3com Corporation

Eric P Mitchell

Connie D York

Gerald A Wilson

David M Arnesen

Patrick A Tucker

Michael R Fine

Jeffrey A Hanline

Richard A Kunz

A method and apparatus for discerning between unknown but standardized ISDN interfaces, such as the U and S/T reference points, and automatically selecting compatible routing for the respective interface to compatible ISDN equipment. An unknown reference point supported by an ISDN service provider is interfaced with a reference adaptor comprised of an interface selection circuit which discerns the standardized form of the unknown reference point presented by the service provider and appropriately switches a relay means for routing the unknown interface reference point to ISDN equipment, either directly or indirectly through a transformation NT-1 device. Protection circuitry prevents signals from one reference interface from damaging sensitive circuitry of another reference interface.

Method and apparatus for automatic selection of an unknown ISDN reference

A method and portable ISDN interface module for interfacing both a computer or digital device having a framed data format such as HDLC with an analog telephone over integrated partitioned ISDN channels is provided. The portable ISDN interface module comprises an analog telephone interface, a controller or mechanism for generating and managing the partitioned channels of an ISDN service and an ISDN interface. The analog telephone interface receives and transmits analog information with an analog telephone or other analog device such as a fax/modem between the corresponding external devices and the ISDN interface. The controller or channel generating means implements the channelization or partitioning of the physical link between the portable ISDN interface module and the ISDN. The ISDN interface provides encoding and decoding of analog information and multiplexes the various information sources such as digitized analog telephone information and digital data information into the corresponding ISDN partitioned channels. The ISDN interface presents both an S/T-interface and a U-interface to the ISDN system. Additional telephony functionality such as answering machine and speed-dialing are also provided.

Analog telephone to ISDN interface apparatus and method therefor

An apparatus and method for facilitating interaction during a communication session between an analog modem and a terminal adapter for conveying digital alert tones and control data therebetween is provided. The embodiments provide for a collateral digital communication path between a microcontroller of an analog modem and a microcontroller of a terminal adapter for selectively relaying digital alert tones and control data therebetween. One embodiment utilizes a cellular interface of an analog modem for tapping and evaluating information for the presence of control data. Upon successful identification of control data, the microcontroller of a terminal adapter is notified and the specific control data detected in identified. By providing a method of apparatus for digitally relaying control data, accuracy of identification of control data by a terminal adapter is enhanced by foregoing needless signal transformation and retransformation.

Apparatus and method for digitally conveying alert tones between an

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Vancouver, WA, United States of America

Eric P Mitchell