System and method for improving communications between a digital loop carrier and a central office

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a system and method for upgrading a telecommunication system including a central office (CO), a digital loop carrier (DLC), and a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE). Broadly, the present invention is realized by the retrofit of a DLC to enable the DLC to communicate with a CO through high bandwidth wireless transmissions. The high bandwidth wireless transmissions accommodate much larger data throughput than previously accommodated through the copper “backhaul” of multiple T1 circuits. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a telecommunications system comprises a CO, a DLC, and a plurality of CPE. Each of the plurality of CPE are electrically connected to the DLC. A radio frequency (RF) interface circuit is disposed at the DLC, along with one or more DSL line cards. A first wireless transceiver disposed at the DLC, and is electrically connected to the radio frequency interface circuit. A second wireless transceiver is electrically coupled to the CO. In accordance with the invention, information is exchanged between the CO and the DLC via wireless communications between the first wireless transceiver and the second wireless transceiver.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.