Abstract: A network device (e.g., network access server or home gateway) providing different QOS (quality of services) to different layer-3 datagrams when transporting on tunnels. A tunnel may be implemented to provide different QOS to different packets depending on the packet header. The network device examines the header of each datagram to determine the specific QOS to be provided. At least the data portion in the datagram is encapsulated for transportation on the tunnel. The encapsulated data portion in turn is encapsulated in the form of one or more packets, with the packet format to reflect the QOS determined for the datagram. When the tunnel is implemented on UDP/IP and the datagram is an IP (Internet protocol) datagram, the TOS/Precedence bits of the IP datagram may be copied into the precedence/TOS bits of the UDP/IP packet(s).

Abstract: A method for performing an availability measurement on a networked system comprising: identifying at least one measurement point in the system; defining a measurement model configured to return a pass or fail result corresponding to a threshold sensed at the at least one measurement point; measuring the system using the measurement model; populating a table with results from the measurement, the table including rows corresponding to measurement points and columns corresponding to measurement functions for multiple measurements; and aggregating the measurement criteria row results to formulate a single availability value representing the availability of the system.

Abstract: A system and method for interleaving symbols to facilitate compatibility between serializer/deserializer (SerDes) units operating at different data rates multiplexes duplicates of a parallel data stream into a fast data rate serial data stream to form a serial data steam at a psuedo-slow data rate which can be received by a SerDes unit operating at the slow data rate. The psuedo-slow data rate serial data stream can also be received by a SerDes operating at the fast data rate by sampling each bit multiple times and demultiplexing the samples into duplicates of the parallel data stream.

Abstract: A Multiservice Access Concentrator (MAC) is provided that provides fault tolerant permanent voice calls in a voice over packet-data-network system (VOPS). The MAC sets up at least one permanent voice call by coupling a number of nodes in series using a voice-over-packet protocol and a set of primary connection bindings. Furthermore, at least one set of alternate connection bindings are defined for the permanent voice call. At least one preference-based list is generated comprising the sets of alternate connection bindings. Each node operating with the voice-over-packet protocol is capable of determining at least one out-of-service state for the node. A failure of at least one of the series nodes is detected by the node. A reconnection relationship is established between nodes on either side of a node determined to be out of service. The permanent voice call connection is automatically re-established or reconnected using at least one alternate node.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamically adapting the degree of compression used in compressing data based upon the type of contents contained within a packet are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus that forwards data across a digital communications network includes a compression switch, a compression system, and an output interface. The compression switch receives the data, determines a content type associated with the data by examining the data, and assigns a compression level to the data in response to the determined content type. The compression system is arranged to compress the data based upon the compression level, while the output interface forwards the compressed data across the network. In one embodiment, the apparatus also includes a network congestion estimator that determines a level of network congestion.

Abstract: An approach for implementing policy controls in application programs provides for the execution of code to implement policy constraints in a manner that is generally transparent to application programmers. According to the call redirection approach, routine calls are redirected to a policy broker mechanism. The policy broker mechanism causes one or more policy constraints to be applied and if appropriate, causes the routine targeted by the routine call to be executed. According to the code substitution approach, the code for software application routines for which policy constraints are to be applied is substituted with code that provides for the application of policy controls. The code that performs the original functions may also be maintained, but augmented with additional code to apply policy constraints. Thus, routines normally invoked by application programs, for example, code libraries, do not have to be modified by application programmers to include code to apply policy controls.

Abstract: A method is provided for establishing a telephone call between a trusted Internet Protocol (IP) telephone and an untrusted device. The method includes receiving a call initiation request from the untrusted device that indicates a desired communication with the trusted IP telephone. The method evaluates the call initiation request, and establishes a telecommunication link between the untrusted device and the trusted IP telephone in response to a positive evaluation of the call initiation request.

Abstract: A CMTS redundancy technique requires at least two CMTS interfaces (e.g., line cards) on one or more CMTS chassis at the head end of a cable network. One of the CMTSs serves as a backup or “protecting” CMTS. When another CMTS (a “working” CMTS) becomes unavailable to service its group of cable modems, the protecting CMTS takes over service to those cable modems. The SWITCHOVER takes place transparently (or nearly transparently) to the cable modems. The protecting CMTS provides service on the same downstream channel as used by the working CMTS. The cable modems need not modify any settings pursuant to their cable modem communication protocol (e.g., DOCSIS ranging). This transparency to the cable modems is realized by keeping the working and protecting CMTSs in synchronization regarding service parameters for the cable modems. In other words, the protecting CMTS maintains a list of current parameters for allowing service to the cable modems.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for providing an event notification string over a network to a notification server. An application server includes a notifying application that monitors, or otherwise determines, the occurrence of an event of interest to a target user who uses a device that can receive notification of the event. The notifying application generates an event notification string that indicates that a notification to the target user should be made. The notifying application then sends the event notification string over a network, such as an IP (Internet Protocol) network, to a notification server, which provides an event notification application that processes the event notification string The event notification application determines the identity of the target user, if the event notification string does not provide this information itself, and which devices accessed by the target user should receive the notification.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for intelligently assigning a portion of a cluster's traffic (e.g., buckets) to a cache system to minimize overloading of such cache system. In general terms, when a new cache system enters a cache cluster and/or starts up, the new cache system's full bucket allocation is not immediately assigned to the new cache system. Instead, only a portion of the full bucket allocation is initially assigned to the new cache system. In one embodiment, the new cache system's bucket assignment is gradually increased until the cache system is handling it's full bucket allocation or it becomes overloaded. The cache system's load is also checked periodically to determine whether it has become overloaded. When the cache system becomes overloaded, buckets are immediately shed from the cache system. In sum, the new cache system's load is adjusted until it is handling an optimum number of buckets.

Abstract: A network device and its mode of operation. The network device includes an input port through which audio streams may be received. A controller receives a user input indicating which type of mix the user wants applied to the audio stream and applies the mixing factor designated. The mixing factor may be a stereo mix, a panned mix, or a mono mix. The network device also includes an output port through which the mixed audio stream can be transmitted to the user.

Abstract: A processor for use in a router, the processor having a systolic array pipeline for processing data packets to determine to which output port of the router the data packet should be routed. In one embodiment, the systolic array pipeline includes a plurality of programmable functional units and register files arranged sequentially as stages, for processing packet contexts (which contain the packet's destination address) to perform operations, under programmatic control, to determine the destination port of the router for the packet. A single stage of the systolic array may contain a register file and one or more functional units such as adders, shifters, logical units, etc., for performing, in one example, very long instruction word (vliw) operations. The processor may also include a forwarding table memory, on-chip, for storing routing information, and a cross bar selectively connecting the stages of the systolic array with the forwarding table memory.

Abstract: A method for identifying data is provided that includes receiving a data stream and performing a hashing operation on a portion of the data stream in order to identify a key that reflects an identity associated with the data stream. The method further includes storing a plurality of first and second hash table entries and comparing the key to the first and second hash table entries in order to evaluate if there is a match between the key and the first and second hash table entries.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for synchronizing a plurality of servers, receiving a client request from the client to access a server of the plurality of servers, generating a transmit identifier associated with the client request, the transmit identifier identifying an event upon the occurrence of which the plurality of synchronized servers each transmit a response to the client, forwarding the client request and the transmit identifier to each of the plurality of synchronized servers. The invention is also directed to techniques and mechanisms for receiving a client request associated with a client and receiving a transmit identifier identifying an event, generating a response to the client request, and transmitting the response to the client upon an occurrence of the event identified by the transmit identifier.

Abstract: A hierarchical multi-rate multi-precedence policer is disclosed. The policer discards packets based on assigned precedence levels. When traffic exceeds an available service rate, the policer drops packets of lower precedence levels to make room for packets of higher precedence levels. In certain implementations, the policer also guarantees bandwidth to each level, thus preventing complete loss of lower precedence traffic when there is a large amount of higher precedence traffic.

Abstract: A clip comprising a base, a first clasping assembly coupled to the base, and a second clasping assembly coupled to the base. A circuit board assembly comprising a radio circuit board, a pair of RF cables, and a clip assembly secured to the radio circuit board and coupled to the RF cables. A method for securing cables to a substratum comprising passing cables through clasping assemblies.

Abstract: A system and method for performing an upgrade in a communication network comprising network elements coupled together to form one or more circuits are disclosed. In one embodiment, the upgrade is generated at a node in communication with the circuits and the method generally comprises providing a list of circuits or spans available for the upgrade and receiving input from a user identifying at least one circuit to be upgraded or at least one span for the upgraded circuit and a type of upgrade to be performed. The method further comprises automatically performing the upgrade.

Abstract: Systems and methods for link discovery and verification technique that minimize the need for line termination resources that generate and interpret packets. Of two nodes verifying a link to one another, only one node need have any line termination capability. The node lacking line termination capability simply loops back packets generated by the other node thus verifying the link. Thus, an optical cross-connect can verify links to a wide variety of node types by employing a single line termination unit capable of terminating any suitable packet type. Alternatively, a router can verify connectivity to an optical cross-connect even when the optical cross-connect lacks any line termination capability at all. This saves greatly on implementation costs for optical networks.

Abstract: A heat sink attachment mechanism includes a fastener having an associated compressible member. The fastener defines a flange that, as the fastener secures a heat sink to a circuit board component, is configured to contact a circuit board surface associated with the circuit board component. Contact between the flange and the circuit board minimizes the travel of the fastener relative to the circuit board component and limits the stress generated on the circuit board component or on the solder balls of a ball grid array associated with the circuit boards component by the heat sink. Also, as the fastener secures the heat sink to the circuit board component, the fastener compresses the compressible member against the heat sink, thereby causing the compressible member to expand. Expansion of the compressible member allows the compressible member to absorb changes in the stress applied by the fastener to the heat sink and circuit board component over time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for scheduling items (e.g., packets, processes, etc.) in a system, such as, but not limited to a computer or communications system (e.g., router, switch, etc.) In one implementation, multiple sets of items requiring processing to be performed are maintained. A current set of the multiple sets of items is identified. Each of the items in the current set is processed. In one implementation, this processing includes identifying a particular item in the current set, adding a quantum to a deficit of the particular item, processing an entity corresponding to the particular item, decreasing the deficit of the particular item by a value, determining if the deficit allows the particular item to be further processed, and moving the particular item from the current set to another of the multiple sets of items after said determining if deficit allows the particular item to be further processed.