Method and apparatus for reducing signal processing requirements for transmitting packet-based data

A method of controlling receiver processing in a communications receiver in response to an absence or presence of analog signal bursts containing packet data on a communications channel comprising:

• monitoring quality of the analog signal bursts on the communication channel;
• and
• reducing processing performed by the communications receiver if the communication channel quality exceeds a predetermined level, wherein reducing processing performed by the communications receiver includes reducing processing precision of one or more elements of the receiver.

A method of controlling receiver processing in a communications receiver in response to an absence or presence of analog signal bursts containing packet data on a communications channel comprising:

• monitoring the presence and absence of analog signal burst carrier energy within the communication channel to determine whether packet data is being received;
• and
• upon detecting no or minimum analog signal burst carrier energy is within the communication channel enabling reduced receiver processing, wherein enabling reduced receiver processing includes reducing processing precision of one or more elements of the receiver.

A method of controlling receiver processing in a communications receiver in response to an absence or presence of analog signal bursts containing packet data on a communications channel, comprising:

• monitoring the absence of the analog signal burst sub-carrier signals within the communication channel to determine whether packet data is being received;
• and
• upon detecting the absence of the analog signal burst sub-carrier signals on the communication channel reducing receiver processing by disabling predetermined receiver circuits.

A method of controlling receiver processing in a communications receiver in response to an absence or presence of analog signal bursts containing packet data on a communications channel, comprising:

• monitoring the communications channel to detect a presence or an absence of the analog signal bursts;
• and
• reducing the receiver processing in the absence of analog signal bursts by disabling an echo canceler.