Abstract: A telecommunications node (e.g., signalling transfer point) and method are described herein that implement a synthetic GTT transformation function which allows a direct address SCCP message received from a legacy switch to be transformed into a GTA SCCP message that can be propagated to another switch (located in the same network or in a different network) which requires the use of a GTT functionality. In turn, the telecommunications node and method can also provide the reverse capability as a SCCP message comes back to the legacy switch.

Abstract: A router and method are described herein that provide a “fast leave behavior” by instantly aging out group and source records that are associated with the IGMPv3/MLDv2 protocols. In one embodiment, the router and method are part of a triple play service network including a bandwidth-limited Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) network in which the instantly aging out of group and source records is desirable to implement a fast TV channel changing feature (or fast leave behavior).

Abstract: A system and method of enabling transmission control protocol (TCP) splice between a client application and a server, while maintaining control of the connections by a content-based charging proxy. The system framework includes a TCP splicing module for splicing connections between a client application and a server, an application proxy (e.g., content-based charging proxy) for redirecting a request of the client application, and a content-based charging engine for determining the classification of the data flow between the client application and the server. If the data flow has a predetermined classification or a triggering event has been detected, the content-based charging engine transfers control of the connections to the application proxy. The application proxy, for example, can redirect the client application to a predetermined service or source based on the classification of the data flow.

Abstract: A Global Roaming Application Server is adapted to act as an intermediary between all Internet Protocol (IP)-based network(s) and non-IP-based network(s), such as a circuit-switched landline network, an ANSI-41 network, wireless LAN network, a Global System for Mobile Communications network or Universal Mobile Telecommunications System network. In a first or forward direction, the Application Server enables a user in a non-IP network to be located in accordance with user profiles at the request of another user who has chosen to send a message via an all-IP based network. After the user in the non-IP network is so located, the Application Server enables a signaling link to be created between the two users. The Application Server may also be used to enable a signaling link when a message is sent in a second, or reverse direction.

Abstract: The network operating system includes an embedded platform for controlling operation of an agile optical network at the physical layer level. At the module embedded level, each module (card-pack) is provided with an embedded controller EC that monitors and control operation of the optical modules. At the next level, each shelf is provided with a shelf processor SP that monitors and control operation of the ECs over a backplane network. All optical modules are connected over an optical trace channel to send/receive trace messages that can then be used to determine network connectivity. At the next, link management level, a network services controller NSC controls the SPs in a negotiated span of control, over a link network. The control is address-based; each NSC receives ranges of addresses for the entities in its control, and distributes these addresses to the SPs, which in turn distribute addresses to the ECs in their control.

Abstract: Network meta-data libraries act as repositories of evolving management information models (MIM) and management information based (MIB) models. Changes to the models may be originated using the libraries or tracked by the libraries. In addition, the libraries may be used to generate and store transformation models used by mediation units to transform changes made to network elements, such as routers, into normalized meta-data that can be understood by an operations support system.

Abstract: The path selection and wavelength assignment to a selected path are performed by mapping the wavelength reach to the demand distribution (agile reach) resulting in a 50-60% increase in the network reach. The network reach is further increased (about 2.2 times) when on-line measured performance data are used for path selection and wavelength assignment. The connections may be engineered/upgraded individually, by optimizing the parameters of the entire path or of a regenerator section of the respective path. The upgrades include changing the wavelength, adjusting the parameters of the regenerator section, controlling the launch powers, mapping a certain transmitter and/or receiver to the respective wavelength, selecting the wavelengths on a certain link so as to reduce cross-talk, increasing wavelength spacing, etc.

Abstract: A programmable packet switching controller has a packet buffer, a pattern match module, a programmable packet classification engine and an application engine. The packet buffer stores inbound packets, and includes a header data extractor to extract header data from the inbound packets and to store the extracted header data in a header data cache. The header data extractor also generates a header data cache index and provides it to the packet classification engine for it to retrieve the extracted header data. The packet classification engine has a decision tree-based classification logic for classifying a packet. Each of the leaves of the tree represents a packet classification. The packet classification engine uses the header data cache index to retrieve the header data to perform multiple header checks, starting at a root of the tree and traversing branches until a leaf has been reached. The application engine has a number of programmable sub-engines arrayed in a pipelined architecture.

Abstract: A stackable Ethernet switch system (SESS) includes a number of stack switch elements in which loops are prevented. In one embodiment, logic is provided for monitoring control management traffic on a stacking port of a stack switch element of the SESS. Also included is logic, operable responsive to determining that there is a loss of control management traffic on a stacking port of a particular switch element of the SESS, for disabling user traffic data on that stacking port while keeping the control management traffic path open. The user data traffic on that stacking port of the particular switch element may be enabled upon detecting that the control management traffic on that stacking port has resumed.

Abstract: New XML management transaction requests including XPath expressions are used, for example, to forward configuration changes on to a data network device. The generation and use of these new requests helps reduce the costs associated with designing or upgrading data network devices. These new requests may be generated in a novel command line interface that has been augmented to give a user access to more configuration functions. Complex management transactions may be executed substantially simultaneously by a central management module using the new requests and their associated XPath expressions. In addition to configuration changes, the new requests may be used to obtain the current configuration of data network devices.

Abstract: A subnet of an information network includes one or more mobile hosts, and a first interface of a home router. The first interface and the mobile hosts are assigned corresponding group addresses. Unicast addresses of packets received at a second interface of the home router and destined to members of the subnet, are mapped to the member's group addresses. Each mobile host sends a request to join a group corresponding to the group address assigned to the host, whenever the host links with the network at a new point of attachment. Thus, network routers can track the host as it moves its link with the network from one point of attachment to another, and unicast packets destined to the mobile host from a host outside the subnet are routed to the mobile host over the virtual link created between the home router and the mobile host.

Abstract: Signaling paths and communication sessions, such as voice-over-IP sessions, can be established in substantially shorter and predictable time periods than previously thought possible over carrier-based, peer-to-peer networks (P2P). Instead of requiring a signaling pathway to traverse a large number of hops/nodes, novel architectures permit a signaling pathway to traverse a few designated host and anchor nodes that are part of a core of a P2P network. The novel architectures and related methods also make it possible to easily manage and maintain P2P networks.

Abstract: A device is described herein that performs a digital-to-analog conversion on a digital multimedia signal in a manner that enhances the human perceptual quality of the resulting analog multimedia signal (e.g., musical passage). In one embodiment, the device operates as follows: (1) divides the bitstream of a digital multimedia signal into several distinct multimedia bitstreams; (2) applies the most effective signal processing (filtering and noise shaping) to each distinct multimedia bitstream; (3) performs the most appropriate digital-to-analog conversion (using a multi-bit DAC, a bitstream DAC, a over-sampled bitstream DAC, or a hybrid of these DACs) to each distinct multimedia bitstream; and (4) combines all of the analog multimedia signals which are outputted by the DACs into a single analog multimedia signal.

Abstract: In an automatically switched optical network operating according to a wavelength plan, the wavelengths are assigned to an optical path based on availability, performance and SRS wavelength coupling reduction. First, the wavelengths are grouped in static bins based on their reach versus cost performance, and each bin assumes a ?Q of a middle wavelength. Then, the bins are moved into subsets of dynamic bins, constructed using bin constraints that account for the particulars of the respective optical path. The path is characterized taking into account the wavelength currently accessing at the end nodes, and the wavelength tandeming through the end nodes. Wavelength selection starts with the bins that satisfy the maximum number of constraints, and the wavelengths are checked sequentially against wavelength constraints; relaxed constraints are also applied when it is not possible to exactly satisfy one or more constraints.

Abstract: A technique for improving optical cross-connections comprises placing a switch in front of a number of processing units. So configured, the units are no longer dedicated to a specific link or signal. When necessary, a unit is connected/disconnected to one or more optical links by the switch to carry out any number of processing functions, such as regeneration, Raman pumping, dispersion equalization/compensation or performance monitoring. Because the units are no longer dedicated to specific links the cost of the cross-connections and the network it is a part of can be reduced.

Abstract: The decoding of a lock, such as a pin tumbler type of lock, is completed by utilizing a method that includes the insertion of a key blank or other material with one or more reference indicators on a modifiable surface, into a keyway of the lock. The key blank is inserted until a stopping resistance is detected. Such a resistance occurs when a pin of the lock reaches a shear line position. After such a position is reached a marking is made on the key blank and a measurement is made. The measurement is compared to markings on a novel decoding template to determine the depth of a cut that should be made on an uncut key.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an Ethernet node's boot-up process. Upon detecting a system reset condition with respect to the Ethernet node, a link down condition is effectuated on at least a portion of the link ports of the Ethernet node. Initialization and configuration of system switch software continues to take place in response to the system reset condition. Responsive to the link down condition, network traffic on the link ports is discontinued. Upon completion of the system software configuration, a link up condition is effectuated on the link ports, whereupon network traffic on the link ports may recommence.

Abstract: Traffic demands are routed across links of an information network so as to avoid congestion and allow for future traffic growth. Traffic demands from a source node to a destination node of the network are monitored, including bandwidths associated with each of the demands. For each demand, and for a given link of the network, that portion of the bandwidth associated with each traffic demand which is provided by the given link, is determined. A maximum value of link utilization among all links of the network is then determined, wherein link utilization is defined as the amount of bandwidth used by all traffic demands routed through a given link with respect to a total capacity of the link. Traffic demands are then routed across the links of the network in such a manner as to minimize the maximum value of link utilization.