Patent ID: 6172973
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: H04J,H04L,H04Q

Abstract:
An apparatus for communicating voice over a digital network by integrating ATM technologies with TDM technologies, the apparatus including:a plurality of ATM switches; anda plurality of corresponding TDM switches wherein each of said ATM switches is co-located with a corresponding one of said TDM switches and said ATM switches and TDM switches are connected in a network configuration; andwherein each of the TDM switches provides virtual path/virtual channel (""VP/VC"") information in addition to trunk information and converts a TDM voice/signal stream into ATM packets for the co-located ATM switch to transport the same, and wherein each of said ATM switches sets up a three-way connection to include the co-located TDM switch for controlling a call and providing Intelligent Network features.