Broadband Residential Gateway with PBX Capabilities

Europäisches Patentamt *EP001113659A2* (19) European Patent Office

Office européen des brevets (11) EP 1 113 659 A2

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication: (51) Int Cl.7: H04M 7/00, H04M 3/42, 04.07.2001 Bulletin 2001/27 H04L 12/66

(21) Application number: 00128140.1

(22) Date of filing: 22.12.2000

(84) Designated Contracting States: • Russell, Jesse Eugene AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU Middlesex County, New Jersey 08854 (US) MC NL PT SE TR • Walker, Hopeton Designated Extension States: Palm Beach County, Florida 33414 (US) AL LT LV MK RO SI • Wang, Spencer Morris County, New Jersey 07054 (US) (30) Priority: 30.12.1999 US 475165 (74) Representative: Modiano, Guido, Dr.-Ing. et al (71) Applicant: AT&T Corp. Modiano, Josif, Pisanty & Staub, New York, NY 10013-2412 (US) Baaderstrasse 3 80469 München (DE) (72) Inventors: • Kung, Fen-Chung Somerset County, New Jersey 08807 (US)

(54) Broadband Residential Gateway with PBX capabilities

(57) A residential private branch exchange (PBX) allowing IP telephones, analog telephones and computers to connect to an IP communication network. A broadband residential gateway (BRG) PBX provides residences with multiple phone lines capability and the implementation of complex calling features traditionally associated with complex and expensive business PBX systems. The BRG PBX provides an open architecture interface minimizing problems during installation and operation, minimizes interoperability problems across multi-vendor equipment platforms and may provide customers with an option to bypass the local telephone company's high cost infrastructure. The BRG PBX may also provide a range of services from basic calling with few features to highly sophisticated calling features servicing multiple phone lines to the residence. The BRG PBX may be configured to connect multiple BRG PBX systems together in a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN) configuration. These network configurations may be implemented to connect neighborhoods or families across multiple geographic regions. In addition to having the capability of connecting to each other, the BRG PBXs may be connected to IP Central Stations forming an IP communication network. EP 1 113 659 A2

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) 1 EP 1 113 659 A2 2

Description 2. Limited scalability - each switching point is typically usable only within a specific size range. Scal- FIELD OF THE INVENTION ing to a higher level usually means replacing the switch. [0001] The present invention relates to communica- 5 3. Closed architecture - the entire switching system tion between users in diverse communication systems, from the switching point to the individual telephone and more particularly, to providing a broadband commu- handsets is based on a proprietary architecture. nication system including an Internet Protocol Telepho- 4. Limited support for enterprise networking - net- ny Network and public switched telephone network. working multiple systems' together typically in- Specifically, this invention provides a broadband resi- 10 volves the use of expensive leased lines, or voice dential gateway (BRG) with private branch exchange over net gateway servers, both requiring expensive (PBX) services connecting Internet Protocol (IP) and an- installation and operating costs. alog telephones to an IP network. Users are able to ac- 5. Antiquated administrative tools - programming a cess calling features supported by the IP PBX bypass- PBX system usually requires extensive training of ing the requirement to use the local carriers network. 15 support personnel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0005] A need exists for a distributed telephone systems using IP networks to route calls between nodes. [0002] Present day telephony voice networks, have a Such as system may provide: network built around circuit switches, end offices, a toll 20 network, tandem switches, and twisted pair wires. 1. No central point of failure - this enables users to These voice networks are referred to as a public deploy extremely reliable, fault tolerant telephone switched telephone network (PSTN) or plain old tele- networks. phone service (POTS). Due to bandwidth limitations of 2. Reduced tolls - by routing interoffice calls over a plain old telephone service (POTS), there is an inherent 25 wide area data network toll call costs may be mini- inability to efficiently integrate multiple types of media mized. such as telephony, data communication for personal 3. Unlimited scalability - using switched 100Mbps computers (PC), and television (TV) broadcasts. Ac- or higher speed such as gigabit Ethernet the IP tel- cordingly, a new broadband architecture is required. ephone network may be easily scaled and config- This new architecture gives rise to a new array of user 30 ured. services. 4. Open architecture - built upon industry standards [0003] Due to the increase in the number of residenc- such as H.323 and Ethernet provide these IP based es having multiple phone lines and the growing popu- PBX systems with a high degree of interoperability. larity of calling features traditionally implemented by pri- 5. Enterprise telephony - a PBX system may be con- vate branch exchange (PBX) systems. However, PBX 35 figured across large geographic areas create an en- systems are expensive to purchase, operate and have terprise wide system that is affordable for residenc- problems interfacing with non-PBX proprietary equip- es. ment. Also, operating multiple telephone lines at a res- 6. User friendly administrative tools - administering idence tends to be costly because of the local telephone of an IP based PBX system can be simplified mini- company's lack of competition. A need exists for an 40 mizing or eliminating programming specific equip- open architecture residential PBX providing multiple ment hardware. vender equipment to interface with a communication network that can bypass the local telephone company's SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION network, while providing multiple line capabilities to the residences. A need exists for the residential PBX to pro- 45 [0006] Aspects of the invention include providing vide a portfolio of calling features normally associated broadband access capabilities or enhanced services for with high cost and complex PBX systems. use in conjunction with a packetized network such as [0004] Prior art private branch exchange (PBX) sys- an Internet Protocol (IP) based system infrastructure. tems are based primarily on a centralized or star net- [0007] Other aspects of the invention include provid- work design. All of the telephones and trunk lines con- 50 ing one or more of the following either individually, or in verge on a single switching point, such as a program- any combination or subcombination: mable switch or a PBX. However, in spite the popularity of this design, there are a number of problems associ- a new broadband architecture; ated with this network architectural design. These prob- broadband network capabilities, including local ac- lems include: 55 cess; enhanced services for use in conjunction with a 1. Single point failure - if the switching point fails, packetized network such as an Internet Protocol the entire telephone network fails. (IP) based system infrastructure.

2 3 EP 1 113 659 A2 4

[0008] A residential private branch exchange (PBX) tion of an exemplary embodiment of the broadband net- using Internet Protocol (IP) located at a broadband res- work shown in Fig. 1. idential gateway (BRG) provides residences with multi- [0015] Fig. 5 is a signal flow diagram illustrating a typ- ple phone lines capability and supports the implemen- ical on-network to off-network call according to one pre- tation of complex calling features traditionally associat- 5 ferred method of operating the broadband network ed with tradition business PBX systems without the as- shown in Fig. 1. sociated business PBX problems. The BRG PBX sup- [0016] Fig. 6 is a signal flow diagram illustrating a typ- ports an open architecture interface minimizing prob- ical on-network to on-network call according to one pre- lems during installation and operation, as well as mini- ferred method of operating the broadband network mizing interoperability problems across multi-vendor 10 shown in Fig. 1. equipment platforms. In addition, the BRG PBX may al- [0017] Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the inter- low residential customers an opportunity to bypass the face of the BRG IP PBX with the IP network and other local telephone company's high cost infrastructure. BRG IP PBX systems. [0009] The BRG PBX supports a broad range of call- [0018] Fig. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the con- ing service features from basic calling with few features 15 nectivity of the BRG IP PBX from the telephone to the to highly sophisticated calling features providing multi- IP network. party conference calling and other sophisticated calling [0019] Fig. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a method- services. The BRG PBX provides a communication sys- ology for handling calls into or out of BRG PBX systems. tem interface capable of supporting IP telephones as well as analog or digital telephones. The BRG PBX also 20 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED is capable of supporting computers via an Ethernet (or EMBODIMENTS some other protocol) connectivity between residences and an IP network by a high-speed, broadband connec- [0020] A new system is provided for broadband action. The BRG PBX may be configured to connect mul- cess and applications. Unless otherwise indicated by tiple BRG PBX systems together in a Local Area Net- 25 the appended claims, the present invention is not limited work (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN). These con- to the preferred embodiments described in this section figurations may be implemented to connect neighbor- but is applicable to other integrated multimedia commu- hoods or families together across different geographic nication systems. regions. In addition to having the capability of connecting to each other, the BRG PBXs may be connected to 30 I. Integrated Communication System Overview IP Central Stations forming an IP communication network. [0021] Referring to Fig. 1, an exemplary embodiment [0010] Although the invention has been defined using of a broadband network 1. The broadband network gen- the appended claims, these claims are exemplary and erally provides interconnection between a plurality of not limiting in that the invention is meant to include one 35 customer locations utilizing various interconnection ar- or more elements from the apparatus and methods de- chitectures including Internet Protocol (IP) based net- scribed herein and in the applications incorporated by work, various existing systems (legacy systems) such reference in any combination or subcombination. Ac- as the public switched telephone network (PSTN), ATM cordingly, there are any number of alternative combina- networks, the Internet, signaling networks, as well as tions for defining the invention, which incorporate one 40 other systems. The broadband network provides versa- or more elements from the specification (including the tile intelligent conduits that may carry, for example, In- drawings, claims, and applications incorporated by ref- ternet Protocol (IP) telephony or multimedia signals be- erence) in any combinations or subcombinations. tween the customer premises over, for example, the public switched telephone network, Internet, or wireless BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 45 communication networks. [0022] Again referring to Fig. 1, the broadband net- [0011] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a work 1 may include one or more customer premises broadband network (e.g.broadband IP based network) equipment (CPE) units 102. The customer premise in accordance with a preferred embodiment of aspects equipment 102 may be variously configured. In one ex- of the present invention. 50 ample, the customer premise equipment 102 may in- [0012] Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of a preferred clude one or more local control devices such as a broad- embodiment of a centralized control (IP central station) band residential gateway (BRG) 300. Although the in accordance with aspects of the present invention. broadband residential gateway is preferably disposed [0013] Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of a preferred in a residence for many aspects of the invention, in ex- embodiment of a local control apparatus (broadband 55 emplary embodiments, it may also be disposed in a residential gateway) in accordance with aspects of the business or other location. The broadband residential present invention. gateway 300 may be variously configured to provide one [0014] Fig. 4 shows a detailed schematic representa- or more integrated communication interfaces to other

3 5 EP 1 113 659 A2 6 devices within the customer premise equipment 102 optical fiber networks in any suitable combination. The such as televisions (TV), personal computers (PC), hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 may provide an intelligent plain old telephone system (POTS) phone(s), video broadband conduit between the broadband residential phones, IP enabled phones, and other devices. For ex- gateway 300 and a gateway such as the head-end hub ample, the broadband residential gateway 300 may pro- 5 (HEH) 115. The head-end hub 115 may be variously vide one or more telephone port connections (e.g., plain configured to provide various services and/or intercon- old telephone system), Ethernet connections, coaxial nections with the rest of the broadband network 1. For connections, fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) con- example, the head-end hub 115 may provide an inter- nections, wireless local area network (LAN) connec- connection point to gather and aggregate external serv- tions, firewire connections, and/or other connections to 10 ices (e.g., off air and satellite video, public switched tel- a plurality of devices such as plain old telephones, IP ephone network voice, multimedia messages, and In- based phones, television converters, e.g., cable televi- ternet data) for distribution to and from the hybrid fiber- sion (CATV) set top devices, televisions, digital televi- coaxial plant 112. With respect to telephony and multi- sions, high definition televisions (HDTV), video phones, media calls, the head-end hub 115 may function as in- and other devices. In exemplary embodiments, the 15 telligent conduit for connection and communication be- broadband residential gateway 300 may support com- tween the hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 and external munications between any of the aforementioned devic- networks such as an IP network 120 and/or an ATM/ es in intra-premises calling and/or extra-premises call- frame relay/cell relay network 185. ing. Further, when the broadband residential gateway [0025] The broadband network 1 may include any 300 is used in a business environment, it can function 20 number of interconnected head-end hubs 115, IP net- as a private branch exchange or key type telephone sys- works 120, and/or ATM networks 185. Further, the IP tem. network 120 and/or ATM network 185 may be connected [0023] In Fig. 1, broadband residential gateway 300 to one or more other networks and devices such as: is illustrated as a single physical device. This configuration is appropriate where centralization of maintenance 25 (1) external networks including a public switched and control is desirable. Alternatively, the broadband telephone network (PSTN) 170, an signaling sys- residential gateway 300 may be separated into more tem 7 (SS7) network 170, an Internet 180, and/or a than one physical device allowing functionality to be dis- wireless network 144; tributed to a plurality of different physical locations in the (2) various components including one or more pri- customer premise and/or broadband network 1. Howev- 30 vate branch exchanges 146, terminals 142 includ- er, in many embodiments, having a centralized broad- ing computers and wireless devices, and/or one or band residential gateway 300 located in a single location more stand alone broadband residential gateway provides ease of maintenance, control, and reconfigu- 300; ration as well as a reduction in cost due to shared func- (3) one or more administration centers 155; tionality. For example, the broadband residential gate- 35 (4) one or more secure network management data way may be configured to provide the intelligence need- networks 190 such as a network operations center ed to allow each of the customer premises equipment (NOC); devices to operate within the broadband network 1. For (5) one or more billing systems 195 such as OSS; example, analog voice may be converted to digital data and/or and packetized for transmission in an appropriate output 40 (6) one or more centralized control centers such as protocol such as an Internet protocol (IP). what is referred to as an IP central station 200. [0024] In exemplary embodiments, the broadband residential gateway 300 may function to couple devices [0026] The IP network 120 and/or ATM network 185 within the customer premise equipment 102 to the rest may include one or more routers and/or other devices of the broadband network 1 using any suitable broad- 45 to route, for example, telephony calls, multimedia calls, band communication mechanism. In the embodiment signaling messages, administrative messages, pro- shown in Fig. 1, the broadband residential gateway 300 gramming messages and/or computer data between the utilizes a hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 to couple the various devices in the broadband network 1 such as the broadband residential gateway 300 to the rest of the head-end hub 115, the public switched telephone net- broadband network 1. The hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 50 work 160, the private branch exchange (PBX) 146, as may be preferred in many embodiments over other well as the other devices discussed above. In preferred broadband communication mechanisms because of the embodiments, the information traveling in the IP net- large number of homes currently connected to cable work 120 may be packetized and formatted in accord- networks, the capacity for shared access, and the ability ance with one of the Internet protocols. The IP network for asymmetric data access speeds which allow high 55 120 may also include gateways to interface with the var- quantities of data to be distributed to the various devices ious other networks and/or devices. For example, the in the customer premises equipment 112. The hybrid fib- gateways may be distributed at the edge of the IP net- er-coaxial plant 112 may include coaxial cable and/or work where the IP network interfaces with one of the

4 7 EP 1 113 659 A2 8 other devices or networks. Alternatively, the gateways gle centralized IP central station 200. Where the IP net- interfacing the IP central station 200 to, for example, the work 120 includes one or more sub-networks, each sub- Internet 180, public switched telephone network (PSTN) network may be connected to multiple head-end hubs 160, signaling system 7 (SS7) 170, wireless networks 115. Further, each head-end hub 115 may be connected 144, ATM/frame/cell relay networks 185 may be provid- 5 to multiple hybrid fiber-coaxial plants 112, and each hy- ed in the IP central station 200, or in both the IP network brid fiber-coaxial plant 112 may be connected to multiple 120 and the IP central station 200, and/or partially dis- pieces of customer premises equipment 102 and/or tributed between the IP network 120 and the IP central broadband residential gateways 300. The IP network station 200. Where the gateways are separated by an 120 provides an interconnected broadband network IP network 200, an appropriate transport protocol may 10 which may be utilized to transport and route packetized be utilized to logically connect the IP central station 200 information to and from diverse geographic locations to the particular gateway. and may be used on a national or international basis. [0027] The IP central station(s) 200 may be connect- Further, the IP network 120 and/or ATM network 185 ed to, for example, one or more IP networks 120, ATM may utilize private network facilities and/or may be pro- networks 185, secure management data networks 190, 15 visioned over a shared network such as the Internet. and/or administration centers 155. The IP central station [0030] The IP central station 200 may be configured 200 may be variously configured to include one or more to provide connectivity for the broadband residential servers and/or one or more gateways. In exemplary em- gateway 300 to the Internet 180 (e.g., World Wide Web bodiments, the servers and gateways provide the nec- (www)), as well as connectivity to other external net- essary intelligence and traffic management capabilities 20 works such as public switched telephone network 160 to enable information, e.g., IP telephony signals, to trav- and signaling system 7 (SS7) 170 for end-to-end voice, el through the broadband network 1. For example, the multimedia, and data applications, for example voice IP central station 200 may be configured to manage over IP telephony. IP packets traveling through the IP voice information transfer from the public switched tel- network provide for priority so that, for example, voice ephone network 160, through the IP network 120, and 25 packets are given priority over data packets to maintain into and out of one or more devices such as those con- certain VoIP telephony QoS requirements and a leased nected to a broadband residential gateway 300. The IP line concept for packet traffic which may have an even central station may be configured to store various con- higher priority. However, the system is sufficiently flexi- trol and system information such as location, address, ble so that the priority can be dynamically altered ac- and/or configurations of one or more broadband resi- 30 cording to customer preferences, variable billing rates, dential gateways 300, as well as other routing and call traffic patterns, and/or congestion. set-up information. [0028] In exemplary embodiments, one or more ad- A. Internet Protocol Central Station ministration centers 155 may be connected to the IP network 120 and provide billing and local directory number 35 [0031] Referring to Fig. 2, the IP central station 200 portability administration. The local number portability may be variously configured. In preferred embodiments, may be handled by one or more Local Service Manage- it may be configured to ensure seamless integration of ment System (LSMS) which may be included in the ad- IP based communication system including the IP net- ministration center 155 and/or in the IP central station work 120 with the public switched telephone network 200. Further, the Secure Management Data Network 40 160, signaling system 7 (SS7) network 170, and the In- 190 may also include a mechanism for transferring var- ternet 180 so that packetized data, for example, voice ious information such as billing, call tracking, and/or cus- calls and information data, is properly transferred be- tomer service provisioning. Various existing systems tween the broadband residential gateway 300, the pub- may be utilized to provide this information such as ex- lic switched telephone network 160 and/or the Internet isting billing systems (OSS) 195 and/or one or more net- 45 180. In one embodiment, the hybrid fiber-coaxial plant work operations center (NOC). The network operations 112, head-end hub 115, and IP network 120, provide a centers may be included in the administration center virtual signaling conduit for packetized voice and data 155, the IP central station 200, and/or the billing system which may, with the coordination of the IP central station 195. The network operations center (NOC) may be var- 200, be provided in the appropriate format between the iously configured to include a translation server to allow 50 broadband residential gateway 300 and the public communications with the various disparate entities (e. switched telephone network 160 and/or Internet 180. g., legacy systems) in the broadband network 1. [0032] Again referring now to Fig. 2, the IP central sta- [0029] The IP network 120 and/or the ATM network tion 200 may include a central router 200, for example, 185 illustrated in Fig. 1 may include one or a plurality of a gigabit switch, which may be utilized to interconnect sub-networks. Each of the sub-networks may include its 55 various servers and gateways contained in the IP cen- own IP central station 200 in a distributed configuration, tral station 200. The central router 210 provides for ex- with certain routing data replicated across all IP central ample Ethernet switching and aggregate traffic between stations or each sub-network may be connected to a sin- servers, gateways and the IP network 120 and/or ATM

5 9 EP 1 113 659 A2 10 network 185 backbone. In one exemplary embodiment, protocol for allocating IP addresses and/or ports may be the central router 210 provides high-speed, non-block- specified using protocols defined in the dynamic host ing IP and IP multicast Layer 3 switching and routing. control protocol server 214. In exemplary embodiments, The IP central station 200 may include one or more of the dynamic host control protocol and DN server 214 the following servers: the least cost server (LCS) 255, 5 may be configured to assign available IP addresses the time of day (TOD) server 212, the dynamic host con- from address pools based, for example, on the identity trol protocol (DHCP) server, the trivial file transfer pro- or type of requesting device, the amount of use expect- tocol (TFTP) server, and the domain name service ed for the requesting device, and/or predefined assign- (DNS) server 214, the system management (SM) server ment protocols defined in the dynamic host control pro- 216, the call manager (CM) server 218, the announce- 10 tocol and DN server 214. In centralized embodiments, ment server (AS) 220, the multimedia server (MS) 222, it may be desirable to configure the call manager (CM) and/or the conference server (CS) 224. As illustrated in 218 to provide sufficient information such that the do- Fig. 2, the servers may be separate servers, for example main name service server 214 can distinguish between the call manager server 218, or may be incorporated into static IP devices, dynamic IP devices, registered devic- a single server. In the exemplary embodiment, the dy- 15 es, unregistered devices, and registered devices that namic host control protocol server 131, trivial file trans- have been assigned to a particular class of service e.g., fer protocol server 132, and the domain name service data vs. telephony, un-provisioned, vs. provisioned, etc. server 214 are each incorporated in a single server fa- [0035] The trivial file transfer protocol (TFTP) server cility. Each server in the IP central station 200 may in- 214 may be configured to transfer certain information clude computer(s), storage device(s), and specialized 20 to/from one or more broadband residential gateways software for implementing particular predefined func- 300. In exemplary embodiments, the trivial file transfer tions associated with each server. In this manner, the protocol server provides Data Over Cable Service Inter- servers in the IP central station may be provisioned as face Specifications (DOCSIS) configuration information a main server and one or more back-up servers to pro- containing QoS parameters and other information re- vide redundant processing capabilities. Similarly, the 25 quired for the broadband residential gateway 300 to op- router may be implemented as a main router and a back- erate optimally. up router with similar routing functionality. [0036] The time-of-day (TOD) server 212 may include [0033] The IP central station 200 may also include, for a suitable facility for maintaining a real time clock such example, one or more of the following gateways: a ele- as an RFC868-compliant time server. In exemplary em- ment management gateway (EMG) 238, an accounting 30 bodiments, the time-of-day server 212 provides system gateway (AG) 240, an Internet (Boarder) gateway (IG) messages and/or responses to system inquiries con- 236, a signaling system 7 (SS7)) gateway (SG) 234, a taining a coordinated time, e.g., universal coordinated voice gateway (VG) 232, and/or a multimedia gateway time (UCT). The universal coordinated time may be (MG) 230. The IP central station 200 may utilize one or used by any of the servers and/or devices in the broad- more of these gateways to provide centralized system 35 band network 1. For example, the broadband residential intelligence and control of voice and/or data IP packets. gateway 300 may use the universal coordinated time to [0034] In exemplary embodiments, the dynamic host calculate the local time for time-stamping error logs. control protocol server and domain name service server [0037] The system management (SM) server 216 214 may operate to dynamically assign IP addresses may include responsibility for the overall operational devices in the customer premise equipment 102. Where 40 state and functioning of components the broadband net- a dynamic IP assignment scheme is used, the customer work 1, either alone, or in combination with other system premises equipment may be provided with one or a plu- management servers 216. The system management rality of dynamic IP assignment when activated initially, (SM) server 216 may be variously configured to provide and/or at the initiation of each active secession. Where monitoring and administrative functions for devices an IP address is assigned when the device is initially 45 within the broadband network 1. For example, the sys- activated, it may be desirable to assign a single IP ad- tem management server 216 may be configured to pro- dress to a single broadband residential gateway and as- vide management of various database functions, mem- sign a port address to devices connected to the broad- ory buffer functions, and software utility functions within band residential gateway 300. In other embodiments, the broadband network 1. Software management in- an individual IP address may be assigned to each de- 50 cludes, for example, version control, generic control, vice coupled to the broadband residential gateway 300. and/or module control. For example, the broadband residential gateway may [0038] The least cost server (LCS) 255 may be vari- include and/or be coupled to one or more cable mo- ously configured to enable the system to determine the dems, IP phones, plain old telephone system phones, least cost routing of telephone and data transmission computers, wireless devices, CATV converters, video 55 throughout the network. The least cost server 255 may phones, and/or other devices which each may be as- also provide one or more broadband residential gate- signed a unique static and/or dynamic IP address and/ way users capability to select between, for example, or a port of a one of these IP addresses. The particular cost and Quality of Service (QoS).

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[0039] The announcement service (AS) server 220 file. In this way, the user experience is enhanced such may be variously configured. In exemplary embodi- that the user receives a busy message and/or hypertext ments, it may store and send announcements to spec- announcement providing one of several options for con- ified destinations and/or all destinations based on in- tacting the called party. The announcement server 220 structions received by, for example, the call manager 5 may have information entered by a user using, for ex- (CM) server 218. The announcement server 220 re- ample, a broadband residential gateway to provide ad- ceives, for example, Media Gateway Control Protocol ditional information to the called party. The additional in- (MGCP) or later signaling (e.g., H.GCP - an ITU stand- formation may include the ability to leave a message, ard Gateway Control Protocol ) control messages from type-in a chat note, page the called party, barge-in on the call manager 218, and sends announcements to one 10 the call, and/or other user or system defined call han- or more voice gateways (VG) 232 and/or the one or dling capabilities. more broadband residential gateway 300 (e.g., using [0042] The announcement server 220 may also be Real Time Protocol (RTP) packets). The announcement programmed with various system messages such as an server 220 may send an announcement once, a prede- announcement indicating that a number dialed is incor- termined number of times, or in a continuous loop. The 15 rect or that the call did not go through as dialed, that the announcement server 220 may detect when a phone or lines are busy, that all lines between two countries are other device has been taken off-hook and play an ad- currently busy, that the called party has changed num- vertisement or other announcement to the user. Where bers, that the called parties phone has been disconnect- a user has signed-up for an advertising plan whereby ed, that one or more system errors have occurred, and/ phone rates are reduced in return for advertising reve- 20 or other announcement messages. nue generated by the advertisements, the announce- [0043] The call manager (CM) 218 may be variously ment server 220 may be utilized to track the number of configured. In exemplary embodiments, the call manag- individuals with a particular income, age, or other profile er 218 provides a centralized call control center for sup- which hear the advertisement. The announcement serv- porting call set-up and tear-down in the broadband net- er 220 may respond to requests from individual system 25 work 1. The call manager 218 may be configured to in- devices such as one of the broadband residential gate- clude trunk and line information maintenance, call state ways 300 and/or under control of, for example, the call maintenance for the duration of a call, and/or user serv- manager 218. Where the announcement server is under ice features execution. The call manager 218 may also control of the call manager 218, the call manager may provide for call processing functions such as a stand- be configured to control various operating parameters 30 ardized call model for processing the various voice con- of the announcement server. For example, the call man- nections such as voice over IP calls. In exemplary em- ager 218 may request that certain announcements are bodiments, a standardized "open" call model may be uti- sent once, a specified number of times, or in a continu- lized which supports standardized application program- ous loop. ming interfaces (APIs) to provide transport services and [0040] In still further embodiments, announcements 35 other user functions such as calling cards. An open ap- may be generated elsewhere in the broadband network plication programming interface and call set-up inter- 1, stored as files, and distributed to one or more an- face in the call manager will enable third party applica- nouncement servers via a file transfer protocol or re- tions to be loaded into the call manager 218 and broad- source such as the trivial file server 214 using one or band residential gateway 300. This will facilitate the de- more file transfer protocols. In many embodiments, it is 40 velopment of third party applications for enhancing the desirable to store announcements in an appropriate en- functionality of components in the broadband network coding format (e.g., G.711 or G.729) within the An- 1. For example, third parties and other equipment ven- nouncement Server. The announcement may have an dors may manufacture various broadband residential audio component and/or a audio/video component. The gateways 300 for use in the broadband network 1 by audio/video component may be stored using a combi- 45 writing applications to support the open call model of the nation of an encoding format (e.g., G.711) and/or a call manager 218. The call manager 218 and/or broad- standard file format such as wave (WAV), MPEG, and band residential gateway 300 may also be configured other suitable formats. to execute and/or accept commands form a standard- [0041] In one exemplary method of operation, a user ized scripting language which may generate instructions picks up a telephone which sends a signal to the call 50 for the call manager 218 and/or broadband residential manager 218. Subsequently, the call manager 218 may gateway 300 to execute various functions. The scripting establish a connection to the announcement server 220 functionality may include the ability to execute an entire and play one or more pre-recorded and/or predeter- call model including interfaces to the signaling system mined announcement (hypertext and/or audio). Signal- 7 (SS7) 170, public switched telephone network 160, IP ing tones such as a busy signal may be played by the 55 network 120, ATM/frame/cell relay network 185, and/or broadband residential gateway 300 or the call manager other functions within, for example, IP central station 218, but Special Information Tones (SIT) and/or mes- 200 such as the multimedia server 222, announcement sages may also be included as part of an announcement server 220, system management server 216, confer-

7 13 EP 1 113 659 A2 14 ence server 224, time of day server 212, least cost serv- (3) a customer database which indicates whether a call er 255, and/or domain name server 214. is authorized, identifies what services a line supports [0044] The call manager 218 may also be configured and determines whether a telephone number is on or off to maintain the call states for each call it handles (e.g., the integrated IP communication network; (4) a number- a voice over IP call) and respond to system events cre- 5 ing plan / least cost routing database which provides ated by, for example, the multimedia gateway control routing information that enables the IP central station protocol (MGCP) messages and/or integrated services 200 to choose the correct trunk as a function of the call digital network user part (ISUP) messages for signaling number; and (5) a local number portability (LNP) data- system 7 (SS7) protocol that may occur during the base that indicates the North American Numbering Plan processing of a call. Exemplary events handled by the 10 (NANP) and associated prefixes which are open for as- call manager 218 include call state changes, call feature sociation with the number portability service; and (6) an changes/call feature triggering events, changes in the address of the service control point (SCP) towards status of lines and trunks, and/or error conditions. Fur- which requests for translating these local portability ther, the call manager 218 may interact with devices numbers should be routed. connected to a single circuit on the public switched tel- 15 [0048] In exemplary embodiments, the broadband ephone network 160 and/or a device connected to a port network 1 includes equipment compatible with the CO- of the broadband residential gateway 300. In this man- BRA standard. COBRA may be utilized to allow appli- ner, new devices may be added to the infrastructure and cations from a plurality of vendors to operate with each operate using the open call model contained in the call other. The COBRA standard allows a company, such as manager 218. 20 AT&T, to build its network using multi-vendor equipment [0045] The call manager 218 may also include stor- and yet ensure seamless integration and operation. age for subscriber and network configuration, a cache Some of the major areas covered by COBRA v. 2.2 in- server for faster access to frequently used data, a rout- cludes: Inter-ORB Bridge Support, General Inter-ORB ing engine for selecting an appropriate routing algorithm Protocol (GIOP) support, Internet Inter-ORB Protocol (e.g., least cost routing), and/or a service broker which 25 (HOP) support, and Environment Specific Inter-ORB provides the data and logic for specific services. In ad- Protocol (ESIOP) support. The call manager 218 may dition, the call manager 218 may include an authentica- integrate these protocols to facilitate call set-up with dition (AC) server 245 that provides authentication of var- verse equipment. This is advantageous in that equip- ious devices, objects, packets and users in the integrat- ment from a plurality of vendors may interoperate over ed multimedia system. In this manner, a user may verify 30 the broadband network 1 without modification. the identity of the calling or called party. [0049] The multimedia server (MS) 222 may be vari- [0046] The call manager 218 may interact with the sig- ously configured. For example, one or more multimedia naling gateway (SG) 234, the accounting gateway (AG) servers may provide support for multimedia messaging 240, the element management gateway (EMG) 238, the service and/or the overall management of multimedia voice gateway (VG) 232, and the multimedia gateway 35 voice and mail messages transmitted across the broad- (MG) 230 using any suitable protocol such as IP and an band network 1. The multimedia server may be config- interconnection mechanism such as the central router ured to support e-mail (e.g., html) messages, voice mail 210. In one preferred embodiment, the call manager 218 (audio) messages, and/or video mail (audio and video) may be configured to utilize signaling messages such messages. The multimedia messages may include as: a) ISUP messages over Common Object Broker Ar- 40 standard pre-configured system messages, advertising chitecture (COBRA) interface to and/or from signaling messages, and/or user defined messages. In either gateway 234, b) MGCP, SIP - simple internet protocol, event, where the messages are stored in a centralized H.GCP, and/or other suitable control messages to and/ location, the multimedia server may provide such stor- or from the announcement server 220, c) call event age. Where the multimedia server 222 provides storage records in modified Radius format to the accounting 45 for the multimedia messages, a database may be uti- gateway 240, d) Radius (or Enhanced Radius or com- lized for indexing, storage, and retrieval of such mes- patible protocol) control messages to and/or from the sages. In exemplary systems, the user may access pre- voice gateway 232 and/or the broadband residential determined ones of these messages. The multimedia gateways 300, and e) signaling network management server 222 may utilize IP as a method of communicating protocol (SNMP) messages to and/or from the element 50 with other devices across the broadband network 1. management gateway 238. [0050] The conference server (CS) 224 may be con- [0047] The call manager 218 may incorporate one or figured to provide for multiparty conference calls using, more databases. For example, the call manager 218 for example, IP voice packets during an IP telephony or may include database information such as (1) a resourc- multimedia session call. The conference server 224 es database that provides an identification of what re- 55 may include specialized software that runs on a com- sources are connected to the broadband network 1 and puting platform having associated multiplexing and de- their current state; (2) a trunk/gateway database that in- multiplexing capability for segregating and aggregating dicates which gateway serves what circuits in a trunk; user information packets. For example, the conference

8 15 EP 1 113 659 A2 16 server may log several calls into a conference session. may be interconnected using an alternative network ar- When information packets are sent from one or more rangement such as an IP network 120 and/or a ATM/ phones, they are aggregated and sent to the other frame/cell relay network 185. The service bureau may phones on the conference call. The conference server coordinate with the IP central station 200 in providing 224 may use any suitable communication protocol such 5 operator services, directory services and provisioning as H.GCP or SIP. The conference server 224 may func- for 311,611, and 711 services. Emergency 911 services tion to aggregate user information from two or more us- may be routed to an E911 tandem switch that has the ers onto a single call path. The conference server 224 appropriate databases and interfaces with a Public may include one or more "call-in numbers" and be con- Safety Answering Position (PSAP). Emergency 911 trolled from any location, e.g., a centralized operator lo- 10 services may be coordinated by the call manager 218 cation and/or one or more broadband residential gate- and/or public switched telephone network based service ways 300. It may be desirable to have the conference bureau. server 224 configured such that some callers simply [0054] Voice gateway 232 may be router-based and monitor the call without voice interruption while other include one or more voice feature cards and/or DSP callers have both voice transmit and receive capabili- 15 Module cards to perform voice processing. The voice ties. Where a caller is not given the privileges associated gateway 232 may optionally include host processors, with active participation in the call, voice packets from LAN/WAN ports, Ethernet ports, T1 or E1 telephony in- these users are discarded. For example, a CEO may terface cards, Voice Feature Cards with DSP Modules have a conference call with a plurality of financial advi- providing voice compression transcoding (G.711 and G. sors and invite the press to listen on the call without in- 20 729), carrier-quality echo cancellation with 8 ms-32 ms terruption capabilities. tail length, a de-jitter buffer which adapts to delay vari- [0051] The gateways in the IP central station 200 may ations in the network in order to minimize the delay, be configured to provide translation of signals to and/or packet loss concealment that generates concealment from the various servers in the IP central station 200, frames for lost packets using information from previous- the IP network 120, the public switched telephone net- 25 ly received data, and/or tone detection and generation. work 160, the signaling system 7 (SS7) network 170, This function detects Multi-Frequency (MF) tones and the Internet 180, and/or the secured management data generates MF and call processing tones (e.g. dial tone, (SMD) network 190. The gateways typically support one call-waiting tone etc.). or more of the following group of functions: call process- [0055] In exemplary embodiments, the voice gateway ing; signaling system 7 (SS7) connectivity; billing sup- 30 232 may include T1/E1 interfaces with internal Channel port; OAM&P support; connection to public switched tel- Service Units (CSUs). It may also be desirable to con- ephone network; control CoS / QoS parameters; and en- figure the voice gateway 232 such that ISUP, MF and hanced services. Centralized Attendant Services (CAS) trunks are sup- [0052] The voice gateway (VG) 232 may be connect- ported with a configuration done on a per T1 basis. Ad- ed to the public switched telephone network 160 and 35 ditionally, multi-frequency tones and Centralized At- operate to convert between IP based voice packets and tendant Services may utilize a "robbed bits" communi- standard public switched telephone network 160 voice cation scheme where bits are "robbed" from sub-frames traffic. Voice gateway 232 may be configured as multi- to transmit in-band signaling. The multi-frequency tones frequency (MF) or ISUP gateways on a per-T1 basis. may be converted to and/or from, for example, simple Where multi-frequency (MF) trunks are used, one em- 40 gateway control protocol (SGCP) signal requests and bodiment utilizes signaling between the call manager events by the voice gateway 232. For example, multi- 218 and the voice gateway 232 using MGCP, SIP, H. frequency tones and/or lower level signaling and timing GCP and/or other compatible protocol. Multi-frequency functions may be translated to and/or from any of the trunks may be compatible with Feature Group D (FGD), following indications: simple gateway control protocol Operator Service (OS) Signaling protocol and/or Termi- 45 Notify functions, simple gateway control protocol Notifi- nation Protocol (TP). cation Requests, Connection requests, Modify Connec- [0053] The IP central station 200 may be variously tion requests, off-hook and/or on-hook indications. connected to the public switched telephone network net- [0056] An Ethernet interface with a RJ-45 connector work. For example, the IP central station 200 may be may be used to connect the voice gateway 232 to the connected directly to the public switched telephone net- 50 central router 210 (e.g., Gigabit Switch or High Speed work using, for example a bearer channel (e.g., a T1 or Router (HSR)). The multimedia gateway control proto- T3 carrier) and/or interconnected using one or more net- col may be used as the interface between the voice works such as an IP network and/or ATM/frame/cell re- gateway 232 and the call manager 218. For example, lay network 185. Where a T1 network is utilized, it may call control, signaling, and multimedia data stream, real be desirable to utilize one or more of ISUP or MF, FGD, 55 time protocol (RTP) connections, IP addresses, UDP and OS to interconnect a service bureau in the public ports, codec choice etc, may be configured in any suit- switched telephone network 160. Alternatively, the serv- able manner such as by using a multimedia gateway ice bureau in the public switched telephone network 160 control protocol. In exemplary embodiments, audio

9 17 EP 1 113 659 A2 18 streams may be passed directly between customer and/or software/hardware upgrades. The signaling premises equipment 102 using real time protocol con- gateway 234 may be configured to directly provide for nections over, for example, a user datagram protocol lower level signaling system 7 (SS7) processing. (UDP). Thus, the multimedia gateway control protocol [0059] In exemplary embodiments, the signaling may be utilized to request the voice gateway 232 to in- 5 gateway 234 interacts with the call manager 218 using itiate, cancel, and/or otherwise modify connections in or- an appropriate open interface (e.g., Common Object der to set up and tear down RTP media streams. A sim- Request Broker Architecture (COBRA)). In these em- ilar procedure may also be utilized to request continuity bodiments, it may be desirable for translation software tests and results. in the signaling gateway 234 to add Message Transfer [0057] In exemplary embodiments, it may be desira- 10 Part (MTP) layer information to the ISUP and/or TCAP ble to adapt the IP network to carry signaling system 7 data to create a complete signaling system 7 (SS7) mes- (SS7) Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP) sage. The complete signaling system 7 message may messages over the IP network 120 and/or the ATM/ then be sent to the Signaling Transfer Point (STP) in the frame/cell relay network 185. The transport of signaling external signaling system 7 (SS7) network 170. Con- system 7 (SS7) transaction capabilities application part 15 versely, the signaling gateway 234 may be configured (TCAP) messages over the packet networks allows sig- to remove ISUP or TCAP application layer data from the naling operations to be supported by multiple connec- signaling system 7 (SS7) messages received from the tions to the same host, multiple host connections, and STP prior to converting the information to an appropriate distributed processing of call set-up information using, open interface (e.g., COBRA) and forwarding the infor- for example, multiple call managers 218 in the broad- 20 mation to the call manager 218 via the central router band network 1. Thus, the IP network 120 and/or ATM/ 210. frame/cell relay network may be utilized to interconnect [0060] The accounting gateway (AG) 240 may be a plurality of ESS switches to transport signaling infor- configured to receive messages representing events mation, voice, and/or data. In embodiments where the from the call manager 218 via a suitable transport mech- signaling gateway (SG) 234 is configured to support sig- 25 anism such as the central router 210. Typically, two mes- naling system 7 (SS7) signaling transport using trans- sages are received for each call, the first when the call action capabilities application part (TCAP) messages, it is established, and second when the call terminates. In may be desirable to include a translator for converting the case of unsuccessful calls, only the failure message between multimedia gateway control protocol (MGCP) will be logged. The messages provide details about the messages and transaction capabilities application part 30 calling and called parties, the timing of the call set-up, (TCAP) messages and/or ISDN User Part (ISUP) mes- the duration and the quality of the call. Accounting gate- sages. way 240 may be duplicated using a redundant compu- [0058] The point where ISUP and TCAP messages ter, with each gateway having dual-mirrored disks. The are terminated at a signaling system 7 (SS7) signaling accounting gateway 240 stores usage records and may gateway is defined as a Service Switching Point (SSP) 35 then distribute them to linked destinations (e.g., billing to the signaling system 7 (SS7) network 170. The call centers) for processing. Billing centers typically include manager 218 may be configured with a standardized bill processors that receive accounting information from Application Programming Interface (API) to allow inter- the accounting gateway 240 and generate appropriate action with the signaling system 7 (SS7) by, for example, on-line or paper billing to customers. The accounting sending and/or receiving ISUP and TCAP messages 40 gateway may be configured to accommodate multiple from a service switching point (SSP). Full class 5 sign- days worth of accounting records such as the records aling system 7 (SS7) functionality may be included in for one day, two days, three days, four days, a week, or the call manager 218 including the ability to provide all a month. The period in which the data is retained in the of the information necessary for billing as defined in the accounting gateway may be dependent on business GR-246-Bellcore standard. The signaling gateway 234 45 needs, hardware restrictions, and/or the billing cycle. may be arranged to perform: signaling system 7 (SS7) For example, as the end of the billing cycle nears, it may message handling (message discrimination, message be desirable to shorten the period the accounting gate- distribution, and message routing); signaling link man- way holds the data such that calls placed the day the agement (e.g., link activation, deactivation); signaling bills are printed are included on the bills. Further, the route management (managing Point Code [PC] route 50 accounting gateway may both retain and forward data status based on route received management messages to the billing centers. In this manner, if the equipment at such as Transfer Prohibited, Transfer Allowed, Transfer the billing center fails, the accounting gateway 240 may Restricted, etc.); and signaling traffic management (di- serve as a backup. Similarly, the billing center may act version of traffic based on unavailability, availability, re- as a backup where the accounting gateway 240 fails. striction of signaling link, route, and Point Code.) The 55 [0061] An Automatic Message Accounting (AMA) for- signaling system 7 (SS7) architecture supports the nec- mat is typically used by circuit-switching systems, pack- essary redundancy component scheme for system reli- et-switching systems, and other network elements to ability and availability during scheduled maintenance provide billing usage measurements data (e.g., the Bell-

10 19 EP 1 113 659 A2 20 core® Automatic Message Accounting Format (BAF)). and audio data. The bandwidth that is required for this This data may be utilized either to permit charging the type of communication is much greater than that re- customer for use of network resources or to permit quired for a PSTN-to-PSTN voice call or an IP-to-PSTN charging other carriers (e.g., InterExchange Carrier voice call. The multimedia gateway 230, as the interface (IEC) and other Local Exchange Carrier (LEC)) for as- 5 between two systems, may negotiate a larger bandwidth sistance in placing call connections. The accounting to facilitate the call if the called party is also video ena- gateway 240 may be configured to convert this informa- bled. This bandwidth negotiation process typically oc- tion into an Automatic Message Accounting Format curs with a SESS or a Local Digital Switch within the (AMA) Format (e.g., BAF) records and send these public switched telephone network 160. Typically, a mul- records to the external billing systems using, for exam- 10 timedia call, including live video, audio and data, will re- ple, a TFTP (trivial file transfer protocol). Time-stamp quire bandwidth ranging from 56K to 1.544Mbps. How- accuracy is typically based on the accuracy of the call ever, as the number of users sharing the same link manager 218 clock which may be derived from the TOD grows, the quality of the transmission deteriorates sig- 212 server. To create appropriate AMA records, the nificantly. The multimedia gateway 230 must be able to event information produced by the call manager 218 15 monitor bandwidth usage and make appropriate adjust- preferably has appropriate information for the telephone ments so as to maintain an acceptable quality of service. service specified such as phone number of the calling Further, it may be desirable for the call manager 218 party (customer), phone number of the called party (cus- and the multimedia gateway 230 to communicate be- tomer), time of call, duration of the phone call, and use tween themselves and/or the customer premises equip- of any discretionary features. Different AMA structures 20 ment 102 to determine whether the user has authorized may be generated between On-Net calls (defined as the additional bandwidth and hence expense of the call. within a network service provider IP network 120) vs. For example, even where a called and/or calling party Off-Net calls (defined as outside of service provider IP is video enabled, it may nonetheless refuse to authorize network - e.g. public switched telephone network) for payment for the increased bandwidth necessary for vid- billing purposes. 25 eo. [0062] The element management gateway (EMG) [0064] The Internet gateway (IG) 236 may be con- 238 may provide system management functionality that nected to the Internet (e.g., World Wide Web (www)) and includes, for example: a) status and performance mon- provide a means for IP based data packets to be routed itoring for the Operation Administration, Maintenance, between the IP network 120 and the Internet 180. Alter- and Provisioning center, to gauge the ongoing operation 30 natively, IP based voice packets may be routed via the of applications; b) extensive information exchange with Internet 180. In exemplary embodiments, the Internet a network operations center responsible for ongoing gateway 236 routes data-only packets which share the maintenance of one or more applications; c) customiz- same priority level with other lower priority, non-realtime able operations interface to allow the network opera- traffic consistent with computer data communications tions center to view only information required, thus re- 35 presently experienced with the Internet 180. Conse- ducing the time spent filtering information; d) centralize quently, low priority and low latency data traffic on the distributed application configuration allowing for the IP network 120 utilize the Internet gateway 236 to com- centralized configuration of objects residing on a plural- municate with other IP data networks such as the www. ity machines; e) proactive network management capa- Voice packets may be routed through another network bilities to remove the need for constant operator inter- 40 such as the ATM/frame/cell relay network 185, a private vention making the day-to-day operations more effi- IP network 120, and/or the public switched telephone cient; and/or f) intelligent display of status information network 160 where committed information rates may be to separate critical issues from low-priority problems al- easily obtained. lowing the operation center to assign resources to the [0065] In exemplary embodiments, the broadband right problems at the right time. 45 network 1 includes the interfaces which enable connec- [0063] The multimedia gateway (MG) 230 may be tions to existing Operation, Maintenance and Provision- configured to connect to the public switched telephone ing (OAM&P) 195 systems that support, billing, account- network 160 and to convert IP based multimedia pack- ing, provisioning and/or configuration management ets into standard public switched telephone network 160 functions. A Secured Management Data (SMD) Net- traffic. The multimedia gateway 230 may include an in- 50 work 190 may be utilized to connect the OAM&P 195 to telligent trunking interface that communicates with the the accounting gateway 240 and element management call manager 218 for automatic trunk sizing and alloca- gateway 238. The Secure Management Data network tion between the IP network 120 and the public switched 190 may include a Network Service Division's NSD Net. telephone network 160. For example, when an system The Secure Management Data network 190 helps en- user at the customer premises is using a PC and/or a 55 sure that only secure communication can occur be- multimedia phone to communicate with a traditional tween the IP central station 200 and the OAM&P 195. public switched telephone network 160 user, the com- This eliminates one potential means of tampering with munication session involves the transmission of video the billing and provisioning functions in the OAM&P.The

11 21 EP 1 113 659 A2 22 billing systems (OSS) 195 may include the Network Op- driving one or more local and/or remote displays for in- erations Center (NOC). The NOC may include a trans- terfacing with the broadband residential gateway 300 lation server which includes functions for allowing com- and/or one or more connected devices, c) one or more munications and control of diverse networks. TV port modules 336 for interconnecting televisions, 5 set-top devices, and/or other audiovisual devices to the B. Broadband Residential Gateway (BRG) broadband residential gateway 300, d) one or more data port modules 334 for connecting/interconnecting data [0066] Referring to Fig. 3, a preferred embodiment for enabled devices (e.g., personal computers, palm top a broadband residential gateway (BRG) 300 will now be devices, etc.), e) one or more telephony port modules described and explained. The broadband residential 10 332 for interconnecting one or more analog and/or dig- gateway 300 may be configured as the interface unit be- ital telephones, f) one or more peripheral port modules tween the remainder of the customer premise equip- 342 for interconnecting one or more peripheral devices ment 102 devices and the external network. The broad- such as disk drives, data storage devices, video cas- band residential gateway 300 may be connected to the sette recorders, DVD devices, audio devices, video de- remainder of the broadband network 1 using any suita- 15 vices (e.g., camcorders, digital cameras, digital video ble mechanism such as a gateway directly into an IP recorders, stereos, etc.), g) one or more external/inter- network and/or a cable connection. In the most pre- nal intercom modules 344 for interconnecting remote in- ferred embodiments, a hybrid fiber-coaxial plant con- tercom and/or security monitoring devices, h) one or nection is utilized such as hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) more wireless interface modules 345 for interconnecting plant 112. The hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 allows nu- 20 with various wireless extension devices such as wire- merous broadband residential gateways 300 to be in- less TVs, cordless and/or wireless telephones, wireless cluded on an existing hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 with- LANs, etc., i) one or more voice recognition/voice syn- out modification to the plants infrastructure. thesis modules 355 for generating voice announce- [0067] The broadband residential gateway 300 may ments, voice messages, and voice prompts and for rec- be variously configured to, for example, provide high- 25 ognizing voice generated commands and data, j) set- speed cable modem capabilities to interconnect one or top box module 350 for performing the functions asso- more associated PCs with each other and with the re- ciated with a set-top box locally and/or for communicat- mainder of the broadband network 1, provide functioning with one or more remotely coupled set-top boxes, k) ality to one or more TVs (using, for example, either an memory 322 (e.g., DRAM, RAM, flash, and/or other integrated or separate decoder functionality, e.g., set 30 memory) for storing information and operating data with- top box 350), one or more telephone connections such in the broadband residential gateway 300,1) transceiver as plain old telephone service (POTS) phones and/or 302 for communicating with one or more external broad- digital telephones, displays, wireless interfaces, voice band networks m) operating program store 330 (e.g., processing, remote control interface, display interface, ROM, flash, etc.) for storing at least portions of the op- and/or administrative functions. In exemplary embodi- 35 erating programs for the broadband residential gateway ments, the broadband residential gateway 300 may a) 300 and/or interconnected devices, n) security proces- providing conversion between analog voice and IP voice sor, smart card and/or credit card interface module 340 packets, b) multiplexing/demultiplexing streams of IP for providing secure processing functions and/or credit voice packets, c) supporting multiplexing/demultiplex- card/smart card transaction functions, and/or o) distrib- ing of multiple incoming and outgoing signals including 40 uted processing controller 306 which may be a micro- multiple voice, multimedia, data, system administration, processor and/or one or more interconnected distribut- and/or TV information signals. ed processing modules for controlling the broadband [0068] Where the elements of the broadband residen- residential gateway 300. Where the distributed process- tial gateway 300 are interconnected, the interconnection ing controller 306 includes one or more distributed may be provided by one or more data buses, for exam- 45 processing modules, the modules may include a teleph- ple, a high speed bus (HSB) 360, processor bus 380, ony processing module (P1) 308, data processing mod- and/or other interconnection system. The high speed ule (P23) 310, video processing module (P3) 312, aux- bus 360, 380 may be configured to provide a flexible iliary processing module (P4) 314, IP processing mod- conduit for transferring information between the internal ule (P5) 316, and/or an operations administration main- hardware, processors and ports. In exemplary embodi- 50 tenance and provisioning processing module (P6) 318 ments of the broadband residential gateway 300, the interconnected through one or more busses such as high speed bus 360 may include one or more of the fol- processor bus 380. The processor bus 380 and/or high lowing functional units a) a universal remote control re- speed bus 360 may include any suitable interconnect ceiver module 365 for receiving wireless (e.g., infrared, bus including intelligent bus configurations incorporat- and/or RF) signals (e.g., keyboard signals and/or re- 55 ing smart buffer logic (not shown in Fig. 3) to facilitate mote control signals) for control of the broadband resi- data transfer between interconnected processors and/ dential gateway 300 and/or any connected devices, b) or modules. The various modules and/or processing a display, display driver, touch screen logic module for components of the broadband residential gateway 300

12 23 EP 1 113 659 A2 24 may be powered by , for example, a power supply unit may serve as an intercom throughout the residence. (not shown). Each of the individual modules of the The controller 306 (e.g., such as the P1 telephony proc- broadband residential gateway will now be described in essor 308) may function to command the intercom mod- more detail. ule 344 to determine an appropriate intercom path to [0069] The transceiver 302 may include circuits for 5 select an intercom connection between various loca- converting digital signals to and from RF signals suitable tions. In exemplary embodiments, the CODEC may be for transmission across a broadband network such as configured to convert the analog voice signal into IP the hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112. The transceiver 302 packets for transmission over one or more data ports may include one or more input/output ports such as a 334, TV ports 336, display modules 338, telephony ports cable interface (e.g., an F connector cable connection) 10 332, peripheral ports 342, external/internal intercom and/or a fiber optic interface connected to a communi- ports 344, wireless interface ports 345, and/or set-top cation media (e.g., hybrid fiber-coaxial Plant 112). The boxes 350. transceiver 302 may be compatible with the DOCSIS 1.0 [0073] In yet further embodiments, multiple broad- or later specifications. For signaling purposes, the band residential gateways 300 may be configured broadband residential gateway 300 may be compatible 15 through, for example, IP tunneling, to set-up an intercom with the Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP) or connection between multiple remote broadband resi- other compatible signaling protocol (e.g., SIP or H.GCP) dential gateways 300. In this manner, an administrative to support telephony applications. The transceiver 302 assistant at the office may be contacted via an intercom may serve as a modem, a translator and/or a multiplex- connection present at the users home. Thus, one or or/demultiplexor. Data received from the network may 20 more individuals disposed at either local and/or remote be de-multiplexed and placed on the data bus for dis- locations with diverse types of equipment may commu- patch to the appropriate peripherals and/or ports. Data nicate as an intercom group without the need to com- from the various ports and peripherals may be multi- municate via normal dialing procedures. plexed together for distribution over one or more broad- [0074] In addition to intercom services, the intercom band networks (e.g., the hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) plant 25 module 344 may also configure intercom services for 112). Where a hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 is utilized, other telephony services (e.g., extension transfer, call the data may be multiplexed onto various frequency conferencing, internal caller ID), high speed data serv- bands of the hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 in a continu- ices (e.g., LAN connections), facsimile transmission/re- ous data stream(s) and/or packetized data stream(s). ception, e-mail transmission/reception, video confer- To facilitate data transfer for various networks, the trans- 30 encing, and/or CATV/HDTV (Cable Television/High Def- ceiver 302 may be include one or more registers for data inition Television) using standard industry protocols queuing and/or IP tunneling of data packets across the such as DOCSIS 1.0 or higher and IP tunneling trans- broadband network. missions. These services are advantageous in that once [0070] Although the illustration of a display, display configured, the user may simulate a work environment drivers, and touch screen logic device 338 suggests that 35 in his home. the a display is integral to the broadband residential [0075] Though processing may be accomplished by gateway 300, alternative embodiments of the broad- a single processor performing all functions (e.g., band residential gateway 300 may provide a user inter- processing controller 306), in the preferred embodiment face via the TV screen, PC screen, video telephone, shown in Fig. 3, the architecture employs a distributed and/or other display device in addition to, or in lieu of, a 40 processing controller 306, and a plurality of processors display integral to the broadband residential gateway P1-P6 308-318. In the distributed processing architec- 300. ture, each of the plurality of processors P1-P6 may be [0071] The peripheral ports module 342 may include configured to have a dedicated function to provide pre- a plurality of ports providing connectivity to external pe- determined services or applications. The processors ripherals. Exemplary interfaces include, PCI, Firewire, 45 may be coupled together via any suitable mechanism USB, DB25, etc. Devices which incorporate one or more such as the processor bus 380 and/or high speed bus of these interfaces may utilize the broadband residential (HSB) 360. The first processor P1 308 may include te- gateway 300 to interconnect to the remainder of the lephony applications such as call set-up, call tear down, broadband network 1. and call functions; the second processor P2 310 may [0072] The external/internal Intercom Module (IM) 50 include management functions such as distribution and 344 may include one or more microphones/speakers, coordination of data within the various devices of the voice CODECs, telephony processors, and/or interface broadband residential gateway 300; the third processor ports. Where an intercom module 344 is utilized, the P3 312 may include video processing functions for con- built-in circuitry may be configured to detect, for exam- figuring control panels, screen displays of attached de- ple, unused plain old telephone system telephone(s) 55 vices, video conference calls, MPEG decoding func- and generates a special intercom tone on these unused tions and other video processing functions; the fourth telephones. In this manner, existing plain old telephone processor P4 314 may include an auxiliary processor system telephones, digital phones, and/or other devices for off loading special processing functions such as nu-

13 25 EP 1 113 659 A2 26 meric processing; the fifth processor P5 316 may in- server 222 in IP central station 200. The multimedia clude interface input/output processing (e.g., text to server 222 may authenticate the request by, for exam- voice and vise versa) and/or Internet protocol (IP) ple, verifying location of the request and/or the identity processing functions for configuring data to communi- of the requesting party. Where identity of the calling par- cate with the remainder of the broadband network 1 and/ 5 ty is being verified, the user enter an access password or devices attached to the broadband residential gate- by an audio and/or keyboard request. Where an audio way 300 such as IP telephones or IP enable PCs; and request is generated, the user may utilize the external / the sixth processor P6 318 may include processing internal intercom module 344 of the broadband residen- functions for Operation, Maintenance and Provisioning tial gateway 300, or via a text message entered into the (OAM&P) processing. Each of the above processors 10 display 338. The user may then enter the appropriate may be an entirely separate processing unit with includ- access code via the onscreen soft keypad, microphone, ed RAM, ROM, Flash memory, or may share RAM, and/or keyboard. Alternatively, the message could be ROM, and/or Flash memory. Where shared RAM, ROM, stored locally in the broadband residential gateways 300 and/or Flash memory is utilized, the memory may be lo- memory 322 and depending on whether there is a pass- cated within the distributed processor controller 306 15 word lock on the broadband residential gateway 300, and/or on the processor bus 380. Alternatively, the the user may not have to enter a password to access memory may be integrated into the operating program the message. Where the message is stored locally in store 330 and/or into memory 322. the broadband residential gateways 300 memory 322 [0076] The Distributed Processing Controller 306 with rather than IP central station, the display 338 simply re- its associated processors (P1-P6) may be coupled to 20 calls the message from memory and presents to the us- the various elements of the broadband residential gate- er to provide one-touch instant message retrieval. way 300 so as to enable proper operation of each of the [0079] In embodiments where the broadband resi- individual components. For example, the distributed dential gateway 300 supports multiple mailboxes, the processing controller 306 (with any associated proces- icons on the LCD/LED may be personalized to show the sors (P1-P6)) may also coupled to the security proces- 25 identity of the owner of the message. Each user may sor, smart card / credit card, and interface module 340, have a different password to ensure privacy of access. the peripheral port(s) module 342, and/or the External/ An activity log which tracks past and present messages Internal Intercom Module 344 for providing control and and/or archives multimedia messages may be present- coordination among devices coupled to the high speed ed on display 338. The archive may be stored locally, or bus 360. 30 at a remote location such as IP central. The archive may [0077] The display 338 may include, for example, an be utilized by the user to recall messages which have interactive LED/LCD module positioned in a suitable lo- long since been erased from local storage but may be cation such as within or attached to the broadband res- retrieved from IP central on tape and/or disk storage. idential gateway 300. The display 338 may include an This is preferably an optional feature for those users interface to notify, display and receive user inputs and 35 who are less security conscious. The multimedia mes- processing status. The display 338 may be configured sages need not be displayed only on display 338. In al- to display various informational status such as multime- ternate embodiments, any of the peripheral devices at- dia mail, called ID, call logs, call in progress and asso- tached to the broadband residential gateway 300 are ca- ciated information, call waiting information, call confer- pable of receiving the multimedia messages. encing, and/or other call related information. The display 40 [0080] The memory 322 may be variously configured 338 may provide a display of real time status of the var- to include one or more field-upgradeable card slots for ious devices connected to the broadband residential permitting memory expansion. Certain users may wish gateway 300 as well as any current connections, calls, to enable higher end applications such as near video on and/or data transfers. The display 338 may also include demand (e.g., pausing of shows via buffering in memo- touch screen capabilities that allow information to be in- 45 ry), video conferencing of multiple users, multi-party put via a plurality of interrelated on-screen prompts, on- conferences, call waiting for multiple parties, etc. Ac- screen icons, and/or a keypad (e.g., an alphanumeric cordingly, the use of a broadband residential gateway keyboard). The keypad may be a remote control, numer- 300 allows the user to upgrade memory via inserting ad- ic keyboard, and/or alphanumeric keyboard. ditional cards. Alternatively, the user may use system [0078] In one embodiment of the display 338 opera- 50 memory in IP central and buffer data remotely. tion, a user may touch an icon representing a pending [0081] Operating program store 330 may be config- voicemail and/or multimedia mail message. The panel ured to receive updates. This may be accomplished by may be configured to send an electronic signal to the having the user replace one or more memory cards or processing controller 306 and/or an attached processor automatically by the IP central station downloading new such as the telephony processor. On receiving the sig- 55 operating code into one or more residential gateways nal, the P1 telephony processor 308 may be configured 300. to generate an IP packet via the transceiver 302 across [0082] As previously indicated, smart buffer logic portions of the broadband network 1 to the multimedia (SBL) may be coupled to the telephony port(s) 332, data

14 27 EP 1 113 659 A2 28 port(s) 334, TV port(s) 336, peripheral port(s) 342, and/ [0086] The broadband residential gateway 300 need or the distributed processing controller (DPC) 306. not necessarily be limited to home use and is intended Where the smart buffer logic is utilized, it may function to also be utilized in business applications. In some con- to buffer the IP packets for delivery over the communi- figurations, the broadband residential gateway 300 may cation network such as the hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 5 serve the same functions and operate as a private 112. In addition, the smart buffer logic may include se- branch exchange (PBX). Where greater capacity is de- lectable switching and routing algorithms based on serv- sired, one or more broadband residential gateways 300 ices and applications associated with each port. De- may be disposed on a PC card and combined in a PC, pending on the destination of the IP traffic, the smart rackmount, and/or server to create an expandable pri- buffer logic may multiplex signal from various devices 10 vate branch exchange type system that enables intra- to effect faster information transfer. The smart buffer log- premises calling between telephones connected to var- ic may also allow direct memory access between mem- ious telephone connectors on the broadband residential ory 322 and one or more of the devices and/or ports cou- gateway 300. pled to the high speed bus 360. [0083] The telephony port(s) 332 may include various 15 C. Integrated Broadband IP Based Communication interface circuitry (e.g., analog interface, logic and System firmware for interfacing with the Plain Old Telephone (POTs) telephones). Also the telephony port(s) 332 may [0087] Fig. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the also be configured to include user interface logic, voice broadband network 1 shown in Figs. 1-3, with like com- processing logic, voice activity detector logic, voice CO- 20 ponents identified with identical numbers. At the extrem- DECs, and DTMF (dual tone multi-frequency) tone ities of the integrated communications system is the sensing logic. Echo cancellation and automatic gain customer premises equipment unit (CPE) 102, e.g., one control may also be utilized in the telephony port(s) 332 or more customer premise equipment 102 at each cus- circuitry. In one embodiment, RJ-11 connectors for a tomer location. The customer premise equipment 102 plurality of lines (e.g., 4) are provided for connection to 25 may be configured to include an integrated communica- one or more existing plain old telephone system 110 tel- tion interface device such as the broadband residential ephone units. However, the broadband residential gate- gateway 300. Other customer premise equipment 102 way 300 may contain any number of telephone connec- devices such as one or more televisions (TV) 106, per- tion ports. In this manner, any number of existing user sonal computers (PC) 108, and telephones 110, etc., phone may connected directly to the broadband resi- 30 may be connected to the broadband residential gateway dential gateway 300 without modification. Alternatively, 300 via various ports as discussed above. The customer the broadband residential gateway can be configured to premise equipment 102 could include multiple TVs 106, support, in addition to or as alternative to the plain old telephones 110, and PCs 108 connected to a single and/ telephone system telephone units, ISDN telephones or multiple broadband residential gateway 300. Further, and/or other digital phones (e.g., IP telephones) using 35 in certain embodiments, it may be desirable to divide the an appropriate interface. broadband residential gateway 300 into more than one [0084] The data port(s) 334 interface may be various- physical package. In this manner, certain interface cir- ly configured. In one configuration, the data ports in- cuitry may be located outside of the home while various clude high speed data service connections to, for exam- processing circuitry may be located near a peripheral ple, a personal computer (PC) using a LAN connection. 40 device such as in a settop. For example, the data ports 334 may include an Ether- [0088] Where the broadband residential gateway 300 net 802.3 connection compatible with category 5 un- is coupled to the hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 in accord- shielded twisted pair (UTP) cable and a RJ-45 connec- ance with a preferred embodiment of the present inven- tor. The data port(s) 334 may include the necessary in- tion, it may be configured to provide the user with both terface circuitry for coupling to remote computers. 45 information data (e.g., through an Ethernet interface), [0085] The TV port(s) 336 may include an interface telephony access, and TV service (e.g., HDTV, Digital for conventional television, HDTV and/or CATV servic- TV and/or CATV services). In exemplary embodiments, es. The TV port(s) 336 typically have one or more F- the hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 typically includes both connectors used for coaxial cable connection to a TV coaxial cable and optical fiber networks, though, where set(s). The TV ports may be configured to connect to a 50 desired, the network may include only coaxial cable or set top box (STB) via the F-connector or directly to a optical fiber. The hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 may be remote television. In embodiments where the settop box coupled to a head-end hub (HEH) 115. The head end is co-located with the television, the data supplied over hub 115 may provide an interconnection point to gather the TV ports may be either analog and/or digital infor- and/or transform external services (e.g., off air and sat- mation. Where the settop box is integrated into and/or 55 ellite video, public switched telephone network voice, comprises the broadband residential gateway 300, the and Internet data) into a format suitable for distribution TV ports may be analog or compatible with HDTV sig- on the hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 for use with the cus- nals. tomer premise equipment 102. The head-end hub 115

15 29 EP 1 113 659 A2 30 may include one or more cable modem termination sys- premises equipment 102, each containing one or more tems (CMTS) 116 coupled between the hybrid fiber-co- broadband residential gateways 300. The plurality of axial plant 112, a Head-end (HE) 117 and/or an Edge high performance networks 120n may be configured as Router (ER) 118. The edge router 118 may be coupled an interconnected network for routing packetized infor- to the cable modem termination system 116 and to one 5 mation from point-to-point in accordance with a desired or more ultra high speed routers (UHR) 121. One or destination. more ultra high speed routers 121 may be interconnect- [0091] The high performance network 120n may be ed to each other and/or through a centralized mecha- configured to provide connectivity for and between a nism such as an IP network database to form a high plurality of head-end hubs 115 and/or a plurality of speed network. The high speed packet network 120n is 10 broadband residential gateways 300 and other net- one example of the network 120 (e.g., IP network) works such as the Internet, e.g., www 180, the public shown in Fig. 1. switched telephone network (PSTN) 160 and/or various [0089] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the high signaling systems such as the SS7 network 170 for end- speed network 120n includes the ultra high-speed rout- to-end voice over IP applications. The IP central station ers (UHR) 121 configured in a ring configuration. Al- 15 200 may be configured to provide seamless integration though this embodiment shows the use of the IP network and control of the high performance network 120 (e.g., database (IND) 122, other configurations are also suit- an IP based communication system) interface with the able. Where an IP network database 122 is utilized, it public switched telephone networks (PSTN) 160, sign- may be desirable to incorporate one or more data sets aling system seven (SS7) 170, and/or the Internet 180 such as: a IP local number portability database (IP LNP) 20 so that packetized data, voice calls, and other signaling 122a which may be utilized for transferring local DN information is properly transferred between the broad- among service providers when a user changes their band residential gateway 300 and the public switched service provider; an IP caller name database (IP telephone network 160 and Internet 180. In certain con- CNAME) 122b which may be utilized to provide a data- figurations, the hybrid fiber-coaxial 112, head-end base of names relating to IP addresses and/or domain 25 hub115, and high performance network 120, provide a names; an IP line information database (IP LIDB) 122c signal conduit for packetized voice and data which may, which may provide alternative billing and allow flexibility with the coordination of the IP central station 200, be in determining who pays for a call; and an IP 1-800 Da- provided in the appropriate format between the broad- tabase (IP 8YY) 122d which may provide a database of band residential gateway 300, the public switched tele- 1-800 numbers relating to the IP network 120a. Alterna- 30 phone network 160, and/or the www 180. tively, the IP local number portability database may be located at another location, such as at an IP central sta- D. General Operation of Integrated Communication tion (IP Central) 130. Where desired, a local service System management system (LSMS) 150 may be arranged to provide management of the IP local number portability 35 [0092] The typical home user is currently required to database. Where a local service management system purchase multiple intelligent data conduits such as mul- 150 is utilized, a plurality of local service order adminis- tiple set-top boxes, a plurality of conventional, DSL and/ tration (LSOA) units 152 may be coupled to the local or ISDN phones, cable modems, HDTV receivers, sat- service management system by, for example, a number ellite receivers, home PC LANs, etc. The integrated portability administration center (NPAC) 151. In this 40 communication system of the present invention pro- manner, directory numbers may be transported among vides a user friendly versatile communication system different service providers. In such a case, a NPAC 151 that enables voice over IP telephony, information data is generally coupled to the LSMS 150 and uses the LS- (e.g., PC and Internet), and television services in a sys- MS 150 to synchronize the numbering databases and tem with one intelligent customer premise equipment to coordinate the porting process. 45 102 interface, the broadband residential gateway 300. [0090] As indicated above, the broadband network 1 The broadband residential gateway 300 in conjunction may include a plurality of interconnected high perform- with the IP central station 200 provides a flexible com- ance networks 120n. Each high performance network munication system that can provide any number of in- 120n may include a separate IP central station 200 and/ tegrated communication service features and functions or share a single IP central station. Having distributed 50 without requiring the user to become familiar with nu- IP central stations located throughout the broadband merous, diverse types of equipment. network 1 provides improved performance and quicker [0093] In one exemplary application of the voice over response time for an individual user. Although not illus- IP operations, the broadband residential gateway 300 trated, each high performance network 120, 120n may digitizes the analog telephony signal using, for example, be connected to multiple head-end hubs 115, each 55 G.711 µ law coding (64 Kbps Pulse Code Modulation). head-end hub 115 may be connected to multiple hybrid The digital samples may then be packetized in, for ex- fiber-coaxial plants 112, and each hybrid fiber-coaxial ample, the broadband residential gateway 300 into IP plant 112 may be connected to a plurality of customer packets. The broadband residential gateway 300 may

16 31 EP 1 113 659 A2 32 be configured to encapsulate the IP packets into, for ex- vidually coded remote control commands from different ample, DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface receivers and process the signals for only one associ- Specifications) frames for transmission back to the ated device in accordance with the received commands. head-end hub (HEH) 115 over the hybrid fiber-coaxial Alternative channel inputs include the display 338 and/ plant 112. The hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 may then 5 or any associated keypad. Authorization to certain chan- be configured to transport signals for both upstream (to nels may be controlled by security processor 340. head-end hub 202) and downstream (to the broadband [0096] Where a remote settop box is utilized, the box residential gateway 300 and customer premise equip- may be coupled directly to the HFC for individual fre- ment 102) directions. Although the DOCSIS protocol is quency tuning and/or receive a digital feed from the utilized in this example, any future protocol may also be 10 broadband residential gateway 300 after decoding the used for the digitizing and packeting of data. Where the digital signal. For example, where hybrid fiber-coaxial protocol changes, it may be desirable to download new plant 112 contains fiber connections to locations near operating code from, for example, IP central station 200 the individual homes, it may be desirable to download to the individual broadband residential gateways 300, to one or more simultaneous individually requested pro- update the communication protocols dynamically. When 15 gramming stream(s) and/or digital data stream(s) to the new protocols are adopted, the IP central station may broadband residential gateway 300. In this manner, the utilize, for example, the system management server 216 number of channels, movie selections, and/or entertain- to download new protocol data into, for example, the ment options available to the user are unlimited. Cost is protocol manager in the call manager 218 and the pro- minimized since only a single intelligent user interface gram store 330 in the broadband residential gateway 20 is used in the home and all televisions, phones, com- 300. puters, and/or other user interface devices use the same [0094] Where voice packets are sent over constant bit intelligent user interface to the broadband network 1. In rate (CBR) channels using unsolicited grants, additional this manner, the broadband network 1 may offer premi- packet data channels may be used to support signaling um television, voice and/or data services to multiple messages (e.g., SGCP, Simple Gateway Control Proto- 25 conventional televisions, phones, and PCs without the col), high-speed cable modem service and/or other up- use of multiple set boxes, modems, and external con- stream packet data services. The upstream packet data nections. Thus, the users are provided a single unified services may be sent using available bit rate (ABR) interface to satisfy their external data needs. channels such that the voice channels not impacted by data traffic. 30 B. Exemplary Call Flow of an On-Network Call to an Off-Network Call, with the Off-Network Call initiating A. TV Signal Reception the Dropping.

[0095] The head-end 117 may originate CATV signals [0097] Fig. 5 illustrates an exemplary call processing for transmission over the distribution network. However, 35 sequence for an on-net call (e.g., an IP based call) to in alternate embodiments, signals may be inserted at an off-net call (e.g., a public switched telephone network other points in the distribution network, such as at vari- based call), in which the off-net party initiates the drop ous hubs or may arise at remote locations in the network call sequence. The exemplary call processing sequence such as IP central. Down stream channels may be uti- operates as follows: lized to facilitate the transmission of signals from the 40 head-end or other input distribution point to the sub- 1. Once the broadband residential gateway 300 de- scriber premise. Where analog RF signals arrive at the tects an off hook condition, the broadband residen- broadband residential gateway 300 of the customer tial gateway 300 may generate an off hook signal premise equipment 102, typically, the transceiver cir- 508 to the call manager (CM) 218. The off hook sig- cuitry 302 will detect if the signal is addressed to this 45 nal acts as a dial tone request to the call manager broadband residential gateway 300. If so, the transceiv- 218. Alternatively, the broadband residential gate- er will allow reception of the RF signal. Upon conversion way 300 may collect all dialed digits before activat- to a digital format, the signal is typically output over the ing the off hook condition. This alternative may be high speed bus (HSB) 360 to one or more associated desirable to save resources at the call manager 218 devices for processing. For example, where the signal 50 where multiple incoming lines are available to han- is a TV signal, the signal may be output directly to the dle any additional calls. Thus, even though one TV port 336 and/or processed by the settop box 350 pri- phone is off-hook, the broadband residential gate- or to outputting to the TV ports 336 and/or display 338. way 300 determines that other lines are available Where user channel selection is preformed directly in and does not initiate the off-hook signal until all di- the broadband residential gateway 300, channel selec- 55 aling digits have been collected. tion may be preformed by remote control receiver 365 2. Where the call is managed entirely by the call using an external device such as a remote control. The manager, the call manager 218 will issue a dial tone remote control receiver may receive a plurality of indi- message 509 to the requesting broadband residen-

17 33 EP 1 113 659 A2 34 tial gateway 300 in order for the broadband residen- to enter a second phase of the connection process tial gateway 300 to generate a dial tone to the as- involving the appropriate link signaling to establish sociated phone. Where the broadband residential a call. For example, the call manager 218 may send gateway 300 shares management of the call, the an ISUP IAM (Initial Address) message 518 con- broadband residential gateway 300 generates the 5 taining the directory number (DN) of the called party dial tone in response to the off-hook condition. to the signaling gateway (SG) 234. This process is 3. Where the call is managed entirely by the call often utilized to allocate the appropriate voice trunk manager 218, the call manager 218 will then enter for communication. The call manager 218 may also a state where it polls and collects the dialed digits send an alerting message 519 t the broadband res- 510 from the broadband residential gateway 300. 10 idential gateway to produce an alerting signal, e.g., The dialed digits may then be transferred to the call a ringing tone. The signaling gateway 234 may manager 218 one at a time as they are entered. Al- make the appropriate connections when the trunk ternatively, where the call set-up control process is has been allocated and acknowledge the request shared between the broadband residential gateway with an ISUP A call manager (Address Complete) 300 and the call manager 218, the broadband res- 15 message 520. idential gateway 300 collects the dial digits and 9. Once the called party has answered the call and transfers these, together with the off-hook signal to connection is established, the signaling gateway the call manager 218. This transfer may be facilitat- 234 may send an ISUP ANM (Answered) message ed by combining this data into a single data packet. 521 to the call manager 218 indicating that the 4. On receiving the dialed digits, the call manager 20 called party has answered. 218 will determine whether local number portability 10. The call manager 218 may then send a call start has been enabled. Where local number portability message 522 to the accounting gateway (AG) 240, has been enable, the call manager 218 may issue indicating the start of the call. The AG 240 may use a local number portability (LNP) query 511 to the IP this information for billing purposes. local number portability database 122. The IP local 25 11. At this point, the link has been established and number portability database 122 may then supply the conversation 523 can proceed over the commu- the call manager 218 with a routing number 512 if nications path. Note that although signaling system the dialed digits form a valid sequence. Where the 7 (SS7) signaling is used herein to illustrate the dialed digits do not form a valid sequence, the call present invention and is a well known signaling pro- manager 218 will return an error indication to the 30 tocol utilized in the art of telephony telecommunica- broadband residential gateway 300. The error des- tion, the instant invention is not limited to the use of ignation may include a tone and/or a more detailed signaling system 7 (SS7) signaling for call estab- error message for display on, for example, display lishment of an off-network call; the use of signaling 338. system 7 (SS7) signaling is merely illustrative. As 5. Where the call sequence is valid, the call man- 35 such, other methods of signaling may be substitut- ager 218 may issue a first call proceeding message ed for signaling system 7 (SS7). 513 to the broadband residential gateway 300 indi- 11. When the called public switched telephone net- cating that the number is valid and the call is pro- work user terminates the link, an on hook signal ceeding (e.g., a valid on-hook condition). may be sent to the appropriate public switched tel- 6. Next, the call manager 218 typically determines 40 ephone network switch, such as a SESS. The sig- whether adequate network resources are available naling network may then send a call termination to carry the call. In embodiments where the broad- message (not shown) to the signaling gateway 234 band residential gateway 300 is connected to a hy- as notification of the call termination status. brid fiber-coaxial plant 112, the call manager 218 12. The signaling gateway 234 may then generate may send an open gate allocation request 514 to 45 a release 524 signal to the call manager 218. the cable modem transmission system 116. In this 13. Upon receipt of the release 524 signal, the call event, it is often desirable for the cable modem manager 218 may a) initiate the relinquishment of transmission system 116 to provide a gate alloca- the provisioned network resources by issuing a tion acknowledgement 515. A gate allocation ac- close connection 525 message to the voice gate- knowledgement may be utilized to verify that the 50 way (VG) 232 and a release complete 526 message necessary gate resources have been allocated. to the signaling gateway 234, b) inform the account- 7. The call manager 218 may send an open con- ing gateway that the call has been terminated, for nection request 516 to the voice gateway (VG) 232 billing purposes via, for example, sending a call end in order to provision the connection. Once the con- 527 message to the accounting gateway 240. nection is provisioned, the VG 232 may provide an 55 14. With reference to the close connection 525 mes- open connection acknowledgement 517 back to the sage, the voice gateway may respond by issuing a call manager 218. report message 528 to the call manager 218 con- 8. For off network connections, it is often necessary taining the current status of the call.

18 35 EP 1 113 659 A2 36

15. On receiving the call status report 528, the call or more. manager 218 may issue a delete connection 529 4. On receiving the completed dialed digits, the call message to the broadband residential gateway manager 218 may issue a local number portability 300. query 610 to the IP local number portability data- 16. The broadband residential gateway 300 may 5 base 122. The IP local number portability database then releases its resources and sends a status re- 122 may then supply the call manager 218 with a port 530 to the call manager 218. In addition to the routing number 611 if the dialed digits constitute a report 530, the broadband residential gateway 300 valid sequence. may also send an on hook 531 status report to the 5. The call manager 218 may then ensure that ad- call manager 218. 10 equate network resources are available to accom- 17. The call manager 218 may then inform the modate the call. broadband residential gateway 300 to report the 6. Where adequate resources are available, the call next off hook condition via message 532. manager 218 may issue a first setup message 612 18. Where a cable modem transmission system is to whatever mechanism couples the far side broad- utilized, the call manager 218 may then issues a re- 15 band residential gateway 300, e.g., the cable mo- lease gate 533 message to the cable modem trans- dem transmission system 116B, to allocate transmission system 116 so that all the modem resourc- mission resources on the far side. es can be relinquished. Once the gate resources 7. A call proceeding message and a report on hook have been released, the cable modem transmission condition message 613 may then be sent to the system 118 sends a release gate complete 534 20 broadband residential gateway 300A. message to the call manager 218. At this point, all 8. A gate allocation message 614 may then be sent resources pertaining to the call have been relin- from the call manager 218 to the cable modem quished. transmission system 116A, where the broadband residential gateway 300A is coupled via a cable mo- C. Exemplary Call Flow of an On-Network Call to 25 dem transmission system. In this environment, a another On-Network User, Under One Call Manager gate allocation 614 message may be utilized to set Control up the relevant modem resources. 9. Where a cable modem transmission system is [0098] Fig. 6 illustrates an exemplary call flow of an utilized and receives the setup message 612 from on-network call to another on-network user, with the call 30 call manager 218, the cable modem transmission being handled by a single call manager (CM) 218. In system 116B may then send a connection request alternate embodiments, different portions of the call set- 615 message to the far side broadband residential up sequence may be handled by more than one call gateway 300B. manager 218 in the IP network 120. The exemplary "on- 10. Where a cable modem transmission system network" call processing sequence operates as follows: 35 116B is utilized, the cable modem transmission system may then sends a setup acknowledgement 616 1. Once the broadband residential gateway 300A to call manager 218. Once the resources are allo- detects and off hook condition of, for example, a tel- cated by the cable modem transmission system ephone, the broadband residential gateway 300A 116A, the cable modem transmission system may may generate an off hook signal 607 to the call man- 40 then send a gate allocation acknowledgement mes- ager (CM) 218. The off hook signal may act as a sage 617 back to the call manager 218. dial tone request to the call manager 218. 11. Once the call manager 218 receives the setup 2. The call manager 218 may then issue a dial tone acknowledgement 616 along with the gate alloca- message 608 to the requesting near-side broad- tion acknowledgement message 617, the far-side band residential gateway 300A in order for the 45 broadband residential gateway 300B may then broadband residential gateway 300A to generate a send a ringing message 618 to the far-side cable dial tone. modem transmission system 116B where this con- 3. The call manager 218 may then enter a state nectivity is utilized. where it polls and collects the dialed digits 609 from 12. In these embodiments, the far-side cable mo- broadband residential gateway 300A. The dialed 50 dem transmission system 116B may then issue an digits are transferred to the call manager 218 one alerting message 619 to the call manager 218. at a time. In a similar fashion to the subject matter 13. The call manager 218 may then convey the alert discussed above, in embodiments where the call via an alerting message 620 to the broadband res- setup is shared between the call manager 218 and idential gateway 300A, to produce a indicating sig- the broadband residential gateway 300A, the 55 nal such as a ringing signal indicating that the call broadband residential gateway may manage the is going through. call set-up and transfer both the off-hook signal and 14. The cable modem transmission system 116B the dialed digits to the call manager 218 within one may then issue a connect message 622 to the call

19 37 EP 1 113 659 A2 38

manager 218 in response to the far-side broadband cally routed over the IP network 120, the system may, residential gateway 300B sending an off hook mes- where appropriate, route IP voice packets over the In- sage 621 to the far-side cable modem transmission ternet 180. system 116B. At this point, the end-to-end communication path is established and conversation 623 5 II. BRG WITH PBX CAPABILITIES can be facilitated. 15. Assuming that the calling party hangs up first, [0099] Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the inter- the broadband residential gateway 300A may initi- face of the BRG IP PBX with the IP network and other ate an on hook sequence 624 message which may BRG IP PBX systems. The BRG PBX 700 may be con- be communicated to the near-side cable modem 10 figured with a server or other network appliance. The transmission system 116A. BRG PBX 700 may support several types of telephones 16. The cable modem transmission system 116A 702 such as standard analog handsets with CLASS may then issue a disconnect message 625 to the services, digital handsets and H.323 handsets having call manager (CM) 218. The call manager 218 may an Ethernet interface. A traditional analog handset con- then issue a first delete connection request 626 to 15 nected to the BRG PBX 700 may provide such calling the near-side broadband residential gateway 300A features as caller ID, calling waiting, three-way confer- and then a second delete connection request 627 encing and other well known calling services using to the far-side broadband residential gateway 300B. standard approaches for a POTS environment. A per- 17. The near-side broadband residential gateway sonal computer 704 using call control software may also 300A may respond to the call manager 218 with a 20 be connected to the BRG PBX 700 and be used to im- report message 628 containing the connection sta- plement calls on the IP network. A handset with H.323 tus, as well as an on hook message 630 to verify protocol may also be connected to the BRG PBX 700 that the calling party at near-side broadband resi- providing users with calling capabilities and call service dential gateway 300A has terminated the call. features. 18. The far-side broadband residential gateway 25 [0100] The BRG PBX 700 may be connected to a na- 300B may respond to the call manager 218 with a tional IP network 706 via a wireless connection 708. The report message 629 containing the connection sta- BRG PBX 700 may also be connected to the national IP tus, as well as an on hook message 631 indicating network 706 via a fiber, HFC or cable connection 710. that the called party connection has now been ter- The national IP network 706 may be connected to a minated. 30 called number converter 712 that is capable of convert- 19. At this point, the call manager 218 may issue ing IP addresses to POTS addresses and capable of release gate messages 634 and 635 to the near- generating dual tone multi-frequency signals. The called side cable modem transmission system 218 and far number address converter provides an interface for the side cable modem transmission system 116B, re- national IP network to communicate over the PSTN 714. spectively, so as to release the modems associated 35 The PSTN 714 is connected to POTS type telephones with the call. Once all the resources have releases, 716 allowing communication to occur between a tele- the cable modem transmission system 116A and phone connected on the national IP network 706 and a the cable modem transmission system 116B may telephone 716 connected on the PSTN 714. issue gate release complete messages 636 and [0101] The national IP network 706 may also be con- 637 respectively to the call manager 218. 40 nected to a global IP network 718. The global IP network 20. For simplicity, the accounting processing is not 718 may also be connected to the PSTN 714 by trunk shown. However, the process used in Fig. 5 may be gateways 720. The global IP network 718 may also be utilized as the billing procedure for on-net calls. connected to other IP terminals such as terminal 722 Such a process might constitute sending a call start connected internationally by a wireless connection 724 message from the call manager 218 to an account- 45 from a remote location via a satellite link, fixed wireless ing gateway (AG) 240 after the connect message or mobile wireless link. Likewise, a terminal 726 may be 622 is sent from the far-side cable modem trans- connected to a local area network (LAN) 728 by a fiber, mission system 116B to call manager 218. The call HFC or cable link 730. start message would trigger the start of the billing [0102] The BRG PBX 700 may be configured with a procedure. A corresponding call end message 50 personal computer type server that is commercially well would then be sent from the call manager 218 to the known in the art. The server may interface with the tel- AG 240 after the near-side cable modem transmis- ephone handsets and provide the link to a distributed sion system 116A sends a the disconnect message network of servers and would centrally manage switch- 625 to the call manager 218. This call end message ing, call control and interactive voice response/messag- would trigger the ending of the billing procedure for 55 ing functions. Each telephone handset 702 would com- that call. municate with the server that would route calls between other servers on the network. Provided that the tele- Although the IP voice packets for these calls are typi- phone handsets 702 had a redundant link to the BRG

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PBX servers 700, the failure of an individual server PBX may be a wireless, fiber optic, HFC, or cable link. would not affect any telecommunication traffic. A computer 816 may also be connected to the BRG PBX [0103] A personal computer based server may pro- 800 by an Ethernet interface 818. The BRG PBX 800 vide some advantages such as the capability of imple- may provide support for the IP telephones 808, the an- menting a variety of different types of services from a 5 alog telephones 812, and the computer 816 to make single low cost computer. Administrative costs would be point-to-point and point-to-multi-point connections to lower and the server may be capable of executing many other telephones or computers on the communication concurrent interactive voice response (IVR), automatic network. call distribution (ACD), switching, voice mail, email and [0108] The BRG PBX 800 is connected to the IP net- billing services under a commonly used operating sys- 10 work by a broadband, high-speed link 820 such as a tem such as Unix, Linux or Windows NT. wireless, fiber, HFC or cable connection. The BRG PBX [0104] The BRG PBX 700 may be configured with a 800 is connected to an IP central station 822 that con- network appliance such as a hub or router. This switch- nects to other central stations in the IP network. The ing hub may have a bank of RJ14 jacks that connect the BRG PBX 800 may be configured to and connected to telephone handsets 702 as well as providing the RJ45 15 other BRG PBXs 824 and 826 forming a LAN or WAN jack connecting the PC 704 to the IP network. An ancil- communicating to each other by an IP interface. The lary personal computer type server may provide voice BRG PBXs 824 and 826 may also be connected to IP response and messaging services. The network hubs central stations 828 and 830 that are also connected on may also deliver basic telephony services such as DT- the IP network. A LAN configuration may be implement- MF dial tones and switching capabilities. Network appli- 20 ed on behalf of a neighborhood association, while a ances have the advantage of simplistic installation and WAN may be implemented on behalf of family members reliability of operation. Because of their solid state con- who have residences in multiple geographic locations. struction, with no or few moving part, their operational [0109] Fig. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a method- life ensures extremely low failure rates. The major dis- ology for handling calls into or out of BRG PBX systems. advantage of implementing a network appliance as a 25 When a call arrives at the BRG PBX 900, a determina- BRG PBX 700 is that they normally function as special tion is made as to whether the called number has a purpose equipment and services such as voice mail, in- POTS address or an IP address 902. If the called teractive voice response, and ACD will typically require number has a POTS address, the called number is con- a separate computer to interface with the network verted to an IP address 904. Otherwise, the BRG PBX switching appliances. 30 906 inquires whether the caller desires to access the [0105] The BRG PBX 700 may be configured with as BRG PBX features 906. This can be accomplished with a peer-to-peer network. A peer-to-peer telephone net- a voice prompt or by snooping for additional signals from work may employ H.323 telephone handsets 702 con- the caller's handset for codes to access the BRG PBX necting to a gateway server or other equipment to pro- features. If the BRG PBX calling features are not acti- vide connectivity to the national IP network 706. Peer- 35 vated, the call is routed to the called number 908. The to-peer networks are typically ideally suited for H.323 BRG PBX determines if the recipient of the call has in- Ethernet headsets. A server is typically required for de- voked calling features such as call forwarding 910. If the livery of enhanced services such as voice mail, IVR, and recipient has not invoked any calling features, the call ACD. However, basic telephony services do not require is routed to the destination 912. If calling features have a server. 40 been activated by the intended call recipient, the BRG [0106] In a distributed telephony environment such as PBX handles the call according to the invoked features the one illustrated in Figure 7, the major advantage is 914. fault tolerance. Since each node within the distributed [0110] If the caller desires to access the BRG PBX system can operate independently of the others, it is calling features 906, the BRG PBX determines if the call- possible to build an extremely reliable telephone net- 45 er is authorized to invoke the calling features 916. If the work with no central point of failure. caller is not authenticated, the caller is rejected 918 and [0107] Fig. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the con- the call terminated. However, the BRG PBX may be connectivity of the BRG IP PBX from the telephone to the figured to allow the user additional opportunities to reg- IP network. The BRG PBX 800 may comprise a central ister as an authorized user or may allow the caller to call processing unit 802, a memory system for storing data 50 another number served by the BRG PBX 920. If the later and software programs 804 and a memory buffer 806. option is selected, the BRG PBX routes the call to the IP telephones 808 are connected to the BRG PBX 800 called number 908. by an IP phone interface 810. An analog telephone 812 [0111] If the caller is authorized to invoke the BRG may also be connected to the BRG PBX 800 by an an- PBX functions 916, the BRG PBX snoops for the voice alog to digital converter 814. The connections between 55 activated or code activated calling feature set 922. Once the IP telephones 808 and the BRG PBX may be a wire- the code corresponding to the calling feature is received less, fiber optic, HFC, or cable link. Also, the connec- by the BRG PBX, the calling feature is implemented 924. tions between the analog telephone 812 and the BRG The BRG PBX may continue to snoop the line for addi-

21 41 EP 1 113 659 A2 42 tional codes from the caller to invoke additional calling analog telephone is connected to said residential features 926. If additional codes are received by the PBX by an analog to digital converter. BRG PBX, the additional calling features are implemented 928. 7. The residential gateway for accessing a communi- [0112] Where technical features mentioned in any 5 cation network of claim 1, further comprising a com- claim are followed by reference signs, those reference puter connected to said residential PBX. signs have been included for the sole purpose of in- creasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, 8. The residential gateway for accessing a communi- such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on cation network of claim 7, characterised in that said the scope of each element identified by way of example 10 computer is connected to said residential PBX by by such reference signs. an Ethernet interface.

9. The residential gateway for accessing a communi- Claims cation network of claim 1, characterised in that said 15 residential PBX is connected to a second residential 1. A residential gateway for accessing a communica- PBX. tion network, comprising: 10. The residential gateway for accessing a communi- a residential PBX system comprising a central cation network of claim 9, characterised in that said processing unit coupled to a memory area and 20 residential PBX is connected to said second resi- at least one telephone interface; dential PBX by an Internet Protocol connection. at least one telephone connected to said residential PBX system via the at least one tele- 11. The residential gateway for accessing a communi- phone interface; and cation network of claim 9, characterised in that said an Internet Protocol central station connected 25 memory area comprises a memory buffer area. to said residential PBX system providing access for said at least one telephone to said 12. A residential gateway for accessing a communica- communication network. tion network, comprising:

2. The residential gateway for accessing a communi- 30 a residential PBX system comprising a central cation network of claim 1, further comprising a con- processing unit coupled to a memory area and nection between said at least one telephone and at least one telephone interface; said residential PBX, selected from the group which at least one Internet Protocol telephone con- conprises: nected to said residential PBX system via said 35 at least one Internet Protocol telephone inter- - a wireless connection; face; - a fiber optical connection; at least one software application stored in said - a hybrid fiber coaxial connection; memory area capable of implementing calling - a cable connection. features of said residential PBX system; 40 a buffer memory area capable of storing Inter- 3. The residential gateway for accessing a communi- net Protocol packets and the central processing cation network of claim 1, characterised in that said unit capable of assembling the Internet Proto- at least one telephone comprises an Internet Pro- col packets enabling the Internet Protocol tele- tocol telephone connected to said residential PBX. phone to transmit and receive telephone calls 45 on the communication network; and 4. The residential gateway for accessing a communi- a Internet Protocol central station connected to cation network of claim 3, characterised in that said said residential PBX providing access for the at Internet Protocol telephone is connected to said least one Internet Protocol telephone to said residential PBX by an Internet Protocol telephone communication network. interface. 50 13. The residential gateway for accessing a communi- 5. The residential gateway for accessing a communication network of claim 12, characterised in that cation network of claim 1, characterised in that said said at least one telephone is capable of making a at least one telephone comprises an analog tele- connection selected from the group which compris- phone connected to said residential PBX. 55 es:

6. The residential gateway for accessing a communi- - a public switched telephone network communication network of claim 5, characterised in that said cation connection to a second telephone;

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- a point-to-point connection on the communication network; - a point-to-multi-point connection on the communication network. 5 14. A method for providing calling services on a residential PBX, comprising the steps of:

determining if an incoming call to a called number has a POTS address, and if so, con- 10 verting said POTS address to an Internet Pro- tocol address; determining whether the caller desires to access residential PBX calling features and if so, implementing said residential PBX calling fea- 15 tures, otherwise routing the incoming call to said Internet Protocol address; and determining if said called number has residential PBX calling features engaged, and if so, routing said incoming call according to said en- 20 gaged residential PBX calling features.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the step of determining whether the caller has authorization to access said residential PBX calling 25 features.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of rejecting the caller if said caller does not have authorization to access said residential 30 PBX calling features.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of allowing the rejected caller to enter another called number after attempting to gain au- 35 thorization to said residential PBX calling features.

18. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the steps of: 40 - receiving at said residentiam PBX a calling feature code corresponding to at least one calling feature to be implemented by said residential PBX; - allowing the caller to implement additional call- 45 ing features after implemented a residential PBX calling feature.

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