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: 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: 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 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.