Integrated telephony and data services over cable networks

Abstract

A newly developed computer adapter and call routing system allow for cable television networks (or other broadband networks) to offer digital telephony services seamlessly; i.e. in a manner such that a user receiving the service is unaware of any difference between that service and comparable telephone services presently supported by the public switched telephone network (PSTN). The adapter attaches to a computer, one or more telephones, the PSTN, and the broadband network. During utility power outages, switch circuitry in the adapter connects attached devices directly to lines in the PSTN, so that existing power support functions of the PSTN are fully utilizable. At other times, the adapter conditionally routes outgoing telephone calls from the attached devices to either the PSTN or cable network. Conditions determining the routing of outgoing calls can be set by users and also determined automatically (e.g. as logical functions of called numbers). At a signal concentration office in the broadband network (e.g. at head end of a cable network), a gateway system having newly defined telephone call handling capabilities provides connections to other networks, the latter including the PSTN, Internet and private broadband networks (e.g. leased channels on satellite radio networks). The resulting arrangement allows for a business 'telecommuter' to receive telephone services seamlessly, both at home and in business facilities remote from home.