ADDING DSL SERVICES TO A DIGITAL LOOP CARRIER SYSTEM

An improved digital loop carrier system for transporting voice and DSL data signals in the local loop. The digital loop carrier system includes a remote digital terminal having an interface terminal (10), a common equipment shelf (20) for interfacing digital voice signals to the central office switch (12) , and a plurality of copper shelves (22) coupled to the common shelf for holdi ng voice line-cards (52) that convert digital voice signals into analog voice signals (and vice versa) for transport to customer premises. At least one copper shelf is configured to include an auxiliary packet data bus (68) for connecting combination voice/DSL line-cards and at least one data uplink car d (91). The data uplink card (91) is coupled to the interface teminal to enabl e DSL data transport without impacting digital voice capabilites through the common equipment. Also disclosed is an optional Ethernet switch in the remot e digital terminal for concentrating multiple DSL signals prior to transport back to the central office.