AU2002300877B1 - Filter Housing - Google Patents

Description

-1- FILTER HOUSING Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to telephone line share filtering and, in particular, to an apparatus for minimising coupling effects when multiple filter devices are connected on the same communication line.

Background In recent times, in the art of telephony, two-wire copper telephone connections have been utilised for communicating two or more simultaneous channels analog voice signals and digital data). In one example, a digital subscriber line (DSL) channel such as an Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), and a plain old telephone system (POTS) channel can be established over a single two-wire connection. The signals transmitted over such a simultaneous channel are typically separated in frequency. The frequency spectrum of the DSL channel, for example, is between approximately and 1.1MHz. In contrast, the frequency spectrum of the POTS channel is between approximately 0Hz and 3400Hz.

Such simultaneous channels typically utilise high pass filter(s) (HPF) and/or low pass filter(s) (LPF) to combine and separate a DSL signal and a POTS voice signal at both a central exchange end and a customer premises end of a communications line. At the customer premises end, a high pass filter is typically integrally configured within a DSL modem in order to block low frequency components on the communication line. The low pass filter is used to minimise high frequency transients produced by on-hook/offhook transitions so as to prevent corruption or slowing of the data transmission on the DSL channel. In addition, such a low pass filter is typically configured to provide a high impedance to the communications line in the ADSL frequency band in order to prevent ADSL power from being imparted on a modem or similar customer premises equipment (CPE). However, such modems seldomly include a low pass filter which is required to R:\libpp\583560\607700.doc -2filter high frequency DSL signals. Similarly, other conventional customer premises equipment (CPE) such as telephones, cordless phones, caller identifier display devices, facsimile machines, answering machines and analogue modems, seldomly include a low pass filter. Therefore, a separate low pass filter is typically required to be installed at each end of a communications line for filtering high frequency DSL signals when a DSL service is deployed on the same communication line as a POTS service.

Before proceeding with a discussion of several known filtering arrangements, which are configured for use in communications systems, a brief review of conventional low pass filter arrangements is included below.

A conventional low pass filter, as known in the relevant art, can be realised with frequency dependent components passive or active), or any combination thereof.

Figs. 1(A) to 3(B) show several conventional low pass filter configurations, where the resistive, capacitive and inductive elements of the filters have been generically labelled as and respectively (where is a numerical value).

Figs.l(A) to 1(C) show three conventional low pass filters 100, 101 and 103 and Figs. 1(D) to 1(F) show symmetrical filters 105, 107 and 109, respectively corresponding to the filters 100, 101, 103. The filters 100, 101 and 103 have impedance versus frequency responses, which are generally known in the relevant art. Fig. 2(A) shows a conventional TRAP filter 200 and Fig. 2(B) shows the impedance versus frequency response 201 of the TRAP filter 200. As seen in Fig. 2(B) the filter 200 exhibits very low impedance close to zero) at the resonant frequency, fr, of the filter 200. Similarly, Fig. 3(A) shows a TRAP filter 300 which includes a damping resistor R3 and Fig. 3(B) shows the impedance versus frequency 301 of the filter 300 as shown in Fig.3 As can be seen in Fig. the damping resistor R3 results in the TRAP filter 300 exhibiting a relatively lower impedance at frequencies greater than the resonant frequency, f,.

R:\libpp\583560\607700.doc -3- Generally two types of low pass filter systems are employed at the customer premises end of a communications line, where the systems can include a combination of the conventional filters described above. The first type of filter is known as a 'centralised filter system' and the second type of filter system is known as a 'local distributed filter system' (also known as an in-line DSL filter). Installation of a centralised filter system is expensive and generally requires a skilled telephone company worker, since alteration of the existing wiring for all conventional telephone equipment on the customer premises is required. Further, re-wiring is generally required for any DSL modems on the communications line, which again adds to the expense and inconvenience of installing a centralised filter system.

In contrast, a local distributed type filter system may avoid additional cabling problems by allowing a low pass filter to be 'plugged' in series between associated telephone equipment and an existing wall jack socket) Further, an associated DSL modem can typically be connected to an auxiliary socket provided on the filter or directly connected to a wall socket in parallel if available.

Figs. and show some typical low pass filters 400, 401 and 402 able to be used in a DSL local distributed low pass filter application. Again, the resistive, capacitive and inductive elements of the filters 400, 401 and 402 have been generically labelled as and respectively (where is a numerical value). The inductive elements of Figs. 4(A) to can be independent inductors or mutually coupled transformers, for example.

The filter 400 of Fig.4(A) includes a symmetrical input (or line port) 403 and output (or CPE port) 405, which eliminates any problem that may occur as a result of reversed connection of the filter 400 to a line jack and customer premises equipment (e.g.

telephone) socket. The filter 400 has an impedance versus fr-equency response as is generally known in the relevant art.

83560\607700.doc -4- The filter 401 of Fig.4(B) is formed by cascading two similar filters 407 and 409, where the filter 407 comprises inductors L1, L2 and capacitor C1. The filter 401 provides relatively more attenuation at high frequencies compared to the filter 400.

The filter 402 of Fig. 4(C) is formed by cascading a low pass filter 411 (comprising components L1, L2 and C1), with a TRAP filter 413 as shown in Fig. 4(D).

Fig. 4(E) shows the impedance versus frequency response 415 of the TRAP filter 413. As seen in Fig. 4(E) the filter 413 provides a sharp roll off in the stop band of the filter 413.

The phantom line 417 of Fig. 4(E) shows the response of the filter 413 when the filter 413 does not include the damping resistor The low pass filters described above may function well when used in isolation.

However, in practice, more than one communication device requiring such a low pass filter is connected in parallel on the same communication line creating a situation where multiple low pass filters appear in parallel on the same line. The parallel nature of such filters can severely degrade or alter line performance characteristics, which can affect, for example, the performance of an associated DSL modem, or the quality of side tone of a telephone connected to the line.

One known passive distributed filter for decoupling simultaneous communications channels utilises a diode arrangement to isolate an associated low pass filter from a line when corresponding customer premises equipment is inactive. Another known distributed filter system utilises specially wound inductor elements (transformers) as sensors, in order to detect the on/off hook status of respective customer premises equipment to subsequently activate an electro-mechanical reed relay switch. The reed relay switch is used to isolate a shunted reactive element of an associated low pass filter when corresponding customer premises equipment is inactive.

Still a further known distributed filter arrangement measures voltage drop across an intermediate resistor to determine the current flowing through the resistor, which 83560\607700.doc indicates the on/off hook status of respective customer premises equipment.

Subsequently, the on/off hook status is used to control transistors, which are in turn used to connect a shunting reactive element of an associated low pass filter into a line to which the filter arrangement is connected.

One of the disadvantages with the known distributed filter arrangements described above is that as well as isolating reactive filter elements, caller identification presentation signals transmitted to or from the customer premises equipment during an on-hook state of the equipment is also blocked. A further disadvantage with the known distributed filter arrangements described above is that generally an intermediate sensor device is required to sense the on/off hook status of customer premises equipment. Such a sensor can sometimes be prone to failure, which reduces the reliability of the filter arrangement as well as the cost of installing such a filter arrangement.

A further disadvantage with the known distributed filter arrangements described above is that electro-mechanical reed relays often have limited working life due to the vibration and wear that implicitly occurs during operation. Such electro-mechanical reed relays are also expensive to produce and install. This problem can be addressed somewhat by the use of transistors as described above. However, transistors are subject to damage due to over-voltage, over-current, and ring signal transients that often occur on communication lines.

In addition, installation of the conventional filter arrangements described above, and in particular the centralised filter arrangements, is usually an expensive exercise and oftentimes a filter, enclosed in an associated filter housing, is installed on a physical wall of a premise, such as an outside wall of a building. As discussed above, installation of such a conventional filter arrangement generally requires a skilled telephone company worker. However, some of the distributed filter arrangements described above are R:\ibpp\583560\607700.doc -6configured for easier installation between an item of conventional customer premises equipment and an associated communication line.

One known distributed filter arrangement is an in-line filter configured within a filter housing designed for wall mounting near a wall socket, or behind a wall-mounted telephone. This in-line filter is particularly designed for use in a communication system where RJ11 or RJ45 wall sockets, as known in the relevant art, are installed. The in-line filter is configured with an RJ11 modular socket, as known in the relevant art, at each end of the filter housing. One of the RJ11 modular sockets is assigned to be a 'line socket' and includes a short RJ11-RJ11 cord for connection to a communication line. The other RJ 11 modular socket is assigned to be a 'phone socket' and is used to connect the in-line filter to telephone equipment and the like. Fig. 7 is a schematic block diagram showing the connection of this known in-line filter 700 to a telephone 701 associated with a communication line 710, where the telephone 701 has an RJI I connection (not shown) and the communication line 710 has an existing RJ11 wall socket 714. The phone socket end 702 of the in-line filter 700 is connected to the telephone 701 via an RJ 1 line cord 703. The line socket end 705 of the in-line filter 700 is connected to an RJ11 adaptor 707 via an RJ1 1 line cord 711. The RJ1 1 adaptor 707 is required in order to allow the connection of an ADSL modem 709 to the communication line 710 in parallel to the inline filter 700. The modem 709 is connected to the RJ11 adaptor via another RJ 11 line cord 712. The RJ11 adaptor 707 is connected to the communication line 710 via an RJ11 line cord 715 and an RJ11 wall socket 714.

Accordingly, for a telecommunications line 710 where existing wall sockets are of the RJ11 or RJ45 type 714), at least one RJ11 adaptor 707 and at least four line cords 711) are required to connect the in-line filter 700 and an ADSL modem 709 to the communication line 710. As such, although being of relatively smaller configuration than many of the conventional filter arrangements, the cost of installing the in-line filter 83560\607700.doc -7- 700 of Fig. 7 is greatly increased due to the need for the extra components the adaptor 707 and line cords 711)).

The number of extra components required to connect the in-line filter 700 to a communication line is increased even further when the filter 700 is connected to a communication line using existing sockets and plugs of a 600-series type (as known in the relevant art). These 600-series wall sockets and plugs are used extensively in Australian telephone system installations. The large number of mechanical connections points reduces the reliability of the electrical contacts which may deteriorate due to environmental factors.

Fig. 8(A) is a schematic block diagram showing the connection of the known inline filter 700 to a telephone 801 associated with a communication line 810, where the telephone 801 has an associated 600-series plug (not shown) and the communication line 810 has an existing 600-series wall socket 814. An additional 600-series socket to RJ 11 converter 802 and an additional RJ11 to RJ11 line cord 817, are required to connect the filter 700 to such a communication line 810. Thus, the cost of installing the in-line filter 700 on the telecommunications line 810 is again increased relative to the communication line 710 of Fig. 7. The extra components required to install the filter 700 also add to the possibility of human error occurring during installation of the filter 700. In this connection, the in-line filter 700 will not work correctly if connected in reverse.

Therefore, an unskilled user may connect the filter 700 in reverse and have no protection at all against high frequency DSL signals when a DSL service is deployed on the same telephone line as a POTS service. Further, as discussed above, the large number of mechanical connection points reduces the reliability of the electrical contacts which may deteriorate due to environmental factors.

There are a number of existing plug and socket arrangements, which can be connected in series with a communication line the communication line 810 of Fig.

83560\607700.doc -8and a 600-series plug or socket the wall socket 814 of Fig. Some of these existing plug and socket arrangements allow for the connection of filters and/or ADSL modems the modem 709 of Fig. 7) to a communication line. However, such existing plug and socket arrangements suffer from the same disadvantages as the arrangements of Figs. 7 and 8(A) in that a large number of additional components are required to connect the filter arrangements and modems to a communication line. Again, such additional components increase the cost of and decrease the reliability of, any such filter and/or modem installations.

Thus, a need clearly exists for an improved filter housing, which is relatively simpler and cheaper to install, for use in decoupling simultaneous communication channels.

Summary It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more disadvantages of existing arrangements.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a housing adapted for connection between a communication line and a communication device, said housing comprising: a filter arrangement; and a casing substantially enclosing said filter arrangement, said casing having an integrally formed 600-series plug and an integrally formed 600-series socket, said plug and socket being configured to enable coupling of said filter arrangement to said communication line.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a housing adapted for connection between a communication line and a communication device, said housing comprising: R:\libpp\583560\607700.doc -9a casing substantially enclosing a filter arrangement, said casing having a section forming a first plug and socket to enable connection of said filter arrangement between said communication line and said communication device; and a second plug or socket mounted substantially within said casing for connection of a further communication device to said communication line in parallel with said filter arrangement.

According to still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a housing adapted for connection of a filter arrangement between a communication line and a first communication device, said first communication device operating over a first channel of said communication line, said housing comprising: a casing having a section forming a 600-series plug and socket for connection of said housing to said communication line and said first communication device; and an RJ45 or RJ11 plug or socket mounted substantially within said casing for connection of a second communication device in parallel to said first communication device, said second communication device operating over a second channel of said communication line; and components formed substantially within said cavity, said components being configured to form at least said filter arrangement, wherein said filter arrangement is configured for decoupling of said first and second communications channels.

According to still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a housing adapted for connection of a filter arrangement between a communication line and a first communication device, said first communication device operating over a first channel of said communication line, said housing comprising: a casing having a section forming a 600-series plug and socket for connection of said housing to said communication line and to said first communication device; and R:\libpp\583560\607700.doc an RJ45 or RJ 11 plug or socket mounted substantially within said casing for connection of a second communication device in parallel to said first communication device, said second communication device operating over a second channel of said communication line, wherein said RJ45 or RJ11 plug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed through an opening formed in said casing; and components formed substantially within said casing, said components being configured to form at least said filter arrangement, wherein said filter arrangement is configured for decoupling of said first and second communications channels.

According to still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a portable housing adapted for connection between a communication line and a communication device, said housing being configured for connection at a customer premises end of said communications line substantially adjacent said communication device, said housing comprising: a casing having a section forming a 600-series plug and socket for connection of said housing to said communication line and said communication device; a filter circuit formed substantially within said casing, for enabling decoupling of signals simultaneously transmitted on a plain old telephone system (POTS) channel and a digital subscriber line (DSL) channel of said communication line; and an RJ45 or RJ11 plug or socket mounted substantially within said casing for connection of an ADSL modem in parallel to said communication device, said ADSL modem being configured to transmit and receive said signals transmitted on said DSL channel, wherein said RJ45 or RJ 11 plug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed via an opening formed in said casing substantially adjacent to said 600-series plug.

According to still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a portable housing adapted for connection between a communication line and a communication device, said housing comprising: R:libpp\583560\607700.doc -11a first section having side walls, a generally closed top end and a generally open base; a second section which through coupling with a third section is configured to form a 600-series plug and a socket for connection of said housing to said communication line and said communication device, said third section being interjacent said first and second section and being proximate said open base; a filter circuit formed substantially within said casing, for enabling decoupling of signals simultaneously transmitted on a plain old telephone system (POTS) channel and a digital subscriber line (DSL) channel of said communication line; and an RJ45 or RJ11 plug or socket mounted substantially within a cavity formed by a coupling of said first and third section, said further plug or socket being adapted for connection of an ADSL modem to said communication line said ADSL modem being configured to transmit and receive said signals transmitted on said DSL channel, wherein said RJ45 or RJ 1 plug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed through an opening formed in said first section.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig. 1(A) shows a conventional capacitance low pass filter; Fig. 1(B) shows a conventional inductance low pass filter; Fig. 1(C) shows a conventional capacitance/inductance low pass filter; Fig. 1(D) shows a symmetrical arrangement of the filter of Fig. 1(A); Fig. 1(E) shows a symmetrical arrangement of the filter of Fig. 1(B); Fig. 1(F) shows a symmetrical arrangement of the filter of Fig. 1(C); Fig. 2(A) shows a conventional TRAP filter; R:\Ilibpp\583560\607700.doc -12- Fig. 2(B) shows the frequency response of the filter of Fig. 2(A); Fig. 3(A) shows a TRAP filter incorporating a damping resistor; Fig. 3(B) shows the frequency response of the filter of Fig. 3(A); Figs. and show three low pass filters, respectively, each of which is useable in a DSL local distributed low pass filter application; Fig. 4(D) shows a TRAP filter incorporating a damping resistor; Fig. 4(E) shows the frequency response of the filter of Fig. 4(D); Fig. 5(A) shows a filter arrangement adapted for use with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in a first operating condition; Fig. 5(B) shows the filter arrangement of Fig. in a second operating condition; Figs. 6(A) shows a diode-bridge configured within the low pass filter arrangement of Fig. 4(A); Figs. 6(B) shows two diode-bridges configured within the low pass filter arrangement of Fig. 4(B); Figs. 6(C) shows a diode-bridge configured within the low pass filter arrangement of Fig. 4(C); Fig. 7 is a schematic block diagram showing the connection of a known in-line filter to a telephone associated with a communication line, where the telephone and communication line are configured with existing RJ11 sockets and plugs; Fig. 8(A) is a schematic block diagram showing the connection of the known inline filter of Fig. 7, to a telephone associated with a communication line, where the telephone and communication line have existing 600-series sockets and plugs; Fig. 8(B) is a schematic block diagram showing the connection of one embodiment of the present invention to a telephone associated with a communication line, where the telephone and communication line have existing 600-series sockets and plugs; R:libpp\583560\607700.doc -13- Fig. 9(A) is a front perspective view of a filter housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9(B) is a rear perspective view of the filter housing of Fig. 9(A); Fig. 10(A) shows a front elevation of the housing of Fig. 9(A); Fig. 10(B) shows a rear elevation of the housing of Fig. 9(A); Fig. 11 shows a similar housing to the housing of Fig. 9(A) with the top section removed; Fig. 12 shows the bottom section of the housing of Fig. 9(A) in more detail.

Fig. 13 is a schematic block diagram showing the connection of the housing of Fig. 9(A) to a telephone and associated communication line; Fig. 14(A) is a front perspective view of a filter housing according to another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 14(B) is a rear perspective view of the filter housing of Fig. 14(A); Fig. 15(A) is a front perspective view of a filter housing according to still another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 15(B) is a rear perspective view of the filter housing of Fig. Fig. 16(A) is a front perspective view of a filter housing according to still another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 16(B) is a rear perspective view of the filter housing of Fig. 16(A); Fig. 17 is a schematic block diagram showing a preferred wiring configuration for the housing of Fig. 9(A); Fig. 18 is a schematic block diagram showing the wiring configuration for a housing according to a further example; Fig. 19 is a schematic block diagram showing the housing of Fig. 18 in an implementation where there is no requirement for an ADSL modem at the point of connection of a telephone; and R:\libpp\583560\607700.doc -14- Fig. 20 is a schematic block diagram showing the housing of Figs. 14(A), or 16(A), including the filter, connected to a communication line.

Detailed Description Where reference is made in any one or more of the accompanying drawings to steps and/or features, which have the same reference numerals, those steps and/or features have for the purposes of this description the same function(s) or operation(s), unless the contrary intention appears.

Figs. 9(A) and 9(B) show a filter housing 900 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The filter housing 900 is configured to house electronic filter circuitry for minimising high frequency DSL signals seen by a POTS device installed on a communication line, as will be described in detail below. However, a person skilled in the relevant art would appreciate that the filter housing 900 is suitable for other applications, for example, enclosing a DSL modem. The filter housing 900 is configured to be connected to a 600-series socket 824 and to a telephone 821, as shown in Fig. The telephone 821 typically includes an existing 600-series plug the plug 815 of Fig. In this manner, the housing 900 can be connected between an item of conventional customer premises equipment the telephone 821 of Fig. and an associated communication line 820. As will be explained in more detail below, the housing 900 can also be configured with an RJ45 or RJ11 socket 919. The socket 919 allows the connection of an ADSL modem 825, for example, to the communication line 820. However, in the instance that the housing does not include the socket 919, the ADSL modem or the like can be connected to the communication line 820 in another manner, such as by a 600-series adaptor (as known to those in the relevant art) connected in parallel with the housing 900. Accordingly, in contrast to the arrangement of Fig.

in the arrangement of Fig. no additional components 600-series socket to RJ11 converter 802, RJ11 to RJ11 line cord 817), are required to connect an ADSL R:\libpp\583560\607700.doc filter to the communication line 820. Thus, the cost of installing an in-line filter on the telecommunications line,820 is decreased relative to the communication lines 710 of Fig.

7 and 810 of Fig. As discussed above, such extra components add to the possibility of human error occurring during installation of a filter.

Further, as shown in Fig. 9 9 the housing 900 comprises a 600-series plug as formed by prongs 909, 911, 913) and a 600-series socket as formed by receptacles 925, 926, 927 and 928). As such, there is only one way to install the housing 900 and any related electronic filter circuitry between a communication line 820), which typically has an existing a 600 series socket socket 824), and the communication device 821, which typically has an existing line code with 605 plug.

Therefore, an unskilled user can install the housing 900 without the risk of installing any associated filter circuitry in reverse Still further, the reduction in the number of mechanical connection points required to connect a filter arrangement to the communication line 820, using the housing 900, increases the reliability of such a filter arrangement.

As seen in the front perspective view of Fig. the housing 900 comprises a central section 903 sandwiched between a moulded top section 901 and a moulded bottom section 902. The central section 903 and the bottom section 902 together form at least two openings 905 and 907, through which protrude connector prongs 909 and 911, respectively. The connector prongs 909 and 911 are bilateral and form a moulded seat 917 shaped to support at least one metal connector pin (not shown) on each side of the prongs 909 and 911. The bottom section 902 also includes an integrally formed locater prong 913 as known in the relevant art. The connector prongs 909 and 911 and the locater prong 913 form a 600-series plug as known in the relevant art. A hole 929 in the locater prong 913 allows the housing 900 to be secured via a screw to a 600-series socket as known in the relevant art.

R:\libpp\583560\607700.doc -16- The top section 901 includes an opening 915 configured to expose an socket 919, which is mounted within the housing 900. The socket 919 is preferably mounted such that the front surface 921 of the socket 919 is flush with the front surface 923 of the top section 901. Therefore, an ADSL modem, for example, can be connected to a communication line associated with filter circuitry contained within the housing 900 via an RJ45 plug and line cord (not shown). A person skilled in the relevant art would appreciate that the RJ45 socket can be replaced with an RJ11 socket or any other suitable means for connecting an ADSL modem or the like to a communication line associated with the housing 900. For example, the RJ1 1 or RJ45 socket can be replaced by a conventional 600 series plug/socket adaptor arrangement (including one or more of such sockets), connected in series with the housing 900. Further, an adaptor (not shown) made of plastic or similar material, can be inserted into the RJ45 socket in order to reduce the size of the socket and allow an RJ11 plug to be inserted into the socket 919. Still further, a person skilled in the relevant art would appreciate that the RJ45 or RJ11 socket can be replaced by an RJ45 or RJ11 plug arrangement or other similar device.

As seen in the rear perspective view of Fig. the central section 903 and the bottom section 902 together form receptacles 925, 926, 927 and 928 which are configured to receive the prongs of a 600-series plug the plug 815) as known in the relevant art.

Fig. 10(A) shows a front elevation of the housing 900 and in particular shows the moulded seat 917 of the pronrg 909. The prong 909 also includes a further moulded seat 930, for supporting a metal connector pin, on the opposite side of the prong 909 to the seat 917. Similarly, the prong 911 includes a moulded seat 931 and 932 on either side of the prong 911.

Fig. 10(B) shows a rear elevational view of the housing 900 including the receptacles 925, 926, 927 and 928. In particular, Fig. 10(B) shows the central section 903 including a lip 934 and 935 on either side, which secures the central section 903 in R:\libpp\583560\607700.doc -17relation to the bottom section 902 and substantially eliminates any side ways movement between the sections 902 and 903. Similarly, the central section 903 includes a protrusion 937, which substantially eliminates any side ways movement between the sections 901 and 903.

Fig. 11 shows a housing 1100 similar to the housing 900 with the top section 901 removed so as to expose an electronic circuit board or printed circuit board (PCB) 1101.

The PCB 1101 is reversed in the housing 1100 of Fig. 11 compared to a similar PCB (not shown) which is contained in the housing 900. As seen in Fig. 11, an RJ45 connector 1102 is positioned at the rear of the housing 1100 whereas the RJ45 connector 919 is positioned in the front of the housing 900. Fig. 11 also shows a number of electronic components 1103 mounted on the PCB 1101, forming electronic filter circuitry and in particular a low pass filter for minimising the high frequency DSL signals seen by a POTS device installed on the same communication line, as mentioned above, and as will be explained in detail later in this document. The PCB 1101 is seated on a central section 1104 which is similar to the central section 903 of the housing 900.

Fig. 12 shows the bottom section 903 of the housing 900 in more detail. In particular, Fig. 12 shows contacts 1201, 1202, 1203 and 1204 made of monel metal or similar material, and which are associated with the receptacles 925 and 928. The contacts 1201 to 1204 are configured to connect to corresponding pins of a 600-series plug inserted into the receptacles 925 and 928. The contacts 1201 to 1204 can be connected to filter circuitry mounted on the PCB enclosed within the housing 900, via wire or similar connections (not shown). Fig. 12 also shows a connector 1205 which can be used to connect the PCB enclosed within the housing 900 to a metallic pin mounted on the prong 911, as discussed above. A person skilled in the relevant art would appreciate that at least two connectors, similar to the connector 1205, can be mounted within the section 902.

83560\607700.doc -18- Fig. 13 is a schematic block diagram showing the connection of a filter or the like enclosed within the housing 900, to a telephone 1301 associated with a communication line 1310. The telephone 1301 has an associated 600-series plug (not shown) and the communication line 1310 has an existing 600-series wall socket 1314. An ADSL modem is also shown in Fig. 13 and can be connected to the RJ45 socket 919 of the housing 900 via an RJ45 plug or RJ11 (not shown) and line cord 1303. The housing 900 is connected to the telephone 1301 via an existing line cord 1305 and the associated 600-series plug. The housing 900 is connected to the communication line 1310 via the 600-series wall socket 1314 which receives the prongs 909 and 911 of the housing 900.

Accordingly, for a communications line the line 1310) where the existing wall sockets 1314) and plugs are of the 600-series type, no additional components are required to connect the housing 900 and associated filter circuitry to an ADSL modem 1309) and communication line 710. This reduces the cost of installing a filter on a communication line and further reduces the incidence of human error in installing the filter since there are less components to connect. In addition, the fact that no additional components are required to connect the housing 900 and associated filter circuitry to an ADSL modem also improves the reliability of connections. Still further, telephone wall sockets are in general mounted at the base of an interior wall and the associated plugs are often accidentally disconnected by, for example, cleaning equipment. The housing 900 of the preferred embodiment decreases the incidence of a filter being accidentally disconnected, since there are less line cords and the like lying on the floor surrounding a wall socket relative to the conventional filter housing arrangements discussed above.

Figs. 14(A) and show a filter housing 1400 according to another embodiment of the present invention, where an RJ45 or RJ11 socket 1401 is mounted at one side of the housing 1400. Figs. 15(A) and show a filter housing 1500 according to still another embodiment of the present invention, where an RJ45 or RJ11 socket 1501 is mounted at R:\Ilibpp\583560\607700.doc 19the rear of the housing 1500. Finally, Figs. 16(A) and show a filter housing 1600 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with the embodiment of Figs. 16(A) and 16(B), an RJ45 or RJ11 socket 1601 is mounted at the top of the housing 1600 such that the socket 1600 is exposed through an opening 1602 in a top section 1603 of the housing 1600.

Accordingly, an RJ45 (or RJ11) socket can be connected on any of the outer sides of the housings 900, 1400, 1500 or 1600 depending on the implementation and the position of an associated wall socket. However, mounting the RJ45 or RJ11 sockets in the position shown in Figs. 9(A) and 9(B) has several advantages. Firstly, mounting the RJ45 socket 919 (or RJ11 socket) in the position shown in Figs. 9(A) and 9(B) allows a 600-series double adaptor or similar device, as known in the relevant art, to be connected to the housing 900 via the receptacles 925, 926, 927 and 928. Secondly, since a majority of 600-series wall sockets are mounted in a substantially horizontal position relative to a floor or the base of a wall, for example, the socket 919 is less susceptible to the ingress of dust and dirt when mounted as shown in Fig. 9(A).

Fig. 17 is a schematic block diagram showing a preferred wiring configuration for the housing 900. The arrangement of the housing 900 as seen in Fig. 17 is also referred to as a filter/splitter. The housing 900 is represented by broken lines in Fig. 17.

An ADSL filter 1713 a low pass filter) is shown enclosed within the housing 900.

The filter 1713 can be formed by electronic components mounted on a PCB similar to the PCB 1101 described above. The rectangle 1701 represents the pin layout of the prongs 909 and 911, forming a 600-series plug and the rectangle 1702 represents the contact layout associated with the receptacles 925 and 928 forming a 600-series socket. The numbers 1 to 6) drawn next to each of the rectangles 1701 and 1702, as seen in Fig.

17, refer to pins and contacts the contact 1201 associated with the prongs 909, 911 R:\libpp\583560\607700.doc and the receptacles 925, 927, 928. This numbering system for 600-series plugs and sockets is well known in the relevant art.

In the example of Fig. 17, the pin and the pin of the plug 1701, are connected to the input of the filter 1713. Further, the contact and the contact (6) associated with socket 1702, are connected to the output of the filter 1713. The pin (2) and the pin of the plug 1701 align with the contacts 1703 of a 600-series socket 1707 connected to a communication line 1705. Therefore, the filter 1713 can mounted in series in-line) with a telephone 1709 and the communication line 1705. An RJ45 socket 1711 is also shown in Fig. 17 enclosed within the housing 900, to allow an ADSL modem 1715 to be connected in parallel with the ADSL filter 1713.

The pins and of the 600-series plug 1701 and the contacts and of the socket 1702, are generally reserved for a transparent 'Mode 3' wiring configuration (as known to those in the relevant art) of a permitted attachment 1717, for example, an answering machine or facsimile. However, a person skilled in the relevant art would appreciate that any suitable pin arrangement can be used for connection of the filter 1713, the ADSL modem 1715 and the permitted attachment 1717. For example, the pins (3) and of the socket 1701 can be configured as straight through connections to connect the permitted attachment 1717 to the communication line 1705.

Fig. 18 is a schematic block diagram showing the wiring configuration for a housing 1800 according to a further example. The housing 1800 is similar to the housing 900 and includes a filter 1813 enclosed therein. However, the housing 1800 does not have an internally mounted RJ45 socket to allow the connection of an ADSL modem in parallel with the filter 1813. In the example of Fig. 18, an adaptor/converter 1803, as known in the relevant art, including an RJ45 socket 1805 mounted therein can be utilised to allow an ADSL modem to be connected in parallel with the filter 1813. Further, the R:\Iibpp\583560\607700.doc -21 double adaptor/converter 1803 also includes a 600-series plug 1807 and a 600-series socket 1809 for connection to a line 1811 and the filter housing 1800, respectively.

Fig. 19 is a schematic block diagram showing the housing 1800 in accordance with a further example, where there is no requirement for an ADSL modem at the point of connection of a telephone 1901. Accordingly, in the example of Fig. 19, there is no requirement for the double adaptor/converter 1803 and the housing 1800 can plug directly into an existing 600-series socket 1902 of a communication line 1903.

As described above, the housing 900 according to the preferred embodiment provides a portable apparatus, which can be transported and used on any number of communication telephone) connections. A user can merely disconnect the housing 900 from one telephone connection point in a home) and reconnect the housing to another telephone connection point in an office).

Fig. 5(A) shows a filter arrangement 500 comprising a filter 513 connected in series to a telephone, facsimile or similar customer premises equipment device 515. The filter 513 can be contained within the housings 900, 1400, 1500, 1600 and 1800 described herein, and the filter 513 can be formed by electronic components mounted on a PCB of the housing 900 similar to the PCB 1101. The filter arrangement 500 can be used to minimise coupling effects when a number of such filters the filter 513) are connected in parallel on a single communication line. For example, Fig. 20 is a schematic block diagram showing the housing 900, including the filter 513, connected to a communication line 2000. The housing 900 is also connected to a modem 2001 and to a telephone 2003 in a filter/splitter arrangement. As seen in Fig. 20, three further housings 2005, 2007 and 2009, including the filter 513, can be connected in parallel to the housing 900 on the communication line 2000. The housings 2005, 2007 and 2009 are connected to an answering machine 2011, a facsimile machine 2013 and to a telephone 2015, respectively.

In the arrangement of Fig. 20, the housings 2005, 2007 and 2009 can be of the same R:\libpp\583560\607700.doc -22configuration as the housing 900. However, a person skilled in the relevant art would appreciate that the housings 2005, 2007 and 2009 could also be configured in the same manner as the housing 1800 discussed above, without an internally mounted RJ45 socket to allow the connection of an ADSL modem in parallel with the filter 513. In this instance, an adaptor/converter 1803, as known in the relevant art, including an socket 1805 mounted therein can be utilised with each of the housings 2005, 2007 and 2009 to allow an ADSL modem to be connected in parallel with the filter 513.

The filter 513 and the device 515 are shown in Fig. 5(A) connected to an alternating current (AC) source V1 representing low frequency 0 to 3400 Hz) voice signals on a communication line 523 to which the filter 513 is connected. The filter 513 and the device 515 are also shown connected to an AC source V3 representing high frequency 20KHz and 1.1MHz) DSL signals on the communication line 523. A direct current (DC) source V2 is also shown in Fig. representing a DC voltage source 48V DC in Australia), as known in the relevant art, present on a telephone connection for providing current to allow voice and data transmission on the telephone connection. Such a DC source also provides power to electronic components present in most modem customer premises equipment devices.

The filter 513 has a similar response to the filter 100 shown in Fig. The filter 513 comprises a diode-bridge 501 including diodes D1, D2, D3 and D4 as shown in Fig. The input 519 of the diode-bridge 501 is connected to a resistive element RO and a junction point 517 of the diode-bridge 501 is connected to a capacitive filter element C3. The output 521 of the diode-bridge 501 is connected to a common terminal 503 of a switch 502, which is connected in parallel to the capacitive filter element C3. A by-pass resistive element R1 is connected in parallel with the diode-bridge 501 between the input 519 and the output 521. A first switching terminal 505 of the switch 502 is connected to a series resistive element R3 and capacitive element C1 of the device 515, R:\ibpp\583560\60770.doc -23and a second switching terminal 507 of the switch 502 is connected to a resistive element R_load of the device 515. The switch 502 represents the 'Hook Switch' of the customer premises equipment device 515 and can be switched between the capacitive element C1, representing an 'on hook' state of the device 515, and the resistive element R_load, representing an 'off hook' state of the device 515.

The diode-bridge 501 acts as a gating device for allowing the passage through or blocking of any alternating current (AC) signal through the capacitive filter element C3 of the filter 513, depending on a bias condition of the diode-bridge 501. As seen in Fig.

when the switch 502 is in position representing an 'on hook' state of the device 515), the capacitive element C1 of the device 515 is switched into the filter arrangement 500, and there is no direct current (DC) flow in the filter arrangement 500.

Therefore, the diodes D1, D2, D3 and D4 of the diode-bridge 501 exhibit a very high impedance hundreds of kilo-Ohms or Mega Ohms) between their anodes 509) and cathodes 511), hence blocking the high frequency AC signals provided by the AC source V3 from flowing through the junction point 517 to the capacitive filter element C3. However, the AC current signals provided by both of the AC sources, V1 and V3, can still flow through the device 515, via the resistive element RO and the by-pass resistive element R1, when the switch 502 is in position Accordingly, if one or more other filters were connected in parallel on the same communication line 523 as the filter 513, the capacitive filter element C3 can be isolated when the device 515 is in an on-hook state. Therefore, the capacitive filter element C3 exhibits very little loading to the communications line 523, when the device 515 is in an on-hook state, and any coupling effect to other similar filters installed in parallel on the same communication line is minimised. Still further, all signals such as caller identification, metering pulse and ringing signals travel freely through the by-pass resistor R1 when the device 515 is in an on-hook state.

83560\607700.doc -24- As seen in Fig. when the switch 502 of the device 515 is in position "B" representing an 'off hook' state of the device 515), the resistive element R_load of the device 515 is switched into the filter arrangement 500. A resulting DC current flow forward biases the diodes D1, D4 and the diodes DI, D4 exhibit a very low impedance (approx. 2 to 3 Ohms) allowing any AC signal to flow through the capacitive filter element C3, whilst allowing both DC and AC current signals to pass through the resistive element "R_load". The filter 513 is configured such that when the device 515 is in an off hook state, the capacitive element C3 shunts substantially all of the high frequency signals supplied by the AC source V3. Therefore, the high frequency signals of V3 (i.e.

representing DSL signals on the communication line 523) are attenuated before reaching the device 515. The filter 513 is also configured so that when the device 515 is in the off hook state, attenuation of the low frequency signals supplied by the AC source V1 (i.e.

representing low frequency voice signals) is minimal.

Accordingly, if one or more other filters were connected in parallel on the same communication line 523 as the filter 513, the capacitive filter element C3 can be switched into the arrangement 500 when the customer premises equipment device 515 is in an offhook state. The high frequency DSL signals will be attenuated and signals voice frequency signals and caller identification presentation signals) can still be transmitted to or from the device 515 when the device 515 is in the off hook state.

The filter arrangement 500, as described above, provides many advantages over the conventional filter arrangements discussed above. Firstly, the diode-bridge 501 automatically allows the passage through or blocking of any alternating current (AC) signal through the capacitive filter element C3 of the filter 513, depending on a bias condition of the diode-bridge 501. There is no requirement for an intermediate sensor in order to determine the on/off hook status of the customer premises equipment device 515, for example, by sensing a parameter of the power supplied via the filter arrangement 500.

RAlibpp\583560\607700.doc Therefore, the filter arrangement 501 is relatively more reliable and inexpensive to manufacture and install. Secondly, the filter arrangement 500 is bi-directional and independent of the polarity of the DC voltage source V2. Therefore, the DC voltage source V2 can be reversed without any detrimental operational or physical effects on the arrangement 500. This allows the arrangement 500 to be installed by a non-skilled person without any risk of the arrangement 500 causing or being damaged. Thirdly, the diodes D1, D2, D3 and D4 are relatively robust in relation to damage caused by over-voltage, over-current, and ring signal transients that often occur on communication lines. In fact, diodes are often used as protection for other semiconductor devices. Fourthly, the diodes D1, D2, D3 and D4 are off the shelf devices and are commonly available, again contributing to the arrangement 500 being relatively inexpensive to manufacture and install.

A fifth advantage of the filter arrangement 500 over conventional filter arrangements used in telephony is that the capacitive filter element C3 can be isolated, whilst still allowing end-to-end electrical continuity between the device 515 and a central exchange, for example. This feature is provided by the by-pass resistor R1 of the diodebridge 501 and allows signals such as caller identification, metering pulse and ringing signals, for example, to be transmitted to or from the customer premises equipment device 515 during an on-hook state of the device 515.

Figs. 6(A) to show examples of the diode-bridge 501 configured within the three low pass filter arrangements 400, 401 and 402, respectively, which were discussed above and which are commonly used in DSL telephony applications. In accordance with the examples of Figs. 6(A) to the diode-bridge 501 minimises the coupling effects when a plurality of such filters are connected in parallel on the same telecommunications line.

R:\Iibpp\583560\607700.doc -26- Fig. 6(A) shows a filter arrangement 601 comprising the diode-bridge 501 configured within the low pass filter arrangement 400 of Fig. The filter arrangement 601 is also suitable for enclosure within the housing 900 of the preferred embodiment, thus providing a convenient means for minimising high frequency DSL signals seen by a POTS device installed on a communication line. When any customer premises equipment connected to the output 605 of the filter arrangement 601 are in an off-hook state, the diodes D1 and D4 of the diode-bridge 501 are forward biased and exhibit very low impedance. A person skilled in the relevant art would appreciate that depending on the polarity of a DC voltage source connected to the input 603 of the filter arrangement 601, the diodes D2 and D3 of the diode-bridge 501 can also become forward biased and exhibit very low impedance. Thus, in the off hook state, any high frequency DSL signals are attenuated and the diode-bridge 501 does not effect any of the performance characteristics of the filter arrangement 601.

On the other hand when any customer premises equipment connected to the output 605 of the arrangement 601 are in an on-hook state, none of the diodes D1, D2, D3 or D4 of the diode-bridge 501 are forward biased. Thus, any AC signal is blocked from passing through the capacitive filter element C1, which is equivalent to the capacitive element C1 being removed from the arrangement 601. Therefore, the filter arrangement 601 exhibits very little loading to a communications line (not shown) connected to the input 603 of the arrangement 601, when customer premises equipment connected to the output 605 is in an on-hook state. Further, any coupling effect to other similar filters installed in parallel on the same communication line is minimised. Still further, all signals such as caller identification, metering pulse and ringing signals travel freely through the by-pass resistor R1 when the customer premises equipment connected to the output 605 is in an on-hook state.

R:libpp\583560\607700.doc -27- Similarly, Fig. 6(B) shows a filter arrangement 602 comprising two diodebridges 607 and 609 configured within the low pass filter arrangement 401 of Fig. 4(B).

Again, the filter arrangement 601 can be enclosed within the housing 900 of the preferred embodiment. The diode-bridges 607 and 609 are of the same configuration as the diodebridge 501. Thus, the diode-bridges 607 and 609 can be used to isolate the capacitive filter elements C1 and C2, respectively, when any customer premises equipment connected to the output 613 of the arrangement 602 is in an on-hook state. Further, the performance characteristics of the filter arrangement 602 are maintained when the customer premises equipment is in an off-hook state.

Fig. 6(C) shows a filter arrangement 603 comprising a diode-bridge 615, of the same configuration as the diode-bridge 501, configured within the low pass filter arrangement 402 of Fig. Yet again, the filter arrangement 603 can be enclosed within the housing 900 of the preferred embodiment. The preferred values of the capacitive, inductive and resistive elements of the arrangement 603 are shown in Fig.

The diode-bridge 615 is configured to enable the isolation of the capacitive filter element C2, which has a larger capacitance value 39nF) compared to the capacitive value 5.6nF) of the capacitive element CI of the arrangement 603. In the arrangement 603 shown in Fig. there is no need to isolate the capacitive element C 1 of the filter arrangement 603, since the element C1 has a small capacitance value and therefore, any coupling effects to other filters installed on the same line as the arrangement 603 are insignificant. Further, the value of the capacitive element C1 can be appropriately chosen to substantially eliminate any series resonance caused by stray capacitance existing in the filter arrangement 603. For example, a capacitive value for the element C1 of 5.6nF, sets the resonant frequency of the filter arrangement 603 to approximately 18kHz which is outside the DSL signal spectrum. A resonant frequency of 18kHz is also in the dead band between the DSL spectrum 20kHz to 1.2MHz) and R:\libpp\583560\607700.doc -28the voice frequency spectrum 0 to 3400Hz). The arrangement 603 is therefore relatively simpler and less expensive to implement and install. Further, a person skilled in the relevant art would appreciate that the location of the capacitive element Cl1 in the filter arrangement 603 is not important.

The filter 513 including the diode-bridge can also be configured substantially within a wall plate as known in the relevant art, for example. A DSL modem can then be connected to such a wall plate using any suitable plug and socket arrangement. The filter 513 including the diode-bridge can also be configured substantially within the housing of a DSL modem.

As described above, the housing 900 including the filter 513 provides a portable filter apparatus for use in minimising high frequency DSL signals seen by a POTS device installed on a communication line. The housing 900 including the filter 513 can be transported and used on any number of communication telephone) connections. A user can merely disconnect the housing 900 from one telephone connection point in a home) and reconnect the housing to another telephone connection point in an office).

The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present invention, and modifications and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the filter 513 configured within the housing 900 can be replaced by a passive high and/or low pass filter such as those described in the Background section of this specification. Such passive filters can be utilised to combine and separate a DSL signal and a POTS voice signal at both a central exchange end and a customer premises end of a communications line, in a similar manner to the filter 513.

Further, the filter 513 can be replaced by a filter comprising a plurality of cascaded filter stages a plurality of cascaded filters 513) including a plurality of R:\libpp\583560\607700.doc 29 cascaded diode bridges the diode bridge 501, 615). Such a filter having a plurality of cascaded stages can be used to further minimise high frequency components on a communication line.

In the context of this specification, the word "comprising" means "including principally but not necessarily solely" or "having" or "including" and not "consisting only of'. Variations of the word comprising, such as "comprise" and "comprises" have corresponding meanings.

R:\libpp\583560\607700.doc

Claims (100)

1. A housing adapted for connection between a communication line and a communication device, said housing comprising: a filter arrangement; and a casing substantially enclosing said filter arrangement, said casing having an integrally formed 600-series plug and an integrally formed 600-series socket, said plug and socket being configured to enable coupling of said filter arrangement to said communication line.

2. A housing according to claim 1, further comprising a further, RJ11 or R45, plug or socket mounted substantially within said casing for connection of a further communication device to said communication line in parallel with said filter arrangement.

3. The housing according to claim 2, wherein said further plug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed through an opening formed adjacent to said 600 series plug.

4. The housing according to 2, wherein said further plug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed through an opening formed adjacent to said 600 series socket.

5. The housing according to claim 2, wherein said further plug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed through an opening formed on one side of said housing, said one side being substantially perpendicular to the other sides of said housing that form said 600 series plug and socket. RAlibpp\583560\607700.doc -31

6. The housing according to claim 2, wherein said further plug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed through an opening formed in a top side of said casing, said top side being opposite to a base of said housing forming said 600 series plug and socket.

7. The housing according to claim 1, wherein said filter arrangement is configured to enable decoupling of first and second simultaneous communications channels on said communication line.

8. The housing according to claim 7, wherein said first channel is a plain old telephone system (POTS) channel.

9. The housing according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein said second channel is a digital subscriber line (DSL) channel.

10. The housing according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein said communication device is a first channel communication device and said further communication device is a second channel communication device.

11. The housing according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein said further plug or socket is configured for connection of a digital subscriber line modem to said housing.

12. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 11, said filter arrangement comprising: at least one reactive filtering element; and at least one voltage/current controlled switching means configured to automatically interface said reactive filtering element with said communication device connected to said housing when said communication device is off-hook, and being further configured to automatically isolate said reactive filtering element when said R:\libpp\583560\607700.doc -32- communication device is on-hook whilst allowing an additional signal to pass to/from said communication device.

13. The housing according to claim 12, wherein said switching means is a solid state switching means.

14. The housing according to any one of claims 12 or 13, wherein said at least one voltage/current controlled switching means comprises a plurality of diodes connected as a diode-bridge and a resistive element connected in parallel with said diode-bridge.

The housing according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein said off-hook and on-hook state of said communication device is indicated by a switching means of said communication device.

16. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said filter arrangement is a passive filter.

17. The housing arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein said housing further encloses a digital subscriber line modem.

18. The housing arrangement according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein said diode-bridge and said resistive element operate to deliver said additional signal regardless of the signal polarity imparted to said diode-bridge.

19. A housing adapted for connection between a communication line and a communication device, said housing comprising: R:\ibpp\583560\607700.doc -33 a casing substantially enclosing a filter arrangement, said casing having a section forming a first plug and socket to enable connection of said filter arrangement between said communication line and said communication device; and a second plug or socket mounted substantially within said casing for connection of a further communication device to said communication line in parallel with said filter arrangement.

The housing according to claim 19, wherein said second plug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed through an opening formed adjacent to said first plug.

21. The housing according to 19, wherein said second plug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed through an opening formed adjacent to said first socket.

22. The housing according to claim 19, wherein said second plug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed through an opening formed on one side of said housing, said one side being substantially perpendicular to the other sides of said housing that form said first plug and socket.

23. The housing according to claim 19, wherein said second plug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed through an opening formed in a top side of said casing, said top side being opposite to a base of said housing forming said first plug and socket.

24. The housing according to claim 19, wherein said filter arrangement is configured to enable decoupling of first and second simultaneous communications channels on said communication line.

R:\ibpp\583560\607700.doc -34- The housing according to claim 24, wherein said first channel is a plain old telephone system (POTS) channel.

26. The housing according to any one of claims 24 or 25, wherein said second channel is a digital subscriber line (DSL) channel.

27. The housing according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein said communication device is a first channel communication device and said further communication device is a second channel communication device.

28. The housing according to any one of claims 19 to 27, wherein said further plug or socket is configured for connection of a digital subscriber line modem to said housing.

29. The housing according to any one of claims 19 to 28, said filter arrangement comprising: at least one reactive filtering element; and at least one voltage/current controlled switching means configured to automatically interface said reactive filtering element with said communication device connected to said housing when said communication device is off-hook, and being further configured to automatically isolate said reactive filtering element when said communication device is on-hook whilst allowing an additional signal to pass to/from said communication device. The housing according to claim 29, wherein said switching means is a solid state switching means.

R:\libpp\583560\607700.doc

31. The housing according to any one of claims 29 or 30, wherein said at least one voltage/current controlled switching means comprises a plurality of diodes connected as a diode-bridge and a resistive element connected in parallel with said diode-bridge.

32. The housing according to any one of claims 29 or 30, wherein said off-hook and on-hook state of said communication device is indicated by a switching means of said communication device.

33. The housing arrangement according to any one of claims 19 to 32, wherein said housing further encloses a digital subscriber line modem.

34. The housing arrangement according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein said diode-bridge and said resistive element operate to deliver said additional signal regardless of the signal polarity imparted to said diode-bridge.

The housing arrangement according to claim 23, wherein said additional signal is a caller identification signal.

36. The housing according to any one of claims 19 to 28, wherein said filter arrangement is a passive filter.

37. A housing adapted for connection of a filter arrangement between a communication line and a first communication device, said first communication device operating over a first channel of said communication line, said housing comprising: a casing having a section forming a 600-series plug and socket for connection of said housing to said communication line and said first communication device; and R:Aibpp\583560\607700.doc -36- an RJ45 or RJ11 plug or socket mounted substantially within said casing for connection of a second communication device in parallel to said first communication device, said second communication device operating over a second channel of said communication line; and components formed substantially within said cavity, said components being configured to form at least said filter arrangement, wherein said filter arrangement is configured for decoupling of said first and second communications channels.

38. The housing according to claim 37, wherein said RJ45 or RJ11 plug or socket is configured for connection of a digital subscriber line modem to said housing.

39. The housing according to any one preceding claims 37 or 38, wherein said or RJ11 plug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed through an opening formed on a side of said housing substantially adjacent to said a 600-series plug.

The housing according to any one of claims 37 or 38, wherein said RJ45 or RJ1 1 plug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed through an opening formed on a side of said housing substantially adjacent to said 600-series socket.

41. The housing according to any one of claims 37 or 38, wherein said RJ45 or RJ 11 is mounted so as to be accessed through an opening formed on one side of said housing, said one side being substantially perpendicular to the other sides of said housing that are adjacent said 600- series plug and socket.

42. The housing according to any one of claims 37 or 38, wherein said RJ45 or RJ llplug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed through an opening formed in a top R:\libpp\583560\607700.doc -37- side of said housing, said top side being opposite to a base of said housing forming said 600 series plug and socket.

43. The housing according to any one of claims 37 to 42, wherein said filter arrangement comprises: at least one reactive filtering element; and at least one voltage/current controlled switching means configured to automatically interface said reactive filtering element with said first communication device connected to said housing when said first communication device is off-hook, and being further configured to automatically isolate said reactive filtering element when said first communication device is on-hook whilst allowing an additional signal to pass to/from said first communication device.

44. The housing according to claim 43, wherein said switching means is a solid state switching means.

The housing according to any one of claims 37 to 44, wherein said first channel is a plain old telephone system (POTS) channel.

46. The housing according to any one of claims 37 to 45, wherein said second channel is a digital subscriber line (DSL) channel.

47. The housing according to any one of claims 43 to 46, wherein said at least one voltage/current controlled switching means comprises a plurality of diodes connected as a diode-bridge and a resistive element connected in parallel with said diode-bridge. R:\Iibpp\583560\607700.doc -38-

48. The housing according to any one of claims 43 to 47, wherein said off-hook and on-hook state of said communication device is indicated by a switching means of said communication device.

49. The housing according to any one of claims 37 to 48, wherein said components further form a digital subscriber line modem.

The housing according to any one of claims 43 to 49, wherein said diode-bridge and said resistive element operate to deliver said additional signal regardless of the signal polarity imparted to said diode-bridge.

51. The housing according to any one of claims 43 to 50, wherein said additional signal is a caller identification signal.

52. The housing according to any one of claims 37 to 51, wherein said housing is portable.

53. The housing according to any one of claims 37 to 42, wherein said filter arrangement is a passive filter.

54. A housing adapted for connection of a filter arrangement between a communication line and a first communication device, said first communication device operating over a first channel of said communication line, said housing comprising: a casing having a section forming a 600-series plug and socket for connection of said housing to said communication line and to said first communication device; and 83 5 60\607700.doc -39- an RJ45 or RJ11 plug or socket mounted substantially within said casing for connection of a second communication device in parallel to said first communication device, said second communication device operating over a second channel of said communication line, wherein said RJ45 or RJ11 plug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed through an opening formed in said casing; and components formed substantially within said casing, said components being configured to form at least said filter arrangement, wherein said filter arrangement is configured for decoupling of said first and second communications channels.

55. The housing according to claim 54, wherein said RJ45 or RJ11 plug or socket is configured for connection of a digital subscriber line modem to said housing.

56. The housing according to any one of claims 54 or 55, wherein said RJ45 or RJ1 I plug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed through an opening formed in said casing adjacent to said 600-series plug.

57. The housing according to any one of claims 54 or 55, wherein said RJ45 or RJ1 I r plug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed through an opening formed in said casing adjacent to said 600-series plug.

58. The housing according to any one of claims 54 or 55, wherein said RJ45 or RJI 1 plug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed through an opening formed on one side of said housing, said one side being substantially perpendicular to the other sides of said housing that form said 600-series plug and socket. 83 560\607700.doc

59. The housing according to any one of claims 54 or 55, wherein said further plug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed through an opening formed in a top side of said casing, said top side being opposite to a base of said housing forming said 600 series plug and socket.

The housing according to any one of claims 54 to 59, said filter arrangement comprising: at least one reactive filtering element; and at least one voltage/current controlled switching means configured to automatically interface said reactive filtering element with said communication device connected to said housing when said communication device is off-hook, and being further configured to automatically isolate said reactive filtering element when said communication device is on-hook whilst allowing an additional signal to pass to/from said communication device.

61. The housing according to claim 60, wherein said switching means is a solid state switching means.

62. The housing according to any one of claims 54 to 61, wherein said first channel is a plain old telephone system (POTS) channel.

63. The housing according to any one of claims 54 to 62, wherein said second channel is a digital subscriber line (DSL) channel. R:\ibpp\583560\607700.doc -41-

64. The housing according to any one of claims 60 to 63, wherein said at least one voltage/current controlled switching means comprises a plurality of diodes connected as a diode-bridge and a resistive element connected in parallel with said diode-bridge.

65. The housing according to any one of claims 60 to 64, wherein said off-hook and on-hook state of said communication device is indicated by a switching means of said communication device.

66. The housing according to any one of claims 54 to 65, wherein said components further form a digital subscriber line modem.

67. The housing according to any one of claims 64 to 66, wherein said diode-bridge and said resistive element operate to deliver said additional signal regardless of the signal polarity imparted to said diode-bridge.

68. The housing according to any one of claims 64 to 67, wherein said additional signal is a caller identification signal.

69. The housing according to any one of claims 54 to 68, wherein said housing is portable. The housing according to any one of claims 54 to 59, wherein said filter arrangement is a passive filter.

R:\ibpp\583560\607700.doc -42-

71. A housing adapted for connection of a filter arrangement between a communication line and a communication device, said communication device operating over a first channel of said communication line, said housing comprising: a first section having side walls, a generally closed top end and a generally open base; a second section which through coupling with a third section is configured to form a plug and a socket for connection of said housing to said communication line and said communication device, said third section being interjacent said first and second section and being proximate said open base; a further plug or socket mounted substantially within a cavity formed by a coupling of said first and third section, said further plug or socket being adapted for connection of a further communication device to said communication line, said further communication device operating over a second channel of said communication line; and components formed substantially within said cavity, said components being configured to form at least said filter arrangement, wherein said filter arrangement is configured for decoupling of said first and second communications channels.

72. The housing according to claim 71, wherein said coupling of said second and third sections of said casing forms a 600-series plug and socket.

73. The housing according to any one claims 71 or 72, wherein said further plug or socket is an RJ45 or RJ11 plug or socket

74. The housing according to any one of claims 71 to 73, wherein said further plug or socket is configured for connection of a digital subscriber line modem to said housing.

R:\libpp\583560\607700.doc -43- The housing according to any one of claims 71 to 74, wherein said further plug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed through an opening formed adjacent to said plug.

76. The housing according to any one of claims 71 to 75, wherein said further plug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed through an opening formed adjacent to said socket.

77. The housing according to any one of claims 71 to 75, wherein said further plug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed through an opening formed on one side of said housing, said one side being substantially perpendicular to the other sides of said housing that form said plug and said socket.

78. The housing according to any one of claims 71 to 75, wherein said further plug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed through an opening formed in said generally closed top end of said first section.

79. The housing according to any one of claims 71 to 78, said filter arrangement comprising: at least one reactive filtering element; and at least one voltage/current controlled switching means configured to automatically interface said reactive filtering element with said communication device connected to said housing when said communication device is off-hook, and being further configured to automatically isolate said reactive filtering element when said communication device is on-hook whilst allowing an additional signal to pass to/from said communication device.

R:\libpp\583560\607700.doc -44- The housing according to claim 79, wherein said switching means is a solid state switching means.

81. The housing according to any one of claims 71 to 80, wherein said first channel is a plain old telephone system (POTS) channel.

82. The housing according to any one of claims 71 to 81, wherein said second channel is a digital subscriber line (DSL) channel.

83. The housing according to any one of claims 79 to 82, wherein said at least one voltage/current controlled switching means comprises a plurality of diodes connected as a diode-bridge and a resistive element connected in parallel with said diode-bridge.

84. The housing according to any one of claims 79 to 83, wherein said off-hook and on-hook state of said communication device is indicated by a switching means of said communication device.

The housing according to any one of claims 79 to 84, wherein said components further form a digital subscriber line modem.

86. The housing according to any one of claims 83 to 85, wherein said diode-bridge and said resistive element operate to deliver said additional signal regardless of the signal polarity imparted to said diode-bridge. R:\ibpp\583560\607700.doc

87. The housing according to any one of claims 79 to 86, wherein said additional signal is a caller identification signal.

88. The housing according to any one of claims 71 to 87, wherein said housing is portable.

89. The housing according to any one of claims 71 to 78, wherein said filter arrangement is a passive filter.

90. A portable housing adapted for connection between a communication line and a communication device, said housing being configured for connection at a customer premises end of said communications line substantially adjacent said communication device, said housing comprising: a casing having a section forming a 600-series plug and socket for connection of said housing to said communication line and said communication device; a filter circuit formed substantially within said casing, for enabling decoupling of signals simultaneously transmitted on a plain old telephone system (POTS) channel and a digital subscriber line (DSL) channel of said communication line; and an RJ45 or RJ11 plug or socket mounted substantially within said casing for connection of an ADSL modem in parallel to said communication device, said ADSL modem being configured to transmit and receive said signals transmitted on said DSL channel, wherein said RJ45 or RJ11 plug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed via an opening formed in said casing substantially adjacent to said 600-series plug.

91. The housing according to claim 86, wherein said filter circuit comprises: at least one reactive filtering element; and R:\libpp\583560\607700.doc -46- at least one voltage/current controlled switching means configured to automatically interface said reactive filtering element with said communication device connected to said housing when said communication device is off-hook, and being further configured to automatically isolate said reactive filtering element when said communication device is on-hook whilst allowing an additional signal to pass to/from said communication device.

92. The housing according to claim 91, wherein said switching means is a solid state switching means.

93. The housing according to any one of claims 91 to 92, wherein said at least voltage/current controlled switching means comprises a plurality of diodes connected as a diode-bridge and a resistive element connected in parallel with said diode-bridge.

94. The housing according to any one of claims 91 to 93, wherein said off-hook and on-hook state of said communication device is indicated by a switching means of said communication device.

The housing according to any one of claims 91 to 94, wherein said diode-bridge and said resistive element operate to deliver said additional signal regardless of the signal polarity imparted to said diode-bridge.

96. The housing according to any one of claims 91 to 95, wherein said additional signal is a caller identification signal.

97. The housing according to claim 90, wherein said filter circuit is a passive filter. 83560\607700.doc -47-

98. A portable housing adapted for connection between a communication line and a communication device, said housing comprising: a first section having side walls, a generally closed top end and a generally open base; a second section which through coupling with a third section is configured to form a 600-series plug and a socket for connection of said housing to said communication line and said communication device, said third section being interjacent said first and second section and being proximate said open base; a filter circuit formed substantially within said casing, for enabling decoupling of signals simultaneously transmitted on a plain old telephone system (POTS) channel and a digital subscriber line (DSL) channel of said communication line; and an RJ45 or RJ11 plug or socket mounted substantially within a cavity formed by a coupling of said first and third section, said further plug or socket being adapted for connection of an ADSL modem to said communication line said ADSL modem being configured to transmit and receive said signals transmitted on said DSL channel, wherein said RJ45 or RJ11 plug or socket is mounted so as to be accessed through an opening formed in said first section.

99. The housing according to claim 98, wherein said filter circuit is a passive filter.

100. A housing adapted for connection between a communication line and a communication device, said housing being substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments as shown in Figs. 5(A) to 6(C) and Figs. 9(A) to 19, of the accompanying drawings. R:\libpp\583560\607700.doc -48- DATED this Fourth Day of September 2002 CIO COMMUNICATIONS PTY LTD Patent Attorneys for the Applicant SPRUSON&FERGUSON 83 560\607700.doc