WO2006079984A1

WO2006079984A1 - Method and system for provisioning broadband service

Info

Publication number: WO2006079984A1
Application number: PCT/IB2006/050275
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jan Ulander
Original assignee: Nordia Innovation Ab
Priority date: 2005-01-26
Filing date: 2006-01-25
Publication date: 2006-08-03
Also published as: EP1844602A1

Abstract

A method and system is disclosed for provisioning broadband service relatively instantaneously to a subscriber line via a telecommunication network at the subscriber's initiative. In an embodiment of the invention, a broadband capable computer (101) is connected to the telecommunication network by plugging into a standard telephone jack at the subscriber premises. A detector (112) in the central office detects the presence of the computer by detecting the high frequency data signals on the line from the modem and automatically routes the line to a filter device for separating the telephone signals from the data signals using an automated cross-connect system 400. The telephone signals are routed to the exchange and onward to the PSTN for regular telephone service. The data signals are routed to a pool of xDSL modems for connection to a high-speed data network (126). In another embodiment, the telephone signals are routed to a new physical port on the exchange, which is reconfigured by software within the central office to represent logical port 1 corresponding to the original physical port 1 such that the subscriber is able to maintain his previous level of service and telephone number. A portal web page for allowing the subscriber to choose a broadband service provider among multiple providers is automatically displayed on the computer such that the line is switched to the modem equipment operated by the selected broadband provider within the central office.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVISIONING BROADBAND

SERVICE

Field of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates generally to the provisioning of broadband services and, more particularly, to a method and system for provisioning broadband service to subscribers relatively instantaneously at the subscriber's initiative via telecommunication networks.

[2] Background of the In vention

[3] Many traditional telecommunication providers are in the midst of or are planning a shift from the analog public switched telephone network (PSTN) equipment to pure Internet Protocol (IP) based networks. These IP based networks that will enable the delivery of voice and data services very efficiently and at much lower costs. However, it is envisioned that this transformation will occur gradually over time and may take many years to complete. In the meantime this will likely mean that both the analog voice networks and the data networks will need to coexist until such time when the pure IP based networks are put into service.

[4] The shift to IP is seen to be driven by the increase in demand for data services from subscribers desiring high-speed Internet access. The pervasive influence of the Internet, combined with the increased dependency on the Internet for a growing number of consumer services, have all contributed to the demand. In addition, many governments have determined that future economic growth and development will be closely tied to the widespread uptake of broadband and has generally encouraged competition in the marketplace to provide such services. Since many national telephone networks are usually in the hands of a state-owned or formerly a state-owned monopoly government prompting has been viewed to provide the necessary catalyst for companies that are reluctant to invest heavily in new infrastructure.

[5] Many telecommunication networks have responded by offering broadband access via digital subscriber line (DSL) services. Offering such services has turned out to be significantly important for traditional telephone operators to derive new sources of revenue and to improve customer retention. The term DSL and its various forms is often referred to as xDSL, which represents a group of higher bit-rate digital subscriber line communications schemes using the standard copper wire twisted pair subscriber lines to provide office or residential broadband access to the Internet. An example of a version of xDSL that is in common use is Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL). ADSL is primarily aimed at the residential market and provides greater bandwidth for downstream data than for upstream data and works by reserving a portion of the available channel bandwidth for support of traditional analog telephone service, also often referred to as Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS). Other examples of DSL include High data rate Digital Subscriber Line (HDSL), and Very high data rate Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL), and Symmetric DSL (SDSL) which provide equal bandwidth in both the upstream and downstream directions. SDSL does not provide support for POTS and is better suited to business applications such as network server communications, etc.

[6] In a typical telecommunication network, the central office (CO) houses a telephone exchange to which subscriber home and business lines are connected to the network on what is called a local loop. As mentioned earlier, many of the connections to residential and business subscribers are made using copper wires or twisted pairs that collectively form a large copper network operated by the telecom provider. Within the central office the line connections between the exchange side and the subscriber side are connected to a main distribution frame (MDF), which is usually the point at which cross-connections between the subscriber lines and the exchange are made. Virtually all aspects of the telecommunication network are automated with the notable exception of the copper network. As a consequence, the central office must dispatch technicians to the MDF site to manually perform installations of telephone and other services such as xDSL which are highly labor intensive processes that result in one of the most significant costs faced by telecom providers.

[7] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary prior art connection of a conventional analog phone connection from the subscriber phone 100 to the central office exchange via the MDF. The subscriber phone 100 and corresponding subscriber line 102 connects to a connector block within the MDF cabinet. The MDF typically comprises columns of connector blocks 110 for the line side that connect to the subscriber lines. Furthermore, there are columns of connector blocks 112 on the exchange side for which lines from the exchange are connected within the MDF. The lines at the exchange are connected to a plurality of line cards 115 that convert the analog signal to a digital signal such as to PCM, in the case when connected to a digital network. A cross-connection is generally made by physically placing a jumper wire 114 to connect the subscriber line to the exchange, for example, subscriber line 102 to port 1. The exchange is further connected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) for routing incoming and outgoing calls to and from the subscriber line. The connector blocks used in MDFs are basically similar, although there are minor variations that are currently in use, one widely used type is the LSA-Plus connector block manufactured by KRONE Inc., a subsidiary of GenTek Inc. of Hampton, New Hampshire, USA. The KRONE connector blocks are typically able to accommodate up to 2 x 10 line pairs at a time. Thus there can be 10 subscriber line pairs connected to the connector block for connection to the exchange ports 1-10 respectively. Additional subscriber line pairs are cross-connected to the exchange via further connector blocks to further exchange ports.

[8] Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary prior art process for connecting a subscriber line 102 to a central office data network 126 for delivering high-speed xDSL service. The data network can be the Internet, local public or private Intranets, or other types of data networks. The subscriber phone apparatus 100 and computer equipment 101 are connected to a splitter 103 and connected the subscriber line 102. At the MDF the line is connected to connector block 110 however, instead of connecting a jumper wire directly to the exchange side connector block 112, jumper wire 118 is typically connected to connector block 120, which feeds into a filter device 122 comprising high and low pass filters for separating the low frequency analog phone signals from the high frequency data signals on the subscriber line. The high frequency signal components are supplied to, or received from, one or more so-called digital subscriber loop access multiplexers (DSLAMs). The DSLAM contains 'analog front end' (AFE) circuitry that includes amplifying circuitry for processing the high frequency signals by digitizing the high frequency signals from the xDSL lines and supplying the resulting digital data signals to a digital signal processor (DSP) modem 124 for transmission to and from the data network 126.

[9] The low frequency phone signals from the low pass filter is typically routed to a connector block 130 on the line side in order to make a cross-connect back to the connector block 112 for connection to physical exchange port 1 which maintains the original subscriber telephone service and number. In this case, the physical port is the same as the logical port in the exchange. It is readily apparent that the installation of xDSL service made in this way is rather labor intensive since the central office must dispatch a technician to manually install appropriate cross-connects for each subscriber line. Another disadvantage of the above technique is that it requires the use of additional connector blocks on both the subscriber and exchange side for the rerouted jumper wires, which adds to operator costs. When installing xDSL to an existing subscriber line, the existing jumper wire needs to be removed and two new jumper wires added, which often makes it is necessary to expand the MDF. This means there are additional requirements for additional connector blocks, jumper wires, floor space, and labor for each new installation. When a large number of xDSL installations are performed, the amalgamation of jumper wires may cause a multiple of signalling problems. For example, the extending wiring adds capacitance and resistance and may pick up considerable electromagnetic interference from external sources such as cross talk from adjacent active pairs. All of these effects can disrupt xDSL broadband digital service and reduce the performance provided to the subscriber. [10] Although the current process of installing xDSL is labor intensive, there is a desire among some telecom providers to offer all subscribers the ability to immediately switch their line to access broadband service themselves without requiring physical work by technicians at the central office. This would mean that the subscriber needs only to plug in their xDSL modem equipped computer or device into a standard phone jack at which time the telecommunication network switch on the service. One possible way to do this is to equip the exchange with so-called combination cards (or combo cards) that combine both analog voice handling capability with DSL handling capability. However, to ensure that all customers can access the service that would mean that 100 percent of the line cards 115 must be replaced with the combo cards. A complete replacement of the line cards would be excessively expensive given that the cost combo cards are typically much higher than line cards.

[11] Moreover, it is known that there will likely never be 100 percent acceptance of

DSL broadband from subscribers therefore equipping the exchange to cover that remote possibility would be prohibitably expensive. Additionally with 100 percent build-out would require increases in physical space in of the MDF that may not be available, not to mention problems with crosstalk from the large amount cabling may cause. Another technique could be to replace only a portion of the line cards with combo cards in anticipation that only a certain percentage will opt for DSL. However, this would not practical since it is not possible to know in advance which lines will be connected. A further complication arises in some situations where telephone companies are required by local competition laws to allow competing broadband service providers to install and operate modem equipment in the telecom network in order to ensure that customers can have a choice of broadband providers.

[12] In view of the foregoing, it is desirable to provide a method and system for providing instant broadband services to subscribers within a telecommunication network that is efficient and cost effective.

[ 13] Summary of the Invention

[14] Briefly described and in accordance with embodiments and related features of the invention, there is provided a method and system for provisioning instant broadband service to a subscriber line via a telecommunication network is disclosed. The term 'instant' is used herein to refer to the activation of broadband service that is available for use by the subscriber immediately following completion of an onscreen installation process.

[15] In an embodiment of the invention, a broadband capable computer is connected to the telecommunication network by plugging into a standard telephone jack at the subscriber's premises. A detector in the central office detects the presence of high frequency data signals on the subscriber line from the computer's xDSL modem. The line is automatically routed to a filter device that separates the relatively low frequency telephone signals from the high frequency data signals using an automated cross- connect system 400 installed in the central office. The telephone signals are routed back to the original port on exchange for onward connection to the PSTN to maintain regular telephone service. The data signals are routed to a pool of xDSL modems for connection to a high-speed data network.

[16] In a second embodiment of the invention, the telephone signals are routed to a new physical port on the exchange having a logical port that is re-configured by software within the central office to correspond to the original physical port so that the subscriber retains his previous service level and telephone number.

[17] In another aspect of the inventive method, a web portal page is automatically displayed on the subscriber's computer that prompts the subscriber to choose a broadband service provider among several available providers. Following the selection of the broadband provider the line is automatically switched to the modem equipment operated by the selected broadband provider within the central office.

[18] Brief Description of the Dra wings

[19] The invention, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[20] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary prior art connection of a standard telephone to a

POTS telecommunication network;

[21] Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary prior art process for connecting a subscriber line to a central office data network for delivering high-speed data service;

[22] Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary broadband installation procedure of the invention operating in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[23] Fig. 4a shows a schematic of the system for provisioning instant broadband service in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention;

[24] Fig. 4b shows a schematic of the system showing the routing of the subscriber line in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention;

[25] Fig. 4c is a flowchart exemplifying the installation procedure in accordance with the first embodiment;

[26] Fig. 5a shows a schematic of the system for provisioning instant broadband service in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention;

[27] Fig. 5b shows a schematic of the system showing the routing of the subscriber line in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention;

[28] Fig. 5c is a flowchart exemplifying the installation procedure in accordance with the second embodiment;

[29] Fig. 6 is an exploded side view illustration of an integrated filter/modem board inserted into an exemplary MDF connector block;

[30] Fig. 7 shows side view illustration of an exemplary installation combining the access board with twin filter board connected as a unit inserted into MDF connector blocks;

[31] Fig. 8 depicts a top view of the twin filter board inserted into the connector block in accordance with the present invention; and

[32] Fig. 9 depicts a top view of the twin filter access board also referred to as an integrated filter/modem board in accordance with another aspect of the invention.

[33] Detailed Description of the Invention

[34] Recently there have been significant efforts to make broadband service widely available to the general public. In some cases, national telephone carriers have responded to the challenge by publicly declaring the availability of widespread broadband access through the existing telephone network. The prospect of trying to reach as many people as possible through the ubiquitous telephone infrastructure seems to be a sensible strategy since it avoids the necessity of creating an entirely new and expensive delivery means into customer homes and businesses. Furthermore, widespread uptake by customers would most likely be given a boost if the installation procedure were relatively simple and provided 'instantly' available broadband service from the customer's perspective.

[35] In an embodiment of the present invention, a telephone network is able to detect the presence of a broadband capable device equipped with a high-speed modem when it is connected to telephone network. Broadband service is made available in relatively short order pending the subscriber completing a few installation that include, for example, registration and choosing a desired service provider from an initial web portal page displayed on the computer. A significant advantage provided by the invention is that the installation procedure is virtually transparent to the subscriber in that the telecom network automatically performs the majority of connection steps behind the scenes.

[36] Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary broadband installation procedure of the invention operating in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In step 300, the subscriber initiates the process by simply connecting their broadband capable computing device into a standard telephone jack in the home or office. The device is typically a PC with having a compatible high-speed modem DSL or ISDN modem installed in it. Once plugged in, the telecom network detects the presence of the computer in step 310 by detecting whether the line contains high frequency components from the standard initialization procedures performed by the modem. Typically, the high frequency analog signals have a frequency in the range from about 100 kHz to several megahertz, whereas the POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) signals have a much lower frequency i.e. typically less than 5 kHz, for example. If the signal only contains low frequency components then it is assumed to be a voice signal in which case the line is left connected through to the regular phone network via the exchange, as shown in step 320. If high frequency components are detected then the line is assumed to cany data signals thus the network switches the line over to a DSL line in central office to provide broadband service, as shown in step 330.

[37] As the network switches over to the data network an optional step may include displaying an initial portal page on a web browser on the subscriber's computer (step 340), which lists the available service broadband providers from which the subscriber can choose, as shown by step 350. From the portal page the subscriber can obtain additional information on prices and terms and conditions for each provider to comparison shop. In step 360, the line is switched in the central office to a modem operated by the selected broadband provider and begins the service. In many countries the national telephone networks are usually operated by a state-owned or formerly state-owned monopoly that are sometimes reluctant to openly allow competing companies to use their equipment and, most importantly, access to the 'last mile' or the final connection to the customer's premises. Therefore, many telecom regulators have mandated that customers be allowed a choice of service providers in order to maintain sufficient competition in the marketplace. The use of the portal, while entirely optional and independent from the invention, enables customers to select a provider these requirements.

[38] In a first embodiment of the invention, the installation of broadband service is performed in conjunction with an automated system designed for automatically making cross-connects in the central office MDF, as well as non-central office sites such as street cabinets and drop points. An example of such a system is the Nexa™ Automated Cross-Connect System manufactured by Network Automation AB of Stockholm, Sweden described in Swedish patent application no. 0303332-1. The system enables cross-connects to be established remotely and automatically from the central office that reduces costs by significantly eliminating traditional work done by onsite technicians for establishing the cross-connects. The cross-connects are remotely controlled using modular cross-connect (switch matrix) boards connected to the connecter blocks that replace the previous manually intensive process for installing jumper wires. The invention leverages the automated system to provide near labor-free installation of xDSL services along with the near instantaneous establishment of connections required for connecting the subscriber line to the data network.

[39] Fig. 4a shows a schematic of the system for provisioning instant broadband service that is operable in cooperation with an automated cross-connect system 400, in accordance with the first embodiment. The automated cross-connect system 400 enables so-called any-to-any connections from any of the subscriber line pair to any physical (or logical) port on the exchange. By way of example, when the subscriber connects his computer to the telephone jack the signal is normally routed to the exchange in anticipation of a phone call. However, if a high frequency signal (HF signal) is detected at a detector e.g. located at connector block 112 prior to the exchange, this indicates that the line contains a data signal containing high frequency components rather than just a telephone signal. The detector detects whether high frequency components exist on the signal that are above a predetermined limit e.g. those above 100 kHz. If the line contains only low frequency components then the line is probably used exclusively for telephone service and is left routed through to the exchange. It should be noted that the detector location at the connector block 112 is only exemplary for this embodiment and that it may be located elsewhere such as at the line side connector block 110 or within the automated cross-connect system 400. If the line is determined to contain high frequency components it is automatically routed to via connector block 145 to a filter devices 122 comprising high and low pass filters for separating the low frequency analog phone signals from the high frequency data signals on the subscriber line.

[40] Fig. 4b shows a schematic of the system that illustrates the routing of the line once high frequency data signals have been detected. The line gets diverted to filter device 122 where the low frequency components get separated out by the low pass filter in the filter device, which are then routed to a connector block 130 on the line side in the MDF. In order to complete the call the line needs to be re-routed back to connector block 112 for connection to the original physical exchange port 1, which maintains the original subscriber telephone number and service level. In this case, the physical port is the same as the logical port in the exchange. The line is re-routed back to the original exchange port by the automated cross-connect system 400. The high frequency data signals are routed from the high pass filter to the xDSL modem for connection to the data network 126.

[41] The high frequency signal components are supplied to, or received from, one or more so-called digital subscriber loop access multiplexers (DSLAMs). The DSLAM contains 'analog front end' (AFE) circuitry that includes amplifying circuitry for processing the high frequency signals by digitizing the high frequency signals from the xDSL lines and supplying the resulting digital data signals to a digital signal processor (DSP) modem 124 for transmission to and from the data network 126. However, the described procedure requires at least two cross-connects to be performed and also requires additional connector blocks for connecting the filters 122. The provisioning of broadband service to the customer is 'instant' in the sense that the customer can begin using the service within a matter of seconds to tens of seconds i.e. the time it takes for the automated system to establish the proper cross-connections.

[42] Fig. 4c is a flowchart exemplifying the installation procedure for instant broadband in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention. In step 400, the subscriber simply connects his computer 101 to a standard telephone jack for connection to the telecom network. In step 310, the telecom network detects that the computer has an xDSL (or ISDN) broadband modem from detecting the frequency components on the line. If the signal is a regular phone signal only low frequency components will be present and is therefore routed to the exchange to complete the call, as shown in step 420. If the signal contains high frequency components the line is switched, by activating a cross-connect to switch the lines via the automated cross-connect system, to the filter device 145 to separate the low and high frequency signals, as shown in step 430. In step 440, the low frequency phone signals are routed to back to the original physical port 1 on the exchange. Shortly thereafter a web portal page is displayed on the subscriber's computer 101, which prompts the subscriber to select a broadband provider. Further information on the providers such as current prices and conditions can be examined upon clicking on associated links prior to making the selection, as shown in step 450. Once the broadband provider has been selected the data line is switched via the automated cross-connect system to a modem operated by the provider in the CO, as shown in step 460.

[43] Fig. 5a shows a schematic of the system for providing instant broadband service that is operable in cooperation with an automated cross-connect system 400, in accordance with a second embodiment. If the line contains high frequency components (HF signal) this is detected at detector 112 where the line is rerouted to the data network 126 by the automated cross-connect system 400.

[44] Fig. 5b shows the system in the situation where high frequency components have been detected thereby indicating to the central office that the customer is attempting to access broadband service for the first time. However, instead of connecting the subscriber 100 to his own signal filter device and modem as in the previous embodiment the line is routed to an integrated filter board 160 containing a bank of combined high and low pass filters located in the MDF. The output signals from the integrated filter 160 comprising the low frequency components is routed into a new physical port on the exchange, as shown in Fig. 5b. This means that the original physical port 1 that subscriber 100 previously used for phone service has now changed. In order to maintain the subscriber's original phone service and number, the new physical port is reconfigured by software to a logical port 1 corresponding to the original physical port 1, as shown in the figure. Furthermore, the original physical port 1 on the exchange that hosted the original telephone connection is reconfigured e.g. to logical port 41 that was previously associated with the new physical port. The recon- figuration of the logical ports on the exchange is performed by software at the central office at the time of installation. Virtually all modern telephone exchanges have the capability to reconfigure the port assignments with software commands from the central office as opposed to the analog exchanges used in the past.

[45] Fig. 5c is a flowchart exemplifying the procedure for installing instant broadband in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention. Steps 500-520 correspond with steps 400-420 of the previous embodiment for detecting the presence of a computer 101 connected to the telecom network. If a computer is detected for the first time the line is switched via the automated cross-connect system 400 to the integrated filter components 160, where the low and high frequency signals are separated. The low frequency phone signals from the integrated filters are routed to a new physical exchange port (step 540) that has been reconfigured and assigned logical port 1 corresponding with original physical port 1, as shown in step 550. In step 560 the subscriber registers and chooses a broadband provider from a web portal page is displayed on his computer 101. Once the selection is made the data line is switched via the automated cross-connect system over to the range of modems operated by the chosen broadband provider, as shown in step 570.

[46] The output from the high pass filter comprising the data signal components is sent to an xDSL modem 150, which is typically a modem pool comprising a bank of modems. The modem pool is generally installed in the serving central office or in the remote terminal of a digital loop carrier system that is further connected to the data network 126. Installed in the subscriber's computer equipment 101 is compatible highspeed modem e.g. a xDSL (or ISDN) modem (not shown) that converts high frequency analog signals into modulated digital signals and vice versa, which are demodulated at the central office modem bank 150. Although the filter 160 and modems 150 are shown separately they may be integrated on a single card and attached to the connector blocks. As used herein, the integrated filter board is sometimes referred to as an integrated filter/modem board.

[47] The integrated filter boards installed in a section of the MDF enables the combo cards and modems to be collectively pooled for more efficient use of resources. By way of example, a number of modems and combo cards can be set aside to enable ten subscribers to install broadband service at the same time. The number of modems in the bank is generally related to the number projected simultaneous users at any one time such that different users reuse the modems. The pooling of resources allows all customers who desire a broadband session at any one time to have access a modem when needed thus enabling essentially 100 percent subscriber access with many fewer modems then would otherwise be the case if all of the line cards were replaced with combo cards and modems. [48] As described above for installing broadband service is completely automated with the aid of the automated cross-connect system that establishes on demand cross- connections to the integrated filter board 160 comprising a bank of filters components integrated on the board. At the filter board the low pass telephone signal from the subscriber line is routed to the logical exchange port 1 to provide normal telephone service. The exchange ports are then reconfigured by software to enable the subscriber to remain on logical port 1 to retain the same phone number. The high pass output signal is routed to modem 150 for connection to the data network 126, thus making the entire installation a process that is fast and transparent to the users.

[49] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in the exemplary embodiment the connector blocks have the capacity to connect up to 10 line pairs thereby requiring rerouting of subscriber lines to additional integrated filter boards as the numbers of subscriber xDSL installations increase. However, it should be noted that the invention is no way limited to the capacity of the particular connector blocks used since other connector block types may be utilized with the invention.

[50] The automated cross-connect system of the embodiment utilizes a plurality of interconnected modular cross-connect boards that are connected to the connector blocks in the MDF on both the line and the exchange sides. The connector blocks used in the embodiment are manufactured by KRONE Inc., which have the capability for allowing boards to be inserted into them. It should be noted that the invention could be used with other types of connector blocks whereby the boards can be connected thereto in ways other than by insertion. With regard to the embodiment, the integrated filter/ modem boards are inserted into to the receiving slots that are manufactured in the standard connector blocks along with the modular cross-connect boards. The arrangement provides a pooled solution and eliminates the need for separate filters and modems for the individual lines.

[51] Fig. 6 is an exploded side view illustration of an integrated filter board inserted into an exemplary MDF connector block. It should be noted that the integrated filter board 160 includes a bank of integrated filters on the filter board and that the enlarged view of a single component is shown for the sake of simplicity. The inputs to the filters arrive from the subscriber line or jumper side (J) contact pin of the connector block. Each filter component comprises a high pass and low pass filter component integrated on a PCB board by conventional well-known techniques. The output from the high pass filter 164 is connected to the output port leading to the modem shelf 150, which is further connected to the data network 126. The output from the low pass filter 166 is routed to the exchange port via the line side (L) contact pin in the connector block. The number of filter components on the access board typically corresponds with the number of line pairs handled by the connector block, which in this example is 10 pairs. [52] Fig. 7 shows side view illustration of an exemplary installation configuration using a combination of a cross-connect access board and integrated twin filter board inserted into a set of connector blocks and operating as a unit. The embodiment is particularly suited for operating in conjunction with an automated cross-connected system installed in the MDF, such as the Nexa™ automated cross-connect system using modular cross- connect boards inserted into the connector blocks. The access board and twin filter board together provide direct access to the lines and the exchange. It is possible that the cross-connect system employs a center stage made up of a plurality of cross- connect boards to accommodate higher capacity MDFs.

[53] In the exemplary configuration, with the installation of the automated cross- connect system in an MDF using connector blocks capable of handling 10 line pairs such as the KRONE LSA-Plus connector blocks, an access board (cross-connect board) and twin filter board are linked together and inserted into two connector blocks to operate as a unit. This is possible since the cross-connect or access boards are capable of cross-connecting 20x20 line pairs each compared to the 10 pairs of the connector block. Thus an additional board is inserted into an adjacent connector block for connecting a second set of 10 line pairs to the access board for cross-connecting a total of 20 line pairs. Since the additional board is only used for connecting the second set of line pairs it is possible to include or integrate the filter components on the board i.e. it also functions as a twin filter board as shown in the figure. The twin filter board filters out the data signals on the subscriber line and sends them on to the modem bank for connection to the central office data network. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the line capacities mentioned relate to the capacities of the connector blocks, which are exemplary that may result in other board installation configurations and that invention is in no way limited to the numbers expressed since other capacities may be used.

[54] Fig. 8 depicts a top view of the twin filter board 160 inserted into the connector block in accordance with the present invention. The twin filter board is a PCB comprising a bank of integrated filters (only a single component is shown for simplicity) implemented with conventional circuit board techniques. The subscriber line 162 is input into the filter bank whose high frequency output 164 is routed to a connector port leading to the modem shelf 150, whereas the low frequency output 166 is routed to a connector port leading to the exchange port via the access board coupling. With the twin filter board arrangement, it is possible to include up front at least 50 percent of line capacity for current and potentially new xDSL installations while requiring no additional space in MDF, and in the case of operating with the automated cross-connect system, requires no additional space in the center stage. The pooled solution eliminates the need for filters on all lines and provides scalable xDSL installations without the need for extra connector blocks or additional floor space.

[55] Fig. 9 depicts a top view of the twin filter access board also referred to as an integrated filter/modem board in accordance with another aspect of the invention. With current integrated circuit techniques it is possible to incorporate an xDSL modem bank 170 into the filter board in order to further streamline the system. As mentioned previously, significant efficiencies are gained by routing subscriber lines to the pooled integrated filter/modem boards on the exchange side for connection directly to the data network. Moreover, the technique enables subscribers to connect to broadband service at their own leisure, which increases customer satisfaction, loyalty and retention for telecom provider. Furthermore, cost reductions can be realised by eliminating separately the maintained external modem bank without requiring additional space in the MDF.

[56] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, since many modifications or variations thereof are possible in light of the above teaching. Accordingly, it is to be understood that such modifications and variations are believed to fall within the scope of the invention. The embodiments were chosen to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to utilize the invention for the particular use contemplated. Still, it is to be appreciated that the invention can be implemented to provide broadband service base on other wireline-based broadband technologies such as ISDN and Fixed Telecommunications Network Services (FTNS). It is therefore the intention that the following claims not be given a restrictive interpretation but should be viewed to encompass variations and modifications that are derived from the inventive subject matter disclosed.

Claims

[1] L A system for provisioning instant broadband service upon demand to a subscriber line via a telecommunication network comprising a central office, a main distribution frame (MDF), a telephone exchange, and a high-speed data network (126), characterized in that the system comprises: a detector located within the central office for detecting whether a subscriber line comprises telephone signals and/or high frequency data signals; a plurality of filter devices (122, 160) for separating the telephone signals from data signals on the subscriber line, wherein the telephone signals are routed to the exchange and to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) for completing the connection; and a pool of modems (124, 150) for transmitting data signals to and from the data network 126 to provide said broadband service, and wherein the number of modems in the pool is substantially less than the number of line cards in the exchange; and an automated cross-connect system 400 located within the central office for automatically cross-connecting the subscriber line in order to route the telephone signals to the exchange and the data signals are routed to the data network to provide relatively instantaneous broadband service.

[2] 2. The system according to claim 1 wherein, the system for provisioning broadband service cooperates with the automated cross-connect system 400 for automatically managing cross-connects that comprises a plurality of modular cross-connect boards connected to a plurality of connector blocks installed within the MDF, and wherein said automated cross-connect system provides automated routing of subscriber lines to an integrated filter board for onward connection to the exchange and data network.

[3] 3. The system according to any one of the above claims wherein, when a broadband capable computer or device is connected to the subscriber line and the data signal is detected by the detector in the central office the subscriber line is re-routed to an integrated filter board 160 such that the telephone signals are rerouted from a first physical port to a second physical port on the exchange, and wherein the data signals are routed to the modem pool for connection to the data network.

[4] 4. The system according to claim 3 wherein, the logical port on the exchange is re-configured by software within the central office such that the second physical port on the exchange is associated with the first logical port to enable the subscriber's telephone service and number to remain unchanged.

[5] 5. The system according to any one of claims 2-4 wherein, the integrated filter board also comprises the pool of modems that are integrated into filter/modem board for direct connection to the data network.

[6] 6. The system according to claim 5 wherein, the integrated filters and/or modems are incorporated on access boards associated with the automated cross-connect system 400 and are attached to the connector blocks in the MDF.

[7] 7. The system according to claim 6 wherein, the integrated filter/modem access boards for use with the automated cross-connect system are modular and installed with a modular cross-connect access board and attached to a pair of MDF connector blocks as a unit.

[8] 8. The system according to claim 1 wherein, the detector (112) is a frequency detector that is able to detect high frequency signals on the subscriber line.

[9] 9. The system according to any one of the above claims wherein, the broadband service is provided to the subscriber line using the automated cross-connect system that is installed in non-central office sites such as street cabinets and drop points.

[10] 10. The system according to any one of the above claims wherein, a portal web page for selecting a broadband service provider is automatically displayed on the broadband capable computer (101) or device when it is connected to the telecommunication network for the first time, and wherein the subscriber line is switched to the modem equipment (124, 150) operated by the selected broadband provider within the central office.

[11] 11. A method of provisioning instant broadband service upon demand to a subscriber line via a telecommunication network comprising a central office, a main distribution frame (MDF), a telephone exchange, and a high-speed data network, characterized in that the method comprising the steps of: connecting a broadband capable computer device (101) by the subscriber to the telecommunication network; detecting at the central office whether the broadband capable computer device

101 is connected to the telecommunication network by detecting high frequency data signals are present on the subscriber line or whether only low frequency telephone signals from a POTS telephone (100) are present; routing the subscriber line using an automated cross-connect system 400 to a filter device (122,160) for separating the telephone signals from the data signals, if high frequency signals are present the line; routing the telephone signals line to the exchange for connection to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) for completing the connection; and routing the data signals to a pool of modems (124, 150) for transmission to and from the data network 126 to provide said broadband service, whereby the lines are routed by the automated cross-connect system 400 to provide instant broadband service.

[12] 12. The method according to claim 11 wherein, in the connecting step the broadband capable computer device is plugged into a standard phone jack at the subscriber premises for connection to the telecommunication network.

[13] 13. The method according to claim 11 wherein in the detecting step, if the subscriber line contains only telephone signals the line is left routed to the exchange for connection to the PSTN.

[14] 14. The method according to claim 11 wherein, the automated cross-connect system comprises a plurality of modular cross-connect boards connected to a plurality of connector blocks installed within the MDF, and wherein said automated cross-connect system automatically routes the subscriber lines to an integrated filter board for onward connection to the exchange and data network.

[15] 15. The method according to any one of claims 11-14 wherein, when the subscriber line is routed to the filter by the cross-connect system 400 the logical port the exchange is re-configured by software within the central office such that the second physical port on the exchange is associated with the first logical port to enable the subscriber's telephone service and number to remain unchanged.

[16] 16. The method according to claims 11-15 wherein, the line is routed to an integrated filter board further comprising the pool of modems such that they are combined into an integrated filter/modem board for direct connection to the data network.

[17] 17. The method according to claim 16 wherein, the integrated filters and/or modems are incorporated on access boards associated with the automated cross- connect system 400 and are attached to the connector blocks in the MDF.

[18] 18. The method according to claim 17 wherein, the integrated filter/modem access boards for use with the automated cross-connect system are modular and installed with a modular cross-connect access board and attached to a pair of MDF connector blocks as a unit.

[19] 19. The system according to any of the above claims wherein, the broadband service is provided to the subscriber line using the automated cross-connect system that is installed in non-central office sites such as street cabinets and drop points.

[20] 20. The method according to any of the above claims wherein, a portal web page for selecting a broadband service provider is automatically displayed on the broadband capable computer device when it is connected to the telecommunication network for the first time, and wherein the subscriber line is switched to the modem equipment operated by the selected broadband provider within the central office.