Voice frequency data enhancement method

A method for conveying information in a local access network that follows a protocol which uses in-band signaling, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) establishing communication between at least two users in accordance with the protocol;
• (b) suspending in-band signaling;
• (c) entering a clear channel mode;
• (d) remaining in the clear channel mode until it is determined that conditions exist which warrant returning to in-band signaling;
• and
• (e) ending the established communication when at least one of the users terminates communication, wherein:
• the local access network comprises an upstream node connected to a downstream node by a communication link having a data link;
• the in-band signaling comprises robbed-bit signaling (RBS);
• and
• during the clear channel mode, signaling information is transmitted over the communication link within the data link.

A method for conveying information in a DLC communication network that follows the TR-303 Hybrid Signaling protocol, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) establishing communication between at least two users using a DS1 frame format for the robbed-bit signaling scheme in accordance with the TR-303 Hybrid Signaling protocol;
• (b) suspending the use of robbed-bit signaling;
• (c) entering a clear channel mode;
• (d) resuming robbed-bit signaling when it has been determined that conditions exist that warrant returning to in-band signaling;
• and
• (e) ending the established communication as per the TR-303 Hybrid Signaling protocol when at least one of the users goes on hook.

A method for conveying information in a local access network that follows a protocol which uses in-band signaling, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) establishing communication between at least two users in accordance with the protocol;
• (b) suspending in-band signaling;
• (c) entering a clear channel mode;
• (d) remaining in the clear channel mode until it is determined that conditions exist which warrant returning to in-band signaling;
• and
• (e) ending the established communication when at least one of the users terminates communication, wherein:
• steps (a)-(e) are implemented at a single node in the local access network;
• and
• the single node comprises one of an LDS, an RT, and a DT.

A method for conveying information in a local access network that follows a protocol which uses in-band signaling, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) establishing communication between at least two users in accordance with the protocol;
• (b) suspending in-band signaling;
• (c) entering a clear channel mode;
• (d) remaining in the clear channel mode until it is determined that conditions exist which warrant returning to in-band signaling;
• and
• (e) ending the established communication when at least one of the users terminates communication, wherein:
• the local access network comprises:
• an upstream node connected to an intermediate node by a first communication link;
• and
• a downstream node connected to the intermediate node by a second communication link;
• and
• the in-band signaling over the second communication link comprises robbed-bit signaling.