Abstract: A network protocol data intelligence (NPDI) software in the switching node that enables the call processing components in the L4 and L5 applications to interpret and manipulate different network signaling data protocols. The call processing applications are expanded to understand different network signaling protocols and to extract the required information from each protocol's data stream. The NPDI provides the means for the L4 application to convert from one network signaling data format to another either, by itself or in conjunction with the L5 application. Thus, the system operator may configure the switch to perform all call processing functions or by-pass the NPDI and have the L5 application perform these functions. The L4 application may also perform data translation from host applications written against the underlying network protocol to the different signaling protocols from other networks.

Abstract: The invention is an interface, and a method for operating the interface, for use in an open, high-speed, high-bandwidth digital communication network that connects multiple programmable telecommunications switches to form a large capacity, non-blocking switching system. The interface resides between the network and one or more processing resources, and operates to provide bi-directional communication between the network and the processing resources. Each interface includes circuitry for transmitting and receiving variable-length, packetized information over the network, and circuitry for transmitting and receiving data between the interface and one or more processing resources. The processing resources associated with one of the interfaces may thus be provided to other telecommunications switches, and ports associated therewith, connected to the high-bandwidth network. The processing resources may also gain direct access to all of the information passing over the network.

Abstract: The present invention is a universal host-to-switch application program interface (API) utilizing a generic message format for performing call control processing and capable of being customized to meet telecommunications application and network signalling protocol requirements. The generic message formats have programmable fields for transmitting commands, status, and data between the host application and the switch. The present invention further comprises a programmable telecommunication switch that provides a user with the ability to define a desired signalling protocol, either "standard" or custom in nature, for performing any desired switching functions. The present invention includes a protocol development environment which enables a user to define a separate finite state machine for each port provided by the switch.

Abstract: The present invention is a standardized host-to-switch application program interface (API) for performing call control processing, capable of being customized to meet telecommunications application and network signalling protocol requirements. The universal API comprises one or more generic messages having programmable fields for transmitting commands, status, and data between the host application and the switch. The present invention further comprises a programmable telecommunication switch that provides a user with the ability to define a desired API protocol, either "standard" or custom in nature, for performing any desired switching functions. The present invention includes a protocol development environment which enables a user to define a separate finite state machine for each port provided by the switch.