Abstract: A design for a network route server in which network routing functions are distributed throughout the processing elements that constitute a switching node, while maintaining the global identity and routing information exchange functions of a route server element (RSE). Intelligent line-cards are provided having the ability to route independently of the RSE. This removes the RSE as a bottleneck resource and ensures that the capacity of the switching node is limited only by the switching capacity of its switch fabric. The RSE serves the functions of network topology discovery and routing table construction using a network topology database and an optimal routing algorithm. Copies of the dynamically maintained routing tables are distributed to the intelligent line-cards on a periodic basis governed by predetermined criteria. Wider geographical distribution of the RSE is enabled and most efficient utilization of the switch fabric is ensured. Scaling of distributed switching architectures is also enabled.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing an address lookup to find a longest matching prefix for an N-bit input address in a packet data communication system that includes a memory (e.g. RAM) for storing a table containing a predefined portion of an N-bit address with an associated prefix search list containing prefix values that are candidates for the longest matching prefix. A binary search algorithm is used for selecting a specific prefix value from the prefix search list to structure the N-bit input address to form a search value. A search algorithm (e.g. a content addressable memory) is used for performing an associative search on the search value to find the longest matching prefix. The two types of memories (RAM and CAM) each provide specific functions. The RAM is used as a lookup table to provide an N/x-bit (0<x<N) binary decoding tree, and the CAM is used to provide an associative search of network addresses that are stored in logical bins that have a specific network prefix.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for providing translation services to telecommunications processes for mapping from a unique identifier for an object, such as a telephone number, to an electronic address for the object, such as an electronic mail address. The apparatus and method permit telecommunication application processes to send multimedia messages created in one delivery method over the Internet in another delivery method without supporting directory standards. The advantage is the ability to develop less complicated application processes in less time and therefore get more quickly to market.