Abstract: A system and method for maximization of the global throughput of packet transport networks via traffic-load-adaptive TDM or WDM channelization. Architecturally the packet transport network is formed of logical packet transport buses that are configured in the network for transport of packets to one of the nodes of the network from the other nodes of the network. Each logical packet transport bus is dynamically channelized to create an adaptive full mesh connectivity among the nodes in the network, such that the capacity of each connection in the mesh is continuously optimized according to real-time inbound traffic patterns at the packet transport network, thereby globally optimizing the throughput of the network. The dynamic channelization of each bus is done under the control of its destination node based on the demand for transport capacity towards it presented by the individual nodes in the meshed packet transport network.

Abstract: A portable network mini-hub is provided that allows users to rapidly set up and configure a portable local area network, regardless of the connection method or available power, in order to share common pay per use mobile Internet services. The portable network mini-hub comprises a wireless module, a plurality of USB ports, a plurality of RJ ports, an Ethernet hub, and a power source, wherein a plurality of network devices communicate through the portable network mini-hub to form a portable local network.

Abstract: A synchronization device for a synchronous digital message transmission system producing a synchronous output signal including successive transport modules synchronized to a frame clock from a digital input signal. The synchronization device includes a receiver unit for receiving the input signal, a packet assembly device for packaging the input signal into subassemblies of the transport modules, a buffer memory, a writer for writing data bits of the input signal out of the subassemblies into the buffer memory with a write clock, a reader, for reading data bits out of the buffer memory with a read clock in order to form the output signal, and a sending unit (SO) for sending synchronous output signals. The effective bit rate of the subassemblies compared to the standardized value is either lowered or raised by selecting the write clock lower than the read clock.

Abstract: A line termination unit which supports Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and high speed data (HSD) services such as asymmetric digital subscriber loop (ADSL) or XDSL services to a subcriber over a common two-wire subscriber line. The line termination unit has a line termination circuit that connects to the subscriber line and provides ISDN signals to the line. The line support circuit receives incoming ISDN and HSD signals from the line and transmits outgoing ISDN and HSD signals to the line. The received incoming analog signals are separated into first (ISDN information) signals and second (HSD information) signals. The first signals are converted into third digital signals having a format used for ISDN signals by an associated central office and transmitting the third digital signals to the central office.

Abstract: A LAN Adapter device having a frequency domain equalizer. The LAN adapter device allows LAN computing devices to connect to the LAN medium. The adapter devices are internal or external to the LAN devices and provide a transceiver and protocol stacks for the LAN devices to communicate with each other. The physical layer of the transceivers includes transmitter having a DMT modulator and demodulator that is dynamically configurable with respect to data rate and spectrum usage. Within the receiver is an equalizer for equalizing the received signal with a simple yet effective equalizer training method, thereby obviating the need for extensive equalizer training and long-term coefficient storage. The equalizer trains on known symbols transmitted in one frame of a transmitted packet to determine an estimate of the channel response.

Abstract: The invention supposes the use of an integrated services digital network (102) which has a function of communicating the number of a source communications terminal (101) as source number information. A source number information identifying section (104) in a central unit 103 identifies source number information from the integrated services digital network (102). Communications processing sections (105) in the central unit (103) process arriving channels for which source number information is recognized as being identical, as arriving channels from the same communications terminal. As a result, the central unit (103) identifies arriving channels from a plurality of communications terminals (101) individually and then processes them without communicating source number information with the communications terminals.

Abstract: A system, such as an AMBA based system, wherein an interrupt controller is coupled directly to a processor, thereby providing that the processor can access the interrupt controller without having to access a system bus. Specifically, the interrupt controller may be coupled to a port of the processor, such as a tightly coupled memory (TCM) port or a coprocessor port of the processor. The interrupt controller may be coupled to the TCM port along with SRAM.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a network system for an interactive transmission in first and second directions. The network system includes a plurality of node devices, and a first node device of the node devices can selectively output a signal in the first direction or perform the returning output of a signal. A second node device adjacent to the first node device outputs a signal to the first node device through a channel which is used by the first node device for the returning output, hence the first and second node device are controlled such that those first and second node devices do not use the returning channel of the first node device concurrently.

Abstract: In an arrangement where users are connected to an ISP through a bank of modems, a time-out threshold is then selected for the user based on the user's connection pattern. The threshold is varied dynamically in response to access patterns, in an attempt to trade the benefit accrued by using the ISP's modem and phone line for a shorter period of time, against the inconvenience to the user from having to reestablish a connection to the ISP. Specifically, the time interval between the last disconnection by the user and the time of reconnection is evaluated, and when this time interval is shorter than a preselected threshold, then the time-out threshold is increased. When this time interval is longer than the preselected threshold, then the time-out threshold is decreased. Typically, when the time-out threshold is decreased, it is decreased by a significantly smaller amount that the amount by which it is increased, when it is increased.

Abstract: A communications network arranged to provide multimedia switched services comprising a set of media components. The set of media components including IP traffic is encapsulated in an ATM virtual circuit and is switched as an entity using a robust signalling system so that the resultant connection records can then be employed for usage based tariffing purposes. This overcomes the problem of establishing billing records for connectionless traffic carried over a connection oriented network.

Abstract: A communication system includes a number of communication devices coupled to a data network using communication servers. The communication system supports communication sessions between a variety of networks and devices using, at least in part, XDSL communication techniques. Specifically, information associated with a session passes between a device and an associated server using a modifiable number of XDSL modems and associated twisted pair lines.

Abstract: A packet switching apparatus is constructed by a basic module disposed in the apparatus casing and an additional module disposed on the outside of the apparatus casing. The basic module has a common processing function irrespective of an access method and a service type, an interface accommodating lines to be connected to the Internet, and a plurality of interface boards conformed to a specific access method by which a hardware scale may be small. Only the basic module functions as a packet switching apparatus, and a processing function peculiar to each access method and service type is executed by the additional module.

Abstract: The present invention permits an I/O port to be used with a variety of different I/O devices, regardless of their device type implementation, such as tri-state I/O devices, pull-up I/O devices, or pull-down I/O devices. Thus, one set of pins may be used for various different I/O devices.

Abstract: A system manageable for peer to peer communication between subscribers, the system comprising: a) a subscriber end digital communication management device for managing digital communications with remote subscribers, the device comprising: an internal interface for interfacing with at least one subscriber electronic device, an IP address manager for formulating a request for an IP address corresponding to a user defined remote subscriber, submitting said request and recording a response thereto, and a packet addresser, associated with said IP address manager, for addressing data packets to said user defined remote subscriber using an IP address taken from said recorded response, and b) an Internet connection management device for receiving and processing said request, said device comprising: a database for storing user identification names of said subscribers in a first field and respective assigned user IP addresses in a second field, a database manager for determining assigned user IP addresses of ones of sa

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method comprises receiving a first set of status signals at an input/output control hub (ICH), transmitting a first set of virtual signals corresponding to the first set of status signals to a memory control hub (MCH) via a hub interface. Subsequently, the first set of virtual signals are transmitted to a central processing unit (CPU). The first set of status signals corresponding to one or more legacy operations in a computer system.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for providing wide bandwidth using the present twisted pair telephone network. The methods and systems increase the bandwidth of ADSL by statistically sharing the bandwidth of many twisted pair in the neighborhood. An active subscriber would communicate over several twisted pair in the neighborhood, thereby obtaining a dramatic increase in bandwidth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multiple modulus conversion (MMC) techniques for mapping data in a pulse code modulation (PCM) modem system. In accordance with the present invention, signal point constellations are arranged to receive the output indices generated by the MMC procedure such that the probability of transmission of higher power codewords is relatively low compared to the probability of transmission of lower power codewords, while maintaining the same or larger minimum distance between signal points. In addition, the present invention provides techniques for obtaining the probability of occurrence for each constellation or signal point associated with a given data communication session and for determining the theoretical average transmit power associated with a given set of signal point constellations and MMC parameters.

Abstract: A web-enabled call-interface method and apparatus, capable of managing packet-based/Internet Protocol-based calls. The embodiments include a system, apparatus and method to manage calls through identifying the media type of an incoming or outgoing call, presenting call features associated with the media type to a subscriber, and receiving a call feature selection from the subscriber. When the call feature selected requires further input, the subscriber is prompted for the call feature input.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the provision of a simplified interface to a Fibre Channel fabric. The present invention provides connection to a Fibre Channel fabric via a RS-232 interface. The present invention receives and buffers information received from the high bandwidth Fibre Channel system until communication via the RS-232 interface is possible. Likewise, the present invention receives and buffers information received from the RS-232 interface. The present invention waits until a predetermined amount of information is received before attempting to arbitrate access to the Fibre Channel system in order to minimize its effect of the Fibre Channel system. Moreover, the present invention utilizes the preceding mechanisms to emulate a Fibre Channel disk array for diagnostic purposes. Also, the present invention may be utilized by a number of PCs to provide an inexpensive LAN application.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for providing a phone LAN routing LAN traffic internally within Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) and for routing analog and digital traffic from a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to the CPE. A phone hub routes LAN traffic and incoming voice and ADSL to network elements having a network interface controller (NIC). Analog voice signals are transparently coupled through the phone hub. Inbound ADSL data is transported using the phone hub at LAN frequency to a NIC. Outbound ADSL data transported to the phone hub at the second frequency is frequency shifted by the phone hub back to the first frequency for transport over the PSTN. Broadband 10BASE-T Ethernet frequencies are accommodated using customer premise wiring.

Abstract: A technique for configuring a network interface circuit capable of being commonly used in all countries or networks which have different ISDN protocols, with only one BRI trunk includes the steps of: first storing beforehand in a read only memory (ROM) of the network interface circuit all function programs for supporting an integrated services digital network protocol for each country and network which will be used by the keyphone system, selecting a function program from among the function programs stored in the ROM corresponding the country and kind of network to be operated upon initialization, and setting the selected program, as the function program to be executed.

Abstract: To provide either or both multiplexed and non-multiplexed (loop repeater) mode communications in the same equipment shelf between a network and plural subscriber circuits, a multi-mode backplane architecture includes a network interface multiplexer that provides time division multiplexed signal connectivity and point-to-point multiplexed signal connectivity between the network and line circuit access modules, to which the subscriber circuits are selectively ported. Each of a plurality of non-multiplexed interface connectors is configured for external connection to non-multiplexed communication links of the network and non-multiplexed communication links of the subscriber circuits. A plurality of access module card slots receive line circuit access modules that are individually programmable to provide a selected one of a plurality of diverse modes of telecommunication connectivity between the network and a subscriber circuit.

Abstract: An electronic signal communication system for processing remote signals to be conveyed from a subscribed transmitting client to a subscribed receiving client. Several transmitters, each having first and second inputs, are linked with remotely located sets of receivers compatible with the communications links used. A generating signal assembly generates a first signal and a plurality of second signals. The first signal includes control and possibly data information. The second signals enable one of several transmitters. Once received, a detector and selector assembly detects the receiver's active output and conveys the information to a subscribing recipient who in turn has one or more actuating devices controlling the conventional controllable resources of the subscribed recipient.

Abstract: A method and a system is provided for facilitating communication throughout a master/slave network. The network topology includes a transmission cable being operably connected between the network modules. A master module includes a master terminating resistor operably connected to the transmission cable. A slave module includes a slave terminating resistor and a slave switch. The slave terminating resistor is operably connected to the slave switch. A load resistor is operably connected to the transmission cable. The slave switch is operably responsive to the load resistor to generate a terminate enable. The slave switch inserts the slave terminating resistor onto the transmission cable in response to the terminate enable.

Abstract: A device for initiating a transmission of data from a non-local communications device to a local communications device connected via a network to the non-local communications device, the transmission-initiating device comprising an interface with the local communications device, at least one information storage medium containing locally and non-locally relevant information, and a control element, the interface being disconnectable and, when the control element is being operated, the transmission-initiating device serving for generating at least one control signal for the local communications device, and for transmitting locally and non-locally relevant information to the local communications device; and a method of operating the transmission-initiating device.

Abstract: The S0-interface for ISDN base access connects a four-wire line with a receiver line pair and a transmitter line pair to an ISDN terminal device, subject to potential separation within the interface. Each of the receiver lines has a respective capacitor for potential separation and the transmitter lines have a transformer. An inductance is connected into each receiver line and each transmitter line on the interface side. Preferably, the receiver line pair is connected to a voltage amplifier on the device side. The voltage amplifier has a voltage amplification in the same ratio as the voltage amplification of the transformer in the transmitter line pair.

Abstract: A new architecture capable of utilizing the existing twisted pair interface between customer premises equipment and an associated serving local switching office is used to provide a vast array of new services to customers. Using an intelligent services director (ISD) at the customer services equipment as an interface for the equipment to an existing twisted cable pair and a facilities management platform (FMP) at the serving local switching office as an interface to various networks and service opportunities, new services such as simultaneous, multiple calls (voice analog or digital), facsimile, Internet traffic and other data can be transmitted and received over the twisted cable pair by using digital subscriber loop transmission schemes. The new services include but are not limited to videophone, utility meter reading and monitoring, broadcasting and multicasting.

Abstract: A subscriber link to a central office which employs data compression, forward error correction, and advanced modulation techniques and to connect subscribers to multiple communications networks to provide an array of services. A device provides normal telephone service in the event of an equipment failure. At the subscriber end, a server called an intelligent services director (ISD) provides multiple independent connections for telephones which ordinarily connect to multiple access virtual circuits generated on the subscriber link over a twisted pair. A device called a facilities management platform (FMP) at the central office end of the link, among other things, provides interfacing of the subscriber link to various networks including a digital subscriber loop (DLC) and packet switched networks. Ordinarily telephones connected to the ISD require power and correctly functioning modems and controllers in the ISD and the FMP to have access to the outside world.

Abstract: An audio communications and control system includes a plurality of audio devices each of which includes a device interface module for communication of digital audio data and control data from at least one of the devices to at least one other of the devices. A universal data link is operatively connected to each of the device interface modules. The device interface modules and universal data links are operative in combination to connect the devices together in the system and provide full duplex communication of the digital audio data and control data between the devices.

Abstract: The ATM equipment according to the present invention is composed of a voice circuit interfacing section (310) connecting to voice devices, an interexchange channel interfacing section (320) connecting ATM lines, a cell composing and decomposing section 313 celling voice signals from the voice circuit interfacing section (310) and also decelling a cell received from the interexchange channel interfacing section (320) to produce voice signals, a SVC control section (360) performing connecting/cutting control of a telephone call path in the ATM lines by a switch type virtual connection method, and a main control section (340) connecting the interexchange channel interfacing section (320) to the voice circuit interfacing section (310) when the voice devices are called in the case when the SVC control section (360) performs the connecting and cutting control of the telephone call path in the ATM lines, so that the ATM equipment can deliver well a ringback signal, a busy signal, or the like sent out from a telephon

Abstract: The invention relates to an audio/video data transfer system, an audio/video data transfer method, and an audio/video server for enabling audio/video data to be easily transferred between the audio/video servers. Video servers 1 and 3 connected by the Internet are constructed as FTP servers. When AV data is transferred from the server 1 to the server 3, a computer apparatus 2 for controlling the server 1 communicates with a computer apparatus 4 for controlling the server 3 and discriminates whether the server 3 can receive the transferred AV data or not. If it can be received, the computer 2 sends a command “PASV” to the server 1 and allows an IP address of an empty communication port of the server 1 to be notified. The IP address is transmitted to the computer 4. On the basis of the IP address, a command “PORT” is sent to the server 3 and a communication port of the server 3 is set.

Abstract: A communications system multiplexes voice communications signals onto one or more transport level connections established through a packetized network, such as the Internet. The invention supports the use of variable-length packets and accommodates variable jitter. The system conforms to real time protocol (RTP) and employs internet telephone gateways (ITGs) to bind users to channel identifiers, to indicate payload type and length, to provide channel identification and time stamps, and to indicate cessation and resumption of voice traffic from a particular user through use of, for example, marker bits.

Abstract: A system for use with a subscriber line carrier such as a SLC-5 or other SLC type system. In accordance with a specific embodiment, the system provides a multiplex channel unit 25 that inputs T1 line signals, and outputs multiple telephone line signals in a format such as 2B1Q or 4B3T over a twisted pair 13 to an RT 35. The RT 35 converts the full duplex multiplexed signals to analog service for a subscriber 12.

Abstract: Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) cells are conveyed over a shelf bus to and from an NT (network termination) card inserted into the bus connected to an ATM network and to a plurality of LT (line termination) cards also inserted into the bus, wherein the NT card processes the ATM cells and provides downstream cells to the bus with a guard byte and upstream cells to the ATM network without a guard byte.

Abstract: An xDSL (x-Digital Subscriber Line) signal is multiplexed with POTS on a twisted pair between a subscriber modem and line termination equipment in a shelf that also includes network termination equipment for connection to a broadband network. The line termination and network termination equipment are interconnected by a bus internal to the shelf for providing subscriber access. Separate lowpass filters are provided at each end of a twisted wire pair between the shelf and each subscriber equipment. A shelf can be used as a hub for connecting to a remote shelf that includes the line termination equipment for connection to subscribers.

Abstract: Line termination equipment may include a replaceable printed circuit board or card for use in a shelf of a telecommunications system with plural twisted pairs connected to corresponding plural subscribers via said card, each subscriber channel on each card including a hybrid circuit connected to one of the plural twisted pairs, a highpass filter, a modulator/encoder and a demodulator/decoder.

Abstract: A wide area communications network (500) includes a first digital subscriber line (502). A first network interface device (504) connects to the digital subscriber line (502). The first network interface device (504) separates an ISDN channel (508) from a digital subscriber channel (510). An ISDN telephone (508) is connected to the network interface device (504). A protocol translator (512) is connected to the network interface device (504) by the digital subscriber channel (510). A hub (514) is connected to the protocol translator (512). A plurality of devices (516, 518) is connected to the hub (514). A digital subscriber line access multiplexer (506) is connected to the first digital subscriber line (502). The digital subscriber line access multiplexer (506) separates the digital subscriber channel from the ISDN channel (522). A public switched telephone network (523) is connected to the ISDN channel (522).

Abstract: An IPv6 mobile packet communication network in which mobile VPN service can be provided without having to use a mobile tunnel. A control signal for enabling packet data transmission and reception is sent from a mobile terminal to a gateway node. Using destination-of-connection information contained in the control signal, the gateway node checks whether mobile VPN service is requested or not. Upon detection of a mobile VPN service request, the gateway node returns IP address information of the gateway node to the mobile terminal via a subscriber node. The mobile terminal then assembles an IPv6 header (210) and an IPv6 routing header (220) so that packet data will be unexceptionally transferred through the gateway node.

Abstract: A method of alleviating network congestion in an emulated Local Area Network (ELAN) within an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network is implemented. The method mitigates network congestion by distributing the connection times of Local Area Network (LAN) Emulation Client (LEC) to an ELAN over random periods of time. When a LAN Emulation Server (LES) or Broadcast and Unknown Server (BUS) attempts to build point-to-multipoint connections to the LEC, it issues control messages to network switches. If the messages are dropped or rejected the LES or BUS recognizes the network is in a congested state and randomly retries to attempt connection.

Abstract: Network terminations are made available to a customer and installed by a network operator of a digital communications network. The customer is responsible for the supply of power to the network terminations. In the event of a power failure, a network termination of the digital communications network sends an error message (FM) to the customer who is responsible for correcting the power failure. The error message (FM) is sent in the payload of the digital message signals. The network termination (NT) includes a power supply (USV) which in the event of the power failure can sustain output for a predetermined period of time, in which the error can be signaled. To signal the error, the payload may be overwritten with a predetermined bit pattern (BM).

Abstract: The current invention provides apparatus for relieving congestion associated with interfacing voice-band data, and broad-band data, with a network such as the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A hierarchical system for converting digital transmissions on a network between a first protocol and a second protocol is disclosed. The transmissions are generated by data terminals communicating in a third protocol with the network. The hierarchical system includes: interface units, a local processor, a first remote processor and a first controller. The interface units are each coupled to corresponding ones of the data terminals and each signal a call session with the corresponding data terminal. The interface units convert the transmissions from the data terminal in the third protocol to the second protocol. The local processor is switchably coupled to the interface unit and communicates with the network. The local processor converts digital transmissions from the second protocol to the first protocol.

Abstract: A method and system for decreasing the probability of blocked access to a local exchange carrier's telecommunications network comprises a multi-mode line card for determining whether a particular call is a voice or data call. If a call is determined to require data transmission, the line card assigns time slots for interconnection of the line card to a serving digital switch. If no meaningful data is received, no time slots are assigned. In this manner, time slots interconnecting the serving digital switch to a line card are established only if data or voice is being transmitted from a subscriber line.

Abstract: A communications system, a communication management system and method are disclosed. Distribution information is distributed to communication terminal devices to which communication lines are connected. And a privilege is assigned to a user of the communication terminal device to which the distribution information is distributed.

Abstract: A multi-circuit emulating line card is installable in a single line card slot of the backplane of digital switch, and is configured to emulate the functionality of each of a plurality of digital switch line cards, respectively associated with plural digital subscriber circuits served by the switch. In the course of emulating these plural line cards, the multi-circuit line card provides connectivity between each digital subscriber circuit and a digital carrier communication link to plural digital subscriber loop circuits, such as BRITE cards of a remote terminal site. The line card of the invention also includes network and subscriber circuit-associated metallic link impedance simulation circuits for terminating a metallic test bus.

Abstract: A packet multiplexer capable of realizing the optimization of a communication path automatically, without requiring a user to explicitly specify for it, is disclosed. The packet multiplexer is formed by a plurality of first communication interfaces for terminating a plurality of C-plane and U-plane pairs on one side of the packet multiplexer, a second communication interface for terminating a single C-plane and a plurality of U-planes on another side of the packet multiplexer, a connection interface for multiplexing the C-plane and U-plane pairs terminated at the first communication interfaces into the single C-plane and the plurality of U-planes terminated at the second communication interface, and a control unit for controlling multiplexing of U-planes by the connection interface according to signaling through C-planes, such that a cut-through is made within the packet multiplexer between two U-planes terminated at the first communication interfaces that form a loop.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus having a register unit with the number of bits required for signal processing, which is not larger than predetermined number of bits, and comprising a ROM which inputs, as an address signal, an output signal from the register unit or an input signal to the signal processing apparatus, and uses an input signal to the register unit as a part of an output signal from the ROM. This makes it possible to greatly reduce the cost of a system which executes complex processing yet requires a reduced number of bits in the input signals and a reduced number of bits for the register that is essentially required by reducing the amount of signal processing and the number of electric components, to greatly improve the quality of the apparatus accompanying the reduction in the number of electric components, and to cheaply increase the signal processing functions without decreasing the processing speed.

Abstract: A telecommunications system includes an access terminal coupled to subscriber lines, a local exchange carrier (LEC) network, and a channel unit card coupling the access terminal to the LEC network. The channel unit card includes a processor configured to convert call processing signals received from the LEC network and formatted according to a protocol used by the LEC network to a message-oriented signal whose format is independent of the protocol used by the LEC network. The message-oriented signal then can be delivered to the access terminal. The channel unit card processor is further configured to convert message-oriented signals representing call processing communications received from the access terminal and having a format independent of a protocol recognized by the LEC network to one or more signals formatted according to the protocol recognized by the LEC network. The signals converted to the format recognized by the LEC network then can be routed to the LEC network.

Abstract: An infrastructure exchange (12) has a cross-point switch that is arranged to couple data transmission between subscriber terminals (16, 18), each having a dedicated modem (34), and at least one assignable modem (148) located in the infrastructure exchange (12). The infrastructure exchange (12) comprises fewer assignable modems than a combined number of dedicated modems within the subscriber terminals (16, 18) and, since the cross-point switch (106) is responsive to the data transmission sent via the modems of the subscriber terminals, the cross-point switch (106) thereby acts to concentrate a ratio of dedicated modems to assignable modems.

Abstract: A local area communication system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of users connected to respective busses. A multiport bridge router recognizes destination addresses and diverts packets from one bus to another. Repeaters for several users may be formed on a single integrated circuit.

Abstract: A network (10) includes a broadband customer service module (B-CSM) (20). The B-CSM (20) includes a plurality of feeder interface cards (FICs) (36) and optical line cards (OLCs) (38) which are coupled together through a midplane assembly (34) so that each FIC (36) couples to all OLCs (38) and each OLC (38) couples to all FICs (36) through junctor groups (68). Within the B-CSM (20) circuit switching is performed electrically at an STS-1 rate. A reference clock which oscillates at a frequency slower than the data rate is routed with payload data so that it receives delays similar to those imposed on the payload data due to processing. At second stage switching fabrics (50) where data need to be extracted from signals flowing within the B-CSM (20), a clock regeneration circuit (32) generates a master clock signal oscillating at twice the data rate and phase synchronized to a delayed reference clock.