Method and apparatus for providing increased data speed using synchronization and bit robbing techniques

A communication system, comprising:

• a codec interface for encoding an analog signal to generate an encoded digital signal;
• a clock configured to receive a network clock signal from a central office switch and to generate a master clock signal, wherein the master clock signal is synchronized to the network clock signal;
• and
• a framer coupled to the codec interface for receiving the encoded digital signal, and coupled to the clock for receiving the synchronized master clock signal, wherein the framer further includes:
• a first register for storing the encoded digital signal;
• a second register for storing signaling information;
• a transmit buffer for temporarily storing a first portion of the encoded digital signal;
• an overhead buffer for temporarily storing either a second portion of the encoded digital signal or the signaling information;
• and
• a framer clock for synchronizing the first and second registers, the transmit buffer and the overhead buffer to the synchronized master clock signal;
• wherein when there is no signaling information change in the second register, the first portion of the encoded digital signal is multiplexed with the second portion of the encoded digital signal, and further, when there is signaling information change in the second register, the first portion of the encoded digital signal is multiplexed with the signaling information.