Patent ID: 6047006
Filing Date: 2000-04-04
Classification: H04M,H04Q

Abstract:
A method of dynamically allocating bandwidth of a digital communications line having a signaling channel and at least two user data channels comprising steps of:connecting a data device to said communications line for communication with a network;connecting an audio device to said communications line for communication with said network such that said data and audio devices access said communications line independently;dedicating said bandwidth of said user data channels to supporting data transfers for said data device when said audio device is idle;monitoring incoming communications received from said network via said signaling channel to detect a first event in which desired audio device access to said communications line is indicated, including utilizing said incoming communications received from said network to determine that said audio device previously transmitted a signal requesting said audio device access, thereby indirectly monitoring activity by said audio device;surrendering one of said user data channels dedicated to supporting said data transfers for said data device in response to detecting said first event, while at least one user data channel remains dedicated to said data transfers;supporting said audio device utilizing said surrendered user data channel;monitoring said incoming communications received along said signaling channel to detect a second event in which said audio device releases said user data channel; andreallocating said surrendered user data channel to support said data transfers.