CA2434892C - Method and telephone outlet for allowing telephone and data equipment to be connected to a telephone line via a common connector - Google Patents
Method and telephone outlet for allowing telephone and data equipment to be connected to a telephone line via a common connector Download PDFInfo
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- CA2434892C CA2434892C CA002434892A CA2434892A CA2434892C CA 2434892 C CA2434892 C CA 2434892C CA 002434892 A CA002434892 A CA 002434892A CA 2434892 A CA2434892 A CA 2434892A CA 2434892 C CA2434892 C CA 2434892C
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- Prior art keywords
- telephone
- contacts
- connector
- outlet
- pass filter
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/71—Substation extension arrangements
- H04M1/715—Substation extension arrangements using two or more extensions per line
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/0293—Terminal boxes for telephone sets
Abstract
A telephone outlet (71) simultaneously supporting both standard telephony an d data communications over telephone wiring within a residence or other building. The outlet typically contains a low pass filter (31a), connected between the telephone wiring (21a, 21b) and the telephone connector pins use d for telephony (e.g. pins 2 and 3 in typical North-American RJ-11 connectors) . In addition, a direct, unfiltered connection to the telephone wiring is supported via two other unused pins (e.g. pins 1 and 6 in typical North American RJ-11 6-pin connectors), thus allowing the connection of modems and high pass filters for access to the high frequency portion of the spectrum f or data communications. Benefits include easy and direct connection of a telephone set or data devices to the same outlet, and elimination of the nee d to modify the telephone with low-pass filters or to provide an external modu le with a low-pass filter in series with the telephone. The direct, unfiltered connection to the telephone wiring also permits using a modified telephone having a low-pass filter, or an external module if so desired.
Description
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02-09-2002 ~ . 1L0100040 . , _1_ Method aad telephone aatlet for allowing telephone and data eqnipmebt to be connected to a telephone iiue via a enmmon conuectnr FIELD OTa' THE INVEN~'.xOI~T
The present invention relates to the field of wired communication systems, and, more specifically, to the netwox'king of devices over telephone wiring via OlItlCt GOrineGti.ODS.
BA.CTS.GItOTJNb OF' ~'HE I1V 1~TION
There is an ongvirig trend toward using telephone wiring within a building as media for data communication. As. part of the Public Switched Telephone Network ~'PST'1~, telephone wiring is both common and widespread, and is typically Gonfigurred for the voice speGtmm to enable speech communication from one telephone to another. it is well-known in the art than such a system can be used for data camxnunication as well as telephony by employing frequency donr~ainldi~rision mnltiplexir~g (FDlVJ] which splits the bandwidth carried by a wire into a low=&equcncy band capable of carrying an analog telephony signal and a high-frequency band capable of carrying data co~nrnunicstion or other signals. Such a mecharisrn is disclosed, for example, in ~(i.S. Patent 4,7$5,44$ to Reichert et al'. Using telephone wiring for bath telephony and additional service 24 is disclosed in'CT.S. Patent 5,929,96 to Goodtuati et al. Also common are xbSL
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bUU d L~',j~ ''~ fa"'~ U'~~'~l GUUf~Il7U~GU:+~o~ fawn 02-09-2002 ~ ' ' 1 L0100040 xI~SL systems, primarily-.Asymmetric bigital Subscriber Loop (.A:DSL) systems.
Recently, there has also been a trend for using telephone wiring for data networking simultaneously with telephony and A:DSL signals. Such systems are descn'bed, for example, in QUO 99/12330 to Foley, U.S. Patent 6,069,899 to _ Foley, U.S. Patent 5,$96,443 to Dichter (hereinafter referred to as "bichter"), and others. Figure 1 shows a graph 10 which shOwS the frequency spectrum for F'DM.
A Pd TS signal X1 occupies the 0 td 4IKWi bandwidth, ~rhile ADSL signals 1?
usually span from 100KI-Iz to 1.SM'Hz, and in-home data network signals 13 (and shnilar applications) occupy the 5-I OM~T2 band.
The term ''anailog telephony" herein denotes traditional analog low freduency audio voice signals typically under 3KFI~, sometimes referred to as "PD~.CS" ('lain old telephone senrice'~, whereas the term ''telephony" in general denotes any kind of telephone service, including digital service such as Integraited Services Digitah- Network (ISDN~. The term "high-frequency" herein 1 S denotes any frequency substantially above such analog telephony audio frequencies, st:~eh as that used for data. ISDN typically uses frequencies not exceeding 100KPT~ (typically the energy is concentrated around 40KE1x). The term "telephone line" herein denotes electrically-conductin; lines which are intended primarily far the carrying and distribution of analog telephony, and includes, but is not limited to, such lines which may be pre-existing within a building and which may currently provide analog telephony service. The term "telephone device" herein denotes, without limitation, any apparatus for telephony (including both analog telephony and ISDh'~, as well as any device using telephony signals, such as fax, voice-modem, and so forth. The term "Data TenninHl Equipment" (DTE) herein refers to any device or apparatus which can - handle or process data, including, but not limited to, computers and controllers.
The term ''data conununications" herein refers to the sending andlor receiving of data between any devices or apparatus, including, but not limited to, network communications such as a local area network.
8Z/60 ~p~'-,. ".", ,_ ", "_ AMENDED SHEET
02-09-2002 ~ . 1L0100040 . , _1_ Method aad telephone aatlet for allowing telephone and data eqnipmebt to be connected to a telephone iiue via a enmmon conuectnr FIELD OTa' THE INVEN~'.xOI~T
The present invention relates to the field of wired communication systems, and, more specifically, to the netwox'king of devices over telephone wiring via OlItlCt GOrineGti.ODS.
BA.CTS.GItOTJNb OF' ~'HE I1V 1~TION
There is an ongvirig trend toward using telephone wiring within a building as media for data communication. As. part of the Public Switched Telephone Network ~'PST'1~, telephone wiring is both common and widespread, and is typically Gonfigurred for the voice speGtmm to enable speech communication from one telephone to another. it is well-known in the art than such a system can be used for data camxnunication as well as telephony by employing frequency donr~ainldi~rision mnltiplexir~g (FDlVJ] which splits the bandwidth carried by a wire into a low=&equcncy band capable of carrying an analog telephony signal and a high-frequency band capable of carrying data co~nrnunicstion or other signals. Such a mecharisrn is disclosed, for example, in ~(i.S. Patent 4,7$5,44$ to Reichert et al'. Using telephone wiring for bath telephony and additional service 24 is disclosed in'CT.S. Patent 5,929,96 to Goodtuati et al. Also common are xbSL
8Z/$0 ~O~~n~~ ~ c-_ot ~n ~ni~n AMENDED SHEET
bUU d L~',j~ ''~ fa"'~ U'~~'~l GUUf~Il7U~GU:+~o~ fawn 02-09-2002 ~ ' ' 1 L0100040 xI~SL systems, primarily-.Asymmetric bigital Subscriber Loop (.A:DSL) systems.
Recently, there has also been a trend for using telephone wiring for data networking simultaneously with telephony and A:DSL signals. Such systems are descn'bed, for example, in QUO 99/12330 to Foley, U.S. Patent 6,069,899 to _ Foley, U.S. Patent 5,$96,443 to Dichter (hereinafter referred to as "bichter"), and others. Figure 1 shows a graph 10 which shOwS the frequency spectrum for F'DM.
A Pd TS signal X1 occupies the 0 td 4IKWi bandwidth, ~rhile ADSL signals 1?
usually span from 100KI-Iz to 1.SM'Hz, and in-home data network signals 13 (and shnilar applications) occupy the 5-I OM~T2 band.
The term ''anailog telephony" herein denotes traditional analog low freduency audio voice signals typically under 3KFI~, sometimes referred to as "PD~.CS" ('lain old telephone senrice'~, whereas the term ''telephony" in general denotes any kind of telephone service, including digital service such as Integraited Services Digitah- Network (ISDN~. The term "high-frequency" herein 1 S denotes any frequency substantially above such analog telephony audio frequencies, st:~eh as that used for data. ISDN typically uses frequencies not exceeding 100KPT~ (typically the energy is concentrated around 40KE1x). The term "telephone line" herein denotes electrically-conductin; lines which are intended primarily far the carrying and distribution of analog telephony, and includes, but is not limited to, such lines which may be pre-existing within a building and which may currently provide analog telephony service. The term "telephone device" herein denotes, without limitation, any apparatus for telephony (including both analog telephony and ISDh'~, as well as any device using telephony signals, such as fax, voice-modem, and so forth. The term "Data TenninHl Equipment" (DTE) herein refers to any device or apparatus which can - handle or process data, including, but not limited to, computers and controllers.
The term ''data conununications" herein refers to the sending andlor receiving of data between any devices or apparatus, including, but not limited to, network communications such as a local area network.
8Z/60 ~p~'-,. ".", ,_ ", "_ AMENDED SHEET
Figure 2 schematically illustrates a prior-az-t in-home telephone wiring system 20. A junction box (not shown) is used to separate the in-home circuitzy from the PSTN and is used as a test facility for troubleshooting as well as for wiring new telephone outlets in the home. A telephone set 26a connects to the telephone wiring, which is usually a wire pair 21a and 21b. Connection is done via a telephone outlet 22, of which there are commonly a number located at convenient places within the home, and which typically utilize a standard RJ-("Registered Jaclc") connector, which employs either four or six contacts (pins).
Figure 2 illustrates the six-pin RJ-11 form, although the four-pin configuration is also common in North America. Telephone outlet 22 has a female RJ-11 connector 23 (usually refez~red to as the "jacl~"). Telephone set 26a may be connected to outlet 22 via a male RJ-11 connector 24 (often refez~ed to as a "plug"). In most cases, the center pins 3 and 4 are used for malting the connection. In the four-pin configuration (not shown), the center pins are numbered 2 and 3. The terms "standard connector", "standard telephone connector", and "standard data connector" are used in the description and appended claims to denote any connectors which are industry-standard or de facto standard connectors.
As suggested by the current trends, there is a widespread demand to use existing telephone wiring for both telephony and data networl~ing. In this way, the tasl~ of establishing a new local area networl~ in a home or other building is eased, because there are no additional wires to install. As previously noted, frequency domain/division multiplexing provides a means of simultaneously carrying an analog telephony signal and data communication or other signals.
In order to allow for both telephony and data networl~ing without any mutual interference, a set of flters is commonly used. A Low Pass Filter (LPF) is connected in series with the telephone for passing the telephony signal (0-4KHz band) and isolating the high frequency band. Similarly, a High Pass Filter (HPF) is connected in series with the modem used for the data communication. The term "low pass filter" herein denotes any device that passes signals in the low-frequency (analog telephony) band but blocl~s signals in the high-frequency (data) band. Conversely, the term "high pass filter" herein denotes any device that passes signals in the high-frequency (data) band but blocl~s signals in the low-frequency (analog telephony) band. The term "data device" herein denotes any apparatus that handles digital data, including without limitation modems, transceivers, Data Communication Equipment, and Data Terminal Equipment.
Figure 3 illustrates part of a prior-art networl~ 30. Low pass filters 31a and 31b are connected to telephone sets 26a and 26b respectively. DTE's 34a and 34b intercommunicate via modems 33a and 33b, respectively, which are connected to telephone Iine pair 2Ia and 21b via high pass filters 32a and 32b, respectively. Low pass filters such as 31a and 31b are also referred to as "micro-filters".
Figure 4 shows an example of a prior-art low pass filter 31. Inductors 41a and 41b are placed in series with the connections to pins 3 and 4, respectively, while capacitors 42a and 42b are connected in parallel between pins 3 and 4.
LPF 31a is comlected in series with telephone set 26a, as shown in Figure 4.
Capacitors 42a and 42b reduce noise produced by telephone 26a in the high-frequency data communication band, and also reduce degradation resulting from the addition of taps in the telephone connection, which are often not terminated properly.
High pass filters 32a and 32b (Figure 3) are usually included within modems 33a and 32b. Furthermore, both modems 33a and 32b and high pass filters 32a and 32b are usually housed within DTE's 34a and 34b. A typical example of DTE 34a is a personal computer with modem 33a and high pass filter 32a within a plug-in card (lcnown as a "Networl~ Interface Card" - "NIC"), installed in the computer housing. However, since it is not practical to change or modify telephones or telephone wiring, the low pass filter 31 must be an add-on module.
Figure 2 illustrates the six-pin RJ-11 form, although the four-pin configuration is also common in North America. Telephone outlet 22 has a female RJ-11 connector 23 (usually refez~red to as the "jacl~"). Telephone set 26a may be connected to outlet 22 via a male RJ-11 connector 24 (often refez~ed to as a "plug"). In most cases, the center pins 3 and 4 are used for malting the connection. In the four-pin configuration (not shown), the center pins are numbered 2 and 3. The terms "standard connector", "standard telephone connector", and "standard data connector" are used in the description and appended claims to denote any connectors which are industry-standard or de facto standard connectors.
As suggested by the current trends, there is a widespread demand to use existing telephone wiring for both telephony and data networl~ing. In this way, the tasl~ of establishing a new local area networl~ in a home or other building is eased, because there are no additional wires to install. As previously noted, frequency domain/division multiplexing provides a means of simultaneously carrying an analog telephony signal and data communication or other signals.
In order to allow for both telephony and data networl~ing without any mutual interference, a set of flters is commonly used. A Low Pass Filter (LPF) is connected in series with the telephone for passing the telephony signal (0-4KHz band) and isolating the high frequency band. Similarly, a High Pass Filter (HPF) is connected in series with the modem used for the data communication. The term "low pass filter" herein denotes any device that passes signals in the low-frequency (analog telephony) band but blocl~s signals in the high-frequency (data) band. Conversely, the term "high pass filter" herein denotes any device that passes signals in the high-frequency (data) band but blocl~s signals in the low-frequency (analog telephony) band. The term "data device" herein denotes any apparatus that handles digital data, including without limitation modems, transceivers, Data Communication Equipment, and Data Terminal Equipment.
Figure 3 illustrates part of a prior-art networl~ 30. Low pass filters 31a and 31b are connected to telephone sets 26a and 26b respectively. DTE's 34a and 34b intercommunicate via modems 33a and 33b, respectively, which are connected to telephone Iine pair 2Ia and 21b via high pass filters 32a and 32b, respectively. Low pass filters such as 31a and 31b are also referred to as "micro-filters".
Figure 4 shows an example of a prior-art low pass filter 31. Inductors 41a and 41b are placed in series with the connections to pins 3 and 4, respectively, while capacitors 42a and 42b are connected in parallel between pins 3 and 4.
LPF 31a is comlected in series with telephone set 26a, as shown in Figure 4.
Capacitors 42a and 42b reduce noise produced by telephone 26a in the high-frequency data communication band, and also reduce degradation resulting from the addition of taps in the telephone connection, which are often not terminated properly.
High pass filters 32a and 32b (Figure 3) are usually included within modems 33a and 32b. Furthermore, both modems 33a and 32b and high pass filters 32a and 32b are usually housed within DTE's 34a and 34b. A typical example of DTE 34a is a personal computer with modem 33a and high pass filter 32a within a plug-in card (lcnown as a "Networl~ Interface Card" - "NIC"), installed in the computer housing. However, since it is not practical to change or modify telephones or telephone wiring, the low pass filter 31 must be an add-on module.
-S-One common prior-art implementation of the low pass filter 31 is as a module having an RJ-11 plug and jacl~, for being connected externally between telephone set 26a and jacl~ 23 within outlet 22 (Figure 2). To an ordinary non-technically spilled user, however, the requirement for such a module might present difficulties. A casual user, such as a person in an office or a family member wishing to attach a telephone to an outlet, might not be aware that an additional piece of equipment is required, and thus could unlmowingly omit an essential device, thus degrading the data cornrnunication performance. In addition, an externally-added plug-in module is vulnerable to being removed, either inadvertently by someone who does not realize the necessity of the device, or by someone who needs, but lacl~s, such a device for installation elsewhere.
Moreover, such an external module is not aesthetic and is relatively expensive, requiring two RJ-11 connectors (plug and jacl~) and an individual housing in addition to the filter circuitry.
Figure 5 illustrates a prior art outlet 51 that is adapted for isolating telephony from data communications. Outlet 51 has two RJ-11 telephone jacl~s 52 and 23. Connector 52 connects directly to the telephone wiring, and hence allows for connection to modem 33 and DTE 34 using high pass filter 32 (Figure 3). Connector 23 connects to the telephone wiring via low pass filter 31a, which is housed within outlet 51. Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a prior art telephone wiring system 60 employing the outlet 51. Telephone 26a can directly connect to outlet 51 via a plug 24, eliminating the need for any additional hardware or devices. Similarly, modem 33 can directly connect to jacl~ 52 via a high pass filter 32 and a plug 34. This solution does not require any additional modules, but has limitations. Since both connectors 52 and 23 are standard telephone jacl~s with no visible distinction, the user can easily confuse them and connect telephone 26a to jacl~ 52 or comzect modem 33 to jacl~ 23. In either case, the performance of equipment connected to the telephone wiring will be unsatisfactory.
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02-09-2002 . ~ ' I L0100040 - ~a-~U.S. Patent No. 5,353,334 (O' Svllivan) entitled ".Interface, for con~tecting computers to rudzo tele~l~one netyvorks" describes a sys~tena for connecting a computer'to 'both cellular and landline systems. As shown in Fig. 1 of this patent, the normally unused pins in a standard R.T-11 telephone connnector are used to connect a data signal to a. digital control unit simultaneous with the connection of the analog telephone signal to a cellular transceiver. !n effect, the coanector.136 is a composite adapter allowing simultaneous connection of both digital data signals and analog telephone to respective destinations .(i.e. the comrol unit and the cellular transceiver).
Fig. 2b shows an altexnative use of the system for connecting a modem to a landline telephone outlet. In this -case, the analog outprtt of a modem 102 is connected vii a twisted pair cable 130 to a telephone outlet 13 S. It is to be rioted that in this ~configtrration, as explained at col_ 6, line 67 to col. 7, line 2 the modem, is connected via an ord'~ety modrilar telephone cable containing analog lines 132 to a landline Rr-11 jack 138. There is no suggestion to modify the landline jack 138 so as to allow Connection of an analog telephone or of digital data edrxipment in such a manner that only the oorrect signal is conveyed regardless of which type of equipment (analog or digital) is connected to the jack 13 8. Indeed, as noted above, the j~.ck ! 3 $ is configured only to serve as a source of analog data. for connection to an analog data port.
On the other hand, the cable connected to the modem is indeed provided with a modified jack, as shown in p'ig. 2c wherein two pins axe connected to an analog source and two, normally nausea pins, are connected to a digital savrce.
Ibis allows the respective analog anal digital outputs of the modem to be simuita 2~ nedusl~r connected to the signal processing cable 100. shown in Fig. 1, which is actually a composite cable having separate cores for the separate conveyance of analog and data signals.
Moreover, the celhxlar bus 112 shown in Fig. 1 of T.J.S. Patent ATo.
5,353,334 is not analogous to the telephone wiring with which 'the invention is ~Or.~LII 1/~A1 1A ~1 I.IJ1 AMENDED SHEET
l!U d ~b',j~ .,u fowd l'~:'~l f~UU~IbU~trU:+~c~: fauy 02-09-2002 . ~ ~ ~ I L0100040 _$b_ concerned since the cellular fus 112 conveys different signals (i.e. analog and digital) both of which reach both devices (i.e. the transceiver 110 and the control unit 10$). Thus, the end-devices constituted by the transceiver 110 and the control unit 108 must contain integral discrimination circuitry to separate the respective signals. Of course, once such integral discrimination circuitry is provided in each analog or digital end~u~nit, there is then no risk of mis-connection since both devices do in fact receive both signals and Simply filter out the signal. that is not required.
There is no suggestion in 'CT.S. Patent hTo. 5,353,334 to provide a modified pin connection in a telephone outlet so as to allow either an analog telephone or a digital device to be separately but reliably comiected to the same outlet without requiring the analog telephone to contain an integral filter.
'fhete is thus a widely-recognised need for, and it would be highly advantageous to have, easy to-use apparatus for connecting ordinary telephone acts and data communication equipment to telephone wiring, so that telephony and data communications can operate simultaneously on the telephone wiring without interfering with each other, and in such a way that requires neither modification to the telephone sets, nor external modules or devices to be used therewith. leis goal is met by the present invention.
SUMIViAR'Y OF ~IiE IrTVFi~TTiON
The present invention provides apparatus for .'upgrading an existing telephone line wiring system within a residence or other building, to support both analog telephony service and local data communications in such a manner that a love-frequency band is allacat~d to regular telephone service (analog telephony), while a high-frequency band is allocscted to the data communications. Regular telephone outlets are replaced with o'atlets according to the present irraentian, so that a standard telephone device connected to the outlet will be isolated from, and not interfere with, data com.m~tnica6ons over the telephone wiring.
8Z1LL ~OAMENDED SHEET"
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02-09-2002 ~ ' ' f L0100040 An outlet according to the present invention contains ~a telephone connector (such as an R1-11 connector) and a low pass filter for isolating telephony signals from data signals. The output of the low pass flter goes to the pair of contacts in the connector which make connection with the pins of a telephone device plugged into the connector (for a 4-wire R,r-11 Connector, these are typically pins 2 and 3, while fac a b-wire Rx-11 connector these are typically pins 3 and 4). The input to the low pass filter is connected to a pair of contacts is the connector Which is not normally used for a single-line telephone device (for a 4-wire RJ-11 coxmector, these are typically pins 1 and 4, while for a 6=wire fi:f-11 connector these mre typically pins 1 and 6). When the outlet is installed, the input to the IOW-pBSS filter is cbnneoted to the telephone wiring rr~a a suitable atiacbment means, -such as scre~cr coniacts or other system. ~lVith this con~zection in effect, the telephone wiring will be directly connected to the normally-unused Contacts of the outlet's telephone connector, and the telephone wiring will be connected through fhe low-pass filter to the connector's contacts which provide standard telephony connection. This arrangement automatically isolates a plugged-in telephone device from any data communication taking place aver the telephone wiring. At the same time, however, a data communication device can access the telephone wiring directly by connecfing to the outlet via the contacts ZO in the connector which are not used far telephony, thereby bypassing the low-pass filter. Such a data device will normally have a modem with a built-in higb-pass filter, as previously noted. 1n this fashion, an outlet according to the present invention can serve both telephony and data comnittnicatians.
Data Terminal Equipment as well as telephone devices can be readily ~5 connected to the outlets, thereby allowing a data communications network as well as a telephone system to be easily canf gored, such that both the data comm't7nications network and the telephone system can operate simultaneously without interference betv~reen one another.
B~/;'L. ~0 AMENDED SHEET ~ .
CA 02434892 2003-07-15 J~p~
V ~ a d j.~r~ ~ ~ a tUun , ZJ~ ~ ~ ~ ~LJ/ bU~ ~JU ~ + ~ OL i.a111~
02-09-2002 . ~ ~ f L0100040 It i$ to be noted that historically telephone connectors of the RJ-1 T type have bee~a provided with more contacts than are required in use. 'thus, as noted above, 4-wire Rf 11 connectors typically utilise only pins 2 and 3, while 6-wire R.~-11 connectors typically utilize only pins 3 and 4. In either case, there is at least one spare pair of pins that is simply unused in the prior art.
Accordingly, there is provided in accordance with a broad aspect of the . invention a method for using a connector of a telephone or~tlet, said outlet having at least one pair of terminals, which in use are coupled to telephone wvltin.g comprising at least two conductors, said terminals being coupled to at least two first contacts, and said connector having at least two nornZally unused second contacts, the method being characterized by;
a. co'uplirrg the second contacts to the terminals so that in use the second contacts effect electrical Coupling to the telephone wiring, and b. coupling discriminsction circuitry ,within the outlet between the terminals and at least one pair of the first contacts and the second contacts so that, in use, the first and second contacts are distinctly coupled to the telephone wiring;
t'here'by allowing for foolproof connection of either data equipment or a telephone device to the connector each via a respective cdmple~tnentary connector having respective contacts far engaging the respective contacts ofthe connector.
In accordance with the invention, there is also provided a telephone outlet for supporting independent foolproof connection of telephony and data equipment over telephone wi~lng comprising at least two conductors, the telephone outlet comprising:
a pair of terminals far coupling the outlet to the telephone wiring, a first telephone ~connec~tor hawing at least iwo first contacts coupled to respective ones of said terminals for establishing an electrical connexion with respective connections of a telephone device, said first telephone connector having 8Z/~ I. ~D~' ~.. ... -", ,., ,.. , .,.
AMENDED SHEET
. V!!J d Lh'J-~ '"' ta"'~ G'J'~~1! GUIk~IbU/~U:+6c= fowl 02-09-2002 . ~ ~ 1 L0100040 _g_ at least tcvo normally unused second contacts electrically clr~nct from said first S
GbntaCts;
Cbar"dC'~e~d ~'ly:
discrimination circuitry within the outlet coupled be-t~ween the terminals and at least one pair of the first coa~ts~cts and the second contacts allowing for distinct coupling of the first and second contacts to the telephone wirinn thereby allowing for foolproof connection of eltbver data eqt~ip~at or a telephone device to the connector each via a respective complementary connector having respective contaaLs for eangaging the respective cod of the connector.
A telephone device having an integral low pass filter may be connected to the first contacts so as not to receive interfering data, which having a high frequency is blocked by the lavv pass filter. Alternatively, a low pass filter may be integrally connected to the first contacts within the outlet BRIEF bESC'RIPTIOfvI OF THIr .DRA'~iNGS
The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
BZI~L ~Q~'-.. 1,._. ,_ __ "_ AMENDED SHEET
Figure 1 shows the prior-art frequency spectrum of multiple services over the telephone wiring.
Figure 2 shows part of a prior-art telephone wiring system for a residence or other building.
Figure 3 shows a prior ant telephone line communication system for both telephony and data communications.
Figure 4 shows puior art modifications for telephone wiring connections required for isolating the telephony from data communications.
Figure 5 shows a prior art telephone outlet supporting both telephony and data communications.
Figure 6 shows prior art telephone wiring supporting both telephony and data conununications.
Figure 7 shows an outlet configuration and part of the modified telephone wiring according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 shows an add-on module configuration and part of the modified telephone wiring according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The principles and operation of a networl~ according to the present invention may be understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description. The drawings and descriptions are conceptual only.
In actual practice, a single component can implement one or more functions;
alternatively, each function can be implemented by a plurality of components and circuits. In the drawings and descriptions, identical reference numerals are used to indicate those components, which are common to different embodiments or configurations.
Figure 7 illustrates a system 70 employing an outlet 71 according to a first embodiment the present invention. Such an outlet has a standard telephone jacl~
23 (such as an RJ-11). The contacts in telephone jaclc 23 which are used for '~ L U d Lb'J' ~ -'u ta"'~ ~'~ ~ 'J' L GUUGI bUl ~U ~ + ~ vc fouy 02-09-2002 . ~ ~ . I L0100040 23 (such as an ~-11). The contacts in telephone jack 23 which are used for standard telephone connection are connected to telephone wiring Zla and 21b via the low pays filter 31a having an input 73 and an output 7~. As noted previously, for 4-pin RJ-11 connectors these contacts (constituting first contacts) are typically pins 2 and 3, while far 6 pin RJ-11 connectors these are typically pins 3 and 4, as illustrated in Figure 7. The first pair of contacts is connected inside the ' outlet 71 to the ot~tptLt 74 of the low pass filter 31a, while the input 73 of the low pass filter 31s is connected to a second pair of normally unused contacts in the telephone jack 23 {constituting second contacts). As noted previously, for 4-pin Rf-11 connectors, these could be pins 1 and 4, while for 6-pin Rl-11 connectors these could ~be pins 1 and 6, as illustrated in Figure 7. The input 73 of the law pass filter 31a is also connected to screw terminals 7S and 76, which allow for direct non-filtered connection of the outlet 71 to the telephone rx~iring.Zla and Zlb. Thus, a plug 24 far telephone set Z6a can be plugged directly into the outlet 71 via the first pair oar contacts, without arty need to modify the telephone set or to trse any , additional module. Moreover, the telephone wiring can be accessed for data communications by connecting DTL (got shown) to the telephone wiring via modem 33 and high pass filter 32, connected to the second pair of contacts in the outlet 71 via the appropriate pins of ~ telephone plug 53 (illustrated in Figure 7 for a 6 pin RJ-11 utilising pins 1' and 6~.
An outlet according to the present invention is physicfilly similar in site, shape, and appearance to a standard telephone outlet having a syng~e eonnectio~n, and can be substituted for a standard telephone outlet in the building wall.
This takes up much less room and is less expensive than the modified outlet 51 having a double connection as shown in Fig. 5 and allows for faster, and therefore less expensive, installation. No changes are required in the overall telephone wiring layout or aon~guration.
B~ISL ~~AMENDED SHEET I' ~ L U D L~~ ~ ''~'' tw~~ b'J ~ '~ l GUUGf IOUf trU ~ + ; "t t u'°.~
02-09-2002 ~ ~ . I L0100040 In a second embodiment of the present invention, an external add-on module may be inserted befiween a standard telephone set and a standard telephone outlet. :Ei~ure 8 illustrates a module 81 connected to a system 80.
Such a module 81 has a standard 'telephone plug Z4 and a standard telephone jack Z3, such that plug 24 is able to plug into outlet jack ?3. A telaphont set or a data device can be plugged into jack Z3 ofmodule 81. The principles of operation are the same for module 8I as for outlet ~l, as previously detailed.
Thus, the module Sl includes a first connector Z3 having a first pair of contacts 3' and 4' (constituting first co~a,cts) operative to establishing au electrical connection with complementary connectors of a telephone device and having a second pair of contacts 1' and 6' (constituting second contacts) electrically distinct from said first pair of contacts. A low pass filter 31a has an input 73 directly connected to the second pair of contacts 1', 6' and axr output 74 connected to the first pair of contacts 3, 4, and a second connector 24 operative to 1~ connecting the telephone wiring. 21a, Zlb to the input 73 of the low pass filter 31a.
The present invention has been described in terms of media having a single pair of wires, but is also applicable to more conductors. For example, ISDN employs two pairs for communication. In a similar manner, a low pass filter can be used for each such pair, and the connector changed to an TSDN
connector (RJ-45).
'Virhile the invention lias been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments; it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made.
;Eor example, the low pass Biter has been shown connected vsrithin the outlet to accam~nodate those situations (currently the nanny where a telephone device does not itself have an integral low pass filter. In like manner, the high pass filter may be connected within the outlet, thus obviatir~ the need for this to 8Z/9L ~Q~'~., ~,.."~ ~" .",,."
AMENDED SHEET
LLU d Lh'J-~ ''u famW '.r'~~'J' l ~UUGIbUItrU~+!o,- j.ou.y 02-09-2002 ' ~ ~ ~ I L0100040 1?
be connected. externally. .As is known, the high pass .~Flter is normally integral with the modem and, in such case, the combined modem and high pass filter may be connected in the outlet.
The invention has been described with particular regard to connection of either a telephone device ar data equipment to ~n outlet having only one RT-1l type connector. bTowever, it will readily be appreciated that both a telephone device and data equipment~~nay be carlnected to the outlet simultaneously via a complementary connector having respective pairs of pins connected to the telephone device and data equiprr~cnt via corresponding cables.
Likev~rise, it is to be noted that whilst complementary connectors in the form of 12J-11 plugs having multiple pins are known, and include at least one pair of spare contacts, it has not been hitherto proposed to utilize the spare of contacts for connecting the plug independently to data equipment. fhe invention thus encompasses within its scope such a connector.
- Finally, whilst the in~rention has been described with particular reference to the use of RJ-11 type connectors, this has been done only hecat~e such connectors are prevalent and have hecorne the industry standard. However, it is to be noted that use of I~.T-1I connectors is not an essential feature of the invention, which will find application with other kinds of connector.
BZIZL ~On'nN cc:m. an. ~nl~n AMENDED SHEET
Moreover, such an external module is not aesthetic and is relatively expensive, requiring two RJ-11 connectors (plug and jacl~) and an individual housing in addition to the filter circuitry.
Figure 5 illustrates a prior art outlet 51 that is adapted for isolating telephony from data communications. Outlet 51 has two RJ-11 telephone jacl~s 52 and 23. Connector 52 connects directly to the telephone wiring, and hence allows for connection to modem 33 and DTE 34 using high pass filter 32 (Figure 3). Connector 23 connects to the telephone wiring via low pass filter 31a, which is housed within outlet 51. Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a prior art telephone wiring system 60 employing the outlet 51. Telephone 26a can directly connect to outlet 51 via a plug 24, eliminating the need for any additional hardware or devices. Similarly, modem 33 can directly connect to jacl~ 52 via a high pass filter 32 and a plug 34. This solution does not require any additional modules, but has limitations. Since both connectors 52 and 23 are standard telephone jacl~s with no visible distinction, the user can easily confuse them and connect telephone 26a to jacl~ 52 or comzect modem 33 to jacl~ 23. In either case, the performance of equipment connected to the telephone wiring will be unsatisfactory.
. U ~ U d LG~ ~. '"" t~""~ l '~ ~'-J L GUUG/ bUl GU ~ + ~ o,~ ~.~.u~
02-09-2002 . ~ ' I L0100040 - ~a-~U.S. Patent No. 5,353,334 (O' Svllivan) entitled ".Interface, for con~tecting computers to rudzo tele~l~one netyvorks" describes a sys~tena for connecting a computer'to 'both cellular and landline systems. As shown in Fig. 1 of this patent, the normally unused pins in a standard R.T-11 telephone connnector are used to connect a data signal to a. digital control unit simultaneous with the connection of the analog telephone signal to a cellular transceiver. !n effect, the coanector.136 is a composite adapter allowing simultaneous connection of both digital data signals and analog telephone to respective destinations .(i.e. the comrol unit and the cellular transceiver).
Fig. 2b shows an altexnative use of the system for connecting a modem to a landline telephone outlet. In this -case, the analog outprtt of a modem 102 is connected vii a twisted pair cable 130 to a telephone outlet 13 S. It is to be rioted that in this ~configtrration, as explained at col_ 6, line 67 to col. 7, line 2 the modem, is connected via an ord'~ety modrilar telephone cable containing analog lines 132 to a landline Rr-11 jack 138. There is no suggestion to modify the landline jack 138 so as to allow Connection of an analog telephone or of digital data edrxipment in such a manner that only the oorrect signal is conveyed regardless of which type of equipment (analog or digital) is connected to the jack 13 8. Indeed, as noted above, the j~.ck ! 3 $ is configured only to serve as a source of analog data. for connection to an analog data port.
On the other hand, the cable connected to the modem is indeed provided with a modified jack, as shown in p'ig. 2c wherein two pins axe connected to an analog source and two, normally nausea pins, are connected to a digital savrce.
Ibis allows the respective analog anal digital outputs of the modem to be simuita 2~ nedusl~r connected to the signal processing cable 100. shown in Fig. 1, which is actually a composite cable having separate cores for the separate conveyance of analog and data signals.
Moreover, the celhxlar bus 112 shown in Fig. 1 of T.J.S. Patent ATo.
5,353,334 is not analogous to the telephone wiring with which 'the invention is ~Or.~LII 1/~A1 1A ~1 I.IJ1 AMENDED SHEET
l!U d ~b',j~ .,u fowd l'~:'~l f~UU~IbU~trU:+~c~: fauy 02-09-2002 . ~ ~ ~ I L0100040 _$b_ concerned since the cellular fus 112 conveys different signals (i.e. analog and digital) both of which reach both devices (i.e. the transceiver 110 and the control unit 10$). Thus, the end-devices constituted by the transceiver 110 and the control unit 108 must contain integral discrimination circuitry to separate the respective signals. Of course, once such integral discrimination circuitry is provided in each analog or digital end~u~nit, there is then no risk of mis-connection since both devices do in fact receive both signals and Simply filter out the signal. that is not required.
There is no suggestion in 'CT.S. Patent hTo. 5,353,334 to provide a modified pin connection in a telephone outlet so as to allow either an analog telephone or a digital device to be separately but reliably comiected to the same outlet without requiring the analog telephone to contain an integral filter.
'fhete is thus a widely-recognised need for, and it would be highly advantageous to have, easy to-use apparatus for connecting ordinary telephone acts and data communication equipment to telephone wiring, so that telephony and data communications can operate simultaneously on the telephone wiring without interfering with each other, and in such a way that requires neither modification to the telephone sets, nor external modules or devices to be used therewith. leis goal is met by the present invention.
SUMIViAR'Y OF ~IiE IrTVFi~TTiON
The present invention provides apparatus for .'upgrading an existing telephone line wiring system within a residence or other building, to support both analog telephony service and local data communications in such a manner that a love-frequency band is allacat~d to regular telephone service (analog telephony), while a high-frequency band is allocscted to the data communications. Regular telephone outlets are replaced with o'atlets according to the present irraentian, so that a standard telephone device connected to the outlet will be isolated from, and not interfere with, data com.m~tnica6ons over the telephone wiring.
8Z1LL ~OAMENDED SHEET"
GtU d L~~J~ -"'~' t~"d d'~~~l GUUL/hU/GU:+~o~ ~am~
02-09-2002 ~ ' ' f L0100040 An outlet according to the present invention contains ~a telephone connector (such as an R1-11 connector) and a low pass filter for isolating telephony signals from data signals. The output of the low pass flter goes to the pair of contacts in the connector which make connection with the pins of a telephone device plugged into the connector (for a 4-wire R,r-11 Connector, these are typically pins 2 and 3, while fac a b-wire Rx-11 connector these are typically pins 3 and 4). The input to the low pass filter is connected to a pair of contacts is the connector Which is not normally used for a single-line telephone device (for a 4-wire RJ-11 coxmector, these are typically pins 1 and 4, while for a 6=wire fi:f-11 connector these mre typically pins 1 and 6). When the outlet is installed, the input to the IOW-pBSS filter is cbnneoted to the telephone wiring rr~a a suitable atiacbment means, -such as scre~cr coniacts or other system. ~lVith this con~zection in effect, the telephone wiring will be directly connected to the normally-unused Contacts of the outlet's telephone connector, and the telephone wiring will be connected through fhe low-pass filter to the connector's contacts which provide standard telephony connection. This arrangement automatically isolates a plugged-in telephone device from any data communication taking place aver the telephone wiring. At the same time, however, a data communication device can access the telephone wiring directly by connecfing to the outlet via the contacts ZO in the connector which are not used far telephony, thereby bypassing the low-pass filter. Such a data device will normally have a modem with a built-in higb-pass filter, as previously noted. 1n this fashion, an outlet according to the present invention can serve both telephony and data comnittnicatians.
Data Terminal Equipment as well as telephone devices can be readily ~5 connected to the outlets, thereby allowing a data communications network as well as a telephone system to be easily canf gored, such that both the data comm't7nications network and the telephone system can operate simultaneously without interference betv~reen one another.
B~/;'L. ~0 AMENDED SHEET ~ .
CA 02434892 2003-07-15 J~p~
V ~ a d j.~r~ ~ ~ a tUun , ZJ~ ~ ~ ~ ~LJ/ bU~ ~JU ~ + ~ OL i.a111~
02-09-2002 . ~ ~ f L0100040 It i$ to be noted that historically telephone connectors of the RJ-1 T type have bee~a provided with more contacts than are required in use. 'thus, as noted above, 4-wire Rf 11 connectors typically utilise only pins 2 and 3, while 6-wire R.~-11 connectors typically utilize only pins 3 and 4. In either case, there is at least one spare pair of pins that is simply unused in the prior art.
Accordingly, there is provided in accordance with a broad aspect of the . invention a method for using a connector of a telephone or~tlet, said outlet having at least one pair of terminals, which in use are coupled to telephone wvltin.g comprising at least two conductors, said terminals being coupled to at least two first contacts, and said connector having at least two nornZally unused second contacts, the method being characterized by;
a. co'uplirrg the second contacts to the terminals so that in use the second contacts effect electrical Coupling to the telephone wiring, and b. coupling discriminsction circuitry ,within the outlet between the terminals and at least one pair of the first contacts and the second contacts so that, in use, the first and second contacts are distinctly coupled to the telephone wiring;
t'here'by allowing for foolproof connection of either data equipment or a telephone device to the connector each via a respective cdmple~tnentary connector having respective contacts far engaging the respective contacts ofthe connector.
In accordance with the invention, there is also provided a telephone outlet for supporting independent foolproof connection of telephony and data equipment over telephone wi~lng comprising at least two conductors, the telephone outlet comprising:
a pair of terminals far coupling the outlet to the telephone wiring, a first telephone ~connec~tor hawing at least iwo first contacts coupled to respective ones of said terminals for establishing an electrical connexion with respective connections of a telephone device, said first telephone connector having 8Z/~ I. ~D~' ~.. ... -", ,., ,.. , .,.
AMENDED SHEET
. V!!J d Lh'J-~ '"' ta"'~ G'J'~~1! GUIk~IbU/~U:+6c= fowl 02-09-2002 . ~ ~ 1 L0100040 _g_ at least tcvo normally unused second contacts electrically clr~nct from said first S
GbntaCts;
Cbar"dC'~e~d ~'ly:
discrimination circuitry within the outlet coupled be-t~ween the terminals and at least one pair of the first coa~ts~cts and the second contacts allowing for distinct coupling of the first and second contacts to the telephone wirinn thereby allowing for foolproof connection of eltbver data eqt~ip~at or a telephone device to the connector each via a respective complementary connector having respective contaaLs for eangaging the respective cod of the connector.
A telephone device having an integral low pass filter may be connected to the first contacts so as not to receive interfering data, which having a high frequency is blocked by the lavv pass filter. Alternatively, a low pass filter may be integrally connected to the first contacts within the outlet BRIEF bESC'RIPTIOfvI OF THIr .DRA'~iNGS
The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
BZI~L ~Q~'-.. 1,._. ,_ __ "_ AMENDED SHEET
Figure 1 shows the prior-art frequency spectrum of multiple services over the telephone wiring.
Figure 2 shows part of a prior-art telephone wiring system for a residence or other building.
Figure 3 shows a prior ant telephone line communication system for both telephony and data communications.
Figure 4 shows puior art modifications for telephone wiring connections required for isolating the telephony from data communications.
Figure 5 shows a prior art telephone outlet supporting both telephony and data communications.
Figure 6 shows prior art telephone wiring supporting both telephony and data conununications.
Figure 7 shows an outlet configuration and part of the modified telephone wiring according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 shows an add-on module configuration and part of the modified telephone wiring according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The principles and operation of a networl~ according to the present invention may be understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description. The drawings and descriptions are conceptual only.
In actual practice, a single component can implement one or more functions;
alternatively, each function can be implemented by a plurality of components and circuits. In the drawings and descriptions, identical reference numerals are used to indicate those components, which are common to different embodiments or configurations.
Figure 7 illustrates a system 70 employing an outlet 71 according to a first embodiment the present invention. Such an outlet has a standard telephone jacl~
23 (such as an RJ-11). The contacts in telephone jaclc 23 which are used for '~ L U d Lb'J' ~ -'u ta"'~ ~'~ ~ 'J' L GUUGI bUl ~U ~ + ~ vc fouy 02-09-2002 . ~ ~ . I L0100040 23 (such as an ~-11). The contacts in telephone jack 23 which are used for standard telephone connection are connected to telephone wiring Zla and 21b via the low pays filter 31a having an input 73 and an output 7~. As noted previously, for 4-pin RJ-11 connectors these contacts (constituting first contacts) are typically pins 2 and 3, while far 6 pin RJ-11 connectors these are typically pins 3 and 4, as illustrated in Figure 7. The first pair of contacts is connected inside the ' outlet 71 to the ot~tptLt 74 of the low pass filter 31a, while the input 73 of the low pass filter 31s is connected to a second pair of normally unused contacts in the telephone jack 23 {constituting second contacts). As noted previously, for 4-pin Rf-11 connectors, these could be pins 1 and 4, while for 6-pin Rl-11 connectors these could ~be pins 1 and 6, as illustrated in Figure 7. The input 73 of the law pass filter 31a is also connected to screw terminals 7S and 76, which allow for direct non-filtered connection of the outlet 71 to the telephone rx~iring.Zla and Zlb. Thus, a plug 24 far telephone set Z6a can be plugged directly into the outlet 71 via the first pair oar contacts, without arty need to modify the telephone set or to trse any , additional module. Moreover, the telephone wiring can be accessed for data communications by connecting DTL (got shown) to the telephone wiring via modem 33 and high pass filter 32, connected to the second pair of contacts in the outlet 71 via the appropriate pins of ~ telephone plug 53 (illustrated in Figure 7 for a 6 pin RJ-11 utilising pins 1' and 6~.
An outlet according to the present invention is physicfilly similar in site, shape, and appearance to a standard telephone outlet having a syng~e eonnectio~n, and can be substituted for a standard telephone outlet in the building wall.
This takes up much less room and is less expensive than the modified outlet 51 having a double connection as shown in Fig. 5 and allows for faster, and therefore less expensive, installation. No changes are required in the overall telephone wiring layout or aon~guration.
B~ISL ~~AMENDED SHEET I' ~ L U D L~~ ~ ''~'' tw~~ b'J ~ '~ l GUUGf IOUf trU ~ + ; "t t u'°.~
02-09-2002 ~ ~ . I L0100040 In a second embodiment of the present invention, an external add-on module may be inserted befiween a standard telephone set and a standard telephone outlet. :Ei~ure 8 illustrates a module 81 connected to a system 80.
Such a module 81 has a standard 'telephone plug Z4 and a standard telephone jack Z3, such that plug 24 is able to plug into outlet jack ?3. A telaphont set or a data device can be plugged into jack Z3 ofmodule 81. The principles of operation are the same for module 8I as for outlet ~l, as previously detailed.
Thus, the module Sl includes a first connector Z3 having a first pair of contacts 3' and 4' (constituting first co~a,cts) operative to establishing au electrical connection with complementary connectors of a telephone device and having a second pair of contacts 1' and 6' (constituting second contacts) electrically distinct from said first pair of contacts. A low pass filter 31a has an input 73 directly connected to the second pair of contacts 1', 6' and axr output 74 connected to the first pair of contacts 3, 4, and a second connector 24 operative to 1~ connecting the telephone wiring. 21a, Zlb to the input 73 of the low pass filter 31a.
The present invention has been described in terms of media having a single pair of wires, but is also applicable to more conductors. For example, ISDN employs two pairs for communication. In a similar manner, a low pass filter can be used for each such pair, and the connector changed to an TSDN
connector (RJ-45).
'Virhile the invention lias been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments; it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made.
;Eor example, the low pass Biter has been shown connected vsrithin the outlet to accam~nodate those situations (currently the nanny where a telephone device does not itself have an integral low pass filter. In like manner, the high pass filter may be connected within the outlet, thus obviatir~ the need for this to 8Z/9L ~Q~'~., ~,.."~ ~" .",,."
AMENDED SHEET
LLU d Lh'J-~ ''u famW '.r'~~'J' l ~UUGIbUItrU~+!o,- j.ou.y 02-09-2002 ' ~ ~ ~ I L0100040 1?
be connected. externally. .As is known, the high pass .~Flter is normally integral with the modem and, in such case, the combined modem and high pass filter may be connected in the outlet.
The invention has been described with particular regard to connection of either a telephone device ar data equipment to ~n outlet having only one RT-1l type connector. bTowever, it will readily be appreciated that both a telephone device and data equipment~~nay be carlnected to the outlet simultaneously via a complementary connector having respective pairs of pins connected to the telephone device and data equiprr~cnt via corresponding cables.
Likev~rise, it is to be noted that whilst complementary connectors in the form of 12J-11 plugs having multiple pins are known, and include at least one pair of spare contacts, it has not been hitherto proposed to utilize the spare of contacts for connecting the plug independently to data equipment. fhe invention thus encompasses within its scope such a connector.
- Finally, whilst the in~rention has been described with particular reference to the use of RJ-11 type connectors, this has been done only hecat~e such connectors are prevalent and have hecorne the industry standard. However, it is to be noted that use of I~.T-1I connectors is not an essential feature of the invention, which will find application with other kinds of connector.
BZIZL ~On'nN cc:m. an. ~nl~n AMENDED SHEET
Claims (18)
1. A method for using a standard telephone outlet containing a connector having at least two first contacts intended for connecting a telephone device thereto and having at least two normally unused second contacts so as to allow said outlet to support both telephony and data communication over telephone wiring comprising at least two conductors, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) using the second contacts to effect electrical connection to the telephone wiring, (b) allowing data equipment to be connected to the outlet via a complementary connector having contacts for engaging the second contacts of the connector, and (c) providing discrimination circuitry within the outlet for allowing distinct connection of the first and second contacts to the telephone wiring.
(a) using the second contacts to effect electrical connection to the telephone wiring, (b) allowing data equipment to be connected to the outlet via a complementary connector having contacts for engaging the second contacts of the connector, and (c) providing discrimination circuitry within the outlet for allowing distinct connection of the first and second contacts to the telephone wiring.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein step (c) includes:
i) connecting a low pass filter between the first contacts and the telephone wiring.
i) connecting a low pass filter between the first contacts and the telephone wiring.
3. The method according to claim 1, further including:
(d) connecting a first conductor pair to the first contacts for connecting to the telephone device, and (e) connecting a second conductor pair to the second contacts for connecting to the data equipment;
thereby allowing both the telephone device and the data equipment to be connected to the telephone outlet simultaneously.
(d) connecting a first conductor pair to the first contacts for connecting to the telephone device, and (e) connecting a second conductor pair to the second contacts for connecting to the data equipment;
thereby allowing both the telephone device and the data equipment to be connected to the telephone outlet simultaneously.
4. The method according to claim 2, further including:
(f) connecting a first conductor pair to the first contacts for connecting to the telephone device, and (g) connecting a second conductor pair to the second contacts for connecting to the data equipment;
thereby allowing both the telephone device and the data equipment to be connected to the telephone outlet simultaneously.
(f) connecting a first conductor pair to the first contacts for connecting to the telephone device, and (g) connecting a second conductor pair to the second contacts for connecting to the data equipment;
thereby allowing both the telephone device and the data equipment to be connected to the telephone outlet simultaneously.
5. A telephone outlet for supporting both telephony and data communication over telephone wiring comprising at least two conductors, the telephone outlet comprising:
a telephone connector operative to connecting a telephone device having at least two connections, said telephone connector having at least two first contacts operative to establishing an electrical connection with said connections and at least two normally unused second contacts electrically distinct from said first contacts, terminals coupled to the first contacts and to the second contacts for connecting the telephone wiring thereto, and discrimination circuitry allowing for distinct connection of the first and second contacts to the telephone wiring.
a telephone connector operative to connecting a telephone device having at least two connections, said telephone connector having at least two first contacts operative to establishing an electrical connection with said connections and at least two normally unused second contacts electrically distinct from said first contacts, terminals coupled to the first contacts and to the second contacts for connecting the telephone wiring thereto, and discrimination circuitry allowing for distinct connection of the first and second contacts to the telephone wiring.
6. The outlet according to claim 5, wherein the discrimination circuitry includes:
a low-pass filter having an input and an output, said output being connected to said first contacts, and said input being directly connected to said second contacts.
a low-pass filter having an input and an output, said output being connected to said first contacts, and said input being directly connected to said second contacts.
7. The outlet according to claim 6, wherein said low-pass filter is operative to isolate telephony service.
8. The outlet according to claim 5, wherein said connector is compatible with the RJ-11 standard.
9. The outlet according to claim 6, wherein said connector is compatible with the RJ-11 standard.
10. The outlet according to claim 7, wherein said connector is compatible with the RJ-11 standard.
11. A connector for connecting data equipment to the outlet of claim 5, said connector being complementary to the connector in said outlet and having a pair of connectors for connecting to the second contacts of the connector.
12. The connector according to claim 11 being compatible with the RJ-11 standard.
13. A module for supporting both telephony and data communication over telephone wiring, the module comprising:
a first connector having at least two first contacts operative to establishing an electrical connection with complementary connectors of a telephone device and having at least two second contacts electrically distinct from said first contacts;
a low-pass filter having an input and an output, said output being connected to said first contacts, and said input being directly connected to said second contacts; and a second connector operative to connecting the telephone wiring to the input of the low-pass filter.
a first connector having at least two first contacts operative to establishing an electrical connection with complementary connectors of a telephone device and having at least two second contacts electrically distinct from said first contacts;
a low-pass filter having an input and an output, said output being connected to said first contacts, and said input being directly connected to said second contacts; and a second connector operative to connecting the telephone wiring to the input of the low-pass filter.
14. The module according to claim 13, wherein said low-pass filter is operative to isolate telephony service.
15. The module according to claim 13, wherein said first connector is compatible with the RJ-11 standard.
16. The module according to claim 14, wherein said first connector is compatible with the RJ-11 standard.
17. The module according to claim 13, wherein said second connector is compatible with the RJ-11 standard.
18. The module according to claim 13, wherein said second connector is compatible with the RJ-11 standard.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IL2001/000040 WO2002056575A1 (en) | 2001-01-16 | 2001-01-16 | Method and telephone outlet for allowing telephone and data equipment to be connected to a telephone line via a common connector |
| US09/764,342 US6560319B1 (en) | 2001-01-16 | 2001-01-19 | Method and telephone outlet for allowing telephone and data equipment to be connected to a telephone line via a common connector |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2434892A1 CA2434892A1 (en) | 2002-07-18 |
| CA2434892C true CA2434892C (en) | 2009-03-31 |
Family
ID=27614901
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002434892A Expired - Fee Related CA2434892C (en) | 2001-01-16 | 2001-01-16 | Method and telephone outlet for allowing telephone and data equipment to be connected to a telephone line via a common connector |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6560319B1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP1352511B1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE311718T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2434892C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE60115497T2 (en) |
| IL (1) | IL156772A0 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2002056575A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (38)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6480510B1 (en) | 1998-07-28 | 2002-11-12 | Serconet Ltd. | Local area network of serial intelligent cells |
| US6690677B1 (en) | 1999-07-20 | 2004-02-10 | Serconet Ltd. | Network for telephony and data communication |
| US6549616B1 (en) | 2000-03-20 | 2003-04-15 | Serconet Ltd. | Telephone outlet for implementing a local area network over telephone lines and a local area network using such outlets |
| IL135744A (en) | 2000-04-18 | 2008-08-07 | Mosaid Technologies Inc | Telephone communication system over a single telephone line |
| US6842459B1 (en) | 2000-04-19 | 2005-01-11 | Serconet Ltd. | Network combining wired and non-wired segments |
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-
2001
- 2001-01-16 WO PCT/IL2001/000040 patent/WO2002056575A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2001-01-16 CA CA002434892A patent/CA2434892C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-01-16 AT AT01900615T patent/ATE311718T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2001-01-16 IL IL15677201A patent/IL156772A0/en unknown
- 2001-01-16 EP EP01900615A patent/EP1352511B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-01-16 DE DE60115497T patent/DE60115497T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-01-19 US US09/764,342 patent/US6560319B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP1352511A1 (en) | 2003-10-15 |
| WO2002056575A1 (en) | 2002-07-18 |
| DE60115497T2 (en) | 2006-08-10 |
| US6560319B1 (en) | 2003-05-06 |
| CA2434892A1 (en) | 2002-07-18 |
| EP1352511B1 (en) | 2005-11-30 |
| DE60115497D1 (en) | 2006-01-05 |
| ATE311718T1 (en) | 2005-12-15 |
| IL156772A0 (en) | 2004-02-08 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20170116 |