Abstract: A signaling system embodying the invention includes, at each SSP, a signaling unit containing a message configuration template containing an entry for each type of message. Each entry contains the complete format for the corresponding message type. For incoming messages, the signaling unit also includes, for each voice channel (CIC) multiple finite state machines which manage operations associated with each of the message types that are involved in CIC control. When a message is received, the message type field in the message is used to identify the message type and invoke the operation of the associated state machine. The state machine then parses the message and performs the operations required by the message.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conferencing two or mores calls in an expandable telecommunications system. The system may include a plurality of nodes connected by an inter-nodal network such that the nodes communicate with each other by exchanging variable-length packets of information. At least one node in the system contains digital signal processing circuitry capable of conferencing the voice information from three or more callers interfaced with the system. Packets containing voice information from each conference participant are preferably transmitted via the inter-nodal network to the node having the requisite digital signal processing circuitry. This node performs a conferencing function on that information, packets the resulting conferenced information and transmits those packets via the inter-nodal network to the nodes interfaced with the conference participants.

Abstract: Methods for interconnecting and transferring circuit switched data (CSD) and packet switched data (PSD) in an open, high speed, high bandwidth, expandable telecommunications system having a plurality of switching and non-switching nodes which reside on one or more inter-nodal networks, including a method of operating a programmable bridge for exchanging information bidirectionally between any two such inter-nodal networks.

Abstract: The present invention provides 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: A means for transferring circuit switched data (CSD) and packet switched data (PSD) in an open, high speed, high bandwidth, expandable telecommunications system having a plurality of switching and non-switching nodes. The network may carry any type of information present in the system including voice, data, video, multimedia, control, configuration and maintenance, and the bandwidth of the network may be divided or shared across various information types. The network provides each node with essentially direct access to information (e.g., circuit switched data, packet switched data, etc.) originating from any port associated with any node served by the network. Different packet structures are provided for communicating circuit switched data, packet switched data, maintenance and control information, and the like. In one method, each node transmits one or more packets, each having an "empty" payload, which is received by other nodes that determine the source of the received packet and the packet's status.