Abstract: An apparatus and a method of enhancing data integrity for data transmission over an optical network are disclosed. Upon detecting a low performance condition associated to the optical communications network, an error correcting code (“ECC”) device is activated. The ECC device inserts the ECC to a data stream to form an ECC data stream. Once the ECC data stream reaches to the destination, the ECC device corrects any errors incurred during the transmission, and removes the ECC from the ECC data stream. It should be noted that the ECC device can also be activated by a request from a network operator.

Abstract: A system and method for providing identifying numbers for virtual circuits and virtual paths in a network is described. The system and method make use of a predetermined group of identifying numbers such that each number corresponds to a particular communication type and port.

Abstract: A multicasting network includes a number of routers that are connected together to form a ring. The routers include a source router that identifies incoming multicasting data packets, and forwards the multicasting data packets in both directions on the ring. The routers also include forwarding routers that identify incoming multicasting data packets, and forwards the multicasting data packets in only one direction on the ring. Further, each ring has two terminating routers that receive forwarded data packets on two external nodes, and accept forwarded data packets from only a first external node and not from a second external node. When a fault condition is detected that prevents data packets from being forwarded in a first direction on the ring, the routers down stream of the fault condition reconfigure themselves to receive forwarded data packets from the second direction.

Abstract: A cabinet includes a housing for housing equipment, and a heat dissipation device for dissipating heat in the housing. At least a part of the heat dissipation device is formed integrally with at least a part of the housing. The heat dissipation device includes a fluid passageway adjacent the housing. The fluid passageway includes first and second surface portions, together defining an enclosing structure surrounding an interior space, and first and second openings in the enclosing structure. The first surface portion defines a boundary between the interior space and a region containing the equipment. The first and second openings are provided in respective locations not on the first surface portion. Fluid is caused to flow into the first opening, through the interior space of the enclosing structure, and out of the second opening by means of convection, dissipating heat from the first region.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the invention provide a system for monitoring a battery backup unit (BBU) deployed in a network. The BBU typically communicates in a unidirectional manner with an external device, such as an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), is able to communicate in a bidirectional manner. The useful improvements of communicating in a bidirectional manner include installation integrity, real-time troubleshooting, and software upgrades. Moreover, the BBU is able to monitor an output power or status information of a primary power source, such as an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) Power Supply Unit (OPSU). Specifically, example embodiments allow the BBU to be enabled in an event of a loss of primary power to the ONT. The BBU may communicate in a bidirectional manner between the BBU and the device external from the BBU to receive status request signals and provide information responsive thereto about the BBU, including information about the battery.

Abstract: A primary server and a backup server that both run a RADIUS client in a cold start configuration share a single IP address that includes a limited number of message identifiers (MIDs). The primary server and the backup server each have a small number of fixed message identifiers. In addition, a large number of shared message identifiers are used by the primary server, and then used by the backup server a predetermined time after the primary server fails.

Abstract: An optical line terminal (OLT) determines when an optical network terminal (ONT) has become a rogue ONT, and then identifies the rogue ONT so that service can be restored. The OLT identifies the rogue ONT by comparing the received power levels with the levels that would be expected during normal operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of determining attenuation of an optical path between two optical networks may include using a communications traffic signal without interrupting service or requiring additional external test equipment. A transmit optical network node is configured to measure the transmit power of a transmitted optical signal. A receive optical network node is configured to measure the transmit power of the same transmitted optical signal. A calculation unit calculates the power differential of a transmit and receive optical power. A determination unit is configured to determine optical path attenuation as a function of the optical path distance between the transmit and receive optical network nodes. A reporting unit reports data indicative of the optical path attenuation. The optical path attenuation may be monitored periodically, on demand, on an event basis and may report an alert if the attenuation measurement exceeds a preconfigured threshold.

Abstract: Access to a bus is granted to one of a number of requesting communication circuits that each submitted a bus control request during a request period of an arbitration period in response to the entries in a priority table. If a requesting communication circuit has an identity and priority that match the identity and priority of a communication circuit stored in a row of the priority table that corresponds with the arbitration period, access to the bus is granted to the requesting communication circuit.

Abstract: An optical network terminal, which includes an optical transmitter, monitors the status of the optical transmitter, such as the output or the power consumption of the optical transmitter, to determine when the optical transmitter is illegally transmitting. When an illegal transmission is detected, the optical network terminal removes power from the optical transmitter.

Abstract: Communications equipment includes a demultiplexer that controllably delivers portions of the data to buffers in a particular order, a logic circuit that selectively controls the transmission of the data from the buffers such that a transmission order of the data portions is preserved, and transmission circuits, each in communication with at least one of the buffers. A method of transmitting data is further disclosed.

Abstract: The power required to search a content addressable memory (CAM) is substantially reduced by forming the CAM to have a number of CAM banks with a corresponding number of power switches that control power to the CAM banks, and then controlling the power to search the CAM banks one at a time.

Abstract: A method to link aggregate over independent redundant switches is provided for use in an apparatus including first, second, and third switches in a local area network (LAN). A first port of the first switch is connected to a first port of the second switch, a second port of the second switch is connected to a first port of the third switch, and a second port of the third switch is connected to a second port of the first switch. The method includes forming a first link aggregation group (LAG) between the first and second ports of the first switch; forming a second LAG between the first and second ports of the second switch; and applying a port forwarding rule to the first and second ports of the second switch, where the first switch is in an active mode and the second switch is in a standby mode.

Abstract: A communication system includes an interface that allows a media access controller (MAC) and an optical line termination transceiver module (TM), which have incompatible interfaces, to be connected together. The interface detects a phase relationship required by the TM, and feeds the information back to a processor and memory which places a value into the MAC to adjust the phase relationship.

Abstract: A fault condition of a continuous stream of light up a shared fiber from an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) to an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) may adversely affect ranging of the ONT by the OLT. A method and corresponding apparatus for ranging an ONT tolerant to such a fault condition is disclosed. In an example embodiment, an optical receiver of an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) is reset at about a time a ranging signal from an ONT is expected to be received. Through the use of the example embodiment, an ONT can be ranged in the presence of a rogue ONT causing the fault condition. Moreover, the example embodiment enables the rogue ONT to be ranged in a presence of the fault condition and an Optical Distribution Network (ODN), which includes the OLT and the rogue ONT, to continue to support communications in a presence of the fault condition.

Abstract: An optical network terminal includes a sleep logic circuit that assumes responsibility for monitoring off-hook transitions after the AC main power supply has failed for a predetermined period of time. The sleep logic circuit is very low power and, as a result, allows the optical network terminal to remain active and provide lifeline support for a much greater period of time.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus for diagnosing problems on a time division multiple access (TDMA) optical distribution network (ODN) is provided. An example method may include: (i) measuring no-input signal power level on a communications path configured to carry upstream communications between multiple optical network terminals (ONTs) and an optical line terminal (OLT) in a passive optical network (PON) at a time no upstream communications are on the communications path from the ONTs to the OLT; (ii) comparing the measured no-input signal power level to a threshold; and (iii) generating a notification in an event the threshold is exceeded. Through the use of this method, faults in optical transmitters, such as bad solder joints, can be determined. Such faults may cause errors in parameters, such as ranging or normalization parameters, associated with communications. By determining the faults, the time required to resolve communications errors can be reduced.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus for ranging an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) in a Passive Optical Network (PON) is provided. An example method may include: (i) transmitting a ranging request from an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) to an ONT in connection with a transport layer ranging window; (ii) monitoring for a ranging response from the ONT during at least one physical layer ranging window within the transport layer ranging window, the transport layer ranging window having a duration longer than the physical layer ranging window; and (iii) determining at least one metric associated with the ranging response for use in connection with upstream communications between the ONT and the OLT. The metric(s), used in connection with upstream communications, are accurately determined, and communications faults during normal operations are thus reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the insertion and extraction of a PC board into and from a card cage, comprising a mounting body, an engager, and an actuator. The apparatus can be provided as a ring-shaped mounting body having a clearance hole therethrough. The apparatus is slidably and rotatably mounted on a cylindrical rod through the clearance hole such that the apparatus is slidably rotatable along the length of the cylindrical rod. In operation, the engager is positioned in physical contact with the PC board in a notch in the board such that when a force is applied to the actuator, the engager is effected to urge the board to move in the direction of the force.

Abstract: A router stores a value that indicates the maximum number of channels that can be output to a group, and the number of channels that are output to the group. When a member of the group indicates a channel change selection from a first channel to a second channel, the router drops the first channel before outputting the second channel when the maximum number of channels and the number of channels are equal.