Abstract: A method and apparatus for emulating VPLS within an ATM network. Provider Edge devices are configured for VPLS connections. For each pair of provider edge devices supporting the same VPLS ID, one device establishes a virtual circuit between the pair. Thus, a full mesh of virtual circuits is established between provider edge devices, and a VPLS-like service can be offered to users without having to implement MPLS. Establishing the virtual circuits within a PNNI hierarchy maybe facilitated by each provider edge device propagating through the hierarchy an information group containing an association between the ATM address of the device and a VPLS ID, so that each provider edge device learns all ATM addresses to be associated with each VPLS ID. The method of advertising ATM addresses can be applied to other services requiring a number of interconnections between provider edge devices, such as Virtual Private Networks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for configuring a VLAN on a node of a communication network. A graphical user interface (GUI) is provided at a network management system, through which an operator selects a node and a physical port on the node. The operator identifies which virtual ports associated with the physical port are to be included in each of the member set, the forbidden set, and the untagged set of the VLAN, up the GUI. The GUI is designed so that each virtual port can only belong to one of the member set and the forbidden set. In addition, the network management system ensures that a VLAN ID entered by the operator is unique, and that the maximum number of VLANs have not already been configured on the physical port. The configuration information is thereby validated, and sent to the node for configuration thereon.

Abstract: A power sequencing method may use a state machine in a programmable sequencer to program relative timing of signals to activate different power rails attached to an integrated circuit. Input lines may specify the sequencing program. Alternatively, the programmable sequencer may use an EEPROM or other computer-readable medium to program itself with a particular image of the sequencing program. The programmable sequencer may be implemented by a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).

Abstract: There is provided a method of forwarding a traffic flow in a communications network having at least one network node for which network traffic is selectively prevented from transiting the network node. The method includes the step of selecting a specified category of network traffic that is to be prevented from transiting the network node. The method also includes the step of determining a path within the network for forwarding the traffic flow, whereby the network node is excluded for transit in establishing the path where the traffic flow is identified with the specified category of network traffic.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for redundant control plane error handling allowing the inactive control plane to continue to act as a redundant failsafe when the inactive control plane database is in a compromised state which is below a certain predetermined level of maximum tolerable magnitude of error. Only if the inactive control plane database is in a state in which the errors associated therewith are intolerable, is a hard reset performed, or the reconciliation between the active and inactive control planes deemed to have failed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of determining configurations for handling communication path management traffic are disclosed. Respective communication path management traffic handling configurations of communication system elements that terminate a communication link, which is a portion of a communication path, are determined. If the respective communication path management traffic handling configurations indicate that the communication system elements have been configured to pass communication path management traffic associated with the communication path toward endpoints of the communication path, then communication path management traffic for managing the communication path is exchanged through the communication link. Indications of a communication path management traffic handling configuration may be exchanged between the communication system elements during establishment of the communication link.

Abstract: To avoid under-run conditions that result in corrupt packets at I/O interfaces, a FIFO buffer controller monitors key aspects of the contents of FIFO buffers of I/O interfaces. The FIFO buffer controller initiates transmission of data from the FIFO buffer when at least one complete packet is stored in the FIFO buffer or when the size of a partial packet stored therein is large enough so that the remainder of the packet would normally be received by the FIFO buffer before the stored part can be transmitted from the FIFO buffer; thereby avoiding an under-run error condition.

Abstract: A method of using a FLASH memory for a circular buffer, and the FLASH memory for same, the method including one or more of the following steps in various exemplary embodiments: providing a circular buffer having a plurality of sectors; designating a byte of each of the plurality of sectors of the circular buffer as a binary state indicator; saving data sequentially in the circular buffer; and cycling through a plurality of sectors of the binary state indicators, such as empty or erase, last, middle and first, as the data is sequentially saved in the circular buffer.

Abstract: A system for providing resilient multimedia broadcasting services over a VPLS network is described. A Network Management System (NMS) calculates disjoint minimum cost trees using the Steiner algorithm, executed with extra steps to result in disjoint trees. Destination PE routers in the VPLS network are connected to the disjoint trees so that they can be serviced by either tree in case of a fault. Each of the disjoint trees is provisioned with enough bandwidth to carry all of the services provided by the VPLS network. Under normal operation, however, the services are distributed evenly over the trees. In the event of a fault, the services on a faulty tree are switched to another tree using split horizon bridging. Each Steiner tree can also be realized using point-to-multipoint LSPs which is fully protected by a precomputed point-to-multipoint LSP.

Abstract: Methods to detect rogue access points (APs) and prevent unauthorized wireless access to services provided by a communication network are provided. A mobile station (MS) reports to a serving AP the received signal strength (RSS) for all APs in the area it travels. The serving AP detect a rogue AP based on inconsistencies perceived in the RSS reports, assessed during the handover phase or whilst the communication is active.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) assembly having a plurality of circuit layers including outer layers and intervening layers with through-vias and micro-vias used to translate a portion of the signal connections of the grid, thereby creating a set of diagonal routing channels between the vias on internal layers of the board and a BGA package mounted on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A calendar tool displays policies that are scheduled to function in managed networks. The tool allows the network administrator to select and view individual scheduled policies, many individual scheduled policies or scheduled policy suites. The calendar identifies the different scheduled policies as rectilinear colored blocks of time on a calendar. These blocks will open their properties forms when double selected. Overlaps of scheduled policies and gaps between scheduled policies can be identified visually on the calendar because they are displayed in two distinct blocks of color which are different from any other colored block displayed. The administrator/user can see all policies that contribute to an overlap by simply selecting on the particular overlap. The user can see calendar information either in a weekly or daily format.

Abstract: A fluid filter includes a first filter, a second filter coaxial with the first filter, an inlet adjacent the first and second filters, a first outlet adjacent the inlet, and a second outlet at a distal end from the inlet and the first outlet. Further, the first and second filters may be housed in a unitary canister or a canister that has a canister body coupled to a removable canister cap. The bypass flow filter includes a cap having a plurality of blades.

Abstract: A fluid filter includes a first filter, a second filter coaxial with the first filter, an inlet adjacent the first and second filters, a first outlet adjacent the inlet, and a second outlet at a distal end from the inlet and the first outlet. Further, the first and second filters may be housed in a unitary canister or a canister that has a canister body coupled to a removable canister cap. First and second springs urge each of the filters into sealing contact with respective gaskets at opposite ends of the device.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for sorting IP routing table entries in a TCAM for longest IP prefix matching LPM of destination IP addresses. The IP routing table is divided into logical blocks, for each block an associated routing entry IP prefix length. Each block is of a respective size whose proportion of the total size of the routing table is determined by the associated IP prefix length. The blocks are ordered so that the TCAM returns an LPM when queried. Starting block sizes can be initialized to proportions which reflect actual expected numbers by proportion of routing entries by IP prefix length. The blocks also grow and shrink as entries are added and deleted so as to more closely mirror real-world populations of expected entries having the IP prefix length in question.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing a test connection to verify the ability to automatically re-establish control plane connections, if necessary, in a PNNI network. Certain routing features such as restricted transit feature and policy based routing features or the current stat of the network itself can limit access to nodes and links between nodes. If these features are implemented in a network or the network state changes after a control plane connection has been established, then these changed conditions will not affect the current connection but may prevent the re-establishment of the connection if it is unintentionally dropped. According to the invention a test connection is periodically set-up through the network and if the test connection fails an alarm or other notice is given. This allows for preventative action to be taken in order to avoid disruption to the network.

Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, a method for the distribution of content within a network of constrained capacity uses distributed content storage nodes functioning to achieve optimal service quality and maximum service session capacity. The method, which functions in unicast, broadcast, switched broadcast, and multicast mode networks, uses predictions of the utility of particular content items to download or record the highest utility items to distributed content stores during periods and in modes that will not increase demand peaks. These predictions of utility may be based on, for example, the number of potential users, the likelihood of their use, and the value to the service provider. The method uses signaling between network nodes to identify the best source for particular content items based on which nodes hold that content and the nature of network constraints.

Abstract: In a communication network or networked system, cables that interconnect systems or parts of a system are provided with RFID tags embedded at periodic intervals along their lengths. A network of GPS-enabled RFID readers with triangulation capabilities enables the determination of the physical routing of cables within an area of interest. It also enables communication of the physical routing information to an operations support system for cable management.

Abstract: A method for detecting anomalies in traffic patterns and a traffic anomalies detector are presented. The method and the detector are based on estimating the fan-in of a node, i.e. the number of distinct sources sending traffic to a node, based on infrequent, periodic sampling. Destinations with an abnormally large fan-in are likely to be the target of an attack, or to be downloading large amounts of material with a P2P application. The method and the anomalies detector are extremely simple to implement and exhibit excellent performance on real network traces.

Abstract: A new and distinctive variety of the kiwi plant, Actinidia deliciosa, named ‘Tsechelidis’ is described. The new variety is characterized by very large oblong fruit covered with downy hairs, and very broad ovate leaves having acuminate apexes, among other features. The size and uniformity of the fruit provide significantly higher yield than other known varieties of kiwi.