Abstract: A packet switched network has a system for providing an end-to-end connection for a communication or data transfer session between a host processor and a transparent connection device, which may be an unattended device, both utilizing a 3270 protocol. A terminal PAD is responsive to positive dataset signals on the associated line for the device indicating desire to establish communication by the device, irrespective of the absence of polling of the device by the host or by the terminal PAD, to transmit a call request packet through the network to a host PAD operatively associated with the host. The host PAD is responsive to the call request subsequent to a poll from the host to transmit call accept and circuit enable packets through the network to the terminal PAD. The latter then commences polling of the device to evoke information and data messages from the device for end-to-end communication with the host in the data transfer state.

Abstract: Method and system for transmitting information during call connections between a multiplicity of subscribers as components of traffic in an integrated services network (ISN), in which the information traffic consists of a multiplicity of media types according to the different subscribers including voice, video and data traffic component types. A plurality of traffic component types in the form of portions of information streams to be transmitted from subscribers at an entry point of the ISN during respective call connections are assembled into each of a sequence of composite frames of variable size for transmission through the ISN. The traffic component types assembled into each of the composite frames are limited to those destined for subscribers at the same exit point of the ISN.

Abstract: A security access management system for a packet switched data communications network has access management apparatus operatively associated with the packet switches at each entry point of the network. The access management apparatus includes an administrative host processor for examining user terminal authorization information in packets received at the associated packet switch for transmission through the network to destination addresses for the packets. A database associated with the administrative host stores information including levels of authorization of the user terminals for the respective entry point of the network for access to specified destinations, as pre-assigned by the network customer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing troubleshooting capability in a four wire telephone line employing a V.32-type or other unbalanced modem in a local communication link at one or both ends of the telephone line for a data network. Each modem has its own transmitter and receiver. An activatable but normally inhibited analog loopback is installed externally of the modem within the local link with which the modem is associated, with no loopback connection between the transmitter and the receiver within the modem itself. The external loopback is activated while the modem is induced to transmit a call connection signal, so that by virtue of the external loopback the signal is fed back to the receiver of the same modem to permit testing of the operativeness of the modem and the related portion of the link. The external loopback may be activated from terminal equipment on the local link with which the modem is associated, or may be activated from a point of the network remote from the local link.

Abstract: A packet switch receives data and processes it for assembly into packages. A bus allows communication between each of the data processing units of the switch and one or more storage units for storing the data packets. Arbitration for deciding which of the processing units will be granted access to the bus is performed by a system which selectively and alterably designates any of at least two different levels of priority of access to the bus for each of the processing units, and the relative percentages of time of access for the different priorty levels. The system assures greater access to the bus by those of the processing units having the higher level of priority. If communication is provided by two buses, the requests for access are alternated between them.