Method and apparatus for routing data

US8094650B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. · US

Inventors

• Vaidyanathan Ramaswami · Neshanic Station, US
• Duncan Kirkwood Sparrell · Mount Olive, US
• Simon D. Byers · Summit, US
• Kenneth W. Church · Dobbs Ferry, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 21, 2008
• Grant date: Jan 10, 2012
• Expiry date: Nov 10, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04Q3/0029
• WIPO field: Telecommunications
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A method and apparatus for handling internet access telephone calls made via cable company telephone services. A head end data terminal receives cable signals and converts them into individual signals. An intelligent switch detects signals destined for an internet service provider and routes those signals on a separate path to the internet service provider. A central switch routes the other signals along a telephone network. A computer program can control the steps of receiving cable signals, converting them into voice band signals, routing the signals that are not for the intended recipient to a central switch, multiplexing the signals for the intended recipient together, and sending the multiplexed signals to the intended recipient.