Abstract: A system and method of switching information in a time division multiplexed (TDM) communications network are described. The TDM time slots correspond to channels of circuit information. A circuit interface receives information from the TDM communication network, extracts circuit data therefrom, and provides the extracted circuit data on an internal bus. It also receives circuit data from an internal bus and transmits the data received from the internal bus on to the TDM communications network. A switching fabric receives packets having a header and a payload in which the header includes information identifying a destination for the packet and in which the fabric transmits a received packet in accordance with the destination identification in the packet header. Adaptation logic, in response to the circuit interface, packs information from multiple circuits into a payload of a packet and schedules the delivery of such a packet to the fabric.

Abstract: A system for indicating and determining a master unit from a plurality of logic units is described. The system includes a first logic unit configured to output a first obey signal and receive a first input signal, and a second logic unit configured to output a second obey signal and receive a second input signal. At least one of the first obey signal and the second obey signal is clocked, and a phase relationship of the second obey signal relative to the first obey signal is controllable by the first and second input signals. The system also includes a mastership determination logic unit configured to monitor the first and second obey signals. The mastership determination logic unit is configured to indicate that the first logic unit is the master unit when only the first obey signal is being clocked and to indicate that the second logic unit is the master unit when only the second obey signal is being clocked.

Abstract: A chassis, in the form of a midplane design holds equipment that provides communication services. The midplane design enables cables to be attached to modules secured to the back of the midplane. The rear modules have a minimum of circuitry so as to render them the least likely to fail. The front modules house the majority of the electronics. The rear modules can route the interface signals to a card in the adjacent front slot, directly through the midplane.

Abstract: At least one brackets is attached to each of opposing sides of a chassis holding telecommunications equipment, providing enhanced structural support thereto. The bracket preferably comprises a series of cutouts that allow access to a plurality of mounting holes used to secure the bracket to the equipment chassis. The cutouts advantageously allow cables to be extracted from the bracket and dressed to the front of the equipment for attachment to the chassis or individual plug-in modules as required. The bracket is preferably open at the top and bottom portions thereof to allow cables to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and maintaining a plurality of modules are described. Each module of the plurality of modules includes at least one link slave device, and a link controller is connected to link slave devices via a plurality of individual serial, bidirectional connections. The link slave devices and the link controller include protocol logic for communication according to a bidirectional protocol. At predefined time segments and predefined periodicity, the link slave devices drive the corresponding bidirectional link to the controller to provider maintenance information to the controller. At other predefined time segments, the controller drives the bidirectional link to issue commands to the link slave devices.

Abstract: A cable holding matrix and method for managing large numbers of telecommunications cables within a confined space. The cable holding matrix comprises a support member and two pluralities of aligned posts protruding from a surface of the support member and intersecting each other at an acute angle. The posts are spaced such that cables may be guided between two neighboring posts in the second plurality, bent around one of those neighboring posts, and positioned between two neighboring posts in the first plurality.