Patent ID: 6337849
Filing Date: 2002-01-08
Classification: H04L,H04Q

Abstract:
A service multiplexer connectible on the user side of an interface between communications equipment of an user and a public telecommunications network, the multiplexer having a plurality of inputs for connection to a respective plurality of signal sources associated with the user and an output for connection to a line connecting the user equipment to the public network, the multiplexer being operable to transfer data from the inputs to the output for transmission into the public network as asynchronously transferred data cells, wherein the multiplexer includes bandwidth control means for receiving a bandwidth control signal from the public network representative of an available bandwidth for the transmission of the cells into the public network and activity detection means for monitoring the bandwidth of data received at at least one of the respective inputs, the bandwidth control means being operable automatically to adjust the bandwidth of data transferred to the output according to the available bandwidth and to the monitored bandwidth or bandwidths, and wherein the bandwidth control means is operable to adjust the bandwidth of the data transferred by generating a feedback control signal for transmission to a signal source via a respective input, which feedback control signal causes the respective signal source to alter its transmission data bandwidth.