digital modem data; and the new telephony device transmitting the data packets over the existing telephone wiring.

54. A method for retrofitting a first room of a building with additional telecommunication capabilities, wherein the building includes existing telephone wiring connected to the first room, the method comprising: disconnecting an existing telephony device from the existing telephone wiring in the first room; connecting a new telephony device to the existing telephone wiring in the first room after said disconnecting, wherein the new telephony device includes a telephone port configured to couple to a first telephony device; modem logic coupled to the telephone port which is operable to couple to the first telephony device and receive analog modem data from the first telephony device, wherein the modem logic is operable to convert the analog modem data into digital modem data; and a first processor coupled to the modem logic, wherein the first processor is operable to generate data packets comprising the digital modem data; wherein the disconnecting the existing telephony device and the connecting the new telephony device to the existing telephone wiring operate to retrofit the first room with the additional telecommunication capabilities;

55. The method of claim 54, further comprising: the new telephony device receiving analog modem data from the first telephony device located in the first room; the new telephony device converting the analog modem data into digital modem data; the new telephony device generating data packets comprising the digital modem data; and the new telephony device transmitting the data packets over the existing telephone wiring.

56. A method for retrofitting a first room of a building with additional telecommunication capabilities, wherein the building includes existing telephone wiring connected to the first room, the method comprising: disconnecting an existing telephony device from the existing telephone wiring in the first room; connecting a line interface module to the existing telephone wiring in the first room; and connecting the existing telephony device to the line interface module; wherein the disconnecting the existing telephony device, the connecting the line interface module to the existing telephone wiring, and the connecting the existing telephony device to the line interface module operate to retrofit the first room with the additional telecommunication capabilities.

57. The method of claim 56, further comprising: connecting a second telephony device to the line interface module; the line interface module receiving analog modem data from the second telephony device located in the first room; the line interface module converting the analog modem data into digital modem data; the line interface module generating data packets comprising the digital modem data; and the line interface module transmitting the data packets over the existing telephone wiring.

58. A system for providing additional telecommunication services in a room, the system comprising: a line interface module located in the room, wherein the line interface module is operable to be coupled to existing telephone wiring in the room; wherein the line interface module is operable to providing the additional telecommunication services in the room.