US 10868908

US Patent 10,868,908: Devices and Methods for Multipath Communications

Title: Devices and methods for multipath communications
Assignee: Competitive Access Systems Inc.
Inventor: Eric M. DeLangis
Filing Date: May 23, 2016 (Application number US15/161,787)
Issue Date: December 15, 2020
Abstract: The patent describes a broadband network-edge router that receives packetized data and wirelessly communicates with another router in a residence or small business. This broadband network-edge router, which can be a Wi-Fi or cellular device, routes data to requesting devices during multipath or multilink connections.

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Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

US Patent 10,868,908 includes three independent claims (Claims 1, 11, and 15), each outlining a system or method for providing enhanced communication services, particularly broadband and multiple phone lines, over existing Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) lines using a Residential Gateway (RCG) device.

Independent Claim 1: Method of Transmitting Data
This claim describes a method involving an RCG device that continuously connects to a service provider's network via a modem over a POTS line, which is typically the customer's primary telephone service. The RCG receives and stores configuration information, including routing details and a local dialup number, as well as the address of a controlling Softswitch/SIP Proxy Server. The RCG registers with this server and maintains a continuous local network connection. It connects a primary telephone port to the POTS line, which acts as a "lifeline" to ensure uninterrupted basic telephone service even if the RCG loses power. The claim further specifies that two additional telephone ports on the RCG are assigned unique telephone numbers and are identifiable on an IP network via DHCP. All three telephone numbers are integrated into a SIP address for IP routing. Finally, the method provides "broadband over POTS" by forming a multilink PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) bundle, utilizing multiple POTS lines connected to various RCG devices.

Independent Claim 11: Residential Gateway (RCG) Device
This claim describes the RCG device itself, configured to perform the actions outlined in Claim 1. It includes a modem/DAA for establishing and maintaining a continuous connection over a POTS line to a service provider's network. A main CPU within the RCG is responsible for receiving and storing control information (routing, feature/service, local dialup number), storing the URL of a controlling Softswitch/SIP Proxy Server, registering with this server, and establishing a continuous local network connection using the dialup number. The RCG features a first telephone port connected to the POTS line, functioning as a lifeline port for power-loss scenarios. It also has additional telephone ports (second and third) assigned unique telephone numbers, which are uniquely identifiable to an IP network via DHCP. These telephone numbers are part of a SIP address for IP routing. The device further includes an 802.11 b/g wireless interface for enabling broadband over POTS by configuring a multilink PPP bundle involving multiple RCG devices.

Independent Claim 15: Method for CLEC Services
This claim focuses on a method for Competitive Local Exchange Companies (CLECs) to provide services using the RCG device. It encompasses all the steps of Claim 1, but from the perspective of a CLEC offering the service. This includes providing the RCG device to a customer, establishing the continuous modem connection, receiving and storing control information, registering with the Softswitch/SIP Proxy Server, establishing the continuous local network connection, connecting the lifeline telephone port, assigning telephone numbers to all three ports as part of a SIP address, and providing broadband over POTS through a multilink PPP bundle using the 802.11 b/g wireless interface.

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Litigation Status:

As of October 2, 2024, the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) of the USPTO issued a final rejection of all challenged claims of US Patent 10,868,908. This patent, owned by Competitive Access Systems, was involved in assertions against Oracle's Linux offering.

While there has been significant action regarding the patent's validity at the USPTO in 2024, a specific case related to US Patent 10,868,908 in the CAFC (Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit) 2026 dockets could not be definitively identified from the available search results. The patent family has been involved in other district court litigations and PTAB cases as indicated in the patent's Google Patents entry, but these do not specifically detail CAFC activity for 2026 for this particular patent.