Patent ID: 7126958
Filing Date: 2006-10-24
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
1. A subscriber interface unit for use in a telecommunication system including a digital switch, a local loop coupling the digital switch to a subscriber location, wherein a segment of the local loop includes copper twisted pair and wherein an asymmetrical digital subscriber line is carried by the local loop, the asymmetrical digital subscriber line including a plurality of derived digital telephone lines, the subscriber interface unit for coupling the asymmetrical digital subscriber line to an analog land-line telephone, the subscriber interface unit comprising: a housing; an electrical coupler, coupled to the housing for connection to a cable carrying the asymmetrical digital subscriber line; a telephone jack, coupled to the housing, for connection to a cable of the analog telephone; a converter, coupled to the electrical coupler and to the telephone jack, for converting the first analog signals generated by the analog telephone into a first plurality of data packets for transmission to a selected one of the plurality of derived digital telephone lines and for converting a second plurality of data packets received from the selected one of the plurality of derived digital telephone lines into a second analog signal for transmission to the analog telephone; and a smart card interface unit positioned in the housing, the smart card interface unit configured to receive a smart card defining an address for the subscriber interface unit.