Systems and methods for multiple mode voice and data communications using intelligently bridged tdm and packet buses and methods for performing telephony and data functions using the same

A processing system providing voice and data communications over a wideband communication network, comprising:

• a computing system;
• a multi-protocol framing/deframing circuit coupled to the computing system over a first bus and receiving data over the first bus of two or more communication protocols, wherein the multi-protocol framing/deframing circuit comprises at least a first protocol framing/deframing circuit and a second protocol framing/deframing circuit and a switch coupled to receive data from, and transmit data to, the first bus, wherein the switch selectively couples data between the first bus and the first and second protocol framing/deframing circuits;
• a multiplexing circuit coupled to the multi-protocol framing/deframing circuit and receiving commands from the computing system, wherein the multiplexing circuit selectively transmits data to and receives data from the multi-protocol framing/deframing circuit and selectively transmits data to and receives data from a second bus in a time division multiplexed mode utilizing a plurality of frames, each of the frames comprising a plurality of slots, wherein the multiplexing circuit, under control of the computing system, selectively couples data to and from particular slots of the frames;
• a plurality of interface cards coupled to the second bus and receiving commands from the computing system, wherein the termination cards are coupled to the wideband communication network, wherein the termination cards selectively transmit data to and receive data from the second bus under control of the computing system;
• and
• a packet bus coupled to the computer, wherein data communications over the packet bus are coupled to the wideband communications network through the computer, multi-protocol framing/deframing circuit, multiplexing circuit, and the second bus, wherein voice communications simultaneously occur over the second bus.