Multipath communication devices and methods

What is this patent about?

'649 is related to the field of telecommunications, specifically addressing the problem of limited bandwidth and high infrastructure costs faced by Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs) trying to compete with Local Exchange Carriers (LECs) in providing voice and data services to residential customers. The patent aims to enhance existing Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) lines by enabling new calling features and high-speed data services without requiring costly infrastructure upgrades at the central office or elsewhere in the network.

The underlying idea behind '649 is to create a Residential Communications Gateway (RCG) that combines the functionalities of IP routers, Class 5 circuit switches, and wireless LANs into a single device. This gateway leverages packetized data with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and RF communications technologies to transmit voice, data, and video over existing POTS lines, effectively creating multiple virtual lines and broadband access without the need for DSL or cable infrastructure.

The claims of '649 focus on methods and devices for establishing and using a multipath connection to increase bandwidth. This involves a data-requesting device communicating with multiple network-edge devices (like other RCGs) to receive different data streams or packets concurrently over separate connections. The claims also cover the data-source device's role in managing these multipath connections by associating connection IDs and notifying participating network-edge devices.

In practice, the RCG connects to the existing POTS line and up to three standard telephones. It also includes Ethernet, USB, and wireless interfaces for connecting to computers and local area networks. The RCG can then establish a modem connection to the service provider's network and use the wireless interface to coordinate with other RCGs to create a multilink PPP bundle, effectively aggregating the bandwidth of multiple POTS lines for faster data transfer. This allows for broadband-like speeds over existing infrastructure.

The differentiation from prior approaches lies in the RCG's ability to provide enhanced services over existing POTS lines without requiring any infrastructure changes at the central office. Unlike DSL or cable modems, which require significant investment in new equipment and infrastructure, the RCG can be deployed quickly and easily, offering CLECs a cost-effective way to compete with LECs. The dynamic bandwidth allocation between voice and data, along with the ability to leverage multiple POTS lines through the multilink PPP bundle, further enhances the user experience and provides a competitive advantage.