Patent ID: 6081517
Filing Date: 2000-06-27
Classification: H04M,H04Q

Abstract:
A data route configuration circuit for use in a system capable of establishing an end-to-end data path connection between an originating site and a destination site, said system having access to a first data path having first data transmission characteristics and using circuit switching networks for data transmission, and a second data path having second data transmission characteristics and using packet based networks for data transmission, said circuit including:a data path routing select circuit which:(i) processes data route configuration information received from said originating site, said configuration information including a request for establishing a data route to carry a data transmission associated with a wideband multicarrier xDSL signal, and a cost constraint provided by a subscriber; and(ii) determines whether a data route can be set up based on the configuration information, including by dynamically determining an access cost associated with available data paths; and(iii) determines which of said data paths should be used for said data route based on said configuration information, transfer delay requirements of said data transmission, said first and second data transmission characteristics, and by comparing said access cost with said subscriber cost constraints; anda control circuit for establishing and controlling a selected data route implemented using either or both of said first and second data paths; said control circuit further splitting said data transmission such that when said data transmission includes time-sensitive data portions, said time-sensitive portions can be routed, as needed, to said destination site and other destination sites through a number of separate switched channels associated with said first data path, which number is adjusted dynamically based on a bandwidth requirement of said data transmission;wherein said selected data route for transferring data can be effectuated by said configuration circuit based on the configuration information from said originating site.