Abstract: A method for processing multicast data packets has steps for (a) requesting a second router upstream router by a multiple-processor data router to join a multicast group, the request including identification of a single physical ingress port from a plurality of available ports for receiving the multicast data packets; (b) preparing a multicast forwarding information base (MFIB) limited to only forwarding information incorporating the identified physical ingress port, and distributing the MFIB to a client software module hosting the identified physical ingress port; (c) receiving the multicast data packets at the identified ingress port; and (d) using only the MFIB to route the received multicast data packets.

Abstract: A method for processing multicast data packets has steps for (a) requesting a second router upstream router by a multiple-processor data router to join a multicast group, the request including identification of a single physical ingress port from a plurality of available ports for receiving the multicast data packets; (b) preparing a multicast forwarding information base (MFIB) limited to only forwarding information incorporating the identified physical ingress port, and distributing the MFIB to a client software module hosting the identified physical ingress port; (c) receiving the multicast data packets at the identified ingress port; and (d) using only the MFIB to route the received multicast data packets.

Abstract: A software application in a multi-processor data router in which a forwarding information base for the router is maintained is provided with a server module and one or more client modules, each client module associated with one or more communication interfaces of the data router. The application is characterized in that the server module sends to each client module only that portion of the forwarding information base specific to the communication interfaces associated with the client module.

Abstract: In a data packet router, a router fabric card for routing data packets is provided. The router fabric card comprises a plurality of ingress/egress ports, the ports connected through a switching facility for switching connection states of the port paths between individual ingress paths and individual egress paths on the fabric card, and a scheduling component for scheduling communication between ports on the fabric card. Data coming into ingress on the card is organized into individual data-packet trains, each individual train comprising data packets and inserted data denoting a starting point and an ending point of a train. The switching facility recognizes the start data and the end data of a train and switches port paths to a next-assigned connection state accordingly.

Abstract: An automated-protection-switching (APS) software suite for distribution over multiple processors of a distributed processor router has an APS server module running on a first one of the multiple processors for managing communication and distributing configuration and state information and APS client modules running on second ones of the multiple processors, the APS client modules for monitoring interface state information, reporting to the APS server application, and for negotiating with other APS client modules. The software is characterized in that APS interface relocation from a primary interface to a backup interface is performed through direct communication between the APS client modules running on the processors supporting the involved interfaces.

Abstract: A method for word synchronization can be applied to asynchronous devices including SERDES devices connected across serial lines. A state transition methodology characterizes the state of the device based on control characters received consistently across the serial lines and channels the system to a state of word synchronization. Loss of synchronization and transmission errors lead to a re-establishment of synchronization.

Abstract: In a communication system having a plurality of physical communication ports, a hierarchical bond communication interface has a logical interface as a component of the bond at a top level of the hierarchy, and a first subjugate logical interface at a second level of the hierarchy as a component of the top-level logical interface. The communication system has a control mechanism whereby thresholds may be set to determine up or down status of hierarchical bonds for use in communication, according to characteristics of components of the bonds.

Abstract: In a data packet router, a router fabric card for routing data packets is provided. The router fabric card comprises a plurality of ingress/egress ports, the ports connected through a switching facility for switching connection states of the port paths between individual ingress paths and individual egress paths on the fabric card, and a scheduling component for scheduling communication between ports on the fabric card. Data coming into ingress on the card is organized into individual data-packet trains, each individual train comprising data packets and inserted data denoting a starting point and an ending point of a train. The switching facility recognizes the start data and the end data of a train and switches port paths to a next-assigned connection state accordingly.

Abstract: A method for managing data traffic in nodes in a fabric network, each node having internally-coupled ports, follows the steps of establishing a managed queuing system comprising one or more queues associated with each port, for managing incoming data traffic; and accepting or discarding data directed to a queue according to the quantity of data in the queue relative to queue capacity. In one preferred embodiment the managed system accepts all data directed to a queue less than full, and discards all data directed to a queue that is full. In some alternative embodiments the queue manager monitors quantity of data in a queue relative to queue capacity, and begins to discard data at a predetermined rate when the quantity of queued data reaches the threshold. In other cases the queue manager increases the rate of discarding as the quantity of queued data increases above the preset threshold, discarding all data traffic when the queue is full.

Abstract: An automated-protection-switching (APS) software suite for distribution over multiple processors of a distributed processor router has an APS server module running on a first one of the multiple processors for managing communication and distributing configuration and state information and APS client modules running on second ones of the multiple processors, the APS client modules for monitoring interface state information, reporting to the APS server application, and for negotiating with other APS client modules. The software is characterized in that APS interface relocation from a primary interface to a backup interface is performed through direct communication between the APS client modules running on the processors supporting the involved interfaces.

Abstract: A distributed Link-State Routing Protocol (LSRP) system in a packet switch having external communication ports has a first card executing Update process of the LSRP, making database updates, a second card executing Decision process(Shortest Path First (SPF)) of the LSRP, and a communication fabric coupling the cards with each other and the external ports. The LSRP may be an IS-IS system. In some embodiments there are additional cards involved, and the distribution of Link-State functions is over a set of multiple cards. Also in some embodiments there is a Location Service (LS) controller monitoring and configuring cards in the system.

Abstract: A method for word synchronization can be applied to asynchronous devices including SERDES devices connected across serial lines. A state transition methodology characterizes the state of the device based on control characters received consistently across the serial lines and channels the system to a state of word synchronization. Loss of synchronization and transmission errors lead to a re-establishment of synchronization.

Abstract: A switching node for transferring packets, each including a destination address, in a network includes a plurality of input port modules, a plurality of output port modules and a switching fabric, including a packet meta-data processor and a packet switch. Each input port module is connected to a communication link for receiving packets thereover, and each output port module is connected to a communication link for transmitting packets thereover. Each input port module, upon receiving a packet, buffers the packet and generates a meta-data packet therefor identifying the output port module that is to transmit the packet and packet identifier information, and provides it to the packet meta-data processor.

Abstract: A distributed Link-State Routing Protocol (LSRP) system in a packet switch having external communication ports has a first card executing Update process of the LSRP, making database updates, a second card executing Decision process(Shortest Path First (SPF)) of the LSRP, and a communication fabric coupling the cards with each other and the external ports. The LSRP may be an IS-IS system. In some embodiments there are additional cards involved, and the distribution of Link-State functions is over a set of multiple cards. Also in some embodiments there is a Location Service (LS) controller monitoring and configuring cards in the system.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring data from a source to a destination are described. Data packets are split into multiple data packet portions and are transferred in parallel over parallel data streams or pipes to grouping circuitry where they are recombined into full data packets. Each packet portion is assigned a synchronization code and a pipe state machine state. The grouping circuitry reads individual packet portions from the parallel streams and analyzes the synchronization codes and the state machine states to determine if the individual packet portions were generated from the same packet. If so, they are recombined into a full packet and are forwarded to the destination. If not, an error is detected. The grouping circuitry automatically realigns the data streams to recover synchronization without the need for any feedback to the individual streams to correct the error.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for encapsulating and forwarding packets on a network are disclosed. The network can include a first subnetwork such as a virtual private network connected to a larger public network such as the Internet. An encapsulating header is attached to a packet to be transferred across the public network from a source node on the private network to a destination node on the private network, such that the packet can be transferred across the public network. The encapsulating header includes a value which is derived from the private header on the packet used to transfer the packet along the private network. The value is therefore associated with a source/destination pair within the private network. The value can be derived by performing a hash operation on the private network header. After the public network header containing the value derived from the private network header is attached to the packet, it can be forwarded across the public network.

Abstract: In a communication system having a plurality of physical communication ports, a hierarchical bond communication interface has a logical interface as a component of the bond at a top level of the hierarchy, and a first subjugate logical interface at a second level of the hierarchy as a component of the top-level logical interface. The communication system has a control mechanism whereby thresholds may be set to determine up or down status of hierarchical bonds for use in communication, according to characteristics of components of the bonds.

Abstract: In a data packet router, a router fabric card for routing data packets is provided. The router fabric card comprises a plurality of ingress/egress ports, the ports connected through a switching facility for switching connection states of the port paths between individual ingress paths and individual egress paths on the fabric card, and a scheduling component for scheduling communication between ports on the fabric card. Data coming into ingress on the card is organized into individual data-packet trains, each individual train comprising data packets and inserted data denoting a starting point and an ending point of a train. The switching facility recognizes the start data and the end data of a train and switches port paths to a next-assigned connection state accordingly.

Abstract: A cleaning tool for cleaning particulate matter from contact surfaces of fiber-optics ferrules of an electronics assembly has one or more first connector halves for engaging one or more second connector halves hosting the ferrules to be cleaned, and one or more cleaning inserts provided within the one or more first connector halves, the cleaning inserts comprising adherent surfaces for removing particulates from engaged surfaces. The tool is characterized in that the one or more cleaning inserts are sized to contact the contact surfaces of the fiber optics ferrules with the first connector half engaged in the second connector half.

Abstract: A replaceable circuit breaker module has a housing for supporting and enclosing elements of the module, a circuit breaker mounted in the housing in a manner that an action of installing the module connects the breaker to bridge an incoming and an outgoing conductor, and monitoring circuitry for monitoring characteristics of the circuit breaker, the monitoring circuitry mounted in the housing and having a first connector element for engaging a mating connector element in the action of installing the module. The module is characterized in that action of withdrawing the circuit breaker module also withdraws the monitoring circuitry. Sensors in the monitoring circuitry may include sensors for monitoring one or more of breaker presence, on/off state of the breaker, and voltage provided to the breaker.