COMMUNICATION METHODS AND APPARATUS

摘要

A communications apparatus consisting of network interface modules (1, 1a), subscriber interface modules (3) and radio transceiver module (4) interlinked by a cross connect switch (5). The network interface modules (1, 1a) linking the apparatus to a high data rate network; the subscriber interface modules (3) linking subscriber voice or data communications to the apparatus and the radio transceiver module (4) linking radio communications to the apparatus. At least a portion of the time slots for communications between the interface modules (1, 1a, 3 and 4) being allocated dynamically. Preferably connectors (25-29) are provided to allow a modular construction which may be configured for the requirements of a particular link of a telecommunications network. Also provided is a method of communicating between two subscribers (64, 65) connected to a common apparatus (63) wherein a unique identifier is sent from a first subscriber (64) through a central exchange (50) to a second subscriber (65). The unique identifier enabling the first communications apparatus (63) to detect that both subscribers (65) are linked to the same apparatus and form a direct connection therebetween whilst communicating with a second apparatus (62) to maintain the call status information.