Network interface unit control system and method therefor

#The present invention relates generally to interfacing and controlling the interface of different communication systems and, more particularly, to network interface circuits and approaches for interfacing external service-provider networks, and a target facility, such as a residence.

#The electronics industry continues to rely upon advances in technology to realize higher-functioning devices at cost-effective prices. For many communication applications, realizing higher-functioning devices in a cost-effective manner requires creative use of communications channels. There have been many technologies developed recently that have permitted such cost-effective communication. Examples include Internet applications enabling a user access to a seemingly unlimited number of web sites and other users, cable TV systems enabling a user to view any of a hundred or more channels, and video-image processing techniques that enable video data to be communicated simultaneously with voice data over a plain old telephone service (POTS) line. As the popularity of these technologies increases, so does the need to merge and coordinate these technologies in a manner that is convenient and cost-effective for the user.

#The above-mentioned need is being increasingly addressed through the introduction of network systems providers. Network systems providers sell communication services for individuals, companies and the like to communicate with a plurality of communication systems. This is typically accomplished using Network Interface Units (NIU) to provide an interface between a network system, such as a broadband digital cable network, and a customer's premises. These devices are often in a location that is inaccessible to the user of the network. For example, for digital cable telephony systems, an NIU is often placed at a building which is passed by a cable network. This enables the premises to be supplied with cable service and multiple telephony lines of voice, video or data services. As another example, NIUs are used in Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) systems to provide access to multiple voice, video and data connections provided through a DSL line.

#The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

#FIG. 1 is a communications arrangement in a user facility, according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 shows a communication system having several example system components, according to particular embodiments of the present invention; and

#While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

#The present invention is believed to be applicable to a variety of different types of data communications systems, and the invention has been found to be particularly suited for enabling and controlling communications between one or more communications networks and a facility, and between appliances located in the facility. While the present invention is not necessarily limited to such applications, various aspects of the invention may be appreciated through a discussion of various examples using this context.

#According to one example embodiment of the present invention, a system and method are used for controlling an NIU and enabling configuration of an NIU-based system for a user facility. In one implementation, the customer/user inputs NIU configuration information via an unsophisticated user-friendly device such as a telephone keypad, a computer accessing an Internet web page, or a dedicated input such as an infrared remote control. Such customer/user configuration may include, for example, selecting an option from a command menu either displayed visually or played audibly. The audible menu may be played using, for example, a voice generating device or a prerecorded message. In another implementation, an external-services provider, such as a cable television, Internet, or telephone services provider, inputs NIU configuration information via communications lines coupling the external-services provider with the NIU. In still another implementation, a combination of customer/user and external-service provider inputs is used to configure the NIU.