Abstract: The SONET/SDH multiplexing hierarchy is extended to very high rates by creating new virtual containers of a higher capacity, and their associate pointers. The multiplexing hierarchy nests the pointers into the payload, so that the number of pointers on the high capacity line is importantly reduced, as the high rate spans of the network do not see the STS-1/STM-1 pointer granularity. Fewer pointers result in reducing the current complexity of pointer processing. The complexity of the multiplexing hierarchy is also reduced by the use of larger containers. The hierarchy may be extended to higher rates, as needed, and may also be used for other technologies, besides SONET/SDH.

Abstract: A method of performing network communications includes receiving a datagram for transmitting information over a network, selecting a layer in a network protocol stack to establish communication over the network using an inner layer application programming interface (IL API), establishing an inner layer socket at the selected network layer using the IL API without accessing other layers in the layered network protocol stack, and transmitting the datagram packet over the selected layer using the inner layer socket.

Abstract: A router can consider two color vectors for a path including multiple links through a network. One color vector indicates colors that all of the multiple links include. Another color vector indicates the colors that none of the multiple links include. In setting up a constraint-based label switched path (LSP), a router can use a program that includes a logical process. With the process, the router can automatically compute the color vectors for the path whenever the path of an LSP changes and/or the characteristics (colors) of one or more of the multiple links constituting the LSP changes. Computing whether the path is eligible for inclusion in the LSP includes calculating whether the path includes all colors that must be included in an LSP and calculating whether the path includes any of the colors that must be excluded from the LSP.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for performing a network management task on a network device. The network device loads a network management application capable of performing the network management task onto the network device in response to a request. Loading may include accessing an application server having the network management application capable of a performing the network management task and downloading the network management application over a network from the application server to the network device. The network device then executes the network management application corresponding to the requested network management task. Methods and systems provide a result from executing the network management application to a network management system used to manage the network.

Abstract: Advertising system for callers to busy data service providers. A caller to an ISP or similar service for which the number is busy can be automatically connected to a server which provides advertisements or other information while waiting for the number to become free. The connection to the server is dropped automatically when the ISP number is no longer busy, and a connection to the service provider originally dialed is automatically established. Software in a PSTN implements part of the invention, while software in a computer application or modem firmware implements the steps of the invention performed at the CPE. A user of the invention need not keep trying a busy number, and the feature can be paid for by revenue from selling the advertising.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assigning and/or storing routing metric values for routing traffic in a network having line terminating equipment connected by an line data communications channel (LDCC), so that routing traffic is sent across the LDCC. These methods and systems include a node and network that use the LDCC for transmitting routing information, such as Intermediate System to Intermediate System Level 2 routing traffic.

Abstract: A system and method of using multiple service providers to provide subscriber services on a per call basis achieved by using H.323 capability in a gatekeeper to identify call signaling transfer addresses used for each call. Service subscription data is based on the address or alias being used to place or receive a call. Since telephones can have the ability to register multiple addresses simultaneously, the same phone can receive service from multiple providers simultaneously. In addition, it is possible that some of the addresses or aliases used may be part of a private address space such as, for instance, a private branch exchange (PBX) system. This would enable service from a provider that is not a registered public telephone service provider.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a method for laser soldering optical components is described. In that method, a first selected material is disposed on the components to facilitate the deposition of solder. Subsequently, solder is disposed on that material and the component is aligned. A laser beam is properly focused on the solder such that the solder melts and, when the laser beam is turned off, hardens, thereby fixing the component in the desired position.

Abstract: A method for implementing customer group functionality in a wireless environment. A group table can contain group data associated with a group of wireless subscriber stations. A subscriber table can contain subscriber data for a plurality of wireless subscriber stations. A request is received from a network element for information relating to a wireless subscriber station. Subscriber data associated with the wireless subscriber station is obtained from the subscriber table, and group data referenced by the subscriber data is obtained from the group table. A message including information based at least in part on the contents of the group data referenced by the subscriber data is sent to the network element.

Abstract: A quantum well optoelectronic device exploiting the multistability of the light-current characteristic of a multiple quantum well structure to achieve complex manipulation of the optical output of a light-emitting channel. Intraband tunneling of each of two distinct carrier types gives rise to a nonlinear dependence of optical gain on injected current.

Abstract: A telecommunications network such as an ATM, Frame Relay or packet based network will be better managed by identifying nodes through which a virtual connection is routed between two end nodes. A new method of tracing the nodes on the route includes sending trace cells downstream of a monitoring node toward one or both end nodes. Each downstream node either loops back a trace cell identifying itself to the monitoring node or forwards the trace cell further. A plurality of trace cells sent along the route identify nodes located thereon. In one embodiment, the trace cell is an extension of the ATM FMOAM cell (ATM Fault Management OAM cell) specified for loopback functions.

Abstract: A quality of service (QOS) server gathers information in relation to transport introduced delays and obliterations of so called real-time protocol (RTP) signal streams which are used to packetize signals of synchronous signals origins, for example origins such as telephones and raster scan apparatus, for transport via the IP network. The QOS server is able to provide recently gathered QOS information about a requested call, apriori the actual call set up. In an example of a PBX call centre, an automatic dialler is coupled with a QOS server and in relation to endpoint and route selected data, determines if an IP telephony call should proceed, contingent upon the probable QOS being sufficient, before a call controller initiates a call set up.

Abstract: A method and system for integrating a computer and a telephone. A stimulus messaging device, such as an analog telephone, is provisioned as a functional messaging device, such as an ISDN telephone, at a switch. The switch communicates with the telephone through a loop interface device. The loop interface device translates ISDN messages destined for the telephone received from the switch into analog signals for the telephone. The loop interface device also sends the ISDN messages received from the switch to a computer associated with the telephone. The loop interface device translates analog signals received from the telephone into ISDN messages for transmission to either the switch and/or the computer. The present invention enhances call control information for an analog telephone and allows tight integration between a telephone and a computer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus used in an AO/DI networking service that automatically changes thresholds that increase or decrease bandwidth to cause a corresponding change in the rate of data transfer capacity. The AO/DI networking service uses apparatus that comprises a circuit switched network having an end office with a network management center that monitors the circuit switched network. A computer and a packet switched network are connected to the circuit switched network. An ISP connected to the packet switched network and the end office is used for determining the status of telephone circuits in the circuit switched network serving both the computer and the ISP. Once this status is determined, the AO/DI automatically changes thresholds for increasing and decreasing bandwidth thereby effecting a corresponding change in the rate of data transfer capacity for an AO/DI subscriber.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for evaluating a business proposal in which a computer is used to perform the steps of presenting questions regarding the business proposal, using information gathered from responses to these questions to determine a score for the proposal, and then providing this information and score for evaluation of the proposal.