Telephone outlet with packet telephony adapter, and a network using same

An outlet for a Local Area Network (LAN), containing an integrated adapter that converts VoIP to and from analog telephony, and a standard telephone jack (e.g. RJ-11 in North America) for connecting an ordinary analog (POTS) telephone set. Such an outlet allows using analog telephone sets in a VoIP environment, eliminating the need for an IP telephone set or external adapter. The outlet may also include a hub that allows connecting both an analog telephone set via an adapter, as well as retaining the data network connection, which may be accessed by a network jack. The invention may also be applied to a telephone line-based data networking system. In such an environment, the data networking circuitry as well as the VoIP/POTS adapters are integrated into a telephone outlet, providing for regular analog service, VoIP telephony service using an analog telephone set, and data networking as well. In such a configuration, the outlet requires two standard telephone jacks and a data-networking jack. Outlets according to the invention can be used to retrofit existing LAN and in-building telephone wiring, as well as original equipment in new installation.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of packet telephony, and, more specifically, to the use of packet telephony within a Local Area Network (LAN) over wiring simultaneously used for analog telephony.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Analog Telephone Network

Analog telephony, popularly known as “Plain Old Telephone Service” (“POTS”) has been in existence for over 100 years, and is well-designed and well-engineered for the transmission and switching of voice signals in the 3-4 KHz portion (or “band”) of the audio spectrum. The familiar POTS network supports real-time, low-latency, high-reliability, moderate-fidelity voice telephony, and is capable of establishing a session between two end-points, each using an analog telephone set.

The terms “computer” and “personal computer” (“PC”) as used herein include workstations and other data terminal equipment (DTE) with interfaces for connection to a local area network. The term “telephone set” as used herein includes any device which can connect to a Public Switch Telephone Network (“PSTN”) using analog telephone signals, non-limiting examples of which are fax machines, automatic telephone answering machines, and dial-up modems.

Outlets

The term “outlet” herein denotes an electromechanical device, which enables connection to wiring installed within a building. Outlets are permanently connected to the willing, and allow easy connection of external units as required to such wiring, commonly by means of an integrated, built-in connector. The outlet is normally mechanically attached to, or mounted in, the wall. Non-limiting examples of common outlets include: telephone outlets for connecting telephone sets; CATV outlets for connecting television sets, VCR's, and the like; and electrical outlets for connecting power to electrical appliances.

LAN Environment

A development associated with the Internet is packet telephony. Packet telephony involves the use of a packet based network (commonly using the Internet Protocol, or IP) for communicating telephonic and related data, which may include sound, images, motion pictures, multimedia and any combinations thereof, in addition to voice content. In place of a pair of telephones connected by switched telephone lines as in analog telephony, packet telephony typically involves the use of an IP-telephone at one or both ends of the telephony link, with the telephonic information transferred over a packet network using packet switching and packet routing techniques, as exemplified by the Internet.

Recently, a solution for combining both telephony and data communications into a single network is offered by the Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) approach. In this technique, telephone signals are digitized and carried as data across the LAN. Such systems are known in the art.

FIG. 1shows a typical LAN-based telephony environment10. Such a network, commonly using 10BaseT or 100BaseTX Ethernet IEEE802.3 interfaces and topology uses a hub11as a concentrating device, into which all devices are connected. Devices are connected to hub11by data connectors14a,14b, and14c, which are housed within network outlets15a,15b, and15crespectively via cables13a,13b, and13crespectively. Data connectors14a,14b, and14cmay be, for example, type RJ-45; and cables13a,13b, and13cmay be, for example, Category 5 cabling. The telephony portion of network10uses IP telephones17a,17b, and17c, which connect to network connectors14a,14b, and14cvia cables16a,16b, and16c, respectively. A server12may also be connected to hub11, and can perform the IP-PBX functionality, as well as other server functions as applied in the art.

AlthoughFIG. 1refers to the hub11as a concentrating device, it is understood that any type of device having multiple network interfaces and supporting a suitable connectivity can be used, non-limiting examples of which include a shared hub, switch (switched hub), router, and gateway. Hence, the term “hub” used herein denotes any such device. Furthermore, the hub11can be any packet based network, either in-building or distributed, such as LAN or the Internet.

In order to employ VoIP in network10, specific IP telephones17a,17b, and17cmust be used. Such telephones are expensive, require connection to a power outlet (or other power supply) and are not yet common in the marketplace. This factor has encouraged the availability of adapters for bridging between IP networks and PSTN equipment. Specifically, adapters enabling the usage of POTS telephone sets in an IP environment are available in the market, allowing the use of common and low-price legacy POTS telephone sets to be used in a VoIP environment.

FIG. 2shows a network20using POTS telephone sets in a VoIP environment. Basically, network20uses the same network infrastructure as network10(FIG. 1) . However, instead of IP telephones17a,17b, and17c, POTS telephone sets22a,22b, and22care used, connected via cables6a,6band6crespectively to VoIP / PSTN adapters21a,21b, and21c, respectively, which in turn are respectively connected to network outlets15a,15b, and15cvia cables23a,23band23crespectively. Such a configuration affords the benefits of IP telephony, but allows the use of common and inexpensive POTS telephone sets.

Although network20facilitates the employment of common, low-cost standard legacy POTS telephone sets, adapters21a,21b, and21care necessary, making installation and maintenance complex, and requiring additional equipment, connections, and cables (e.g. cables23) . Furthermore, such adapters require a power connection, further complicating installation, use, and maintenance.

Furthermore, althoughFIG. 1andFIG. 2show networks which are used solely for telephony, LANs today are intended and used principally for data communication, to connect Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) devices (such as desktop personal computers, printers). In some cases, the number of outlets15(or connectors14) may not suffice for both telephony and data applications. For example, this may be the case in an office where each work area has a single network connection via a single outlet15having single connector14. In this case, a hub (or other multi-port unit) must be connected to expand to multiple network connections.FIG. 3shows such a configuration in a prior-art network30. In order to allow both adapter21aand DTE7ato share network outlet15avia connector14a, a hub31ais added. Similarly, a hub31cis added, facilitating the connection of both adapter21cand DTE7cto a single network connection via outlet15cvia connector14c. Thus, in such a configuration, additional hubs31aand31cmust be added, introducing additional complexity in installation and maintenance.

Home Networking

In-home telephone service usually employs two or four wires, to which telephone sets are connected via telephone outlets.

FIG. 4shows the wiring configuration of a prior-art telephone system including a network40for a residence or other building, wired with a telephone line5. The telephone line5consists of single wire pair which connects to a junction-box34, which in turn connects to a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)410via a cable33, terminating in a public switch32, which establishes and enables telephony from one telephone to another. The term “analog telephony” herein denotes traditional analog lowfrequency audio voice signals typically under 3 KHz, sometimes referred to as “POTS” (“Plain Old Telephone Service”) , whereas the term “telephony” in general denotes any kind of telephone service, including digital service such as Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN). The term “high-frequency” herein denotes any frequency substantially above such analog telephony audio frequencies, such as that used for data. TSDN typically uses frequencies not exceeding 100 KHz (typically the energy is concentrated around 40 KHz) . The term “telephone line” herein denotes electrically-conducting lines which are intended primarily for the carrying and distribution of analog telephony, and includes, but is not limited to, such electrically-conducting lines which may be pre-existing within a building and which may currently provide analog telephony service. The term “telephone device” herein denotes, without limitation, any apparatus for telephony (including both analog telephony and ISDN), as well as any device using telephony signals, such as fax, voice-modem, and so forth.

The junction box34is used to separate the in-home circuitry from the PSTN and is used as a test facility for troubleshooting as well as for new wiring in the home. A plurality of telephones may connect to telephone lines5via a plurality of telephone outlets35a,35b,35c, and35d. Each outlet has a connector (often referred to as a “jack”), denoted inFIG. 4as36a,36b,36c, and36d, respectively. In North-America, RJ-11 is commonly used for a jack. Each outlet may be connected to a telephone unit via a “plug” connector that inserts into the jack.

Network40is normally configured into a serial or “daisy-chained” topology, wherein the wiring is connected from one outlet to the next in a linear manner, but other topologies such as star, tree, or any arbitrary topology may also be used. Regardless of the topology, however, the telephone wiring system within a residence always uses wired media: two or four copper wires along with one or more outlets which provide direct access to these wires for connecting to telephone sets.

It is often desirable to simultaneously use existing telephone wiring simultaneously for both telephony and data networking. In this way, establishing a new local area network in a home or other building is simplified, because there is no need to install additional wiring. U.S. Pat. No. 4,766,402 to Crane (hereinafter referred to as “Crane”) teaches a Local Area Network over standard two-wire telephone lines, but does not simultaneously support telephony.

As another example, relevant prior-art in this field is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,896,443 to Dichter (hereinafter referred to as “Dichter”). Dichter suggests a method and apparatus for applying a frequency domain/division multiplexing (FDM) technique for residential telephone wiring, enabling the simultaneous carrying of telephony and data communication signals. The available bandwidth over the wiring is split into a low-frequency band capable of carrying an analog telephony signal, and a high-frequency band capable of carrying data communication signals. In such a mechanism, telephony is not affected, while a data communication capability is provided over existing telephone wiring within a home.

The concept of frequency domain/division multiplexing (FDM) is well-known in the art, and provides means of splitting the bandwidth carried by a wire into a low-frequency band capable of carrying an analog telephony signal and a high-frequency band capable of carrying data communication or other signals. Such a mechanism is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,448 to Reichert et al. (hereinafter referred to as “Reichert”). Also widely used are xDSL systems, primarily Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Loop (ADSL) systems.

In addition to illustrating a residential telephone system,FIG. 4also shows the arrangement of a Dichter network. Network40serves both analog telephones and provides a local area network of data units. Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) units7a,7b, and7care connected to the local area network via Data Communication Equipment (DCE) units39a,39b, and39c, respectively. Examples of Data Communication Equipment include, but are not limited to, modems, line drivers, line receivers, and transceivers (the term “transceiver” herein denotes a combined transmitter and receiver), which enables S communication over telephone line5. DCE units39a,39b, and39care respectively connected to high pass filters (HPF)38a,38b, and38c, which allow access to the high-frequency band carried by telephone line5. In order to avoid interference to the data network caused by the telephones, low pass filters (LPF's)37a,37b, and37care added to isolate the POTS carrying band, so that telephones22a,22b, and22cconnects to telephone line5for providing PSTN. Furthermore, a low pass filter may also connected to Junction Box34(not shown in the figure), in order to filter noise induced from or to PSTN wiring33.

FIG. 5shows a telephone line-based LAN50wherein the data network is used for carrying both VoIP telephony and regular DTE network data. Hubs31a,31b, and31callow connecting respective DTE units7a,7b, and7cas well as respective IP telephones17a,17b, and17cto respective single network connections via DCE units39a,39b, and39c. Analog telephones22a,22b, and22care also shown connected via respective low pass filters (LPF's)37a,37b, and37cto the telephone outlets35a,35c,35d. Thus, the analog telephones are connected directly to the analog telephone line5.

In order to eliminate the need for IP telephones17a,17b, and17c, and to permit using analog telephone sets22a,22b, and22cinstead, adapters21a,21b, and21c(FIG. 3) must be added, as described previously.FIG. 6shows a network60, where this is done. IP telephones17a,17b, and17cof network50are replaced by analog telephone sets22d,22e, and22f, respectively, connected to hubs41a,41b, and41c, respectively, via adapters21a,21b, and21crespectively.

FIG. 6demonstrates the complexity of such a configuration. At least three types of external devices are required: DCE units39a,39b, and39c; hubs41a,41b, and41c; and adapters21a,21b, and21c. Each of these devices usually requires a separate power connection, which adds to the complexity of the connections. Thus, such a network is complex and difficult to install, operate, and maintain. In the prior art, it is suggested to integrate the DCE, HPF, and LPF components into outlets35a,35b, and35c. Nevertheless, external hubs41a,41b, and41c, as well as adapters21a,21b, and21cstill impose additional complexity in such a network.

There is thus a widely recognized need for, and it would be highly advantageous to have, a means for allowing the use of analog (POTS) telephone sets in LAN/VoIP environments without requiring additional external devices and allowing easy installation, operation, and maintenance. This goal is met by the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention makes it easy and convenient to use analog (“POTS”) telephone sets in a packet telephony environment, including, but not limited to, IP telephony via VoIP technology. The invention provides an outlet for a Local Area Network (LAN), with an integrated analog VoIP adapter. The outlet has a standard analog telephone jack (e.g. RJ-11 in North America) allowing an analog telephone set to be directly connected to, and used with, a packet telephony system.

In a first embodiment, an outlet according to the present invention is used with an ordinary LAN environment, such as Ethernet 10BaseT (IEEE802.3). The outlet allows connecting analog telephone sets to the LAN via the integrated analog/VoIP adapter, supports analog telephony over the LAN media, and can also support a standard network data connection using an integrated multi-port unit (e.g. hub, switch, or router). For standard network data connections, the outlet also includes a data networking jack (e.g. RJ-45 if 10BaseT or 100BaseTX is used) connected to a port.

In another embodiment, the outlet enables a LAN to be based on in-building telephone wiring, in a home or Small Office/Home Office (SoHo) environment. A packet-based LAN is implemented, and outlets according to the present invention serve as both telephone outlets and network outlets. This allows for direct and convenient connection of analog telephone sets to VoIP packet telephony over the data network. In such an arrangement, the regular analog telephony service remains unaffected, because the low-frequency analog portion of the spectrum is isolated by the FDM technique. As noted above, the outlet may also support a network data connection, using an integrated multi-port unit (e.g. hub, switch or router), and in this case also includes a data network jack (e.g. RJ-45 if 10BaseT or 100BaseTX is used) connected to a port.

Outlets according to the present invention can be installed as part of an original network installation, as a retrofit to an existing network, or to set up a network over existing telephone wiring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The principles and operation of a network according to the present invention may be understood with reference to the drawings and. the accompanying description. The drawings and descriptions are conceptual only. In actual practice, a single component can implement one or more functions; alternatively, each function can be implemented by a plurality of components and circuits. In the drawings and descriptions, identical reference numerals indicate those components that are common to different embodiments or configurations.

FIGS. 7aand7bshows schematically outlets70and75according to two different embodiments of the invention. As shown inFIG. 7b, the outlet75includes a VoIP to analog telephony adapter21. Outlet75connects to data network wiring via a connector71. Connector71is preferably located at the rear of outlet75, where outlet75mechanically mounts to an interior wall of a building. Outlet75connects to an analog telephone set via a jack72. Jack72is preferably located at the front, or “panel” of outlet75, which is visible when outlet75is mounted on an interior wall of a building. Jack72can be an RJ-11 jack, which is commonly used in North America for analog telephony. Outlet75allows connecting an analog telephone set (via jack72) to the data network via connector71, bridged by an adapter21. As shown inFIG. 7a, the outlet70also includes the adapter21, but further includes a hub31and a data jack73, which is connected directly to hub31. Because of the hub31, the outlet70allows both an analog telephone (via jack72) and a data unit (via jack73) to be connected to the data network via connector71. Preferably, both jack72and jack73are located at the front, or “panel” of outlet70.

FIG. 8shows a Local Area Network (LAN)80according to the present invention. Basically, the infrastructure of network80is the same as that of prior art network10(FIG. 1), in which hub11is connected in a ‘star’ topology to various end units via network wiring13a,13b, and13c, and outlets15a,15b, and15c. However, according to the present invention, outlets15a,15b, and15cof the prior art network10are replaced by outlets70a,75b, and70c, respectively, each of which contain an adapter as previously described with reference toFIGS. 7aand7bof the drawings. For example, outlet75bhas a built-in adapter21b. Outlet75ballows for connection of an analog telephone set22busing a cable6b. Similarly, outlets70aand70callow analog telephone sets22aand22c, respectively, to be connected to the network via cables6aand6c, respectively, using internal adapters21aand21c, respectively. Hubs31aand31cintegrated within outlets70aand70c, respectively, allow for the connection of DTE units7aand7c, respectively, to the network, in addition to analog telephones22aand22c, respectively. Network80allows networking of both DTE units7aand7cand analog telephone sets22a,22b, and22c, and instances of such a network may consist solely of instances of outlet75(FIG. 7b), supporting only analog telephony over the network, may consist solely of instances of outlet70(FIG. 7a), supporting both telephony and data networking, or a mixed configuration as shown inFIG. 8.

Network80offers the advantages of the VoIP technology, yet allows the use of common analog telephones, in the normal way of connecting an ordinary telephone, simply by plugging the telephone's standard connector into the jack72within the outlet.

Although outlets70and75so far have been described as having a single analog telephone connection, it is understood that multiple analog telephone jacks72can be supported, wherein separate adapters21are used to interface to each telephone jack within the outlets. Similarly, multiple data networking interfaces73can be supported in each outlet70, each connected to different port of hub31as shown inFIG. 7a.

Powering outlets70and75, as well as the analog telephones (via adapter21) can be implemented either locally by connecting a power supply to each outlet, or, preferably, via the network itself. In the latter case, commonly known as “Power over LAN”, the power can be carried to the outlet from a central location either by an additional wire pair, using the well-known phantom configuration, or by the FDM (Frequency Division/Domain Multiplexing) method. The latter commonly employs DC feeding, which is frequency-isolated from the data carried in the higher part of the spectrum.

In another embodiment, the invention is used in a data network over in-building telephone lines, where the analog telephony signals are carried in the low-frequency portion of the spectrum, and the data communication signals are carried in the high-frequency portion.FIG. 9shows an outlet90according the present invention, which is able to separate and combine signals in different portions of the spectrum. Outlet90connects to the telephone wiring via a connector91, preferably located at the rear part of outlet90, where outlet90mechanically mounts to an interior wall of the building. A Low Pass Filter (LPF)37in outlet90is used for isolating the analog telephony part of the spectrum, for connecting an analog telephone via a jack92. Jack92is preferably a standard telephone jack such as RJ-11 in North-America. Data communication signals are isolated by a High Pass Filter (HPF)38, which connects to a Data Communications Equipment (DCE) unit39, containing a modem for data communications over the telephone line media. An integrated hub41allows sharing data between VoIP adapter21and a data jack93, for connecting external devices to the network via DEC unit39with a standard data networking interface (such as a 10BaseT interface per IEEE802.3). The adapter21allows connection of an analog telephone set to a jack94, similar to jack92, as previously described, thereby allowing digitized/packetized analog voice signals used by an analog telephone connected to the jack94to be multiplexed on data signals received by the data jack93. Jack94is preferably a standard telephone jack, such as RJ-11 in North-America. Outlet90supports both standard analog telephony (via jack92) as well as VoIP telephony using a standard analog telephone, via jack94.

Thus, outlet90supports three types of interface: Regular analog telephony (via jack92), data communications (via jack93), and VoIP telephony (via jack94). A subset of such functionalities can also be provided. For example, an outlet solely supporting VoIP telephony can be implemented, eliminating the need for LPF37and jack92, as well as eliminating hub41and jack93. In such a case, adapter21directly connects to DCE unit39.

FIG. 10illustrates a network100that operates over telephone lines5a,5b,5c,5d, and5eaccording to the present invention. Network100employs outlets90a,90d,95band96c. Outlet95bdiffers from outlet90aand outlet90dby not having PSTN support, because no low-pass filter (LPF) and associated jack are present in outlet95bas in outlet90aand outlet90d. Similarly, outlet96callows only for PSTN connection by employing LPF37band an analog telephone connector jack. Any mixture of such outlets (90a,90d,95band96c) is possible.

Network100ofFIG. 10supports regular PSTN telephony service via analog telephone sets22a,22b, and22c. Simultaneously, VoIP telephony services can be accessed by analog telephone sets22d,22e, and22f. In addition, data networking can be accomplished by data units7a,7band7c.

Although outlets90aand90dare each described above as having a single PSTN/POTS telephone connection, it is understood that multiple PSTN/POTS telephone interfaces can be supported within a single outlet. Similarly, it is understood that multiple VoIP/POTS telephone interfaces can be supported via multiple adapters (such as adapter21a) within an outlet. Similarly, multiple data network interfaces can be included within an outlet, each connected to different port of the respective hub (such as hub41a).

The term “life-line” refers to the concept of the telephone as a basic and emergency service, whose functionality must be maintained. As such, it is required that malfunctions in any other system or service (e.g. electricity) will not degrade the telephone system capability. In practical terms, this means that as long as an operative telephone set is actively connected to the telephone exchange via uninterrupted two-wires, the telephone service will be maintained, even in the case of a failure of electrical power.

A major drawback of using VoIP technology according to hitherto-proposed schemes is that life-line capability is not supported, and any failure of the data network (e.g. power outage, or hub, DCE, or software failure) will result in loss of the IP-telephony based service. The absence of “life-line” capability with regard to analog telephone22dmay be seen inFIG. 10. Thus, analog telephone22dis connected via the data network through adapter21a, hub41a, and DCE unit39a, and thus a power failure or failure of any one of these active devices will cause a loss of service via analog telephone22d. Hence analog telephone22ddoes not have “life-line” capability. The same is true of analog telephones22e and22f.

In contrast, however, analog telephone22ais connected to telephone line5a/5bthrough a low-pass filter37a. LPF37ais a passive device of relatively high reliability and immunity to-failure. Thus, analog telephone22aretains life-line capability as part of the PSTN network. This also holds for analog telephone22c. Thus, network100has partial life-line capability.

FIG. 11illustrates an outlet110according to the present invention for insuring universal life-line capability. Outlet employs a relay112which operates in a ‘fall-away’ mode, as is well-known in the art. Relay112is the principal component added to those components in outlet90ato provide a telephone connection which for the most part is based on packet telephony, but which also provides life-line capability. Outlet110has several jacks. A jack93connects directly to a hub41to provide a full-time data connection. A jack92connects directly to a low-pass filter37to provide a full-time analog telephony connection. A jack117connects to a pole112aof relay112. A throw112bof relay112is connected to adapter21, which provides conversion between VoIP packet telephony and analog telephony. A throw112c, however, is connected to LPF37. In non-energized state, pole112aconnects to pole112c. A Sensor111controls the state of relay112, depending on the availability of data communications on the network. Inputs113,114,115, and116to sensor111come from adapter21, hub41, DCE unit39, and the input to high-pass filter38, respectively and thus sensor111is able to detect any failure of the local or network data path, such as no network activity, loss of network power, or any other fault condition. In normal operation, when network data communications are functioning, relay112is triggered to connect jack117to adapter21, and thus jack117normally connects an analog telephone to a packet telephony network via a VoIP/analog adapter. In the event of any failure of network data communications or power outage, sensor111releases relay112to switch jack117to LPF37, and thus an analog telephone connected to jack117remains active even if the data network is inoperative, provided that the analog telephone service is available. Outlet110thus has life-line capability while normally supporting packet telephony. Under these circumstances, jack92may not be necessary and can be eliminated. It will be understood that while in the preceding description, a mechanical relay is used for the above switching functionality, any switching mechanism can be equally employed. Thus, within the context of the description and the appended claims, the term “relay” encompasses any electro-mechanical and electronic switches adapted to connect a common connection to either of two possible connections in response to an external trigger.

FIG. 12illustrates another embodiment of an outlet according to the present invention for providing life-line capability. Whereas outlet110(FIG. 11) has been described with reference to a telephone line data networking environment, which has analog telephony inherently available,FIG. 12illustrates an outlet120which can be applied to any LAN. Relay112and sensor111perform the same functions as previously described for outlet110. However, analog telephone signals are not commonly available in network environments used strictly for data, and are therefore provided to outlet120via a connector122by dedicated wiring, preferably carried along with the network wiring structure. A line121carries the signals from connector122to a throw of relay112. Alternatively, the analog telephony signals may be carried on the network wiring, such as by using FDM.FIG. 13illustrates an outlet130for use in such a case, where a POTS isolation unit131feeds the analog signal via line121to relay112.

FIG. 14illustrates the main application of the present invention. A network140includes part or all of network100, which exists within a building. Network140connects to an IP network142, operated by a service provider or ‘IP-carrier’, and which carries both data and voice (using the VoIP technique). A gateway141is used for bridging the in-building network to IP network142, and is connected to existing in-home telephone wiring5a,5b, and5c. This configuration allows the IP-carrier to provide both data and voice services, eliminating the need to modify or add in-building wiring, and requiring only replacement of the telephone outlets.

Although the invention has been so far demonstrated as relating to telephone wiring and telephone outlets, the invention can be similarly applied to any type of wired networking within a building, such as CATV or electrical power wiring.FIG. 15illustrates an outlet150, which is a general embodiment of the present invention. Outlet150is similar in overall layout to outlet90(FIG. 9). Outlet150connects to the relevant wiring via a connector151and contains an integrated data/service splitter/combiner unit152, which isolates the data carried over the wiring from the main service signal. In the case of telephony, unit152contains a low-pass filter (such as LPF37) and a high-pass filter (such as HPF38). In the case of electrical power wiring, the AC power is split by unit152and fed to a socket154, for supplying electrical power as normal. In such a case, a modem153being a power-line carrier (PLC) modem interfaces the hub41to the integrated data/service splitter/combiner unit152, and allows data communication over the power line. Similarly, in the case of a CATV application, where the CATV wiring is used for the network infrastructure, a coaxial cable modem is used as modem153and unit152isolates the CATV signal from the data signal.

Although the invention has been so far described as relating to IP-based data networks, the invention can be similarly applied to any type of packet data network. Furthermore, although packet networks are the most important for wide area networks, the invention is not restricted to packet networks only, and can be applied to any digital data network, where voice signals are digitized and carried in digital form.

Furthermore, although the invention has been described as relating to networks based on continuous electrical conducting media (telephone, CATV, or electrical power), and the relevant modem and associated circuitry are connected in parallel to the wiring infrastructure, the invention can be applied equally to the case wherein the wiring is not continuous, but is cut into discrete segments as disclosed in WO 00/07322 to the present inventor, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.