Abstract: A method and system for bandwidth management in a packet-based network utilizes processing based on bandwidth management policies defined by subscribers and service providers. This method and system allow a subscriber to control the bandwidth available for sessions in near-real time and simplify provisioning at hubs and gateways by allowing the voice/data bandwidth ratio to be established independently of the provisioned bandwidth for voice and data. Bandwidth management policies are stored in the database of the service manager. When a request for modification of the maximum bandwidth parameter for an access hub is received, a mid-call event is detected or a new session is attempted by a subscriber, the service manager determines the current bandwidth utilization and whether this current bandwidth utilization exceeds the maximum bandwidth defined. If the new maximum bandwidth is exceeded, the service manager performs policy processing.

Abstract: A method and system for bandwidth management in a packet-based network utilizes processing based on bandwidth management policies defined by subscribers and service providers. This method and system allow a subscriber to control the bandwidth available for sessions in near-real time and simplify provisioning at hubs and gateways by allowing the voice/data bandwidth ratio to be established independently of the provisioned bandwidth for voice and data. Bandwidth management policies are stored in the database of the service manager. When a request for modification of the maximum bandwidth parameter for an access hub is received, a mid-call event is detected or a new session is attempted by a subscriber, the service manager determines the current bandwidth utilization and whether this current bandwidth utilization exceeds the maximum bandwidth defined. If the new maximum bandwidth is exceeded, the service manager performs policy processing.

Abstract: A cell for use in a packet switching network. The cell comprises an input for receiving a packet including a destination address and first and second outputs. The cell includes a selection circuit for connecting the input with the first output or the second output depending on whether a specific bit occupying a predetermined position in the packet address is a logic "1" or a logic "0". Illustratively, the specific bit is the first bit after a start bit of the packer and each of the cells includes means for rotating the specific bit to the end of the address. This is especially useful for implementing a banyan network wherein the k.sup.th column of cells the routing decision is based on the k.sup.th most significant bit of the address, as the address bit rotation mechanism can be used to ensure that the first bit after the start bit of a packet is the k.sup.th most significant address bit.

Abstract: A Batcher-banyan network which may be implemented using only two different IC chip designs is disclosed. The chips comprising the Batcher banyan network are arranged in adjacent horizontal and vertical stacks to minimize the lengths of electrical conductors connecting the chips.

Abstract: A novel packet switch architecture is disclosed. The packet switch utilizes internal queuing (i.e. recirculation loops) and output queuing (i.e. multiple paths to each destination) to provide a packet switch which offers superior performance in comparison to a packet switch which utilizes either of these queuing strategies alone. The combination of recirculation and output queues have complimentary effects. The output queuing reduces the number of recirculation loops needed and recirculation reduces the bandwidth requirements for an output buffered switch.

Abstract: A novel packet switch architecture is disclosed. In the novel packet switch, inputs are dynamically allocated between newly arriving and recirculating packets to make maximum use of available bandwidth while simultaneously resolving output port conflicts.

Abstract: A full access, non-blocking, self-routing packet switch based on a Batcher sorting network is disclosed. Fake place holding packets are utilized along with a conflict resolution scheme to insure that during each packet switch cycle a packet is routed from each input port to each output port. The use of fake place holding packets insures that real packets which contain user data can be routed to the outputs having the addresses contained in their packet headers.

Abstract: A time-division circuit switch which serves as a cross connect for time multiplexed signals including frames subdivided into slots serves to cross-connect input and output lines on a slot-by-slot basis. The circuit utilizes a self-routing packet switching network. An input interface attached to each input line converts incoming slots into fixed length packets which can be routed through the self-routing switching network in a synchronous manner. An output interface coupled to each output line reconverts the packets into slot/frame format. To prevent blocking, the self-routing packet switching network runs at a faster rate than the input and output lines of the switch.

Abstract: A stored program energy control system operates with the control of a telephone communications system to improve its energy efficiency by removing power from station sets and their associated visual indicators when they are inactive. Inactive station sets are identified by establishing minimal intervals of nonuse to define the inactive status. The energy control system responds to events like incoming calls and switchhook activity to restore power to the station set. Since energy is applied to a station set only when precisely needed, the overall energy drain of the system is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A current controlled switching type voltage regulator achieves voltage regulation by controlling an average current flow through the switching device. This current is sensed and transformed into a signal frequency. The signal frequency is counted to determine its average value and this count is compared to a variable current reference count which is continuously adjusted in response to an output voltage monitor which includes circuitry to generate an error count responsive to the deviation of the voltage output from a desired regulated value. In order to counteract instability problems inherent in current controlled switching type voltage regulators the transducer converting current into a signal frequency has a threshold characteristic to insure a definite fixed signal frequency at very low currents.