Abstract: A new local-toll telephone network configuration which, using aspects of data network configurations in a unique way, supports both voice and data telephone calls. Further, this invention may be used in conjunction with existing switching systems, so that there is a minimal of capital required to upgrade a local switching system for competitive access. An ATM switch is configured so that there are permit virtual circuits (PVCs) connecting switching offices connected to it. The synchronous data stream is connected to asynchronous and the circuit identifier code is included in the payload. Thus, the ATM switch is serving as a conduit for large amounts of data (including packetized voice) between local telephone switching systems while not having to take the time to set up each connection individually.

Abstract: A method for controlling communications between link stations locally attached to a router and served by the same single thread Logical Link Control (LLC) stack. LLC generates a table for identifying all of the locally attached link stations served by the LLC and upon request from a locally attached source link station to establish a session with another destination link station, the LLC examines the table to determine if the destination link station is locally attached and served by it. If the destination link station is locally attached and served by the same LLC, the LLC deletes all standard LLC protocols normally used to inform a partner LLC concerning the state of the communication.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for traffic control in an ATM-based network is provided to avoid congestion of traffic flows and false identifications of conforming and non-conforming cells.

Abstract: A switch network and method of an asynchronous transfer mode switch network, includes an input buffer; an input switch network performing fetch and add function; a copy switch network performing fetch and add function; a feedback switch network receiving cells fedback and maintaining them until the next cell cycle; a routing table for storing data for translation and replacement of data for the cells' routing; a routing/feedback controller routing-controlling the input cells and fedback cells with reference to the routing table; routing switch networks switching-outputting the cells input; a cell splitter splitting the cells routing-output into the number of the routing networks and transferring them to the routing switch networks, and a cell merger merging and outputting the cells split and output from the output ports of the routing switch networks

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive integrated way for connecting a variety of standard computer devices, including networking integrated circuit devices, to other standard and customized integrated circuit devices, is provided as follows. An integrated circuit device has an interface, the interface is capable of transferring data from a MAC layer to a PHY layer, and also is capable of transferring data from the PHY layer to the MAC layer. There is a pin on the integrated circuit device for setting the interface in a first mode or a second mode, and when the interface is in the first mode the interface is capable of transferring signals between a MAC device and a PHY device, and when the interface is in the second mode the interface is capable of transferring signals between a first MAC device and a second MAC device.

Abstract: A communication system and method requiring only a single line for communication among integrated circuits (ICs). The system includes: a single communication line; plural ICs coupled to the single communication line; one of the ICs operating as a master IC; one of the ICs operating as a transmitting IC and one of the ICs operating as a receiving IC according to a designation by the master IC. The master IC transmits, on the single communication line, a reference signal having a reference signal width, C.sub.PW, to the other ICs. The master IC designates a first one of the ICs and a second one of the ICs as a chosen transmitting IC and a chosen receiving IC, respectively, for an imminent data-transmission operation, by transmitting signals of differing widths (relative to the reference signal width) over the single communication line.

Abstract: A reversible media independent interface (MII) circuit is disclosed. The MII circuit comprises a first management circuit and a second management circuit. The first management circuit is operating in a first mode, the first mode being an interface between the MII and a media access control (AC) device. The second management circuit is operating in a second mode, the second mode being an interface between the MII and a physical layer (PHY) device. The MII circuit also includes a plurality of signals being provided to and sent from the MII circuit. A first portion of the plurality of signals are operable within either a physical layer device in a first mode or a media access control device in a second mode. A second portion of the plurality of the signals are provided the first management circuit and the second management circuit.

Abstract: A digital cordless telephone (CT-2) system, having a multiple number of subscriber cordless handsets (HS's) and a subscriber manager which performs authentication for the HS's, comprises a plurality of base stations (BS's), each of the BS's being coupled with one or more HS's by radio channels for controlling radio link; and a system connector coupled with each of the BS's, coupled with a public switched telephone network (PSTN) for switching and concentrating channels between each of the BS's and the PSTN, and coupled with a public switched data network (PSDN) for communicating with the subscriber manager.

Abstract: Forwarding of multicast data frames over an Ethernet bridged network infrastructure is performed by storing in a bridge forwarding table the multicast destination address when the hosts are polled via the bridge by a router. Then when a multicast data frame is received by the bridge, the forwarding table is searched and the frame is forwarded to each port of the bridge that corresponds to a host that subscribed to the particular multicast session indicated by the multicast destination address.

Abstract: A contention-based network which allows real-time traffic to be assembled into multiple linked-list chains. A time separation is enforced between the various multiple chains, which are limited to a predetermined maximum number of stations that each can have in order to allow non-real-time stations to obtain timely access to the medium. Ones of the multiple chains may also be joined into a single chain. Blackburst contention is used to enable a chain to be reconstituted robustly from non-anticipated interruptions, such as the failure of one of its stations.