Automatic configuration of communication device input or output terminal

Abstract

A method and apparatus is disclosed for the automatic configuration of a communication input /output port or terminal on a communication device. The communication device comprises one or more input/output ports or terminals, one or more switching devices, some form of switch device controller, and one or more communication circuitry, configured to facilitate communication with a remotely located communication terminal. The one or more input/output ports or terminals of the communication device connect to one or more communication cables or wires configured to transfer data with the remotely located communication terminal. In one configuration the communication cables comprise two twisted pair wires as is commonly installed for telephone communication and utilized for DSL communication service. To achieve automatic configuration, the switching device is initially set in a default position connecting the communication circuitry to at least one of the communication cables. Thereafter, the communication circuitry monitors for enablement of the communication service on the communication cables connected to the communication circuitry. If the service is detected the process is complete. If the communication circuitry does not detect the communication service, the switch controller forces the switching device to connect the communication circuitry to another of the communication cables. This process repeats. Alternative embodiments include communication circuitry configured to support more than one communication standard and communication devices incorporating a low pass filter to achieve pass-through voice communication.