The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of various embodiments of the invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention to the specific embodiments, but are for explanation and understanding only:
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein in the context of a method, system, and apparatus for communicating with multiple networks from a single chassis. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following detailed description of the present invention is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details may not be required to practice the embodiments of the present invention. In other instances, well-known circuits and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the present invention. In the following description of the embodiments, substantially the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.
In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application- and business-related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
It is understood that the present invention may contain transistor circuits that are readily manufacturable using well-known art, such as for example CMOS (“complementary metal-oxide semiconductor”) technology, or other semiconductor manufacturing processes. In addition, the present invention may be implemented with other manufacturing processes for making digital devices.
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention discloses a communication device or system used for communicating with multiple networks from a single chassis. The communication device includes a processing unit, a network interface, a service interface, an endpoint interface, and a cluster interface. The processing unit controls various data flows in the communication device. The network interface communicates to at least one other communications network. The endpoint interface provides communication to local end devices and between local systems. While the service interface is designated to enhance service capabilities, the cluster interface is devised to expand system capacity. In this embodiment, the processing unit, the network interface, the service interface, the endpoint interface, and the cluster interface are assembled in one unit.
Communication device 100, shown in
CU 105, which may also be known as a processing unit, a microprocessor, a digital processor, a controller, a central processing unit, a cluster of processors, and so on, is used to manage and control the data flows between the interfaces. CU 105 is, for example, a high throughput low-latency Quality of Services (“QoS”) enabled packet switching core with dynamic session control and embedded call management for voice, video, and data exchange.
NI 101, EI 102, CI 103, and SI 104, in one embodiment, are four groups of connection-specific interfaces wherein each group of the interfaces may include connections to Ethernet, digital subscriber line (“DSL”), WiFi/WiMax, 3G/4G, FXO/FXS, integrated services digital network (“ISDN”), T1/E1, T3/E3, OC-1/OC-3, universal serial bus (“USB”), universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (“UART”), FireWire(“IEEE 1394”), and/or other physical links. Each group of the interfaces is further configured to have its own pre-defined connectivity mechanism and applications. For example, NI 101 is used to interface with wide area network (“WAN”)/Internet 311 and/or public switched telephone network (“PSTN”) 312 for uploading or downloading data, voice, and/or video information via wired or wireless links 210.
EI 102, in one embodiment, is used to connect to wired endpoints 321 and/or wireless endpoints 322 via wired or wireless links 220 directly or indirectly. Endpoints 321-322 includes various electronic devices, such as Ethernet hubs/switches, personal computers (“PCs”), personal digital assistants (“PDAs”), plain old telephone service (“POTS”) phones, ISDN phones, WiFi/IP phones, video phones, video conference terminals, operator consoles, Webcams, surveillance consoles, internet protocol (“IP”)/cell handsets, Skype devices, network storages, network printers, fax machines, or the like.
_CI 103 enables communication device 100 to couple to other servers or systems having similar capabilities as communication devices 100 via links 230 to expand system's capacity. Multiple communication devices 100 can be linked by connections to form a large clustered system, which is capable of supporting more users and processing more data. For example, clustering two communication devices 100 together through IC 103 can double its service capacity. It should be noted that different communication servers may be clustered together using a compatible cluster protocols. A clustered system, in one embodiment, includes multiple communication devices or servers 100 linked by connections. It should be noted that some communication devices 100 in the clustered system are located remotely, and some servers reside at different geographical locations or sites can also be clustered into one single large capacity system.
SI 104, in one embodiment, is capable of coupling to various different service providers, such as telephone companies, Internet service providers, application service providers, security service providers, utility companies, public safety answering points, network management center, even special recording systems, and/or other server machines. In one example, SI 104 is used to interface with emergency equipments and security monitors using links 240. Links 240 can be wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination of wired and wireless connections. In another example, SI 104 is used to interface with utility devices, directory servers, storage devices, network management system, and/or other service centers/equipments 340. By linking communication device 100 to service resources through SI 104, the information relating to area surveillance and intrusion alert, for example, can be automatically sent to a security company for any triggering events. The surveillance video triggered by alert events, for instance, can be stored to a video recorder attached to SI for future reference. In another example, utility records can be forwarded directly to utility company on a periodical basis via SI 104. The monitoring, managing, and maintaining communication device 100, in one embodiment, can be performed remotely via SI 104. In another embodiment, emergency calls can be routed to a public safety answering point along with the location information.
During operation, information exchange between voice, data, video, and a combination of voice, video, and data between different interfaces is processed and performed by CU 105. It should be noted that terms “data” and “information” are used interchangeable herein. CU 105, for example, acts as an all-in-one exchange unit that is coupled to various different communications networks for transmitting information relating to voice, video, and data. All these voice and video streams are given higher priority to meet the QoS requirements and they can be mixed with data packets during the packet delivery. For example, a multiple-party conference call can be handled through a built-in call manager. A voice telephone call, which is initiated by an endpoint device 321 or 322, can be routed to another endpoint device connected through PSTN 312 or WAN/Internet 311 via 210 or to another clustered server via 230. Also, a telephone call will not be routed to service center 340 via SI 104 except in some special cases. For example, emergency or other special calls can be routed to service center 340 through SI 104 for special emergency handlings such as 911 calls.
It should be noted that CU 105 is capable of receiving information from multiple communications networks such as Internet, wireless networks, and cables, and subsequently, redistributing received information to various interfaces such as NI 101, EI 102, CI 103, and SI 104.
The exemplary embodiments of the present invention select and integrate a subset of communication mechanisms in a single chassis system, which provides a solution for desired communication services and applications for an entity. The single chassis server or communication device 100, shown in
An advantage of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to make a single box system fulfilling multiple communications and security needs for an organization or entity. Another advantage is the clustering feature that expands system's capacity and is capable of linking remote branch offices' systems. A purpose of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to consolidate various communications into one single box system to reduce the hardware cost and operation expense and to simplify installation, administration, and applications. For instance, communication device 100, shown in
Another advantage of “one box for all” design is a solution for “all-in-one” applications to fulfill necessary communications as well as security needs. Considering the capacity of large enterprises and multi-site environment, the “one box for all” concept can be implemented and applied to every organizational level. The clustering feature allows users to expand or to reduce system capacity according to their needs. To meet the multi-site and large capacity applications, for example, a clustered system with multiple communication devices 100 linked by inter-connections may be used. In another embodiment, the inter-company communications can be achieved via either public networks (such as Internet and PSTN) or a fast dedicated WAN while the security and network management can be connected through various service links.
Having briefly described exemplary embodiments of communication device 100, shown in
Main memory 1204, which may include multiple levels of cache memories, stores frequently used data and instructions. Main memory 1204 may be RAM (random access memory), MRAM (magnetic RAM), or flash memory. Static memory 1206 may be a ROM (read-only memory), which is coupled to bus 1211, for storing static information and/or instructions. Bus control unit 205 is coupled to buses 1211-1212 and controls which component, such as main memory 1204 or processor 1202, can use the bus. Bus control unit 1205 manages the communications between bus 1211 and bus 12l2. Mass storage memory 1207, which may be a magnetic disk, an optical disk, hard disk drive, floppy disk, CD-ROM, and/or flash memories for storing large amounts of data.
I/O unit 1220, in one embodiment, includes a display 1221, keyboard 1222, cursor control device 1223, and communication device 1225. Keyboard 1222 may be a conventional alphanumeric input device for communicating information between computer system 1200 and computer operator(s). Another type of user input device is cursor control device 1223, such as a conventional mouse, touch mouse, trackball, a finger or other type of cursor for communicating information between system 1200 and user(s). Communication device 1225 is coupled to bus 1211 for accessing information from remote computers or servers, such as server 104 or other computers, through wide-area network. Communication device 1225 may include a modem or a wireless network interface device, or other similar devices that facilitate communication between computer 1200 and the network.
Exemplary embodiment of the present invention integrates different communication functions into a single box to reduce the complexity of system. Because the single box with various connectivity features capable of communicating with various networks, communication device 100, shown in
Communication device 100, as shown in
For incoming call, one of the interfaces in NI 101 group, for example, passes an incoming signal to CU 105 for call handling. CU 105 then inquires the destination address from the calling party or a call routing server in network 311 or 312. Upon receipt of the information from network 311 or 312, CU 105 connects the incoming call to one of the endpoints 3211-3223 to complete the call setup process. During the call sessions, all voice and/or video signals are digitized into digit streams and packed into data packets for transmission. DSP-based switch 1052, as shown in
The local endpoints can be a wireless PDA 3031, a wired or wireless notebook PC 3032, a wired or wireless desktop PC 3033, and/or other data communication equipment. An outside data endpoint 3034 can also connect to communication device 100 by VPN via Internet 311 with a bandwidth guarantied QoS for accesses in a pre-defined data rate. Data accesses between endpoint 3034 and one of the local endpoints 3031-3033 can be mixed with voice and video data streams since DSP 1052 is devised to provide QoS for real-time applications. Communication device or server 100, as shown in
Referring back to
Webcams 3051A to 305 IN, in one embodiment, are installed in different locations inside a building and are coupled to communication device 100 via EI 102. The video streams generated by these webcams 3051A to 3051N are delivered to a video phone 3052 or a surveillance console 3054, which is locally connected to communication device 100. Alternatively, the video streams can be delivered to a remote browser based surveillance console 3055 connected through WAN/Internet 311. An embodiment of the present invention integrates access server in a house with a wide range of communication and security features for Small to Medium-sized Business (“SMB”) applications.
If one of webcams 305 IA to 305 IN detects an intrusion or fire, it reports the detection to CU 105. The senser/detector subsequently generates an alert signal and sends the alert to all surveillance endpoints 3052, 3054, 3055 if they are logged in the system. In one embodiment, the alert or alert event is sent to SC 120 via link 2401. The staffs at SC 120 can login the system to verify the event through the surveillance system using webcams 3051A to 305 IN. If an intrusion is verified (i.e., visual confirmation), SC 120 forwards the alert information to PSAP 119 reporting the incident. The staffs at PSAP 119 can further verify the event by logging in the system via WAN/Internet 311 to obtain visual confirmation while security officers are dispatched. In case of a fire alarm, the staff at SC 120 can log in the system and instruct system to turn off gas and electrical supply, and to turn on water sprinkles to distinguish the fire. In an alternative application, if UC 121 is connected to gas, water, and/or electricity meters in a business premise, UC 121 can periodically obtain readings from the meters via SI 103 using link 2402.
System administrator can retrieve and playback the recorded video and voice messages through various devices such as local video phone 3061, surveillance console 3063, remote video phone 3064, remote soft video phone 3065, and the like. The video/audio auto attendant, in one example, is also capable of routing incoming calls to interactive video/voice response (IVR) handlers. The recording system 160 can alternatively be a regular or specialized server, or be various different service equipments connected to SI 104. Communication device 100, shown in
In order to provide capacity multiplication (or expansion), communication device 100, shown in
For example, when endpoint 3071A on system 100A calls another endpoint 3071N on a remote system 100N, the call setup for a remote system is similar to the call setup for a local endpoint 3072A. When an incoming call from PSTN/Internet 312/311 via link 210A requests a connection to endpoint 3072N on system 100N in a remote branch office, the call will be routed to endpoint 3072N through WAN 311 via links 230A and 230N as if the destination is local to system 100A. Besides the regular PSTN and VoIP calls, emergency calls will be treated with highest priority and routed to local PSAP via local SI for quick response.
Referring back to
For example, communication devices 100 located in site 852 are clustered with communication device 100 in site 854 using WAN 864, while communication devices 100 located in site 852 are clustered with communication device 100 in site 856 using WAN 864, PSTN 860 and Internet 862. Also, communication device 100 in site 854 is clustered with communication device 100 in site 856 using WAN 864. In one embodiment, any communication devices 100 can be clustered or removed from a clustered system depending on the capacity requirements. It should be noted that more sites can be added or removed over time.
Communication device 100X, in one embodiment, is configured to couple to CO Exchange 800 using a DSL link. DSL, also known as xDSL, is capable of providing digital data transmission over a set of telephone wires from a telephone network. Conventional DSL transmission speed can range anywhere from 256 kilobits per second (kbit/s) to 24,000 kbit/s, depending on DSL technology and service implementation. In operation, the POTS line 2120 splits into a low frequency band and a high frequency band wherein the low frequency band is used for telephonic voice transmission while the high frequency band is used for DSL data transmission. The high frequency band, in this application, can be further divided into multiple voice channels and other data pipes. The high and low frequency bands are two independent communication paths, which allow both bands to provide transmissions simultaneously.
Referring back to
POTS component 264, in this embodiment, is used to handle analog voice signals received from telephone companies. POTS relates to voice-grade telephone service that provides telephone services to residential and business premises via telephone network(s) such as PSTN. During the operation, POTS link 262 receives and/or transmits information over the voice band or low frequency band of a DSL line while DSL trunk 265 receives or transmits information between communication device 100X and CO Exchange 800 using the data band or the high frequency band of the DSL line. Adapter 266 receives information from DSL trunk 265 and subsequently passes information to voice channels 267 after the information is converted. Similarly, adapter 266 obtains information from voice channels 267 and then forwards the information to DSL trunk 265 after the information is converted. If the DSL has a speed of four (4) megabytes pre second for up and down data links, communication device 100X, in one embodiment, can divide the data band of the DSL to twenty-four (24) bi-directional trunks and other data pipes for transmitting voice and/or video information and other unregulated data traffics. Twenty-four bi-directional trunks, for example, can also be used for voice communications to replace 24 POTS lines (i.e. 24 analog trunks).
CO Exchange 800, in one embodiment, includes a POTS component 284, a DSL trunk interface 285, a DSL to voice adapter 286, and voice channels 287. CO Exchange 800, which may reside at a telephone company, is capable of connecting to various communications networks such as PSTN, Internet, WAN, and the like. POTS interface 284 receives and transmits analog voice signals between various systems such as PBX 700 and communication device 100X. Various links 281-283 are used to link POTS interface 284, DSL trunk 285, adapter 286, and voice channels 287. In one embodiment, adapter 286 is configured to divide data band of a DLS link into multiple trunks and other data paths for voice and data communications.
PBX 700, in one embodiment, includes a POTS interface 274 and voice channels 277. PBX 700 is capable of connecting to various local communication end units such as analog telephones and IP phones. For example, analog telephones can be connected to POTS trunk interface 274 via some POTS phone line interface on PBX 700 to one of the voice channels 277. Similarly, IP phones can be connected to one of the voice channels 277 through some IP interfaces on PBX 700. The network configuration illustrated in
The present invention includes various processing steps, which will be described below. The steps of the present invention may be embodied in machine or computer executable instructions. The instructions can be used to cause a general purpose or special purpose system, which is programmed with the instructions to perform the steps of the present invention. Alternatively, the steps of the present invention may be performed by specific hardware components that contain hard-wired logic for performing the steps, or by any combination of programmed computer components and custom hardware components. While embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to wireless communications network, the method and apparatus described herein is equally applicable to other network infrastructures or other data communications environments.
At block 1104, the process initiates a network interface in the single chassis to communicate with at least one communications network. For example, the communication between the network interface and the Internet is established. In another embodiment, the communication between the network interface and PSTN is established. After block 1104, the process moves to the next block.
At block 1106, the process provides a service interface in the single chassis to enhance service capabilities. To enhance the service capabilities, the process establishes channels to communicate with a plurality of surveillance devices. After block 1106, the process proceeds to the next block.
At block 1108, the process activates an endpoint interface in the single chassis to communicate with at least one local system. In one embodiment, the process is capable of communicating with computers, cellular phones, fax machines, or cameras. After block 1108, the process moves to the next block.
At block 1110, the process provides a cluster interface in the single chassis to enhance service capacity. The process uses the cluster interface to obtain and establish connections with other communication devices to expand system computing capacity. After this block, the process ends.
At block 1204, the process routes the first set of data to a plain old telephone service (“POTS”) device for voice communications. The process is further capable of communicating analog information to voice communication units. After block 1204, the process moves the next block.
At block 1206, the process identifies a number of trunks for voice communications in accordance with the transmission protocol. The transmission protocol is operated by a DSL provider. To identifying the number of trunks, the process identifies speed and capacity of the transmission protocol. In addition, the process sets the number of trunks in accordance with the speed and capacity of the transmission protocol. After block 1206, the process moves to the next block.
At block 1208, the process parses the second set of data into a plurality of trunk inputs in response to the number of trunks. The process uses each truck for a voice communication. After block 1208, the process moves to the next block.
At block 1210, the process forwards the plurality of trunk inputs to a plurality of voice communications devices. The process is also capable of receiving a plurality of trunk output from multiple voice communications units. Upon receipt of the trunk output, the process assembles trunk outputs into a second set of output data in response to the number of trunks. Upon receipt of a first set of output data from the POTS, the process places the first set of output data at a low frequency band of output transmission packets and places said second set of output data at a high frequency band of the output transmission packets. The process transmits said output transmission packets over the set of wires. After block 1210, the process ends.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will now be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that many more modifications than mentioned above are possible without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to encompass within their scope all such modifications as are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
This application claims the benefit of priority based upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/817,501, filed on Jun. 28, 2006 in the name of the same inventor and entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SINGLE CHASSIS COMMUNICATION SERVER WITH CONNECTION-SPECIFIC INTERFACES.”
Number | Date | Country | |
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60817501 | Jun 2006 | US |