Abstract: A method for communicating data is provided that includes receiving a plurality of bits associated with a communications flow and determining whether one or more samples included in the flow should be suppressed. The method also includes suppressing a selected one or more of the samples if the selected samples are similar to previously received samples. In a more particular embodiment, the method also includes positioning unique samples that are included in the flow in a super-frame to be communicated to a next destination. Additionally, the method may include receiving the unique samples and evaluating the unique samples in order to restore a plurality of bits associated with the communications flow.

Abstract: A method for communicating data is provided that includes receiving a plurality of bits associated with a communications flow and inspecting the bits. The method also includes determining whether one or more samples included in the flow should be suppressed. A portion of the bits is converted to 1 bits such that they are designated for later suppression. A selected one or more of the samples are suppressed if the selected samples are designated for suppression.

Abstract: A technique improves the interaction between a backup remote data link switch (DLSw) device coupled to a remote: subnetwork having an Ethernet switch and a local DLSw device coupled to a local subnetwork of a DLSw network. When the backup remote DLSw device accepts a DLSw peer connection with the local DLSw device, the remote device uses configuration information to determine which end stations it can reach through the peer connection. The remote DLSw device then generates one or more test frames having the medium access control (MAC) addresses of those reachable stations as source MAC addresses. The test frames are sent through the Ethernet switch to force the switch to immediately update its forwarding table with the port identifier of the port receiving the incoming frames, along with the source MAC addresses of those frames.

Abstract: A method for communicating data is provided that includes receiving a plurality of bits associated with a communications flow and inspecting the bits. The method also includes determining whether one or more samples included in the flow should be suppressed. A portion of the bits is converted to 1 bits such that they are designated for later suppression. A selected one or more of the samples are suppressed if the selected samples are designated for suppression.

Abstract: A method for communicating data is provided that includes receiving a plurality of bits associated with a communications flow and determining whether one or more samples included in the flow should be suppressed. The method also includes suppressing a selected one or more of the samples if the selected samples are similar to previously received samples. In a more particular embodiment, the method also includes positioning unique samples that are included in the flow in a super-frame to be communicated to a next destination. Additionally, the method may include receiving the unique samples and evaluating the unique samples in order to restore a plurality of bits associated with the communications flow.

Abstract: A new directory service is established for a peer router receiving a data packet from an end station on a local area network connected to a port of the peer router, the peer router hereinafter being referred to as the source router. The data packet is addressed to a destination address. The source router determines that the data packet is to be encapsulated as an encapsulated packet, and the encapsulated packet routed by a peer-to-peer protocol to a destination router. The destination router then transmits the packet onto a local area network to the destination address. The source router locates the proper peer destination router by use of a database. The database is maintained on a server, where the database has entries for destination address, and an entry for a particular destination address gives the address of a peer router capable of routing a packet to that particular destination address.

Abstract: A new directory service is established for a peer router receiving a data packet from an end station on a local area network connected to a port of the peer router, the peer router hereinafter being referred to as the source router. The data packet is addressed to a destination address. The source router determines that the data packet is to be encapsulated as an encapsulated packet, and the encapsulated packet routed by a peer-to-peer protocol to a destination router. The destination router then transmits the packet onto a local area network to the destination address. The source router locates the proper peer destination router by use of a database. The database is maintained on a server, where the database has entries for destination address, and an entry for a particular destination address gives the address of a peer router capable of routing a packet to that particular destination address.

Abstract: A mobile power center with self-retracting cord includes an enclosure having a mounting surface which is attachable to the bumper of a vehicle and a front surface having a recessed area for attachment of a license plate. Within the enclosure, a reel carries an extension cord on a spring-powered spindle that allows manual extension and automatic retraction of the cord. Where the length of the cord exceeds the length which may be carried by the reel, first and second cord restraints, carried on opposed sides of the enclosure, support additional cord wrapped around the enclosure. The first and second three-prong sockets of a dual socket receptacle are wired in parallel to the inner end of the extension cord. In a first mode of operation, a block heater, mounted on the vehicle, may be plugged into a first socket, while a trouble light or tool may be plugged into the second socket. AC power from a remote source is supplied by the extension cord.