초록 ▼

A method for enhancing the functionalities of a subscriber terminal unit (STU) or ADSL terminal unit (ATU) through the use of different types of application interface modules (AIMs). This is accomplished by incorporating a slot in the STU/ATU through which a detachable AIM can be inserted and electr

A method for enhancing the functionalities of a subscriber terminal unit (STU) or ADSL terminal unit (ATU) through the use of different types of application interface modules (AIMs). This is accomplished by incorporating a slot in the STU/ATU through which a detachable AIM can be inserted and electrically coupled to the STU/ATU. The STU/ATU has circuitry for determining which particular type of AIM has been inserted. Depending on the type of AIM that has been inserted in the STU/ATU (e.g., installation, telephony, diagnostics, network interface, television, etc.), management information specific to the particular AIM is sent by the STU/ATU upstream to the headend unit. In response, the headend unit provides applications service(s) to the STU/ATU, depending on the particular type of device inserted into the subscriber terminal unit.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A subscriber terminal unit for transmitting signals upstream to a headend unit and receiving signals downstream from a headend controller through a cable network, comprising:an application interface module coupled to the subscriber terminal unit comprising an installation

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A subscriber terminal unit for transmitting signals upstream to a headend unit and receiving signals downstream from a headend controller through a cable network, comprising:an application interface module coupled to the subscriber terminal unit comprising an installation module used in installing the subscriber terminal unit, wherein the application interface module is capable of being coupled to and decoupled from the connector while the subscriber terminal unit is in operation without disrupting normal operations;a connector coupled to the subscriber terminal unit for electrically coupling the application interface module to circuitry within the subscriber terminal unit;memory coupled to the connector for storing instructions or data;a processor coupled to the memory for processing data received by the subscriber terminal unit from the headend controller.