Patent ID: 6370149
Filing Date: 2002-04-09
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
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 channels, the subscriber interface unit for coupling the asymmetrical digital subscriber line to an analog land-line telephone, the subscriber interface unit comprising:a housing having a top surface and a bottom surface substantially coplanar to the top surface; an electrical coupler, coupled to the housing for connection to a cable carrying the asymmetrical digital subscriber line; an RJ-11 jack, coupled to the housing, for connection to a cable of the analog telephone; a converter, coupled to the electrical coupler and to the RJ-11 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 channels and for converting a second plurality of data packets received from the selected one of the plurality of derived digital telephone channels into a second analog signal for transmission to the analog telephone; and wherein the analog telephone in combination with the subscriber interface unit is capable of accessing and monitoring the plurality of derived digital telephone channels and is further capable of selecting one of the plurality of telephone channels for conducting a voice call, and wherein the converter further is capable of converting a third plurality of data packets received from an additional one of the plurality of derived digital telephone channels into a third analog signal for transmission to the analog telephone.