Patent ID: 9154638
Filing Date: 2015-10-06
Classification: H04L,H04M

Abstract:
1. A method of operating an access network including a plurality of connections between end user devices and an aggregation transceiver device where the connections are aggregated for onward connection through the access network, the connections being capable of operating in a rate adaptive data mode or another mode, the method comprising: storing a plurality of different profiles, each of which specifies a set of one or more values for a corresponding one or more parameters associated with each connection when operating in a data connection mode, the stored profiles including a plurality of rate-adaptive profiles specifying a target signal to noise ratio margin parameter but not specifying a fixed bandwidth at which to set up the connection, and a plurality of non-rate-adaptive profiles specifying a fixed bandwidth at which to set up the connection; and, when initially causing a line to operate in a rate-adaptive mode, selecting an initial rate-adaptive profile from among the plurality of stored different profiles in dependence upon one or more measurements, or a parameter or parameters derived from one or more measurements, made in respect of the connection while operating in said another mode, said another mode being a non-rate-adaptive mode operating in accordance with one of said non-rate-adaptive profiles specifying a fixed bandwidth at which to set up the connection, the fixed bandwidth being at a predetermined rate as specified in the profile whereby if the specified fixed bandwidth cannot be achieved no connection is made.