Abstract: A method and system are provided for managing memory to reassemble data packets received from different virtual channels in an ATM network. The method and system recognizes that both reliable and best effort traffic must be supported by a network interface. The system makes use of a virtual First-In-First-Out (FIFO) concept that partitions RAM memory space into multiple FIFO queues. The virtual FIFOs can have different sizes, and can be allocated to connections depending on quality of service requirements. A dedicated embedded controller 721 to provide flexibility is used in the system, as well as Content Addressable Memory (CAM) devices 723,724, and external logic. The method and system can also be applied at ATM transmitters in the implementation of congestion control algorithms.

Abstract: A service control point having multiple independent control processor and multiple front end communication processors incorporates a deterministic rule message distribution process for balancing the traffic load among the front end processors from all the independent control processors. The deterministic rule method is applied independently in each control processor and queues all outgoing messages in one of three queues; those that must be transmitted on Linkset-0, those that must be transmitted on Linkset-1, and those that can be transmitted on either linkset. Our message distribution process keeps all messages in queue until message number or timer threshold is reached. The traffic is routed to a front end processor such that the resulting distribution is closest to the expected distribution.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, data is transmitted through a network in chunks. Chunks are self-describing units designed for high speed protocol processing. Packets act as envelopes for carrying chunks across a network. The self-describing nature of chunks allow them to be processed as they arrive at the receiver regardless of any misordering. The ability to process data without intermediate buffering for reordering or reassembly improves protocol processing performance. The chunks also distribute protocol data units control overhead over multiple packets.

Abstract: A broadband service control point provides processing instructions and data to a broadband session controller and an information sender/receiver. The broadband session controller communicates with a user's settop controller and video information providers, ("VIPs"), and requests processing information from the broadband service control point in response to predetermined triggers. The broadband session controller also instructs the broadband switch network to establish broadband connections between a VIP and a predetermined settop controller. An integrated service control point integrates broadband and telephone networks to provide efficient and effective integrated broadband and telephone services via a video interface at a user's remote location. Also, the integrated network provides unique caller identification delivery services.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for transmitting a packet from a source node S in a first stub 300 to a destination node D in a second stub 306 of an internet communications network 200. The first stub 300 is connected with a public data network (PDN) 210 by a first access point node Ra and the second stub 306 is connected with the PDN 210 by a second access point node Rd. The first access point node Ra, writes its PDN subnetwork address in the packet. The first access point node Ra then transmits the packet via a sequence of one or more intermediary access point nodes Rb, Rc on a base path until the packet reaches the second access point node Rd. The second access point node Rd receives the packet via the base path. The second access point node Rd stores the PDN subnetwork address of the first access point node Ra (contained in the packet) in an entry 131 of shortcut table 130 maintained at the second access point node Rd.

Abstract: A system and method for video-on-demand and videoconferencing services using a broadband switch network, a broadband session controller, and a broadband service control point. The broadband network provides connections between information sender/receivers in response to instructions from a broadband service control point or in response to requests originated by an information sender/receiver. The broadband service control point processing instructions and/or data to the broadband controller and information sender/receiver. In addition, an integrated service control point integrates broadband and telephone networks to provide efficient and effective integrated broadband and telephone services. Both broadband and telephone services can be provisioned via a video interface at a user's remote location. Also, the integrated network provides unique caller identification delivery services.

Abstract: A broadband service control point provides processing instructions and data to a broadband session controller and an information sender/receiver. The broadband session controller communicates with a user's settop controller and video information providers, ("VIPs"), and requests processing information from the broadband service control point in response to predetermined triggers. The broadband session controller also instructs the broadband switch network to establish broadband connections between a VIP and a predetermined settop controller. An integrated service control point integrates broadband and telephone networks to provide efficient and effective integrated broadband and telephone services via video interface at a user's remote location. Also, the integrated network provides unique caller identification delivery services.

Abstract: In an Advanced Intelligent Telephone Network system, switching points are programmed to trigger a query to a Service Control Point ("SCP") in response to a dialed "500" number. The SCP performs a data request of an outside database storing service provider information, obtaining a service provider identification or a routing number corresponding to the dialed "500" number. The SCP then transmits a switching instruction to the service system point to route the call to the appropriate destination number.

Abstract: Our method and system for enumerating a minimal number of test cases for systems with interacting elements operates relationships between the elements and the number of characteristics evaluated for each element. In our inventive method as executed in a computer system, the user enters values for each of the elements and then defines relationships between the elements. Our method then enumerates a table of test cases for each relationship between elements using deterministic procedures, when applicable, and random procedures when the deterministic procedures are not applicable. After a table of test cases is generated for each of the relation, our inventive method combines relationships into a single table of test cases.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically consolidating service scripts for downloading to Analog Display Services Interface compatible screen telephones. The method and system comprises specifying a general template for a set of service features, specifying line specific attributes for a feature, and then combining the two into a service module. Both the template and service modules are specified in terms script instructions grouped in blocks defined as call states, event handlers, soft keys, or macros. A customer's service is composed of multiple service modules which, when selected, would be consolidated by a network server computer into a singular service script. The method of consolidation requires first creating software objects from the blocks in the template. Then the blocks from the service modules are incorporated into each object created by the template or if an object can't be found, a new object is created.

Abstract: A broadband intelligent network (50) an ATM switch or other fast-packet switch (51) in a fiber optic, fast-packet communication system. The ATM switch (51) is directly coupled (53) through one of its ports to a network service control point (61) for the implementation of requested services without the use of an intermediate common channel signaling system. ATM cells, identified as signaling cells, carry customer service requests and are automatically routed through the ATM switch to the network service control point (61). The service control point (61) determines the requested service and executes a corresponding programmed procedure (210). Connection service requested by a particular signaling cell is implemented by the service control point (61) sending a command cell through a port of the ATM switch (51) to instruct the switch connection management processor (64) to establish a switched virtual circuit for the requested connection.

Abstract: A methodology and concomitant circuitry for smoothing delay sensitive traffic utilizes short term traffic forecasts and guarantees meeting a prespecified delay constraint. The pattern of incoming traffic is used to forecast estimates of future incoming data from the present and past incoming data. Corresponding to the estimate is a data rate for propagating stored data to produce a smoothed outgoing data rate, and the interval of time over which such a rate is used so as to satisfy the delay constraint. The estimation procedure is then re-invoked at the end to the time interval, which takes into account data arriving during the time interval, so as to determine the next succeeding data rate and a new time interval for propagating stored data.

Abstract: A method of processing a phone call from a caller in a telephone network, the telephone network including a plurality of switches and an intelligent peripheral (IP) for interfacing the plurality of switches to a service control point (SCP). When a phone call is received at one of the plurality of switches, the call is sent to the IP. The IP then requests that the SCP perform a call processing request. Service logic within the SCP is accessed in order to process the phone call according to the call processing request. The service logic then requests and receives account information from one or more external systems. The phone call is routed to a selected telephone based on the account information received from the one or more external systems. The received account information is routed to the selected telephone.

Abstract: A method and system for providing interactive capabilities in a network-based telephone system 100 a service control point (SCP) 102 for accessing a call processing record (CPR) and having an intelligent peripheral (IP) 104 for providing an intelligent interface between a caller 112 and the SCP 102. The IP 104 communicates with the SCP 102 through a peripheral interface (PI) 128. External systems 106 are accessed by SCP 102 through a generic data interface (GDI) 124 to obtain customer data. The GDI 124 keeps track of the data stored in the various external systems 106. Upon receiving a request for data, GDI 124 forms sub-requests, routes the sub-requests to the appropriate external systems 106, and returns a message containing the requested data.

Abstract: In a cellular network, a multiple-access methodology and concomitant circuitry in which TDMA is used inside each cell and CDMA signals, having pulse shapes with low cross-correlations, are assigned to adjacent cells. For example, these pulses could be Direct-Sequence Spread-Spectrum pulses. Such a hybrid system combines the high intra-cell capacity of TDMA with the inter-cell and multipath interference rejection capabilities of CDMA.

Abstract: A system for creating, transferring, and monitoring services in a telecommunication system includes a service creation and management application and a service execution application. Services are created as call processing records, each call processing record comprises call processing nodes, branches and call variables. An interface specification is provided which permits the creation and management application to communicate with the execution application at a high level. Call processing records, data, and management information to be exchanged between the creation and management application and the execution application are encoded in accordance with the interface specification to permit the effective and efficient communication between the two applications and to permit the system to activate, monitor, trace, audit, and manage telecommunication services.

Abstract: A system connected to a network for controlling multiparty, multimedia calls having three components. The first component sends and receives multiparty, multimedia calls. The second component stores building blocks representing the multiparty, multimedia calls. The building blocks include objects, which correspond to different aspects of multiparty, multimedia calls, and relationships between the objects. The third component monitors the objects and their relationships, and notifies when changes occur in the objects or their relationships.

Abstract: A partially automated cross-connect method and system for temporarily provisioning telephone services through the remote activation of a cross-connect between a feeder cable pair and a distribution cable using a bus pair. Permanent cross-connects are deferred until a sufficient number are accumulated that warrant a dispatch to the cross-connect location by a telephone company technician. Where the technician would manually install permanent cross-connects in place of all the previously installed temporary cross-connects. The connections previously made using the bus pair would be deactivated freeing the bus pair for future temporary cross-connects.

Abstract: In a telecommunication network, a method of creating, in response to inputs from an operator of a record creation system, a template for the creation of call processing services. Each call processing service is represented by a call processing record containing logically related call processing nodes and branches. In the method, a processor in the record creation system displays a selected call processing record to the operator. The operator then identifies which nodes in the call processing record will be made customizable. A customizable node is a node for which subsequent template users can specify predetermined expressions. After the node is selected, the processor displays to the operator all the expressions of the selected node and prompts the operator to identify which of the expressions will be customizable. The operator then identifies which expressions of the selected node will be customizable.

Abstract: In a telecommunication network, a method of creating, in response to inputs from an operator of a record creation system, a general service specification for a call processing record. The call processing record includes logically related nodes and branches. In the method, a processor in the record creation system prompts the operator to identify at least one optional node, at least one required node, and at least one restricted node from a node set presented to the operator. Optional nodes are nodes which may appear in a call processing record associated with the general service specification; required nodes must appear in the call processing record associated with the general service specification; and restricted nodes cannot appear in the call processing record associated with the general service specification.