Abstract: Methods and communication nodes for assigning unique identifiers to a plurality of nodes. A plurality of data values are maintained in memory, each being associated to one of the nodes. A bit mask value is obtained that, when applied to the plurality of data values, produces a plurality of unique identifiers. The bit mask value is made available to the nodes thereby assigning a unique identifier to each of the nodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and nodes for performing bridging of data traffic over an access domain. For doing so, for data traffic received at an access node from a first user domain and destined to a second user domain, the access node identifies a service binding corresponding to the received data. Then, the access node tunnels the data traffic in a Unicast message addressed to an access edge node in accordance with the identified service binding. The tunnelled data traffic is then forwarded to the access edge node. The access edge node receives the tunnelled data traffic, and identifies the service binding corresponding to the received tunnelled data traffic. The access edge node then proceeds with redirecting the tunnelled data traffic to a second access node in accordance with the identified service binding therein. The redirected tunnelled data traffic is received at a second access node, where it is detunnelled and forwarded to the second user domain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and nodes for handling multicast messages over an access domain. The method starts with the receipt of a multicast message from a service provider domain. The method pursues with the identification of a service agent corresponding to the service provider domain from which the multicast message is received. Then, the content of a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) Tag field of the multicast message is modified so as to correspond to the identified service agent. The modified multicast message is forwarded on the access domain. Upon receipt of the modified multicast message at an access node, the access node identifies at least one service binding related to the service agent identified in the VLAN Tag field of the received multicast message.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide for methods and systems that enable frame generation by fields taken from various queues. Protocol control can also or alternatively be distributed so that one or more header fields can be generated separately from other portions of a frame, e.g., the payload. The one or more header fields can be entered into queues from which they are taken to generate frames.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to these exemplary embodiments provide for mechanisms and methods that allow for improving the efficiency of a passive optical network (PON). Upstream data transmission can occur by allowing an optical network unit (ONU) cycle to overlap more than one GPON transmission convergence (GTC) frame. Additionally, or alternatively, multiple different bandwidth maps can be transmitted per dynamic bandwidth allocation (DBA) cycle to inform ONUs of their respective, upstream bandwidth allocations.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to these exemplary embodiments provide for methods and systems that enable decoupling of medium access control (MAC) functions from other optical transceiver functions to, for example, promote scalability of passive optical networks (PONs). A MAC frame processing unit can communicate MAC frames to optical transceiver modules via an interconnect using an encapsulating frame according to another communications protocol, e.g., XAUI.

Abstract: A method and an access domain node identify and manage a type of service offered by a service provider to user domains. A service template is prepared by the service provider, comprising an address of a server and a protocol identifier, as well as policies for controlling traffic for the service. Upon set up of a connection between a user domain and the service provider, an address of the user domain is added to the service template to produce a service flow management set. Every data packet exchanged between the user domain and the server, in either direction, is related to a service data flow for a given service type by checking for a match between a source address, a destination address, and a protocol type contained therein, with an appropriate service type. Policies from the service flow management set are used to manage the flow of data packets.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to these exemplary embodiments provide for methods and systems improving the protocol efficiency in passive optical networks. Additionally, methods and systems for calculating and transmitting an equalization delay change message are described.

Abstract: A system and method of providing Ethernet protection switching in a PBB-TE Domain. Two PBB-TE trunks are established between a first B-component and a second B-component. Each trunk includes two unidirectional Ethernet Switching Paths (ESPs), each associated with a possibly different VLAN identifier. Data traffic is mapped onto the first PBB-TE trunk, where the first PBB-TE trunk corresponds to a working entity and the second PBB-TE trunk corresponds to a backup protection entity. Data traffic is sent via a first ESP of the first trunk associated with a first VID and a second ESP of the first trunk associated with a second VID. The two PBB-TE trunks are monitored for faults. Upon detecting a fault on one of the PBB-TE trunks, data traffic is remapped onto the other PBB-TE trunk via a third ESP associated with a third VID and a fourth ESP associated with a fourth VID.

Abstract: Problems caused by Internet Protocol datagram fragmentation are solved by creating a session context for the datagram fragments without actually reassembling the datagram from its fragments. The session context enables treatment of the datagram without actually reassembling it. Processing fragments can be followed by forwarding the processed fragments to another node that can further fragment the IP datagram.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, an access node, an access edge node and a decentralized node for aggregating data traffic over an access domain. The decentralized node corresponds to one of the service providers, and is located in closer proximity with user domains to be serviced. The decentralized node maintains over the access domain one or several Virtual Local Area Networks, for aggregating thereon data traffic to be exchanged with the user domains, on behalf of the service provider domain. To allow proper aggregation of the data traffic, service bindings are created and stored at the access edge node, and further stored at the decentralized node and at the access node. Therefore, aggregation of the data traffic between the decentralized node and the user domains over the access domain is performed in accordance with the created service bindings.

Abstract: A router architecture with one or more network interfaces, processing, switching and forwarding elements, each which has one or more processing units capable of processing network traffic to provide at least a portion of a network service. The switching element is capable of acting as a proxy to the processing elements while each of the forwarding elements are capable of receiving network traffic on the network interface and are capable to delegate processing of network traffic toward processing elements through at least one switching element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and nodes for performing data traffic aggregation over an access domain using service bindings. Upon receipt of a service request related message at an access edge node for a first device of a user domain, the service request related message identifying the first device of the user domain and one of the service provider domains, a service binding is created at the access edge node. The service binding rules data traffic between the first device of the user domain and the service provider domain by committing an access node serving the user domain and the access edge node in a manner of managing data traffic therebetween over the access domain. An access node serving the user domain for which the service request related message is received is informed of the created service binding.

Abstract: In a provider backbone-traffic engineering network, a method and a bridge node are provided for setting up path between edge bridges connected to customer premises. A first edge bridge advertises towards peer edge bridges a tuple comprising a port identity and a layer two address. When it needs to set up a path towards the first edge bridge, one of the peer edge bridges uses information in the tuple to compute a path label.

Abstract: Problems caused by Internet Protocol datagram fragmentation are solved by creating a session context for the datagram fragments without actually reassembling the datagram from its fragments. The session context enables treatment of the datagram without actually reassembling it. Processing fragments can be followed by forwarding the processed fragments to another node that can further fragment the IP datagram.

Abstract: Several services offered by distinct service providers can be accessed from a single user device, through one or more gateways. To ensure quality of service control, each service provider allocates a distinct address to the user device. Distinct forwarding information bases and service mappings are defined at the user device, comprising one such forwarding information base for each service provider and one service mapping for each service type offered by a given service provider. The separate addresses allocated to the user device are related to the separate service mappings. Distinct virtual local area networks (VLANs) are defined, each containing one of the forwarding information base and one of the service mappings. Tags added to packets by the gateways and arriving at the user device are used to link the packets to the proper service provider and to the proper service type.

Abstract: A method and an access domain node identify and manage a type of service offered by a service provider to user domains. A service template is prepared by the service provider, comprising an address of a server and a protocol identifier, as well as policies for controlling traffic for the service. Upon set up of a connection between a user domain and the service provider, an address of the user domain is added to the service template to produce a service flow management set. Every data packet exchanged between the user domain and the server, in either direction, is related to a service data flow for a given service type by checking for a match between a source address, a destination address, and a protocol type contained therein, with an appropriate service type. Policies from the service flow management set are used to manage the flow of data packets.

Abstract: A finite state machine and a router adapted thereto for providing a service. The finite state machine is executed on a first and a second distinct hardware modules. The first module has access to a first memory and the second module has access to a second memory. The first and second memory are different and not shared therebetween. At least one transition between a first state and a second state of the finite state machine from the first module to the second module is performed by sending local information of the first module toward the second module. The local information at least indicates the second state of the finite state machine. Local information can be inserted by the router, for example, in a meta-data header.

Abstract: A router comprising a plurality of elements, each having an element identifier, subdivided into a plurality of groups of at least one element. Each group has a common identifier and each member within each group shares redundant capabilities. Each element is capable of communicating with another element by addressing information to the common identifier instead of the element identifier. Optionally, one element can be a member of more than one group. Another option suggests that all elements within a group share essential information associated with a service provided by the group. Another option is implemented through one element of the router identifying a primary element for a group, wherein the primary element serves requests addressed the corresponding common identifier. Yet another option suggests that one element is identified through configuration of the router as a primary element in its group to serve requests addressed to the common identifier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and nodes for authenticating nomadic users accessing service providers. An access edge node authenticates nomadic users when service requests are received therefrom. The access edge node hosts a plurality of service agents, where each service agent comprises transport parameters for access to one of the service providers. Upon receipt at the access edge node of a service request message identifying a service provider and a nomadic user, an identity of the nomadic user is authenticated and verification is made that a service agent corresponding to the identified service provider exists. If both the authentication and the verification are positive, an authenticated service binding is created, connecting the nomadic user, the service provider and the transport parameters. Then, an access node providing access to the nomadic user for which the service request message was received is informed of the authenticated service binding.