Remote Digital Terminal Management via GR-303 Voice Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote access equipment in telecommunications networks, such as Remote Digital Terminals (RDTs), lack standard interfaces for maintenance when deployed remotely, requiring additional hardware or on-site visits due to limited connectivity options, and become inaccessible if legacy Integrated Digital Terminal (IDT) systems are replaced.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a TCP/IP network using a VoIP channel from a management workstation to an RDT via a TDM circuit, employing a standard RTP stream and SIP calls, with data transmission using PPP/HDLC protocols, allowing remote access through Telnet or FTP without modifying next-generation equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a proprietary management interface is provided on the RDT for vendor specific maintenance functions, then maintenance capability is improved, but the interface becomes unavailable when the legacy IDT is replaced with next generation equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal management interface that works across different IDT generations by implementing a TCP/IP network connection through the GR-303 interface. This allows the proprietary management interface to remain accessible even when legacy IDT equipment is replaced with next-generation equipment, as the interface is decoupled from the specific IDT implementation and can be reached through the standardized GR-303 connection.
2Ease of operation
If serial port or Ethernet port is used for local management interface, then ease of operation is improved, but the interface becomes inaccessible when RDT is deployed remotely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the GR-303 voice circuit as an intermediary to establish a TCP/IP network connection for remote management. Instead of relying on direct serial or Ethernet connections that require physical proximity, the system routes management traffic through the standardized GR-303 interface, which can carry data over existing voice circuits. This intermediary approach enables remote access without requiring additional hardware at the RDT location.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional hardware is installed to provide full remote operation, then remote accessibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the existing GR-303 interface to serve dual purposes: traditional voice communication and data transmission for remote management. By implementing a TCP/IP network connection over the voice circuit, the system eliminates the need for separate management hardware while maintaining full remote operational capability. The existing infrastructure is leveraged to provide both voice and data functions.
Data Source
AI summary
Telecommunications equipment may require network connectivity. On newer systems, an additional local management interface is provided for proprietary maintenance functions, typically via a shell-based Command Line Interface. This is not available on remote sites with only TDM connections. The invention provides a method of communicating between a management console and remote access equipment via a class 4 telecommunications switch, which comprises establishing an IP connection, establishing a synchronous telecommunications transport connection between the class 5 switch and the remote access equipment, setting up a voice call between the management console and the remote access equipment, passing the voice call over the IP connection as a VOIP call, passing the voice call over the synchronous telecommunications transport connection as a PCM encoded call, and encapsulating an IP data stream in the VOIP and PCM encoded call to establish an end-to-end IP.