Patent Publication Number: US-2005135490-A1

Title: Methods of providing communications services

Description:
NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION  
      A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and its figures contain material subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      This invention generally relates to digital communications and, more particularly, to expanding bandwidth in communications systems using multiple physical mediums.  
      2. Description of the Related Art  
      Communications customers need more bandwidth. As more and more customers utilize advanced communications services including “video-on-demand” applications, more and more data must be transmitted along twisted cable pairs, coaxial cables, fiber optic lines, and/or whatever medium is available. This video-on-demand service can require upwards of 3 megabits per second of data with a standard television format, while a High-Definition Television (HDTV) format might require a minimum of 16 megabits per second of data. A Digital Subscriber Line, however, is generally limited to a download data rate of 1.5 megabits per second. Even with advanced video compression techniques, such as ITU H.264 (MPEG 4, Part 10), Digital Subscriber Lines, coaxial cables, and even some fiber optic installations cannot provide enough bandwidth to support these advanced broadband-intensive communications services, such as the video-on-demand service. There is, accordingly, a need in the art for methods and systems of increasing the bandwidth capacity of physical mediums to support advanced broadband-intensive communications services.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The aforementioned problems, and other problems, are reduced by a methods, systems, and products for bonding additional physical mediums to increase data rates. When a communications customer requests a broadband-intensive communications service (such as downloading movies or other high-bandwidth media content), this invention physically and logically bonds a second physical medium to provide additional bandwidth. This second physical medium is physically connected to the customer&#39;s premises, yet this second physical medium is also shared amongst other customer&#39;s premises. When the customer requires broadband-intensive communications services, this invention temporarily bonds the second physical medium to the customer&#39;s data session to provide additional bandwidth. When the customer no longer requires the additional bandwidth, the second physical medium reverts to its shared configuration, thus allowing another customer to receive additional bandwidth when required.  
      This invention discloses methods, systems, and products for providing communications services. One of the embodiments describes a method for providing communications services. Signals are transmitted to a destination via a first physical medium. Signals are also transmitted to the same destination via a second physical medium. This second physical medium is configured as a dedicated circuit or may be shared amongst multiple destinations. When the destination requires additional bandwidth, the second physical medium provides the additional bandwidth.  
      Another of the embodiments describes another method for providing communications services. Here, digital subscriber signals are transmitted to a destination via a first twisted pair. Digital subscriber signals are also transmitted to the destination via a second twisted pair. The second twisted pair is configured as a dedicated circuit or may be shared amongst the destination and another destination. The second twisted pair provides additional bandwidth when required. The second twisted pair and the first twisted pair may be logically bonded to the destination, such that first twisted pair and the second twisted pair share the same session of information.  
      Still more of the embodiments describe yet another method for providing communications services. A request for communications services is received from a communications device. A first physical medium and a second physical medium are logically bonded to the communications device. The second physical medium is configured as a dedicated circuit or can also be dynamically shared amongst multiple communications devices to provide additional bandwidth when required. The communications services are then provided via the logically bonded first physical medium and the second physical medium.  
      Other embodiments of this invention describe a system for providing communications services. A Communications Module is stored in a memory device, and a processor communicates with the memory device. The Communications Module receives a request for communications services from a communications device. The Communications Module compares a bitrate of the requested communications services to the bandwidth of a first physical medium serving the communications device. If the bitrate of the requested communications services exceeds the available bandwidth of the first physical medium, then the Communications Module instructs a network device to logically bond a second physical medium to the communications device. The logically bonded second physical medium provides additional bandwidth to the communications device.  
      Other embodiments of this invention describe a computer program product. A computer-readable medium stores a Communications Module. The Communications Module receives a request for communications services from a communications device. The Communications Module compares a bitrate of the requested communications services to the bandwidth of a first physical medium serving the communications device. If the bitrate of the requested communications services exceeds the available bandwidth of the first physical medium, then the Communications Module instructs a network device to logically bond a second physical medium to the communications device. The logically bonded second physical medium provides additional bandwidth to the communications device.  
      Other systems, methods, and/or computer program products according to embodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon review of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, and/or computer program products be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
      These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention are better understood when the following Detailed Description of the Invention is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
       FIG. 1  is a simplified schematic illustrating one or more embodiments of this invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a schematic applying the principles of this invention in a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) environment, according to more embodiments of this invention;  
       FIG. 3  is detailed schematic showing n multiple physical media, according to still more embodiments of this invention;  
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing a Communications Module residing in a computer system, according to the embodiments of this invention;  
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing communications services, according to even more embodiments of this invention;  
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating another method of providing communications services, according to more embodiments of this invention; and  
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating yet another method of providing communications services, according to yet more embodiments of this invention.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).  
      Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named manufacturer.  
       FIG. 1  is a simplified schematic illustrating this invention. The embodiments of this invention include a Communications Module  20 . The Communications Module  20  comprises methods, systems, computer programs, and/or computer program products that help provide communications services to a client communications device  22 . The Communications Module  20  operates within a computer  24 . The computer  24  receives a request  26  for communications services from the client communications device  22 . When the client communications device  22  requires communications service, the term “communications service” means the client communications device  22  requests a data upload and/or a data download via a data/communications network. The term “data” includes electronic information, such as, for example, facsimile, electronic mail (e-mail), text, video, audio, and/or voice in a variety of formats, such as dual tone multi-frequency, digital, analog, and/or others. Additionally, the data may include: (1) executable programs, such as a software application, (2) an address, location, and/or other identifier of the storage location for the data, (3) integrated or otherwise combined files, and/or (4) profiles associated with configuration, authenticity, security, and others. The request  26  for communications services is received via a first physical medium  28  serving the client communications device  22 . When the requested communications services exceeds the available bandwidth of the first physical medium  28 , then the Communications Module  20  instructs a network device  30  to logically bond a second physical medium  32  to the client communications device  22 . The logically bonded second physical medium  32  provides additional bandwidth to the client communications device  22 .  
      As  FIG. 1  shows, the second physical medium  32  is shared. That is, the second physical medium  32  is physically connected to the client communications device  22  and to multiple, other destinations. These other destinations may include another client communications device  34  in another customer&#39;s premises  36 . The second physical medium  32  may also be shared amongst multiple destinations within an office building  38  and/or within multiple residential customers in a neighborhood  40 . Even though the second physical medium  32  is shared amongst multiple destinations, the second physical medium  32  can be dynamically dedicated to a single destination when additional bandwidth is required. When the client communications device  22  requires communications services that exceed the available bandwidth of the first physical medium  28 , then the shared second physical medium  32  may provide additional bandwidth. In the case where a third, fourth, or “n” number of circuits are required, additional physical media  32  can be physically and logically bonded to the client communications device  22 . Data signals may then be transmitted to the client communications device  22  using the first physical medium  28 , the second physical medium  32 , and the “n” number of additional media. When the additional bandwidth is no longer required, the additional media reverts to its shared configuration and awaits another destination that requires additional bandwidth. In general, the terms “second physical medium” and “additional media” represent any “n” number of physical and logical connections required to terminate on the client communications device  22  in order to provide adequate bandwidth for the desired service.  
      The second physical medium  32  is preferably bonded to the first physical medium  28 . The terms “bond,” “bonded,” “bonding,” and other similar terms means the first physical medium  28  and the second physical medium  32  share the same session of information. When the client communications device  22  requires communications services via the first physical medium  28 , the communications services are provided during Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) session of information. That is, the client communications device  22  is logically connected to the first physical medium  28 . When the available bandwidth of the first physical medium  28  cannot provide the requested communications services, the second physical medium  32  shares that same session of information. The first physical medium  28  and the second physical medium  32  are physically connected to the client communications device  22  and they share a single logical connection. The Communications Module  20  recognizes that the second physical medium  32  is now associated with the client communications device  22 . The second physical medium  32  is dynamically added in terms of the capabilities of a service at the point when the client communications device  22  requires additional bandwidth. The client communications device  22  is thus served via the first physical medium  28  and with the shared, bonded second physical medium  32 .  
      The term “physical medium” implies a physical connection. Data signals are transmitted to/from the client communications device  22  via at least one physical connection. The first physical medium  28  and the second physical medium  32  may both be a twisted copper pair of wires, as is commonly found throughout many communications networks (such as the Public Switched Telephone Network). The first physical medium  28  and the second physical medium  32 , however, may also include coaxial cable and/or fiber optic cable. The first physical medium  28  and second physical medium  32  may even include at least one of i) a combination of a twisted pair and a coaxial cable, ii) a combination of a twisted pair and a fiber optic cable, and iii) a combination of a coaxial cable and a fiber optic cable.  
      The network device  30  bonds the second physical medium  32 . When the available bandwidth of the first physical medium  28  is exceeded, the Communications Module  20  instructs the network device  30  to logically bond the second physical medium  32  to the client communications device  22 . The logically bonded second physical medium  32  provides additional bandwidth to the client communications device  22 . The network device  30  can be a computing device that can execute instructions from the Communications Module  20 . Some examples of the network device  30  may include an internet server, a content server, a gateway, a switch, a multiplexer, a modem, or any other device that can logically bond additional bandwidth.  
      This invention is further illustrated by the following non-limiting example.  FIG. 2  is a detailed schematic applying the principles of this invention in a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) environment. As those of ordinary skill in the art understand, DSL uses twisted pair transmission lines to transmit high-bandwidth, high frequency signals. DSL is a transport medium for signals along a single twisted-wire pair. This twisted wire pair supports both Message Telecommunications Service (e.g., Plain Old Telephone Service), full-duplex (simultaneous two-way), and simplex (from the network to a customer&#39;s installation) digital services. Because DSL is commonly available to residential customers and to business customers, this patent will not further discuss DSL technology. If, however, the reader desires more information on DSL technology, the reader is invited to consult A MERICAN  N ATIONAL  S TANDARDS  I NSTITUTE   , Network to Customer Installation Interfaces—Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line  ( ADSL )  Metallic Interface  (ANSI T1.413-1998) (1819 L Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20036, (202) 293-8020, www.ansi.org), and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.  
       FIG. 2  shows a customer&#39;s premises  42 . The customer&#39;s premises  42  are served by multiple physical media  44 , such as a first twisted pair  46  and a second twisted pair  48 . The multiple physical media  44  are shown connected to a residential gateway  50 , such as a DSL modem, cable modem, router, or other access device. The residential gateway  50  provides an access interface to one or more of the customer&#39;s client communications devices  22 . The customer may have multiple client communications devices  22  communicating via a home network with the residential gateway  50 .  FIG. 2 , for example, shows the multiple client communications devices  22  as a computer  52  and one or more digital television devices  54  (including a television set-top box (STB)). The client communications devices  22 , of course, could also include other computer devices (such as a laptop, desktop, tablet, server, and other computer systems), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, an Internet Protocol (IP) phone, a pager, a cellular/satellite phone, a modem, or any computer/communications device utilizing a digital signal processor (DSP).  
      The customer&#39;s client communications devices  22  requests communications services via the first twisted pair  46 . Assume, for example, that one of the digital television devices  54  requests a download of video data (e.g., a video-on-demand service). A video-on-demand (VoD) request  56  is communicated via the first twisted pair  46  through a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer  58 , through an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switch  60 , through a broadband gateway  62 , and into a primary ATM network  64 . The video-on-demand request  56  routes along the ATM network  64  to the Communications Module  20  operating in the ATM network  64 .  FIG. 2  shows the Communications Module  20  operating in multiple computer devices within the ATM network  64 , although those of ordinary skill in the art understand the Communications Module  20  may operate within a single computer device. The Communications Module  20  compares the bandwidth required to provide the requested video-on-demand service and the available bandwidth along the first twisted pair  46 . The Communications Module  20  thus determines whether enough bandwidth is available to deliver the requested video over the first twisted pair  46  (e.g., a single DSL connection).  
      The video-on-demand request  56  routes along the ATM network  64  to a content server  66 . This content server  66  may store some, or all, of the requested video data. The content server  66  determines the bitrate of the requested video data (e.g., 5 megabits per second of video data). The content server  66  then sends bitrate information  68  to a web server/service control computer device  70 . If the available bandwidth is inadequate for a Quality of Presentation objective, the Communications Module  20  instructs a radius cluster  72  to arrange adequate bandwidth. The radius cluster  72  observes the configuration of the first twisted pair  46  and the configuration of the second, shared twisted pair  74 . The radius cluster  72  then instructs the Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM)  58  to establish physical bonding with the second twisted pair  48 . The radius cluster  72  also instructs the Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer  58  to establish logical bonding of the Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) session of information. The radius cluster  72  manages the logic on the broadband gateway  62 , thus instructing the Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer  58  to enable the bonding. Once the second twisted pair  48  is physically and logically bonded, the content server  66  may then transmit/deliver the requested video data content to the digital television device  54  via the Internet Protocol (IP) network  64 . The physically and logically bonded second twisted pair  48  provides additional bandwidth to the digital television device  54 . When the additional bandwidth is no longer required, the radius cluster  72  instructs the Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer  58  to terminate the physical bonding and the logical bonding, thus reverting the second twisted pair  48  to its shared configuration.  
       FIG. 3  is another detailed schematic applying the principles of this invention in a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) environment.  FIG. 3  is very similar to  FIG. 2 , except here the customer&#39;s premises  42  are served by n multiple physical media  44 . That is, the when the requested communications service exceeds the available bandwidth of a primary twisted pair (such as the first twisted pair  46 ), the Communications Module  20  instructs the radius cluster  72  to arrange additional bandwidth. The radius cluster  72  again observes the configuration of the primary twisted pair. Here, however, the radius cluster  72  may observe the configuration of n multiple shared twisted pairs  74 , where n denotes any integer. The radius cluster  72  can instruct the Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer  58  to dynamically establish physical and logical bonding with n multiple shared twisted pairs  74 . These n multiple shared twisted pairs  74  provide n bonded PPP sessions to dynamically provide as much bandwidth as the customer might require. Once the additional bandwidth is no longer required, the radius cluster  72  reverts the n multiple shared twisted pairs  74  to their shared configuration.  
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing the Communications Module  20  residing in the computer system  24 . The computer system  24  may be any computing device, and the computer system  24  may include the content server, the web server/service control computer device, and the radius cluster (shown, respectively, as reference numerals  66 ,  70 , and  72  in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The Communications Module  20  operates within a system memory device. The Communications Module  20 , for example, is shown residing in a memory subsystem  76 . The Communications Module  20 , however, could also reside in flash memory  78  or peripheral storage device  80 . The computer system  24  also has one or more central processors  82  executing an operating system. The operating system, as is well known, has a set of instructions that control the internal functions of the computer system  24 . A system bus  84  communicates signals, such as data signals, control signals, and address signals, between the central processor  82  and a system controller  86  (typically called a “Northbridge”). The system controller  86  provides a bridging function between the one or more central processors  82 , a graphics subsystem  88 , the memory subsystem  76 , and a PCI (Peripheral Controller Interface) bus  90 . The PCI bus  90  is controlled by a Peripheral Bus Controller  92 . The Peripheral Bus Controller  92  (typically called a “Southbridge”) is an integrated circuit that serves as an input/output hub for various peripheral ports. These peripheral ports are shown including a keyboard port  94 , a mouse port  96 , a serial port  98  and/or a parallel port  100  for a video display unit, one or more external device ports  102 , and networking ports  104  (such as SCSI or Ethernet). The Peripheral Bus Controller  92  also includes an audio subsystem  106 . Those of ordinary skill in the art understand that the program, processes, methods, and systems described in this patent are not limited to any particular computer system or computer hardware.  
      Those of ordinary skill in the art also understand the central processor  82  is typically a microprocessor. Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., for example, manufactures a full line of ATHLON™ microprocessors (ATHLON™ is a trademark of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., One AMD Place, P.O. Box 3453, Sunnyvale, Calif. 94088-3453, 408.732.2400, 800.538.8450, www.amd.com). The Intel Corporation also manufactures a family of X86 and P86 microprocessors (Intel Corporation, 2200 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, Calif. 95052-8119, 408.765.8080, www.intel.com). Other manufacturers also offer microprocessors. Such other manufacturers include Motorola, Inc. (1303 East Algonquin Road, P.O. Box A3309 Schaumburg, Ill. 60196, www.Motorola.com), International Business Machines Corp. (New Orchard Road, Armonk, N.Y. 10504, (914) 499-1900, www.ibm.com), and Transmeta Corp. (3940 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara, Calif. 95054, www.transmeta.com). Those skilled in the art further understand that the program, processes, methods, and systems described in this patent are not limited to any particular manufacturer&#39;s central processor.  
      The preferred operating system is the UNIX® operating system (UNIX® is a registered trademark of the Open Source Group, www.opensource.org). Other UNIX-based operating systems, however, are also suitable, such as LINUX® or a RED HAT® LINUX-based system (LINUX® is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds, and RED HAT® is a registered trademark of Red Hat, Inc., Research Triangle Park, N.C., 1-888-733-4281, www.redhat.com). Other operating systems, however, are also suitable. Such other operating systems would include a WINDOWS-based operating system (WINDOWS® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond Wash. 98052-6399, 425.882.8080, www.Microsoft.com). and Mac® OS (Mac® is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, Calif. 95014, 408.996.1010, www.apple.com). Those of ordinary skill in the art again understand that the program, processes, methods, and systems described in this patent are not limited to any particular operating system.  
      The system memory device (shown as memory subsystem  76 , flash memory  108 , or peripheral storage device  80 ) may also contain an application program. The application program cooperates with the operating system and with a video display unit (via the serial port  98  and/or the parallel port  100 ) to provide a Graphical User Interface (GUI). The Graphical User Interface typically includes a combination of signals communicated along the keyboard port  94  and the mouse port  96 . The Graphical User Interface provides a convenient visual and/or audible interface with a user of the computer system  24 .  
      The principles of this invention may be applied to other environments. When requested communications services exceed the available bandwidth of a primary first physical medium serving a customer&#39;s premises, and/or a client communications device, then this invention physically and logically bonds n multiple, additional physical mediums. The bonded n multiple, additional physical mediums provide additional bandwidth when necessary. Because the term “physical medium” implies a physical connection, the principles of this invention are not limited to Digital Subscriber Line environments. The principles of this invention may be applied to a generic physical infrastructure, such as a fiber plant, a copper plant, a coaxial cable plant, and hybrid versions/combinations of each. Because the principles of this invention may be applied to other physical infrastructures, these other physical infrastructures need not require the Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer, the asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switch, and the broadband gateway (shown, respectively, as reference numerals  58 ,  60 , and  62  in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). These other physical infrastructures may require additional and/or alternative equipment, as those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize.  
      The principles of this invention, for example, could be applied to the coaxial cable industry. Whereas  FIGS. 2 and 3  show the customer&#39;s premises  42  being served by n multiple twisted pairs, the customer&#39;s premises could be served by n multiple coaxial cables. These n multiple coaxial cables would be the multiple physical media providing media content to the customer&#39;s premises  42 . When the customer&#39;s requested communications services exceed the available bandwidth of a primary coaxial cable serving a customer&#39;s premises, and/or a client communications device, then this invention physically and logically bonds n multiple, additional coaxial cables. The logically bonded n multiple, additional coaxial cables provide additional bandwidth when necessary. While there are many devices used within the coaxial cable infrastructure that could physically/logically bond the n multiple, additional coaxial cables, a cable modem termination system (CMTS) is one example.  
      The principles of this invention may also be applied to a fiber optic infrastructure. Because the cost of an all-fiber infrastructure is expensive, and because a fiber optic media can transmit/transport much more information/signals, one or more shared fiber optic lines could be more economically feasible. A customer&#39;s premises could be served by n multiple fiber optic lines, and these fiber optic lines could also be shared by other customers. When one customer&#39;s requested communications services exceed the available bandwidth of a primary physical media (such as a DSL, a coaxial cable, and/or a fiber optic line), then this invention could physically and logically bond one or more fiber optic lines to the customer&#39;s session. The logically bonded fiber optic lines provide additional bandwidth when necessary. This fiber infrastructure, for example, might utilize an Optical Network Unit (ONU) to physically/logically bond one or more fiber optic lines to the customer&#39;s session.  
      The principles of this invention provide added benefits. Because the customer&#39;s premises are served by multiple physical media, these shared media provide redundancy. As the years pass, the physical and performance properties of the physical media may degrade. Because, however, the customer has access to multiple physical media, this invention provides greater statistical probabilities for successful transmissions of data signals. Because the customer, again, has access to multiple physical media, there is less of a chance that the customer will lose all communications service during storms and catastrophes. Should one of the physical mediums be severed or disabled, the other physical media provide redundant communications paths.  
      The principles of this invention provide still more benefits. Because this invention utilizes multiple physical mediums, each individual medium could be dedicated to a particular format. The primary physical medium, for example, might be dedicated to a specific service (such as standard Internet traffic) and/or a particular range of frequencies. An additional, shared medium might be reserved for higher bandwidth requirements (such as MPEG1/2/3/4 content) and/or higher frequency signals.  
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing communications services. Signals are transmitted to a destination via a first physical medium (Block  110 ). If additional bandwidth is required (Block  112 ), a second physical medium is logically bonded to the first physical medium (Block  114 ), such that first physical medium and the second physical medium share the same session of information. Signals are then transmitted to the destination via the second physical medium (Block  116 ). The second physical medium is dynamically shared amongst multiple destinations to provide additional bandwidth when required. Signals may be transmitted via a twisted pair, via a coaxial cable, via a fiber optic cable, and/or via hybrid combinations, such as i) a combination of a twisted pair and a coaxial cable, ii) a combination of a twisted pair and a fiber optic cable, and iii) a combination of a coaxial cable and a fiber optic cable (Block  118 ). If additional bandwidth is still required (Block  120 ), additional physical media can be logically bonded (Block  122 ). Each additional physical media is dynamically shared amongst the multiple destinations to provide additional bandwidth. Signals are then transmitted to the destination via the first physical medium and the second physical medium, thus sharing the same session of information (Block  124 ). When the signals are transmitted to the destination, the signals may be transmitted via twisted pair, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, and hybrid combinations (Block  125 ).  
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating another method of providing communications services. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) signals are transmitted to a destination via a first twisted pair (Block  126 ). If additional bandwidth is required (Block  128 ), a network device is instructed to logically bond a second twisted pair and the first twisted pair (Block  130 ), such that first twisted pair and the second twisted pair share the same session of information. Digital Subscriber Line signals are then transmitted to the destination via the second twisted pair (Block  132 ). The second twisted pair is shared amongst the destination and another destination, and the second twisted pair provides additional bandwidth when required. The second twisted pair may be physically bonded to the first twisted pair (Block  134 ), such that first twisted pair and the second twisted pair share the same session of information. If additional bandwidth is still required (Block  136 ), the network device is instructed to logically bond a third twisted pair to the destination (Block  138 ). The third twisted pair is shared amongst the destination and another destination, and the third twisted pair provides additional bandwidth when required. If additional bandwidth is still required (Block  140 ), the network device is instructed to logically bond n additional twisted pairs to the destination (Block  142 ). The n additional twisted pairs are shared amongst the destination and another destination, and the n additional twisted pairs provide additional bandwidth when required. Digital Subscriber Line signals are then transmitted to the destination via the twisted pairs (Block  144 ).  
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating yet another method of providing communications services. A request for communications services is received from a client communications device (Block  142 ). A first physical medium and a second physical medium are logically bonded to the client communications device (Block  144 ). The second physical medium is dynamically shared amongst multiple client communications devices to provide additional bandwidth when required (Block  146 ). The communications services are then provided via the logically bonded first physical medium and the second physical medium (Block  148 ).  
      The Communications Module  20  may be physically embodied on or in a computer-readable medium. This computer-readable medium may include CD-ROM, DVD, tape, cassette, floppy disk, memory card, and large-capacity disk (such as IOMEGA®, ZIP®, JAZZ®, and other large-capacity memory products (IOMEGA®, ZIP®, and JAZZ® are registered trademarks of Iomega Corporation, 1821 W. Iomega Way, Roy, Utah 84067, 801.332.1000, www.iomega.com). This computer-readable medium, or media, could be distributed to end-users, licensees, and assignees. These types of computer-readable media, and other types not mention here but considered within the scope of the present invention, allow the Communications Module  20  to be easily disseminated. A computer program product for expanding bandwidth includes the Communications Module  20  stored on the computer-readable medium. The Communications Module receives a request for communications services from a communications device. The Communications Module compares a bitrate of the requested communications services to the bandwidth of a first physical medium serving the communications device. If the bitrate of the requested communications services exceeds the available bandwidth of the first physical medium, then the Communications Module instructs a network device to logically bond a second physical medium to the communications device. The logically bonded second physical medium provides additional bandwidth to the communications device.  
      The Communications Module  20  may also be physically embodied on or in any addressable (e.g., HTTP, I.E.E.E. 802.11, Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)) wireless device capable of presenting an IP address. Examples could include a computer, a wireless personal digital assistant (PDA), an Internet Protocol mobile phone, or a wireless pager.  
      While the present invention has been described with respect to various features, aspects, and embodiments, those skilled and unskilled in the art will recognize the invention is not so limited. Other variations, modifications, and alternative embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.