The present invention is directed to a system and method for upgrading a
telecommunication system including a central office (CO), a digital loop
carrier (DLC), and a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE).
Broadly, the present invention is realized by the retrofit of a DLC to
enable the DLC to communicate with a CO through high bandwidth wireless
transmissions. The high bandwidth wireless transmissions accommodate much
larger data throughput than previously accommodated through the copper
"backhaul" of multiple T1 circuits. In accordance with one aspect of the
present invention, a telecommunications system comprises a CO, a DLC, and
a plurality of CPE. Each of the plurality of CPE are electrically
connected to the DLC. A radio frequency (RF) interface circuit is disposed
at the DLC, along with one or more DSL line cards. A first wireless
transceiver disposed at the DLC, and is electrically connected to the
radio frequency interface circuit. A second wireless transceiver is
electrically coupled to the CO. In accordance with the invention,
information is exchanged between the CO and the DLC via wireless
communications between the first wireless transceiver and the second
wireless transceiver.
