Abstract:
A telecommunication system and method enables an end user to select communication services from a plurality of communication service networks providing different communication services. A telecommunication switch is connected to the service networks, and one or more local network terminals communicate with the switch through connections configured to carry communications for the different communication services provided by the service networks. A plurality of user devices, each configured to support a corresponding communication service, connect to the network terminal through a plurality of service ports. The network terminal configures the service ports for the respective user devices, and provides communications for a corresponding service to an activating user device in response to an activation of a service port by the activating user device. The telecommunication switch and/or the local network terminal may prioritize communications from particular service networks.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/572,559 filed May 16, 2000. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates to a device and a method in telecommunication having the option for an end user to select services. The invention also includes that transmitted information for a service is ensured a quality of the transmission corresponding to the service. 
   BACKGROUND ART 
   The rapid development in data and telecommunication creates a constant flow of new possibilities to serve a number of new needs and to meet new demands. The time when each network offered one single standard service is gone. It is now possible to offer a plurality of services having different characteristics in the same network in order to serve individual, specific needs. An individual household will be able to select their own set of services according to their own demands among a multitude of possibilities. Housing companies can rationalize administration and maintenance of their buildings and at the same time offer new types of services to their tenants. Other companies and also communities can benefit from the offered possibilities. 
   One of the techniques which then is used is virtual local networks, or techniques within the wider area virtual broad cast domains. The term virtual local networks is some time given the acronym VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network). The acronym itself VLAN is a market term which is used by almost every switch manufacturer, but it lacks a detailed definition. This results in that different manufacturers can use the same term without their equipment being compatible. A definition which is broad enough to cover different manufacturers equipment is as follows. VLAN: A logic level two (link level) broadcast domain. The selection from the total broadcast domain, i.e. all ports and MAC addresses (Medium Access Control), can be made in any of the following ways. a) Select the group of ports, b) Select a group of MAC addresses or c) Select a group of protocols, for example IP or IPX. 
   The standard IEEE 802.1Q, which has been adapted as industrial standard for VLAN, is based on standard LAN switches according to IEEE 802.2 standards. Switches which implement the standard IEEE 802.1Q are in principle switches compatible with the standard IEEE 802.1D (LAN switches), which have modifications for rules relating to incoming and transmitted data packets, an additional protocol for identifying VLAN capability of other switches and connected end systems and in addition having an VLAN transport mechanism based on implementation of VLAN marking of data packets via specific identification bits in the data packets. 
   The standard IEEE 802.1D describes how a so called LAN-switch should operate. A LAN-switch is to communicate user data in layer two in the OSI model, based on MAC addressing. Within this standard there are rules relating to transmission logic and how ports shall act in order to comply with for example requirements on transparent bridging, i.e. that the transmission logic remains invisible for apparatuses connected to the domain. Within the standard there are also topology rules in order to avoid loops. 
   In order to offer Ethernet traffic priority there is the standard IEEE 802.1p. This is an addition to the standard IEEE 802.1D. Ethernet communication is performed using data packets, to which a packet having an address is added. The communication is also divided into different levels, where each level has its own address packets. 
   The technique for virtual local networks is used to reduce costs associated with addition, moving or change of end user equipment within, for example, companies. The personnel within a part of the company, for example the purchasing department, shares the same resources in the network. By means of associating all users and resources to a VLAN it is possible to add new or remove old equipments, move personnel between floors and change their department belonging without moving cables or change access filters in IP-path selectors. 
   In the American Patent U.S. Pat. No. 5,751,967 a system for configuring virtual local networks is described. The system sets the switches of the network in a desired manner so that connected end stations are connected in a desired topology and the system can reconfigure the switches when the end stations move. The system has a central device for carrying out these tasks. This device comprises a circuit for sensing modifications of the topology. The central device also has a circuit containing rules how the switches are to be reconfigured when end stations are moved and a circuit for reading the rules and determining how end stations and switch ports are to be grouped. Finally, in the central device a circuit is incorporated which carries out the automatically decided reconfiguration. The system is efficient but has the drawback that it is completely automatically controlled by the central device and can not in any way easily be operated by the users. 
   The International Patent Application WO98/44684describes a technique for creating virtual broadcast domains, which are virtual networks within a larger physical network. Also, a log in method is described according to which a terminal being switched on is associated with a first virtual broadcast domain. When the user later logs on he is switched to the virtual broadcast domain to which he belongs. A part of the stations in the larger network are connected to this virtual broadcast domain. A message from one of this stations only reaches the stations connected to the domain. The log in method has the advantage that it is possible to log on from an arbitrary terminal, but it also brings about administrative costs. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention addresses the problem how an end user in a telecommunication system selects desired services from a number of offered services, which are delivered via a service network from service providers. 
   Another problem is to guarantee the services a transmission quality, which corresponds to the requirement for each respective service. 
   Another problem is related to secrecy, more particularly to how the selected services are to be kept secret for unauthorized service providers. 
   The problems are solved by means of giving the users a physical connection which can transmit all types of services. Each user also has a terminal of their own connected to the connection and the terminal has ports for offering the services. The user select services by means of activating the corresponding ports. In order to prevent overload of the connection the services are given a priority corresponding to the need they have for transmission in real time. Services requiring full real time access are given a priority to services which can be transmitted with interruption at a maintained quality. 
   In more detail, the problem is solved so that the service networks having the offered services are connected to a switched domain. The physical connection of the user connects this domain to the users own terminal and desired terminal ports are activated. User devices are connected to the activated ports. Information is transmitted in section signal sequences, data packets, to which each an address packet is attached. This address packet comprises information related to the priority given to the current data packet. The data packet can then be let through in the users terminal immediately or be delayed, all in relation to the requirements of the particular service in order for the user to perceive an adequate service. The switch domain, which is connected to several users, can have a corresponding priority of traffic but can as an alternative be dimensioned in order to let all traffic through immediately. 
   The service networks are separated from each other also at the virtual broadcast domains by means of excluding a certain type of switching elements, so called hubs, from the switched domain. There is full secrecy between the service providers, so that no providers can access traffic on another one of the service networks. 
   An object of the present invention is thus to offer access to services located on different networks to the users. The end user is able to freely choose service level and shall in a simple manner be able to change his level of service. 
   Another object is that the offered services shall have a high quality. This is to be obtained without heavily over-dimensioning the system. 
   A further object is that the different service providers are to be stopped from accessing information on each others networks. 
   An advantage of the invention is that the users in a simple manner can access a desired service from the service networks. A change of service level requires no extensive adjustments of servers in the networks. 
   Another advantage is that the network operator, often the owner of the local network, is relieved of having to keep track of service providers to which providers the users are connected. The network operator can if desired leave to the users to themselves change the ports on their own terminals when the users desire a changed service. 
   An advantage is also that traffic from the different service providers can be given priority, so that services requiring it can be transmitted in real time while other services can have a delayed transmission at a maintained quality. 
   Another advantage is that it is easy for the user to obtain a new service. 
   Yet another advantage is that unauthorized eavesdropping between service providers is made more difficult. 
   In the present description the term telecommunication system occurs, which includes a very broad technical field and comprises for example telephony, data, video and telemetric systems. 
   The invention will now be described in more detail using preferred embodiments and with reference to accompanying drawings. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       FIG. 1  shows a simplified block diagram of a network; 
       FIG. 2  shows a schematic view of a network terminal; 
       FIG. 3  shows a block diagram of a communication structure having different layers; 
       FIG. 4  shows block diagrams of data sequences for the layers; 
       FIG. 5  shows explicit labeling of four bytes in a packet header; 
       FIG. 6  shows a block diagram with one data sequence; 
       FIG. 7  shows a block diagram of priority of traffic; 
       FIG. 8  shows a diagram of the layered communication structure over different devices in the network with their connections. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   A fairly large number of different tele and data services are available at different service networks and different users have the possibility to select certain desired services and subscribe to these. The user can for example be a private person or belong to some type of group. In  FIG. 1  it is very schematically shown how a large number of tele and data services are distributed from the service providers  1 - 4  (for example telephony, Internet and cable television), via a switched domain  5  to a user Al at home or in a local company. The users have one network terminal NT 1 -NT 7  each, which are described in more detail below. At the user A 1  of the network-terminal N 1  some user apparatuses have been indicated, a telephone  6 , a television  7 , and a terminal  8  for Intranet. In the switched domain  5  a switch SW 1  is shown with one user port Pf which is connected to an uplink port Pe in the network terminal NT 1 . In addition an IP-path selector IP 1  and an operator OP 1  of the switched domain are shown, both connected to the switch SW 1 . Also the other network terminals NT 2 -NT 7  are connected to the switch SW 1  or other switches not shown in the figure in the switched domain  5 . For priority of traffic there is a policy server PS 1  in the switched domain, which in the figure is shown connected to the network terminal NT 7 . The connection is shown by a dashed line in order to indicate that it is a logic connection, which is transmitted on the normal physical connections. This logic connection extends also to the other network terminals. 
   The switched domain  5  supports a general virtual broadcast domain (VBD), which for example can be a virtual local network (VLAN) over Ethernet. This offers opportunities to separate different telecommunication and data services. 
     FIG. 2  shows the general function of the network terminals NT 1 -NT 7 . In the embodiment it is specified that the switched domain  5  operates according to the standards IEEE 802.1D, IEEE 802.1Q and IEEE 802.1p, which is a substandard to IEEE 802.1D. In principal it is not necessary that the switched domain  5  supports the standard 802.1p. In the present embodiment the network terminals shall support the standard IEEE 802.1D for transparent bridging, IEEE 802.1Q for virtual bridging of local networks (VLAN) and IEEE 802.1p for giving priority to traffic (Class of Service). 
   More specifically the uplink port Pe shall deliver all telecommunication and data services, transported over separate virtual local networks, in order to then let the network terminal distribute them to the service port Pc and Pd respectively on the network terminal to which the service belongs. Furthermore, the network terminal shall at the same time meet the priorities (vi IEEE 802.1p) which the operator has chosen. For example, telephony and television services, which are to be transmitted in real-time, shall have higher priority than a telemetry service. 
   Traffic which is generated from the user devices  6 , 7 , 8  via the service ports Pc, Pd of the network terminal shall in the same manner be distributed to the uplink port Pe having regard to the priorities which can be made. For example, the telephony service, which requires transmission in real-time, shall have priority before the Internet service. 
   Regardless the type of telecommunication, for example data or telephony, the communication is divided into a layered structure as is shown in  FIG. 3 . Each layer has its specific task towards overlying and underlying layers and together the layers form a stack. Within Internet technique the so-called TCP/IP stack  10  is used. This communication model, which is shown in the figure, consists of 5 layers  11 - 15 : 
   Layer  11 ,Application: Is defined by a user process, which communicates with another process. This other process can for example be e-mail via the protocol SMTP or “surfing” via the protocol HTTP. 
   Layer  12 ,Transport: Is defined by that control of transmission of data between end stations can be added. Transmission control protocol (TCP) offers a secure transmission of data between the user processes, whereas user datagram protocol (UDP) does not offer a secure transmission. Furthermore, in this layer the term “port” is defined, which is not to be confused with the port belonging to a switch. The term “port” here has the task of making it possible to distinguish processes in the same machine which uses the same transport protocol. 
   Layer  13 ,Internet: Internet protocol (IP) defines this layer. It is on this level one can offer different path selections by so-called IP-path selectors (routers). The IP protocol, IP addressing and the IP path selector with its associated path selecting protocol provides the scalability present in today&#39;s Internet. The IP protocol does not offer a secure transmission. This is transferred to overlying protocols, which can be TCP, or if one uses. UDP, application protocol. 
   Layer  14 , Link: This layer defines the connection to the physical medium over which data is to be transmitted. The layer can, but does not have to, provide secure transmission. Furthermore the layer can be packet or stream oriented; IP does not put any requirements regarding this. Typical link techniques are Ethernet, ATM, Frame Relay etc. 
   Layer  15 ,Physical: This layer describes the physical media, which can be optical fiber, copper, the ether etc. 
     FIG. 4  shows the encapsulation method for data in the different layers. Application data  16  is delivered from the application layer  11  to the transport layer  12 , adding a header  17  to data. The header  17  and data  16  is transmitted in a similar manner to the internet layer  13 , again a header  18  is added. Finally data is transmitted to the link layer  14  and the same process, addition of a header  19  to data, is performed. In the link layer the application data  16  and header  17  and  18  are now regarded as data. Data is now completely encapsulated and can be transported between transmitter and receiver over the physical layer  15 . 
   The completely encapsulated data  16 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19  reaches, via the physical layer  15 , its final destination at the receiver. Here, the stack  10  is traversed upwards, and headers  19 ,  18  and  17  are in turn removed at the respective layer. The header  19 , having the label Ram Header in the figure, comprises 12 bits, by means of which the data sequence in a known manner can be directed towards the desired virtual local network. In the other headers there is information regarding error control, multiplexing etc. 
   The standard 802,1Q enables the creation of virtual local networks (VLAN) over a link level based broadcast technique, for example Ethernet. There are two ways of implementing labeling of the packets at link level: implicit or explicit. Implicit labeling is performed in such a manner that the identification of a specific virtual local network is made a part of the destination address in the packet header  19 . Explicit labeling is performed so that an additional field is added in the packets  16 ,  17 ,  18  having an label Ram Data area. Implicit labeling has the drawback that it is more complex. Explicit labeling has the drawback that it add to the length of the packet. 
   The standard 802.1Q referred to above uses explicit labeling of 4 bytes, as is shown in  FIG. 5 . A first part of 2 bytes  21  (VLAN E) is used to identify that the packet is labeled. For Ethernet, version 2, the hexadecimal representation of 8100 is for example used, which indicates that it is a packets having a labeling according to the standard 802,1Q. The remaining 2 bytes are divided into 3 parts. The first part is a Class of Service (CoS) field  22  comprising 3 bits, which is used for priority. Then follows one bit  23  (TR) which indicates the address format, i.e. if the principle “least significant bit first”, or “most significant bit first”, is to be used in conversions of link technique. The principle “least significant bit first” is used in Ethernet and “most significant bit first” is used for Token Ring or FDDI. The last 12 bits, a field  24 , indicates which virtual local network (VLAN) the packet belongs to. 
   Also the Internet level  13  has the possibility to offer priority. This is performed via Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) and is described in more detail in  FIG. 6 . A field  25 , comprising one byte and called “Type of Service” (TOS), offers a possibility of special priority of packet, in a similar manner as the field  22  (CoS) in the link packet in  FIG. 5 . 
   Priority of traffic is formed in the network terminals NT 1 -NT 7  at link level, layer  14 , via inspection of the Class of Service field (CoS)  22  in  FIG. 5 . The CoS field comprises 3 bits and thus offers  8  possible levels of priority. An important item is at which level in the TCP-IP stack  10  one distinguishes traffic in order to then execute it using the CoS field. In  FIG. 7  the relation between one of the user devices, the terminal  8 , and the associated network terminal NT 1  in the case that the priority is to be determined is shown. The policy server PS 1  is shown in the switched domain  5  having its logical connections  9  to the network terminal NT 1  and the user device  8 . In the embodiment the network terminal is described as belonging to, except the link level (layer  14 ), also the Internet level (layer  13 ) and the transport level (layer  12 ). The description starts from the bottom of the stack  10 . 
   Two cases occur when making priority. In the first case the link board in the user device support the standards IEEE 802.1Q and IEEE 802.1p. In the second case the link board does not support any of these standards. 
   In the first case, priority at link level, the facts are as follows: Suppose that the port Pd for the intranet in the network terminal NT 1 , to which the user device  8  is connected, belongs to a virtual local network (VLAN). If the link board in the user device supports the standards 802.1Q and 802.1p, this board can directly label the CoS bits  22  in the packets which is to be transmitted from the user device via the switched domain  5  to a receiver. The network terminal performs the prioritization being used between the different virtual local networks. If the link board does not support the standards IEEE. 802.1Q and IEEE 802.1p the network terminal has to label data packets from the user device using the correct VLAN identity and CoS bits according to  FIG. 5 . In neither of the cases the network terminal NT 1  needs the Internet level or transport level in the TCP/IP stack  10 . 
   Priority via the CoS field  22  offers as mentioned above 8 possible classes. If there now exists more than 8 virtual local networks to give priority to, a number of virtual local networks can, according to one alternative, be given the same class. According to another alternative one can, without any support in any IEEE standard, give priority based on virtual local networks, which theoretically offers 4096=2 12  different classes, where the index  12  is the 12 bits in the field  24  in  FIG. 5 . 
   Giving priority at Internet level, layer  13 : The TOS field in  FIG. 6  offers a possibility to give priority to traffic. This priority is mapped into the CoS field. Another possibility is to only use the 3 bits in the TOS field and in this manner obtain a one-to-one mapping between the ToS and CoS fields. 
   For the second case, giving priority at transport level, is as follows. The parameters present to vary at the transport level, layer  12 , is protocol (TCP or UDP) and port number (0-65535). Variations of protocol and port number can then be mapped into the field  25  TOS or the field  22  CoS. TCP and port  80  is associated with  A surfing ≅ on Internet and can thus be given a special priority in relation to all other traffic. 
   There is also a possibility to give this priority within the network terminals. This, however, requires that these terminals support the Internet level (layer  13 ) and the transport level (layer  12 ). 
   Giving priority at application level (layer  11 ) is as follows. At application level one can distinguish different types of applications. For example, HTTP is used for surfing and RTP is used for real time applications. From the different application protocols different priority rules are formed, which finally are implemented in the CoS labeling at link level. 
   If the application level priority according to above paragraph is to be performed inside the network terminal NT 1 , it is required that also the application level is supported in the network terminal. 
   Rules for giving priority can be formed and obeyed at different locations in the telecommunication system. Firstly, the user device, according to the example the terminal  8 , can be offered the possibility to itself implement the CoS labeling. Secondly, the network terminal can be offered to determine the CoS labeling. Thirdly, the so called policy server PS 1  can be used for giving priorities. For example, a log in sequence in the policy server can identify the user, which then is given a certain class of priority, which in turn is implemented in the network terminal and the switched domain. 
   The execution of the priority at link level, layer  14  in  FIG. 3 , can be performed in different ways. Traditional queuing is based on a queue having one buffer per port. This does not work for traffic having priority. Instead, a queue having one associating buffer per priority traffic class and per port is used. Additional complexity can be added in order to achieve the required quality for example for traffic flows in real time. An example of such a complex queue processing is the Weighted Fair Queuing algorithm. 
   Data packets which are generated by the user device  8  in  FIG. 7  can, according to the discussion above, be labeled for priority either in the user device or in the network terminal NT 1 . This labeling is then used for giving priority to the traffic so that user applications is given the required quality. The network NT 1  can now leave Ethernet packets to the switched domain SW 1  either with or without labeling. If the network terminal transmits data packets without labeling the switched domain can not use the priority but has to operate according to the principle of offering large enough recourses, for example band width, in order for the user applications to receive the required quality. 
   Data packets, which according to  FIG. 7 , is to be transported from the switch domain, via the network terminal NT 1 , to one of the user devices  6 ,  7  or  8 , can be labeled according to the standard IEEE 802.1p. In that case the network terminal can support priority according to this standard. In the case when a data packet is not labeled, no priority according to the standard IEEE 802.1p can be supported. However, priority according to the standard IEEE 802.1Q can be utilized, i.e., that a certain virtual local network (VLAN), for example for telephony, takes precedence for transport through the network terminal NT 1  before another virtual local network, for example Intranet. 
     FIG. 8  illustrates the system in more detail. The figure is based on the layer communication model in  FIG. 3  and shows schematically how the application layer  11 , the transport layer  12 , the Internet layer  13  and link layer  14  are common for the different parts in the communication system according to  FIG. 1 . In the figure the switch ports Pa, Pb, . . . P 1  are shown, via which the parts are connected. Further, the figure is divided into the switched domain  5  to the right of the dashed vertical line and to the left of this line the user A 1 , which can be a home or a local company. 
   The switched domain comprises at least one switch, the switch SW 1 , which supports the standards IEEE 802.1D and IEEE 802.1Q. Furthermore, it can support IEEE 802.1p, but this is not required. To the switched domain there are services connected, according to the exemplary embodiment Intranet and television and the IP path selector IP 1 . This can have two functions. Firstly, services connected to the switched domain via the IP path selector, for example Internet and, secondly, it offers the possibility to offer communication between the separate service networks. 
   The network terminal NT 1 , which is to support the standards IEEE 802.1D, IEEE 802.1Q and IEEE 802.1p, and a number of user devices  6 ,  7  and  8  are located in the home/the local company. The television set  7  accesses the television service and the computer terminal  8  accesses the Intranet, as is described in conjunction with  FIG. 1 . 
   Two service networks are formed, Intranet and television, which are carried by virtual local networks, VLAN. The ports Pd and Pj belongs to the service network VLAN 1  illustrated with dotted lines, which carries the Intranet service. The ports Pc and Pk belong to the service network VLAN 2 , illustrated with dashed lines, which carries the television service. The connection illustrated with continuous lines carries traffic from all service networks. If one of the ports Pa, Pb, Pj or Pk supports the standard IEEE 802.1Q this can also distinguish between the different service networks. This is however no requirement for the system to operate correctly. 
   In  FIG. 2 , a potential set of service ports for user devices was illustrated. A specific port, for example a port Pm for telemetry, can be implemented so that it does not use a link technique based on Medium Access Control, MAC, but some other technique for example RS232. In this case the port is to be associated with the MAC address which the network terminal NT 1  has itself. 
   Assume that the user A 1  is connected to the Intranet service and wishes to connect to the television service. The user contacts the operator OP 1  of the switched domain  5 . This can be carried out by means of a telephone call, an application present in the Intranet service or in another way. The operator configures the port Pc so that it belongs to a service network (VLAN) for television. The user device  7  for television then receives necessary parameters, either dynamically or statically, in order to be reached via the Internet level  13 . In the same way, the service can be disconnected by means of the operator reconfiguring the port Pc so that it no longer belongs to the service network for television. 
   Also, an opportunity to give priority to traffic within a service network is offered. Assume that the user is connected to the Intranet service network. Among the services in the Intranet service there is a possibility to obtain information via a common web interface, for example information from the operator. Furthermore, the service to listen to and watch a playback of for example a local meeting in a housing area can be offered. The web application uses HTTP and the playback service uses Real Time Protocol (RTP). According to  FIG. 7  a possibility to give priority to RTP traffic before HTTP traffic can than be offered. 
   There is also a possibility to combine one or several service networks. Assume that the different channels available via the television service network are stored on a server on the Intranet service network. In this way it is possible that the user uses his device for the Intranet service to select and configure his user device for the television network service. 
   In a typical scenario a large number of network terminals will be connected to the switched domain, significantly more than the seven network terminals NT 1 -NT 7  which are shown in  FIG. 1 . This puts special requirements on configuration and supervision of the network terminals. 
   The link level  14  is not sufficient to efficiently administrate such a large number of network terminals. In such a case one solution is to let the network terminals be available on Internet, transport and application levels. It is then possible to create one or several virtual local networks (VLAN) where all or at least one part of all network terminals is a part. Hereby, configuration and supervision can be carried out efficiently, for example via IP multicast technique. Supervision and configuration can take place via Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) and utilize for example HTTP and thus a web interface as application for this.