Abstract: A system for selecting an alternate route in a network using a connection-oriented protocol. The system is implemented in response to inadequate resources to a normal next hop node for a requested connection. The system may also be implemented if the normal next hop node is not capable of supporting the requested data flow. An alternate next hop node is identified having adequate resources for the requested connection. The connection request is then sent to the alternate next hop node. A refusal message is generated if the connection request sent to the alternate next hop node fails. The identification of alternate next hop nodes having adequate resources is performed on a limited basis.

Abstract: A communication system for transmitting relatively high frequency broadband electrical signals representative of broadband information and for transmitting relatively low frequency baseband electrical signals representative of baseband information. The system includes a length of communications media having at least one twisted pair of wires and a "multi-signal interface coupler" connected to one end of the communications media. The interface coupler has an RF signal port for passing the broadband signals in the unbalanced mode and a data signal port for passing the baseband signals. A circuit connected to the RF signal port and the data signal port, transmits both the broadband signals and the baseband signals in a balanced mode on the communications media.