Janet Lin

US Patent:

59403888, Aug 17, 1999

Filed:

Jun 20, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/667113

Inventors:

Jinen K. Nahar - Richardson TX
Janet Li-Chang Lin - Garland TX
Mangalore S. Babu - Garland TX

Assignee:

Ericsson, Inc. - Research Triangle Park NC

International Classification:

H04Q 1104

US Classification:

370359

Abstract:

A TR-8 compatible Remote Terminal (RT) with 96 subscriber line capacity is partially or wholly replaced with one or more D4 channel banks each comprising 24 subscriber line capacity without changing the TR-8 interface module within the servicing telecommunications exchange. The D4 channel bank is connected via a T-1 digital link to any one of the A, B, C, and D links within the TR-8 interface module. A-B bit pattern data and time slot assignments communicated between the D4 channel bank and the TR-8 interface module are converted to be compatible with each other. If a D4 channel bank is connected to the TR-8 interface module via an A-link, the maintenance data are further ignored. Connecting a D4 channel bank to a TR-8 interface module allows small telecommunications service providers to more economically provide line access to sparsely populated customer sites.