(19)

(11)

EP 1 151 621 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 07.11.2001 Bulletin 2001/45 (21) Application number: 98967155.7 (22) Date of filing: 18.12.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: H04Q 3/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9827/102 (87) International publication number: WO 9931/900 (24.06.1999 Gazette 1999/25)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE ES FR GB IT SE (30) Priority: 18.12.1997 US 993437 (71) Applicant: Alcatel USA Sourcing, L.P. Plano, TX 75075 (US)	(72) Inventors: SHAH, Tasvir Irving, TX 75063 (US) COPLEY, Jeffrey D. Garland, TX 75043 (US) SADANI, Kishore D. Plano, TX 75024 (US) (74) Representative: Dreiss, Fuhlendorf, Steimle & Becker  Patentanwälte,Postfach 10 37 62 70032 Stuttgart 70032 Stuttgart (DE)