Abstract: In a network having nodes that operate according to a protocol that defines a node as being in an idle mode when the node is not transmitting or receiving a packet, a method of communicating between nodes during the idle mode. A message formatted according to the protocol is generated. The message is different from messages predefined by the protocol for transmission during the idle mode. For example, the message can comprise a first portion that reports a link status condition. The message can further comprise a second portion that reports a cause of the link status condition. The message is transmitted from a first node of the network when the first node is in the idle mode. The message is received at a second node of the network when the second node is in the idle mode.

Abstract: A system for transporting public switched network (PSTN) terminated signaling across an Internet protocol (IP) network includes a gateway between the PSTN and the IP network. The gateway receives a telephony signaling message from the PSTN and determines if the telephony signaling message maps to an IP signaling message. If the telephony signaling message does not map to an IP signaling message, the gateway packages the telephony signaling message in a special IP signaling message for transport over the IP network. If the gateway receives a special IP signaling special message, the gateway unpackages the telephony signaling message from the special message for transport over the PSTN. If the gateway receives DTMF signals from the PSTN, the gateway translates the DTMF signals to digits and packages the digits in a special IP signaling message for transport over the IP network. The gateway also packages the DTMF signals in an IP media transport protocol message for transport over the IP network.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that enables accelerating the removal from service of a signal processor at a media gateway. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the media gateway receives an indication to remove one of its digital signal processors from service. Instead of waiting for all of the calls that are using the signal processor to come to an end, the media gateway proactively moves the packet streams from the signal processor to one or more other signal processors resident at the gateway. Advantageously, an effort is made to avoid having to inform the corresponding media gateway controller of the move, thereby minimizing any discontinuity in each moved packet stream.

Abstract: The delivery of data broadcast over a unidirectional communication data link is targeted at receivers having an environment exhibiting a specific characteristic by labelling the data prior to transmission with a status indicator that defines the characteristic that the local environment of the receiver (17) must possess as a precondition for receiving the data. Typical types of characteristics envisaged are the location of the receiver and the climatic condition of the receiver.

Abstract: Configuration information set in one virtual path configuration apparatus is shared with all the virtual path configuration apparatuses in the virtual private network. The configuration information may be shared by transmitting the configuration information to other virtual path configuration apparatuses or receiving configuration information from the other virtual path configuration apparatuses.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, a communication device comprises a jitter buffer configured to buffer communications, a processing system configured to determine a utilization metric based on a percentage used of the jitter buffer and process the utilization metric to determine a usage state of the jitter buffer, and an interface configured to transmit a state message indicating the usage state of the jitter buffer.

Abstract: A slave interface unit controls the exchange of data between a master processing unit and a plurality of slave processing units operating in the asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) of operation. The ATM slave interface unit has a receive unit and a transmit unit that exchange data cells and control signals with the ATM master processing unit. The receive unit and the transmit unit are coupled to a receive buffer storage unit and a transmit buffer storage unit, respectively. The receive buffer storage unit and the transmit buffer storage unit exchange data and control signals with the direct memory access unit. The ATM slave interface unit includes a configuration interface unit having a register that identifies the location in the data cell where the destination address is located and relates the destination address to the particular processing unit or memory location. The receive buffer unit uses the information in the register to determine the destination of the data cell.

Abstract: A signaling processor processes a first message to select a TDM connection for the call and transfers a second message indicating the selected TDM connection. The interworking unit receives the second message and user communications for the call in a packet format, converts the user communications from the packet format to a TDM format, and transfers the user communications in the TDM format over the selected TDM connection. The interworking unit monitors the user communications for a trigger after call set-up and during the call, and if the trigger is detected, transfers a third message indicating the trigger. The signaling processor receives and processes the third message to select routing information for routing the call to a service platform and transfers a fourth message indicating the selected routing information to route the call to the service platform.

Abstract: A digital audio signal processing system and method transforms two-channel stereo time-domain data into the frequency domain. Vector operations are performed upon the frequency-domain data by which signal components unique to one of the input channels are routed to one of the output channels, signal components unique to the other of the input channels are routed to another of the output channels, and signal components common to both channels are routed to a third and optionally to a fourth output channel. The frequency-domain output channels are then transformed back into the time-domain, forming an equivalent number of channels of output audio data. The vector operations are performed in a manner that preserves the overall information content of the input data.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for synchronizing a database related to a first node in a network with multiple nodes. Each node includes a database different from a database on a different node. An inquiry control message is sent to each node in a candidate set of one or more nodes on the network, which are different from the first node. In response to the inquiry control message, the first node receives a first set of one or more messages from a particular node different from the first node. The first set indicates a portion from the database of the particular node. The portion is relevant for the first node. A particular portion of a first database for the first node is derived from the first set of messages. The particular portion is less than all of the first database. These techniques allow the first node to derive its full database from multiple adjacent nodes.

Abstract: A Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message adapted for use by a multi-media services provider system to form a multi-media communication path between at least a calling communication device adapted to operate using a first protocol (e.g. SIP) and at least a destination communication device adapted to operate using a second protocol, such as Integrated Services Digital Network User Part (ISUP). The SIP message includes a header region having a number of header fields, a first body region having Session Description Protocol (SDP) information related to the calling communication device and a second body region having ISUP related addressing information associated with the destination communication device.

Abstract: Packets or frames of data may be compressed, encrypted/decrypted, filtered, classified, searched or subjected to other deep-packet processing operations before being distributed through the internet. The microprocessor system and method of the present invention provide for the orderly processing of such data packets without disrupting or changing the sequence in which the data is intended to be transmitted to its destination. This is achieved by receiving frames into an input buffer for processing. Associated with this input buffer is a unit for determining the operation to be performed on each frame. An arbitrator assigns each frame to a processing core engine. An output buffer collects the processed frames, and a sequencer forwards the processed frames from the output buffer to their destination in the same order as received by the input/output buffer. Maintaining the sequence of data transmission is particularly useful in voice transmission, such as videos and movies.

Abstract: An integrated voice and data application delivery system that can deliver converged voice/data application services to at least one user device over at least one communications network, and optimize the delivery of voice/data content during a current voice/data session based on the bandwidth of the network and/or the capacity of the user device. The integrated application delivery system allows users to switch from one voice/data session to another in response to a predetermined event, as required to avoid a loss of information or a permanent interruption of service. The integrated voice and data application delivery system includes a unified XML-based integrated voice and data media converging switch, a controller coupled to the switch, and a data storage device coupled to the controller. The switch transfers voice/data content between voice/data applications on a first network and one or more user devices on a second network.

Abstract: A method of providing IP telephony services maps a telephony signaling protocol called party number nature of address indicator to an Internet signaling protocol nature of address indicator and a telephony signaling protocol called party number numbering plan indicator to an Internet signaling protocol numbering plan indicator.

Abstract: In a communication system comprising a link layer device connectable to one or more physical layer devices, at least a given one of a plurality of ports of the one or more physical layer devices is designated as a port for which status information is to be requested by the link layer device on a more frequent basis than such information is to be requested for one or more other ports of the plurality of ports. The ports are then polled by the link layer device in accordance with a non-linear polling sequence such that the at least one designated port is polled more frequently than the one or more other ports. The designated port may comprise a port to which the link layer device transmits data in conjunction with a current data transfer. The non-linear polling sequence may thus be altered dynamically based on particular data transfers that are occurring between a link layer device and a physical layer device in a communication system.

Abstract: A method for screening mobile application part (MAP) messages in a transit network is provided. Signaling messages are received from a first network. SCCP called party address information is extracted from each signaling message. If the called party address matches first SCCP screening criteria, it is determined whether the signaling message is a targeted MAP message type. If the signaling message is a targeted MAP message type, a screening action is performed. Different MAP screening criteria may be applied for different destination networks.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting a primary blade in a multi-module fibre channel switch with plural blades is provided. The system includes a state machine for sending exchangeable blade parameter(s) (“EBP”) to the plural blades; and determining if a primary blade flag is set. If the primary blade flag is set, selecting the blade with the EBP priority number. If the primary blade flag is not selected, then selecting a blade with an EBP priority number if the EBP priority number is less than a retained priority number.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for generating reports in a communication network. More specifically, the system processes a communication at an enterprise gatekeeper; stores, in memory accessible to the enterprise gatekeeper, information associated with the communication; parses the information associated with the communication; and provides an indication of the parsed information.

Abstract: A method is described that resets a first count and resets a second count if a first transmission unit is recognized as being within a new measurement time window. The first transmission unit has a size. The method also increments the first count by the first transmission unit size and by the size of each subsequent transmission unit that is received within the new measurement time window after the first transmission unit—so long as the first count does not exceed a maximum allowable value for the first count. The method also checks if a maximum value for the second count is exceeded if it is incremented by a second transmission unit size. The second transmission unit is received within the measurement time window. The check is in response to a determination that the first count would have exceeded the first count maximum allowable valuable if the first count were incremented by the second transmission unit size.

Abstract: Packets or frames of data may be compressed, encrypted/decrypted, filtered, classified, searched or subjected to other deep-packet processing operations before being distributed through the internet. The microprocessor system and method of the present invention provide for the orderly processing of such data packets without disrupting or changing the sequence in which the data is intended to be transmitted to its destination. This is achieved by receiving frames into an input buffer for processing. Associated with this input buffer is a unit for determining the operation to be performed on each frame. An arbitrator assigns each frame to a processing core engine. An output buffer collects the processed frames, and a sequencer forwards the processed frames from the output buffer to their destination in the same order as received by the input/output buffer. Maintaining the sequence of data transmission is particularly useful in voice transmission, such as videos and movies.

Abstract: Methods and systems for message-origination-based global title translation include receiving a signaling message and determining whether global title translation is required. In response to determining that global title translation is required, a lookup is performed in the global title translation database. The lookup is based on the called party address and the originating point code in the signaling message. The destination point code from the global title translation is inserted in the signaling message. The signaling message is then routed to its intended destination based on the destination point code and optionally the originating point code in the signaling message.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a technique for performing a reassembly assist function that enables a processor to perform packet reassembly in a deterministic manner. The technique employed by the present invention enables a processor to reassemble a packet without having to extend its normal processing time to reassemble a varying number of fragments into a packet. The invention takes advantage of the fact that the reassembly assist can be dedicated exclusively to reassembling a packet from a series of fragments and thereby offloading the reassembly process from the processor.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting a primary blade in a multi-module fibre channel switch with plural blades is provided. The system includes a state machine for sending exchangeable blade parameter(s) (“EBP”) to the plural blades; and determining if a primary blade flag is set. If the primary blade flag is set, selecting the blade with the EBP priority number. If the primary blade flag is not selected, then selecting a blade with an EBP priority number if the EBP priority number is less than a retained priority number.

Abstract: Protocol multiplexer is configured to receive multiple communication links, each link operating with one of a plurality of communication protocols. Protocol handler converts the received data and frames the data according to the communication protocol in use for a particular communication link. Port multiplexer separates the received frames into data frames and control frames. The data frames being multiplexed onto a single data bus and the control frames being multiplexed onto a single control bus to increase performance of the protocol multiplexer.

Abstract: In a telecommunication network, a switching system routes a call to a service platform. The service platform transfers a prompt message over the call, collects caller-entered information from a caller over the call in response to the prompt message, and transfers the caller-entered information to an SCP system. The SCP system transfers the caller-entered information to a destination processor, processes a destination routing code from the destination processor to determine a destination routing instruction, and transfers the destination routing instruction to the switching system. The switching system routes the call to a destination in response to the destination routing instruction.

Abstract: In a telecommunication network, a switching system routes a call to a service platform. The service platform transfers a prompt message over the call, collects caller-entered information from the caller, and transfers the caller-entered information to an SCP system. The SCP system transfers the caller-entered information to a first destination processor, processes a first destination routing code from the first destination processor to determine a first destination routing instruction, and transfers the first destination routing instruction to the switching system. The switching system routes the call to a first destination in response to the first destination routing instruction. The SCP system transfers the caller-entered information to a second destination processor, processes a second destination routing code from the second destination processor to determine a second destination routing instruction, and transfers the second destination routing instruction to the switching system.

Abstract: In a method and system for improving the efficiency of TCAP transactions, a TCAP transaction is set up in a semi-permanent basis between two signaling points having frequent request-reply communication. The semi-permanent TCAP transaction is thereafter used for application dialogues between the two signaling points. Multiple application dialogues may be multiplexed in one TCAP transaction. Alternatively, multiple TCAP transactions may be multiplexed in one SCCP connection.

Abstract: Methods and systems for associating a plurality of different routes with the same destination and for routing signaling messages to the destination based on originating information associated with non-adjacent signaling nodes are disclosed. A routing database in a signal transfer point includes multiple routes to the same destination. The routes are distinguishable from each other in the routing database using message origination information associated with signaling nodes that are not adjacent to the signal transfer point. When a signaling message is received, origination and destination information in the signaling message are used in combination to select among multiple routes to a destination having a network address corresponding to the destination information in the signaling message. The signaling message is then routed over the route selected using the originating information. The selected route may be a high-speed route used to provide a particular quality of service.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for converting point codes in a signal transfer point, STP, in a telecommunications signaling system. The STP includes a point code conversion function (500) which converts point codes designating the origination and destination signaling points for a signaling message. The conversion function can be incorporated between the signaling link layer (200) and the network layer (300) of the message transfer part, MTP, functionality of the STP.

Abstract: A telecommunications system includes devices to provide output clock signals that are synchronous to at least one source clock signal. A main clock generator includes a selector to select one of the output clock signals. The main clock generator generates a main clock signal based on a selected one of the output clock signals. Each of the devices includes a quality detector (i) to detect a quality of the at least one source clock signal, and (ii) to interrupt providing an output clock signal in response to a decrease in quality of the at least one source clock signal. The main clock generator includes an interrupt detector to detect an interruption in an output clock signal provided by at least one of the devices. The selector selects a different output clock signal if the interrupt detector detects that the selected one of the output clock signals is interrupted.

Abstract: A controlling apparatus, record medium, and method, which include the steps of (a) obtaining control information from the electronic devices, the control information allowing the electronic devices to be controlled, (b) determining whether or not the electronic devices have a lime setting function corresponding to the control information obtained at the step (a), (c) obtaining time information, and (d) setting each of the electronic devices determined as devices having the time setting function at the step (b) to the time information obtained at the step (c). Thus, even if an electronic device connected to a network system does not have a function for obtaining time information through the network system, time corresponding to time information can be set for the electronic device.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus are provided to enable semi-intelligent switching-based communication between diverse message source types, the addition of new message source types to the switching framework with minimal start-up costs, and local content-based message switching to minimize traffic on the network. A switch and interface are provided that abstracts out the commonalities of interfacing with diverse message sources, provides the mechanics of switching messages between such sources and offers flexibility in the process of deciding the intended recipients.

Abstract: Data traffic is conveyed through a node of a communications network. A parameter respecting the data traffic is assigned in an ingress interface of the node, and inserted into an intra-switch header attached to each packet. The data traffic, along with the intra-switch header are forwarded across the node to an egress interface. The parameter is then extracted from the intra-switch header, and used to control processing of the data traffic in the egress interface. The parameter may provide information identifying the source of the data traffic, but may also include other flow-specific information, such as, for example, a normalized DiffServ Code Point. The parameter may be used, in combination with an intra-switch multicast group ID to query one or more translation tables, to thereby enable egress-interface and/or egress port specific replication, forwarding and translation services in respect of the data traffic.

Abstract: A communication system includes a switching network and a wireless network. The switching network includes a first gateway for receiving a communication from a caller, a second gateway for establishing an external connection through which the communication can be routed, and a command center that allows the first and second gateway to make an internal connection. The wireless network includes a visited mobile switch center and a home location register. The visited mobile switch center generates routing information, receives the communication from the external connection of the switching network, and routes the communication to a wireless network subscriber. The home location register locates the visited mobile switch center, and passes the routing information from the visited mobile switch center to the command center of the switching network. The command center causes the external connection to be established based on the routing information.

Abstract: In a router, externally received messages addressed to an active line card are bridged to a protection line card. Each line card in the router is programmed to respond to such externally received messages by directing them to the protection line card associated with the active line card as well as to the active line card. The protection line card is configured with inbound and outbound path tables that are the clones of the inbound and outbound path tables of its corresponding active line card. Bridging is accomplished by revising descriptors stored in a plurality of line cards to indicate an association between an active one of the line cards and its protection line card. Received messages are addressed using the revised descriptors to the active line card and also to its protection line card. Upon failure of an active line card, its physical interface can be disabled once its protection line card has clones of the inbound and outbound path tables and bridging has been set up.

Abstract: A method for receiving a signal from a local device and converting the signal to a network port packet data signal to emulate a local data signal port. Once the signal from the local device is converted to the network port packet data signal, the network port packet data signal is transmitted to a remote device over a network connection.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for using barrier phases to limit the disorder of packets which may be used in a computer or communications system. In one packet switching system, source nodes include an indication of their current barrier state in sent packets. For each barrier state, a predetermined range of sequence numbers may be used or a predetermined number of packets may be sent by a source node. The source, destination, and switching nodes are systematically switched between barrier phases, which is typically performed continuously in response to the flow of barrier request and barrier acknowledgement packets or signals. Each source node broadcasts to all forward connected nodes a barrier request to change to a next barrier state. After a switching node has received a barrier request on all incoming links, the switching node propagates the barrier request.

Abstract: A system and method that enables a more flexible architecture in communication networks with separated call control and bearer control. The invention enables full support of the advantages of a communication network with separated call control and bearer control when interfacing with a further network with monolithic signalling. The invention also increases the flexibility of an existing payload connection, especially in the case of a malfunction. The invention uses the existing signalling protocols to transfer further information. Basically, information elements and methods to interpret the transferred information are stored in the receivers and senders of the information. This enables the receivers and senders of information to transmit more information than originally planned when the protocols where designed. So it is possible to identify a combination of a payload transmission device and a control node instead of a single device only.

Abstract: Methods and systems for interconnecting SS7 signaling points include connecting an edge device to a plurality of SS7 service switching points using fixed-bandwidth SS7 links. The edge device is connected to an SS7/IP gateway using a variable-bandwidth signaling link. The edge device multiplexes SS7 messages received over the fixed-bandwidth signaling links and transmits the message over the variable-bandwidth signaling link.

Abstract: A method of managing connectivity of a cluster of bridging-devices including a plurality of links. The method includes pre-designating at least one of the links as a redundant link which is blocked when all the other links are operative and connected in accordance with a predetermined scheme, determining connectivity data on the connectivity of the links of the cluster, and activating or blocking the pre-designated redundant at least one link responsive to the connectivity data.

Abstract: A method for controlling connections in a communication network including setting up a signaling connection between a subscriber of the communication network and a service access system based on a service connection request by the subscriber; and setting up a payload connection associated with the signaling connection only between the service access system and the subscriber given data traffic for the service and clearing down the payload connection after the data transmission.

Abstract: A method for polling a plurality of wireless modems from a base station in which the base station individually polls all of the modems and forms at least two lists such that each modem is identified on only one discrete list based upon its behavior in response to the polling. Thereafter, the modems identified on each discrete list are polled at a rate that may differ from the rate at which the modems identified on any other list are polled and the lists are updated dynamically based upon the behavior of the modems polled in response to the last polling.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating information includes evaluation regarding routing of calls performed at a call control point in an ITSP and/or wireless network. A PIC identity associated with another party's preferences is acquired and sent to the call control point. The PIC identity identifies the type of the carrier network (e.g., circuit switched or VoIP) and is used to make further routing decisions. If a circuit-switched carrier is identified, the IP homing leg is terminated at the voice gateway in the recipient's HPLMN and information is sent over to the GMSC where normal, circuit-switched routing procedures. If a VoIP carrier is identified then the called user's roaming number is retrieved from the HLR, and the call is further routed directly over the IP domain towards a voice gateway at the visited network minimizing the number of transcodings. Additional transcoding steps can be avoided if a single encoding is agreed upon according to “tandem free operation” (TFO).

Abstract: A passive optical network employing wavelength dependent routing uses two-phase signalling between a network controller and terminals. In a first phase, terminals are informed of the wavelength channel allocated to them for a second signalling phase, groups of terminals being allocated to each channel. In the second signalling phase, control signals indicate to the terminal the wavelength and time slots allocated to the terminal in the following data transmission phase.

Abstract: The invention uses a novel signaling protocol for conducting call waiting-caller ID messaging. Instead of waiting for an acknowledge back from the caller ID box, an acknowledge signal is generated locally at a gateway. This allows the packet switched network to meet the timing requirements of the circuit switched network. The gateway tricks the central office switch into believing an actual acknowledge signal was sent from the caller ID box. The central office switch accordingly sends the caller ID information. This ID information is then propagated across the IP network to the caller ID box.

Abstract: In a bus system in which a node identifier is allocated to each node, when a data file is transmitted from a transmission node 1 to a reception node 2, a control node 3 issues, to the node 1, a command including an identifier of the node 2 and a field value representing a number of data files to be transmitted to execute the data transfer, and in the case where the number of the data files is 1 or more, after the transmission of the data files of the number specified in the field is completed, the node 1 directs the node 2 to complete the transfer to thereby complete the data transfer, and in the case where the field value is 0, the transmission of the data files is continued, and thus an automatic disconnection mainly led by the data transmission node is adopted after the data transmission, which reduces issuance of commands to the minimum, attaining a high efficiency in processing.

Abstract: A communication system determines a cell substitution method based on information for a call to improve call quality. The communication system receives information for the call. The communication system then determines the cell substitution method based on the information. The communication system generates an instruction to use the cell substitution method for the call. The communication system advantageously uses an optimal cell substitution method for each different type of call. The communication system uses the optimal cell substitution method when a cell is lost or misinserted.

Abstract: A visual indicator array has (M×N)/2 pairs of indicator devices arranged in a two-dimensional, linear array having M rows and N columns, where M is an integer greater than or equal to two, and N is an integer greater than or equal to one. The array also includes M/2 enable lines, each of which is connected to all of the indicator devices in two of the M rows to deliver enable signals to the indicator devices in the two rows. Likewise, each of N status lines is connected to all of the indicator devices in one of the N columns. Status information is carried by M×N status signals, and each of N selectors is connected to a corresponding one of the status lines. Each of the N selectors receives M of the status signals and selectively applies the M status signals to the corresponding status line one at a time.

Abstract: A system and method for providing integrated control of communication services, which includes an Integrated Services Controller (ISC), which is configured to establish communications with any numbers of communications networks, such as The Public Switched Telephone Network or the Internet. Communications may be established with one or more communications services, which in turn provide classification criteria which includes variable parameters that define a capability of a particular communications service. Also received may be a Message Registration List (MRL), which registers with the ISC messages in which a particular communications service has a notification interest. Through these communications, the ISC may be configured to provide a centralized processing for messages received from various system entities so as to apply intelligent prioritization rules for each message processed.

Abstract: A data communication system, such as a local area network, is provided with a capability of transmitting isochronous data. Preferably the system conveys both isochronous data and non-isochronous data by time-multiplexing the data into a recurring frame structure on a four-bit nibble basis. An efficient encoding scheme permits transmission of both isochronous and non-isochronous data over existing media, such as twisted pair, without degrading bandwidth previously achieved for non-isochronous data over the same media, such as using an ethernet system. Bandwidth available for a particular isochronous source/sink is selectable and sustainable with a predefined granularity. The arriving data is de-multiplexed at the hub into separate channels for handling the separate streams by appropriate hardware. Preferably, the present invention can be implemented in a fashion that is transparent to already-installed media access controllers.