Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide flow control of incoming data packets to data processing resources via a controller that can receive and react to advanced backpressure messages. These advanced backpressure messages are used to rate limit the data packets based one or more of the following factors: traffic class, traffic priority, destination port. The controller can also generate a traffic preference message to an upstream source of the data packets to inform the upstream unit of the most appropriate type of data that should be transmitted downstream at that time, thereby improving the likelihood of the transmitted data being processed in a proper and timely manner by the downstream data processing resources. Embodiments of the invention can improve the performance of a communications system during periods of congestion by ensuring that high-priority traffic has precedence over traffic of lower priority while maximizing utilization of the ingress data path bandwidth.

Abstract: A method for implementing an electrical system architecture capable of providing fixed or modular components, for example, interface connectors, is provided. Fixed components allow product cost to be minimized. Modular components provide flexible configurability of products. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, an electrical system architecture capable of providing fixed or modular components minimizes costs such as design, production, and customer support costs while being able to provide a range of product variants.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide flow control of incoming data packets to data processing resources via a controller that can receive and react to advanced backpressure messages. These advanced backpressure messages are used to rate limit the data packets based one or more of the following factors: traffic class, traffic priority, destination port. The controller can also generate a traffic preference message to an upstream source of the data packets to inform the upstream unit of the most appropriate type of data that should be transmitted downstream at that time, thereby improving the likelihood of the transmitted data being processed in a proper and timely manner by the downstream data processing resources. Embodiments of the invention can improve the performance of a communications system during periods of congestion by ensuring that high-priority traffic has precedence over traffic of lower priority while maximizing utilization of the ingress data path bandwidth.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide flow control of incoming data packets to data processing resources via a controller that can receive and react to advanced backpressure messages. These advanced backpressure messages are used to rate limit the data packets based one or more of the following factors: traffic class, traffic priority, destination port. The controller can also generate a traffic preference message to an upstream source of the data packets to inform the upstream unit of the most appropriate type of data that should be transmitted downstream at that time, thereby improving the likelihood of the transmitted data being processed in a proper and timely manner by the downstream data processing resources. Embodiments of the invention can improve the performance of a communications system during periods of congestion by ensuring that high-priority traffic has precedence over traffic of lower priority while maximizing utilization of the ingress data path bandwidth.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for implementing CESOP inexpensively yet effectively implemented across an MPLS or an IP network. A Zarlink chip provides CESOP functionality, providing a TDM pseudowire by converting TDM streams into Ethernet packets. These Ethernet packets can be processed by a Marvell chip, which has the ability to perform QoS functions on the packets. The Marvell chip converts the Ethernet packets into MPLS or IP packets for transmission over a packet network. Use of a single virtual circuit label, invisible to the packet network for routing purposes, within the Ethernet packet allows Marvell chips at each end of the emulated circuit to tie traffic to a particular customer and to thereby apply appropriate QoS constraints.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing backpressure flow control to traffic flows of a data communications system are provided. Embodiments of the invention selectively apply a measure of flow control to traffic flows responsive to a level of congestion at a packet processor of the system. These embodiments advantageously provide flexibility in the application of flow control to specific traffic flows in accordance with one or more of characteristics of those traffic flows.

Abstract: An egress traffic management system for a data communication system is disclosed. The egress traffic management system makes use of a hierarchical queue ID header paradigm that enables data packets to be directed for egress traffic management to either one of a plurality of assignable queues in a main egress queue module or to one of a plurality of distributed queue modules via a common queue of the main egress queue module. This behavior enables egress traffic management functionality and scale to be varied independently and in a cost-effective manner to meet evolving requirements of a data communications system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing redundant link usage allows a portion of the wasted bandwidth in a redundant link system to be utilized for additional data traffic without compromising the ability of the system to respond to and correct for a failure of a link. In one embodiment, one of two independent, individually addressable links is selected as a nominal communication path, and the other as a standby communication path. The path independent traffic is sent via the nominal communication path, while the path dependent data is sent via the nominal communication path or the standby path, in accordance with the dependence of the traffic. In another embodiment, critical time sensitive traffic is sent via a nominal and standby time sensitive paths, while normal traffic is sent via nominal normal path, and non-critical traffic is sent via a standby normal path.

Abstract: Distributed communication traffic control systems and methods are disclosed. An amount of communication traffic received from a traffic management device and stored in a communication traffic queue at a communication device is monitored. Based on the amount of communication traffic stored in the communication traffic queue, a determination is made, at the communication device, as to whether a traffic management action is to be performed. If a traffic management action is to be performed, the traffic management device is controlled to perform the determined traffic management action. The traffic management device may receive an indication of the determined traffic management action from a distributed traffic controller in the communication device, for example, and perform the traffic management action responsive to the indication.

Abstract: A configurable chassis guidance system and method are described. The system may be practiced as a chassis and/or a module or an element thereof (e.g., a mating guide). The system and method allow reconfiguration of multiple modules of various module widths without the need for removal or reinstallation of module guides mounted on the chassis. As an example, a single-width module may be removed and replaced by a double-width module or quadruple-width module without removing module guides used to engage the single-width module. As another example, a double-width module or quadruple-width module may be removed and replaced by a single-width module without removing module guides used to engage the double-width module or quadruple-width module. The system and method may be practiced so as not to impair compatibility of modules with card edge module guides that engage an edge of a circuit board of a module.

Abstract: Partial reconfiguration of programmable logic devices may be achieved in a hardware-controlled manner without relying upon software. Upon installation of a new memory module, partial reconfiguration may enable alteration of a clock frequency without affecting operation of the software. When a new interface is installed, partial reconfiguration will allow a programmable logic device to adapt to either a serial or parallel interface before executing a standard boot-up sequence for the computer system.

Abstract: A power sequencing method may use a state machine in a programmable sequencer to program relative timing of signals to activate different power rails attached to an integrated circuit. Input lines may specify the sequencing program. Alternatively, the programmable sequencer may use an EEPROM or other computer-readable medium to program itself with a particular image of the sequencing program. The programmable sequencer may be implemented by a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).

Abstract: A connection system for a communication switch is provided. The switch comprises a controller and shelves providing communication capabilities for the switch. The controller is able to communicate with each shelf shelves utilizing categories of communication signals. The connection system comprises connections providing signalling links for the categories of communication signals between the controller and the each shelf. The connections are bundled together in a single, collective span of cable and each connection provides its individual category communication signals independently of the other connections.

Abstract: A circuit comprises two or more chains of components, each chain comprising a plurality of components serially connected by designated pins on each component and at least one chain including one or more components of another chain, the designated pins being designated for data for one or more specific purposes. A selector is included for selecting one chain from the two or more chains over which to data is to be sent. Another circuit comprises a chain of components serially connected by designated pins on each component, and two or more controllers, each controller capable of controlling the chain for one or more of the specific purposes. A wiring board for implementing the circuit is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a packet processing circuit card with scalable performance at specified operational bandwidths over a given range of bandwidths. Advantageously, these embodiments enable a packet processing circuit card developed for a high bandwidth application to be used in a lower bandwidth application. This allows for cost-effective scaling of packet processing performance to the needs of the data communications system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing backpressure flow control to traffic flows of a data communications system are provided. Embodiments of the invention selectively apply a measure of flow control to traffic flows responsive to a level of congestion at a packet processor of the system. These embodiments advantageously provide flexibility in the application of flow control to specific traffic flows in accordance with one or more of characteristics of those traffic flows.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for providing a common support services infrastructure that allows a network element shelf to be used with circuit card configurations that provide enhanced and/or new data path functionality without requiring the expensive and time consuming redesign of the entire shelf unit. In one embodiment, the invention provides support services including common control and housekeeping services to a subshelf bay into which one or more subshelves may be installed. In one embodiment, the common support services that are provided include power supply services, environmental control services, information display services, and operational control and management services. In one embodiment, the subshelf bay is provided with standardized means used to supply the common support services to the subshelves. In one embodiment, each sub-shelf contains its own midplane and is operationally independent from other subshelves.

Abstract: Communication traffic management systems and methods are disclosed. One or more traffic managers may be provided for managing communication traffic to be sent toward respective groups of one or more destinations. A determination is made as to whether one traffic manager or more than one traffic manager is provided. If one traffic manager is provided, then communication traffic is transferred to the traffic manager. In the case where more than one traffic manager is provided, received communication traffic is transferred to a traffic manager for a destination toward which the communication traffic is to be sent. Traffic managers may be added to or removed from communication equipment to provide varying levels of traffic management.

Abstract: Dynamic data path component configuration apparatus and methods are disclosed. A configuration of a data path link that is operatively coupled to a communication equipment data path is determined. A determination as to whether a configurable data path component, which is configurable to exchange data with the data path link and with another data path link, is configured compatibly with the determined configuration, is also made. If the configurable data path component is not configured compatibly with the determined configuration, then an operation to configure the configurable data path component is performed. The configuring operation could dynamically configure the data path component to increase or reduce data path speed, to bond multiple links, and/or to unbond multiple links, as electronic cards are installed or removed, for example. During the configuring operation, the configurable data path component is able to exchange data with other data path links and accordingly is non-service affecting.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide flow control of incoming data packets to data processing resources via a controller that can receive and react to advanced backpressure messages. These advanced backpressure messages are used to rate limit the data packets based one or more of the following factors: traffic class, traffic priority, destination port. The controller can also generate a traffic preference message to an upstream source of the data packets to inform the upstream unit of the most appropriate type of data that should be transmitted downstream at that time, thereby improving the likelihood of the transmitted data being processed in a proper and timely manner by the downstream data processing resources. Embodiments of the invention can improve the performance of a communications system during periods of congestion by ensuring that high-priority traffic has precedence over traffic of lower priority while maximizing utilization of the ingress data path bandwidth.