Abstract: A method of providing multiple test access for test equipment in a communication network is provided. The method comprises the step of coupling test apparatus to a first communication line via a first communication circuit in the test apparatus wherein the first communication line has a first quantity of equal bandwidth communication pathways that are dedicated for test access. The first communication line is coupled to a first cross connect apparatus. The test apparatus also has a second communication circuit that is coupled to the first communication circuit. The method further comprises the step of utilizing a second communication line having a second quantity of equal bandwidth communication pathways that are dedicated for test access. The second communication line is coupled between the first cross connect apparatus and a second cross connect apparatus. The second quantity is less than the first quantity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for carrying out the method for the ability to regulate and control a recording of a telecommunications connection, wherein the signals generated in the telecommunications connection are tapped and stored in a system. The invention is characterized in that a storage occurs according to the specifications of the respective telecommunications subscriber and/or the respective network operators involved, and that the signals of the telecommunications connection to be recorded can be stored as encrypted data files directly in the network of the telecommunications net used, wherein said data files can be decrypted, and the contents reproduced, by means of appropriate release by the subscribers of the telecommunications connection and/or by means of appropriate authorization of third parties.

Abstract: Accordingly, one embodiment of the invention provides a method for testing a communications link. The method includes establishing a connection over the communications link and completing link training over the communications link. Additional testing is now performed over the communications link. Assuming successful completion of the additional testing, it is reported to a network manager that link training has completed. This then allows use of the link for network communications to commence.

Abstract: A test packet generator of an entry device generates a delay test packet including priority information. A test packet transmitter of the entry device transmits the delay test packet to an exit device through a route corresponding to the priority information. A test packet receiver of the exit device receives the delay test packet. A reply packet transmitter of the exit device returns a reply-delay test packet toward the entry device through the same route in the counter direction. A reply packet receiver of the entry device receives the reply-delay test packet. A delay calculator of the entry device calculates a delay time on the basis of the time of transmitting the delay test packet and the time of receiving the reply-delay test packet. A route changer of the entry device changes routing appropriately on the basis of the delay time.

Abstract: A method of testing trunks grouped in tributaries to evaluate interoffice transmission quality across a TDM network of all trunks in the office. The method includes performing a testing cycle testing only one trunk in each tributary in the central office to verify transmission quality. Testing includes setting up an interoffice connection to the one trunk, performing a transmission test on the one trunk. The method can also include attempting a connection to every trunk in each tributary in the testing cycle. The method can also include performing a plurality of testing cycles until all trunks in the central office have been tested, wherein each testing cycle includes testing one untested trunk in each tributary.

Abstract: Concurrent testing of NAT connections using different timeout values to compute a keep-alive value for the NAT device. Computation of the approximate timeout value is accomplished concurrently over multiple test connections within about a time equivalent to the actual NAT timeout value. The architecture validates the computation of the approximate timeout value by distinguishing NAT connection failure from external failure using a control connection. Moreover, computation of the keep-alive value is performed only once for a given NAT device rather than being an on-going process for that NAT device. When one of the test connections fails, it is determined that the NAT timeout value is less than the test timeout value associated with the failed test connection. Accordingly, a smaller test timeout value is then selected as the keep-alive value for keep-alive processing of the NAT device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a circuit arrangement with which a communication that is subdivided into functional layers is processable by a first layer for a higher layer and/or by a higher layer for the first layer, the first layer being formed by a physical layer and the circuit arrangement featuring at least one port which allows a communication directly with a layer that is higher than the first layer without the communication previously having to pass through the first layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for testing a dual mode interface. The dual mode interface includes a first strobe circuit and a second strobe circuit configured to be inoperable during a first operational mode of the interface and operable during a second operational mode of the interface. The dual mode interface also includes a first data circuit and a second data circuit configured to be operable during the first operational mode and the second operational mode. The dual mode interface also includes a signal line connecting an output of the second strobe circuit with an input of the first strobe circuit and a switch element configured to activate said signal line in response to receipt of a test signal.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for using the mobility support features of IPv6 to allow client and server nodes to communicate without the continuing intervention of a load-balancing node that selected the server node. A load-balancing node intercepts a TCP SYN packet addressed to a virtual IP address. The load-balancing node selects a server node from among multiple server nodes, and sends the packet toward the server node. The server node sends an IPv6 packet toward the client node. The packet contains a Binding Update option that specifies the virtual IP address as a Home Address. This information causes the client node to replace destination addresses in outgoing IP packets so that packets that the client node would have sent toward the virtual IP address are sent toward the selected server node's IP address instead. Consequently, the IP packets are routed toward the selected server node instead of the load-balancing node.

Abstract: A protocol test device has at least two channels which each have a transmit and a receive side, the protocol test device being designed to switch a signal transmitted from a first channel to the receive side of a second channel. A method for determining, by approximation, a transmit time of a data package in the protocol test device includes the following steps: a) transmitting a signal via the transmit side of the first channel, b) forwarding the signal to the receive side of the second channel, and, c) in the receive side of the second channel allocating a time stamp to the signal.

Abstract: A technique of setting up a transfer of data between two communications devices. The devices are connected to an IP network via respective subscriber lines each conveying a voice and signaling channel and a data channel. The IP address of one of the devices is sent to the other device on the voice and signaling channel using a signaling mode of that channel. The transfer of data is effected after setting up a session on the data channel.

Abstract: An Ethernet network device includes a port logic module that is associated with a device port of the Ethernet network device. A packet processing module includes an ingress processing module that receives an incoming packet and that generates a control traffic tag. An ingress command execution module receives the incoming packet and the control traffic tag, generates a duplicate packet that is identical to the incoming packet, and generates a device interface code that identifies the port logic module based on the control traffic tag. A control traffic routing module receives the duplicate packet and the device interface code and forwards the duplicate packet to the port logic module. A network traffic analysis device receives the duplicate packet. The port logic module replaces a first destination header of the duplicate packet with a second destination header that is identical to a destination header of the incoming packet.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an integrated storage appliance is disclosed. The storage appliance includes a storage subsystem, a process cluster coupled to the storage subsystem, and a customizable software stack that includes storage-access application so executed by the processor cluster, wherein subsystem, processor cluster and software stack are integrated such that the storage appliance exhibits greater combined reliability, higher availability, and higher serviceability characteristics than would be provided by a sum of the characteristics unintegrated components.

Abstract: A system and method for enhanced data connections via an asymmetric data network receives incoming modem calls and discriminates those intended for enhanced service Web or other service, for instance by domain name. Those calls destined for that type of enhanced treatment may be received via modem banks or other RAS resources communicating with the PSTN or otherwise, and directed to an enhancement cluster or other nodes or locations for compression, caching, optimization or other processing designed to give the user's Web browsing or other service an improved or more responsive feel. According to embodiments of the invention in one regard, the user IP sessions may be tunneled to the enhancement cluster using a tunneling protocol, such as Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) or others.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of transceiving a bit stream, by which a video bit stream is stably transmitted by the effective use of two logic channels when communication is established by the two logic channels during transmission of the video bit stream in a communication network, is provided. In this method, a source is encoded into a bit stream using a predetermined type of coding. Then, the encoded bit stream is transmitted to each communication protocol layer, while the header of each communication protocol layer is added to a payload. The header is transmitted separately from the bit stream.

Abstract: A controllable and/or configurable device that communicates wirelessly with a station may be used to test the station. For example, the device may be configured to communicate in multiple different wireless communication modes. As another example, the device may be controlled to engage in wireless communications that do not comply with the communication standard, e.g., IEEE standard 802.11. As a further example, the device may be controlled to reduce the strength of the wireless signal that is transmitted. The station's response to the wireless communication may be evaluated.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method including a number of routers structured and arranged to route one or more video sources to any of one or more destinations. Each of the number of routers including a plurality of input and output ports and each input port being connectable to any one or more of corresponding output ports via data-paths. The datapaths are connectable to a corresponding one of the one or more destinations. The apparatus includes a testing output port selectably connectable to any of the one or more output data-paths. The testing output port is configured to connect a selected one of the one or more data-paths to a data collection device. The testing output port is configured to facilitate analysis of at least one from the group including (a) one or more of the data paths and (b) one or more of the video sources associated with the selected data-path.

Abstract: An integrated programmable device has a plurality of signal inputs (P1, P2, P3) connected to respective ones of a plurality of switching elements (S1, S2, S3). Each switching element (S1, S2, S3) has an associated enable line (E1, E2, E3). A control circuit (15) activates one or more selected signal inputs (P1-P3) in accordance with a channel select signal (16) via these enable lines (E1, E2, E3). Feedback lines (F1, F2, F3) are connected to corresponding enable lines (E1, E2, E3) to a channel feedback indicative of which signal inputs (P1, P2, P3) is enabled. This allows determination whether the enabled signal inputs (P1, P2, P3) correspond to the channel select signal (16) and initiates an exception handling in case of a mismatch. The comparison can be performed by a compare logic circuit (40) or the channel feedback can be stored in a memory (30) accessible by a software program (60), which performs the comparison.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide remote performance monitoring and testing to a cell site in a cellular communications network. The systems and methods include a network management center having remote monitoring and testing capabilities utilizing an intelligent customer service unit that traps and makes available alarm information on the transport link.

Abstract: A test controller operable to test a video access device can include a first port coupled to particular test equipment and a second port coupled to video access devices. Each video access device can include a wideband link and a test port. The particular test equipment and each of the video access devices can be remotely located as compared to one another. The test controller can include a processor that is operable to send a command to connect the test port of a first particular video access device of the video access devices to its corresponding wideband link, and establish connectivity between the test equipment and a second particular video access device of the video access devices. The test controller can be part of a system that includes methods used to test video access devices.

Abstract: A distributed control system includes a plurality of PLCs which are connected together via active and backup transmission lines which are opposite in transmission direction. Each of the PLCs includes a diagnosis command sending program for sending a diagnosis command, via a diagnosis-command transmission line, which is one of the active transmission line and the backup transmission line, to a PLC located downstream on the diagnosis-command transmission line; and an acknowledgment returning program, operable upon receipt of the diagnosis command, for returning an acknowledgement response for the diagnosis command, via an acknowledgment-response transmission line, which is the other of the active transmission line and the backup transmission line, to a PLC located downstream on the acknowledgment-response transmission line.

Abstract: An optical transmission apparatus has a path trace function of carrying out a conductive state check of a path in a synchronous optical transmission network. The optical transmission apparatus includes a first judgment unit judging a path trace format of an existing standard in accordance with detection of a first specific code contained in path trace data, and a second judgment unit judging a path trace format of a new standard in accordance with detection of a second specific code contained in path trace data. The apparatus further includes a third judgment unit specifying one of the path trace formats of the new standard in accordance with a content of a third specific code contained together with the second specific code in the path trace data.

Abstract: A scheme for monitoring links in a point-to-point architecture computer system is discussed. The scheme monitors labels for transactions to determine if they have been reissued within a user selected time window. A corresponding position in a register is updated to reflect the value of the transaction identifier. Subsequently, after the expiration of a counter, the corresponding position in the registers is compared to other predetermined positions in other registers to determine if the transaction identifier has been used (reissued). Otherwise, a possible hang condition might have occurred.

Abstract: The NAT type of a router can be examined by communicating with one server having one IP address, and a P2P communication path is established efficiently using the NAT type obtained by the examination. A terminal 100 transmits a plurality of port number examination request packets having a plurality of port numbers of a server 001 set as the destination port. The terminal 100 refers to a port number examination response packet received from the server 001 to acquire a plurality of port numbers obtained by address translation by a router 101 for the port number examination request packets respectively. The terminal 100 determines the NAT type of the router 101 based on the acquired translated port numbers. The terminals 100 and 200 establish a P2P communication path efficiently using the determined NAT type.

Abstract: A system and method to test voice quality over a call path on a packet based network. A call signaling path is established between a first voice quality tester (VQT) and a second VQT. The call signaling path includes one among multiple call signaling stacks, each operating according to a particular call signaling protocol. By using a graphical user interface (GUI), a user can select the call signaling stack to be used, and change between call signaling stacks in real time.

Abstract: A method may include receiving, at a first network device, a message from a second network device. The method may include determining whether the message is a test setup message, where the test setup message includes a network address associated with the second network device. A test sequence may be initiated with the second network device based on the network address when it is determined that the message is a test setup message.

Abstract: An IP (Internet Protocol) diagnostic system is provided for troubleshooting data transport quality over an Internet Protocol operating in a communication system (100). The IP diagnostic system includes one or more processors (106) each placed at different segments (108) in the communication system. Each processor is programmed to receive (206) a request to establish a test session with a corresponding test node, establish (208) one or more IP connections with the test node, carry out (210) the test session with the test node on said IP connections, and measure (212) a quality level for each of said IP connections.

Abstract: A network intermediary device which determines the connection status with remote network intermediary devices by means of generating continuously connection test packets at same or different time intervals. When one remote network intermediary device does not receive the connection test packets within a predetermined timeout interval or has received fragged or damaged packets, the connection between the local network intermediary device and the remote network intermediary device is determined to be abnormal.

Abstract: A prediction tree for estimating values of a network performance measure. Leaf nodes of the prediction tree are associated with networked computing devices and interior nodes are not necessarily representative of physical network connections. Values are assigned to edges in the prediction tree and the network performance measure relative to two computing devices represented by two nodes of the tree is estimated by aggregating the values assigned to the edges in the path in the prediction tree joining the two edges. Mechanisms for adding nodes representing computing devices to the prediction tree, for identifying a closest node representing a computing device in the prediction tree, for identifying a cluster of devices represented by nodes of the tree, and for rebalancing the prediction tree are provided.

Abstract: A broadband test line-access unit, including a first test terminal, a second test terminal, a third test terminal, a signal splitter, a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a first interface terminal, a second interface terminal and a third interface terminal. A broadband test line-access board, including at least two broadband test line-access units, a set of internal test buses, a fourth switch, a fifth switch and a sixth switch, the set of internal test buses including an internal inner-test bus, an internal outer-test bus and an internal auxiliary-test bus. A broadband test device, including at least one broadband test line-access boards, an eighth switch, a ninth switch, a test control module. The broadband test device is of simple structure and low cost, facilitates a port level N+1 backup function within a board, and thus can provide improved communication reliability.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an arrangement for the remote-controlled testing of a specimen, the data of the control unit and the specimen being supplied in a format that corresponds to a transmission protocol used for the unsecured transmission of data. According to the inventive method, said data is converted into a format that corresponds to a transmission protocol used for the secured transmission of data, is transmitted, and is converted back in to a format corresponding to the transmission protocol used for the unsecured transmission of data before being received.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for creating route summaries in an auxiliary network for a peer-to-peer (P2P) overlay network for routing a data packet. The method comprises dividing a d-dimensional Cartesian space of nodes in the P2P overlay network into multiple virtual grids that form the auxiliary network, numbering each virtual grid, summarizing default overlay network zones of the P2P overlay network corresponding to each of the virtual grids that form the auxiliary network, receiving a data packet, and routing the data packet to a packet destination using one of the P2P overlay network and the auxiliary network.

Abstract: A method for managing multiple active paths among a plurality of network switches to identify and select an alternate path in response to failure of a path from a switch to a device. Load balancing protocols of the present invention enable the simultaneous use of multiple paths between network devices through a mesh of compliant network switches. When a port of a network switch fails (or the link connected to a port fails), a switch in accordance with the present invention selects an alternate port which may be used for forwarding packets to devices normally reached through the failed port. Networks switches operable in accordance with the structures and protocols of the present invention exchange messages to identify potential alternate paths. A potential alternate path is used to send a query message to a neighboring network switch to determine if a path to the identified devices is available through the neighboring network switch.

Abstract: A method of a tuning process for WLAN devices is to select test channels of the DUT (device under test) by utilizing the method of random sampling or sequence. Besides, the method obtains a parameter average by averaging the parameters of the already tested channels (or further includes the current test channel) of the DUT in a batch method or a recursive method. The parameter average is provided for tuning the non-tested channels of the DUT or the channel under test of the DUT.

Abstract: The invention is a diagnostic tool for collaboratively testing a T1 line from remote terminals. A Diagnostic Interface Unit (DIU) containing test and monitoring equipment is connected into a T1 line close to a demarcation point. Testing from that common point, to either end of the T1 line is then performed by one or more operators at remote terminals. The operator terminals are connected via the Internet, to a common server in communication with the DIU. The operators each see the same page of a Diagnostic Web Service (DWS). Using the DWS, one of the operators causes the DIU to be switched into the T1 line and the T1 line configured and tested. All operators see the test setup and results on their own screens in real-time, making this remote testing equivalent to the operators meeting at the demarcation point and jointly testing from that point out.

Abstract: A temporary (temp) dedicated channel (DCH) is used to support communications. The temp-DCH channel is a channel that is assigned to a user having a set duration. After the duration expires, the channel is automatically released to the user. Embodiments of the invention relate to establishing the temp-DCH channel, determining the data rate and duration of the channel. Other embodiments relate to establishing back-to-back temp-DCH channels and the implementation details of these embodiments. Additionally, one embodiment relates to adding a start/stop function to the medium access controller which can be used in conjunction with temp-DCH as well as other applications.

Abstract: A method for performing a fibre channel arbitrated loop integrity test using a fibre channel switch element is provided. The method includes, sending a fibre channel frame through the arbitrated loop; receiving the fibre channel frame after it has traversed through the arbitrated loop; performing a data compare between the fibre channel frame that was sent and the fibre channel frame that is received; detecting internal errors, if any, in the traversed fibre channel loop; and isolating a module that may have generated the error. The switch element includes, a cascade port that is used to couple one fibre channel switch element to another in a loop; and a port that sends a fibre channel frame through the loop and detects internal errors based on the comparison and a isolates a module that may have generated the internal error.

Abstract: A method and a system to emulate a mainframe data channel for testing and diagnostics of mainframe peripheral devices and for remote control and configuration of the testing and diagnostics. The system includes an emulator central processing unit communicably attached to at least one of the mainframe peripheral devices. First driver software is resident in the emulator central processing unit to initialize and start an adaptor for at least one mainframe peripheral device. Second channel program software is resident in the emulator central processing unit having commands to the emulator central processing unit and to the mainframe peripheral devices. Third application software is resident in the emulator central processing unit to test and diagnose the mainframe peripheral devices. Fourth software resident in the emulator central processing unit validates remote access to the emulator central processing unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for injecting a noise signal into a wire pair of a communication link. In operation a first current source and a second current source are disposed in series with a node therebetween coupled resistively to a wire of the wire pair. A current flow path is provided for balancing the current from the two current sources. A similar circuit is also coupled to the other wire of the wire pair.

Abstract: A data routing method and system, the data routing method including: locating a destination node using a destination locating packet; establishing a preliminary route including anchor nodes based on a route where the destination locating packet is transmitted to the destination node; determining a link cost between neighbor nodes of each of the anchor nodes, and also between the anchor nodes and the neighbor nodes of each of the anchor nodes; generating minimum cost information with respect to a route consuming a minimum cost from the destination node to a source node using the link cost; and forming a data route from the destination node to the source node using the minimum cost information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for either generating or maintaining an organic data network having an dynamic topology, comprising a data processing unit, at least one data connection to a data network to which several devices provided with a data processing unit are connected by means of a data connection, and software having a receiving routine for receiving data packages of at least one transmitting device in the data network, a transmission routine for transmitting data packages, received from the transmitting device or devices in the data network to at least one receiving device that is connected to the data network, independent of the transmitting device or devices. Additionally the invention relates to a method and software for data packages received from a transmitting device to at least one receiving device, independent of said transmitting device. A device according to the invention can be used in for instance mobile phones, streaming internet applications and cable television.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for providing high-speed digital communications through a communications channel. In one aspect, the present invention employs a variable rate back channel, incorporated within an existing communication that does not increase or adversely impact the transmission rate of data on the communication channel.

Abstract: Diagnostic testing of a telephony line card device and corresponding line card is initiated using an initiation MIB. Responding to an instruction from a main processor that a query has determined that an initiation MID is Set, line card processor circuitry begins a predetermined series of diagnostic testing. Results for the diagnostic testing are stored in a register coupled to the line card processor circuitry. After testing completes, the main processor, which is coupled to the line card processor, retrieves the results information from the line card register, converts the information to one or more results MIB(s) and stores the results MIB(s) as an instance(s) to a memory coupled to the main processor. The result MIB instance(s) is/are made available to a local or remote device via port coupled to the line card device. A permissive MIB may be queried to determine whether diagnostic testing is permitted.

Abstract: A method for debugging network connections that involves receiving a packet for a first destination by a network interface card (NIC), classifying the packet, sending the packet to a first receive ring associated with the NIC, and sending the packet from the first receive ring to a first virtual NIC, where the first virtual NIC is associated with a second destination, and where the second destination is used to debug the first destination.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an integrated storage appliance is disclosed. The storage appliance includes a storage subsystem, a process cluster coupled to the storage subsystem, and a customizable software stack that includes storage-access application so executed by the processor cluster, wherein subsystem, processor cluster and software stack are integrated such that the storage appliance exhibits greater combined reliability, higher availability, and higher serviceability characteristics than would be provided by a sum of the characteristics unintegrated components.

Abstract: Estimates of a communication system configuration, such as a DSL system, are based on operational data collected from a network element management system, protocol, users and/or the like. The operational data collected from the system can include performance-characterizing operational data that typically is available in an ADSL system via element-management-system protocols. Generated estimates and/or approximations can be used in evaluating system performance and directly or indirectly dictating/requiring changes or recommending improvements in operation by transmitters and/or other parts of the communication system. Data and/or other information may be collected using “internal” means or may be obtained from system elements and components via email and/or other “external” means.

Abstract: A decentralized SLS monitoring structure (30) includes a measurement preparation and minimization module (32), measurement launching coordination module (34), measurement scheduler module (36) and measurement initialization module (38). A configuration server (40) provides information regarding the test parameters for a given test and an SLS Objects database (42) provides information on the SLS specification for a given SLA (service level agreement).

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention a rugged Ethernet switch includes a housing and a passive cooling system associated with the housing and being devoid of fans as operable to cool the Ethernet switch. Ethernet switch also includes software operable to perform at least one of the functions selected from the group consisting of multiple spanning, rapid spanning, cluster management and IGMP snooping and querying. According to another embodiment, a rugged Ethernet switch includes a housing having a plurality of perforations formed therein for cooling the Ethernet switch. The switch also includes a passive cooling system be devoid of fans and that is operable to cool the Ethernet switch. A temperature sensor is operable to measure a temperature of the Ethernet switch is included as is an alarm software responsive to the temperature sensor and operable to initiate an alarm when a measured temperature of the Ethernet switch exceeds a particular limit.

Abstract: In a network system, each ECU transmits a start control frame when to start, and is started when it receives the start control frame from any other ECU during the stop of its operation. Besides, each ECU transmits a stop control frame cyclically during its operation, and continues its operation in spite of being capable of stopping its operation, while it is receiving the stop control frame from any other ECU. In transmitting each of the frames, each ECU affixes cause information expressive of a start cause or an operation stop incapability cause to the frame. In stopping a network, a supervisory device specifies the start ECU and the start cause thereof from the start control frame and stores them in a nonvolatile memory.

Abstract: A network switch apparatus, components for such an apparatus, and methods of operating such an apparatus in which data flow handling and flexibility is enhanced by the cooperation of a control point and a plurality of interface processors formed on a semiconductor substrate. The control point and interface processors together form a network processor capable of cooperating with other elements including an optional switching fabric device in executing instructions directing the flow of data in a network.