Abstract: A network device having a plurality of ports including address resolution logic (ARL), a first switch, a second switch, and a CPU. The first and second switches include groups of ports which are a subset of the plurality of ports and are numbered by different numbering schemes, rate control logic for performing rate control functions related to switching data packets between the network ports, and local communications channels for transmitting messages between the groups of ports and the rate control logic. The first switch is configured to generate a rate control message and relay the rate control message to the second switch, and a first link port of the first switch is configured to generate a second rate control message based on the first rate control message, relay the second rate control message to the second switch, where the second rate control message is different than the first message.

Abstract: A data transmission system for cellular phones. A video data encoder encodes video data, and an audio data encoder encodes audio data. A video data storage unit stores encoded video data, and an audio data storage unit stores encoded audio data. A multiplexer multiplexes video data from the video data storage unit and audio data from the audio data storage unit. An audio signal detector measures the audio level of the inputted audio data and generates a data write control signal for controlling the video data encoder and the audio data encoder and an audio detected signal for controlling a multiplexing controller which generates a data read control signal for controlling the video data storage unit and the audio data storage unit and generates a data multiplexing control signal causing the multiplexer to output one of the video data, the audio data, and the multiplexed video and audio data.

Abstract: A method and system for adding a participant to a conference call. A feature of the method and system is that with respect to individual invitees to ad-hoc conference calls, the conference call can essentially be “turned around” and treated “as if” the individual invitees were dialing in to a “meet-me” conference call, if it is determined that such is the more optimum calling method. A multipoint controller unit, in conjunction with a Call Optimization Application (COA), utilizes information contained in one or more tokens to make possible the change in call direction. The optimal call direction is established via a COA channel.

Abstract: A vehicle active network (12) communicatively couples devices (14-20) within a vehicle (10). Device operation is independent of the interface (22-28) of the device (14-20) with the active network (12). Additionally, the architecture of the active network (12) provides one or more levels of communication redundancy. The architecture provides for the total integration of vehicle systems and functions, and permits plug-and-play device integration and upgradeability.

Abstract: A device for use in a modem configuration that enables the transfer of data from a host signal processor (HSP) to an A/D-D/A converter or CODEC with less data loss, with low noise and that can send data at varying carrier frequencies without changing the size of the buffers. The device further allows for data transfer that is flexible with any given modulation scheme, carrier frequency or baud frequency to conform with the V.34, V90, as well as prior and subsequent recommendations. The device further includes a counter for counting the number of data samples transferred between the CODEC and the HSP and for alerting the HSP to avoid an overflow condition. The counter is further configured to count beyond the physical size of the buffer in order to simplify operation in an overflow condition. A transmit buffer is included for transferring data from the HSP to the CODEC.

Abstract: In a communications system having a plurality of endpoints each including a logical entity and its physical counterpart, a method for managing a pool of multicast addresses. The method including the steps of: generating a pool of available multicast addresses; receiving a request for a multicast address; allocating a multicast address for usage subject to at least a first limitation; monitoring the usage of the allocated multicast address; and reclaiming the allocated multicast address if as a function of the monitoring it is detected that a first condition is met, and causing the allocated multicast address to be placed into the pool of available multicast addresses.

Abstract: A communications system includes a mobile unit that transmits coded content. The system also includes a number of base transceiver stations that receive the coded content from the mobile unit, decode the content, generate a packet including the decoded content, and communicate the packet. The system further includes a router that receives a number of redundant packets that were generated at different base transceiver stations and that selects of one of the redundant packets using a packet selection technique. The router further communicates the selected packet to a destination and communicates selection information relating to the selected packet to the base transceiver stations. The base transceiver stations use the selection information to improve the decoding of subsequent coded content received from the mobile unit.

Abstract: A data transmission apparatus employing an orthogonal frequency division multiplex system. A receiver included therein analyzes a cross-correlation value sequence signal (CT) which has been acquired from the arithmetic operation of the correlation between a received signal and a predetermined symbol signal to detect an effective correlation peak in which the inter-symbol interference becomes minimum, and on the basis of the effective correlation peak thus detected, carries out the processing of synchronizing a reception sampling clock, and the control for the frame timing and the symbol timing of the receiver.

Abstract: Telecommunications system, particularly for exchanging telecommunication traffic between fixed and mobile users, such as lorry drivers, by way of a satellite communication network, such as the Inmarsat system, built up from several telecommunication satellites which are operatively coupled, by way of radio transmission links, to one or more earth stations. The earth stations are operatively connected, by way of a service centre, to an earth communication network built up from fixed and/or mobile telecommunication networks, messages received from users by way of the satellite communication network being stored in electronic mailboxes at the service centre.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for statistical re-multiplexing of multiple channels. Mechanisms are provided to manipulate and/or recode multiple compressed bit streams such that a resulting bit stream has a rate matching adjusted based on the allowable output channel rate. Loss-less transmission of compressed video bit streams can be output in real-time. In one example, the system includes encoders and demultiplexers on multiple channels. The demultiplexers are connected to a scheduler and multiplexer to provide an output bit stream at a given channel rate.

Abstract: A packet forwarding apparatus which quickly selects a plurality of control information entries to be applied according to header information of an input packet and concurrently performs various the header processing functions. The packet forwarding apparatus comprises a flow retrieval unit which compares header information of the input packet with plural sets of flow identification conditions and concurrently outputs various flow identifiers appropriate to the input packet, various header processing units corresponding to the flow identifiers, and a packet forwarding control unit for controlling forwarding of input packets according to control information outputted from at least one of the header processing units. While each of the header processing units has an information table containing plural information entries, reads a single information entry from the information table according to the flow identifier outputted from the flow retrieval unit, and executes a prescribed arithmetic operation.

Abstract: A communication system having a proxy architecture is disclosed. The system includes a platform that provides performance enhancing functions. The platform includes a backbone connection apparatus that routes information within a communication system. The backbone connection apparatus receives backbone connection parameters from the platform and maintains the current parameters in one or more backbone connection profiles. The backbone connection apparatus routes packets of information throughout the communication system based on the backbone connection profile. The backbone connection apparatus supports the use of different backbone protocol for different types of backbone links. Further, in a configuration where multiple backbone links of different types exist, the backbone connection apparatus supports the use of a different backbone protocol for each type of link at the same time.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for measuring network round trip time by monitoring fast-response operations at one network endpoint, typically a client computer. A client computer of the system includes a network monitoring and analysis engine which monitors a sent packet for a fast-response operation. If a fast-response operation is detected, then the client computer assumes a server computer processed the packet substantially instantaneously. Thus, the processing time at the server computer is neglected as zero. The round trip time can then be approximated as the difference in time between when the client computer sent the packet and when the client computer received the response packet.

Abstract: A virtual backplane includes a plurality of interconnected physical backplanes. Cards in each backplane provide an interface to various computer elements. A data interconnect forms at least one group of interconnected cards, with at least one card in each backplane connected to at least one of the data interconnect groups. A management processor supplies routing information to the cards through a network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scheduling, in real-time, the order in which data packets from multiple uplink channels are organized in a downlink channel of a satellite communications network. The satellite includes uplink and downlink channels for conveying data packets over channels between user terminals, ground stations and other user terminals. Queues in the satellite collect data packets from uplinks and output the data packets to the downlink using a bandwidth that is dynamically allocated. A scheduler allocates the bandwidth to at least one queue and continuously changes the amount of bandwidth allocated to each active queue while the queue is buffering data packets between the uplinks and downlink. The scheduler allocates bandwidth based upon a priority-class packet service schedule calculated based upon traffic parameters associated with each active queue.

Abstract: A private dialing plan for the communication of packetized voice on a packet-based network using a signaling protocol such as Q.931 to establish, maintain and release switched connections over the network. The dialing plan uses a “telephone number” based on a conventional 10-digit telephone number, such as the user's regular telephone number. A leading single digit consisting of a “0” or a “1” is added in front of the conventional telephone number. A leading “0” indicates that the desired call is to be directed to the called party's on-network computer by means of the Internet, while a leading “1” indicates the call is directed through a special gateway to the called party's conventional telephone.

Abstract: A method of transmitting data over a single-channel wireless network having a plurality of nodes is disclosed. According to the method, a first link is established between two of the nodes and data is transmitted therebetween. A break in transmission between the two nodes is listened for, and a first predetermined time interval is waited if a break in transmission between two nodes occurs. A second predetermined time interval is established if the first predetermined time interval lapses with no detected transmission over the channel. The second predetermined time interval is divided into a plurality of slots, and each node randomly selects one of the slots. One of the nodes establishes a second link if that node has selected a slot earlier in time than slots selected by the remainder of the nodes.

Abstract: An advanced multiplexer designed and optimized for next generation on-demand video distribution is described. Features and capabilities include auto-discovery, channel-staggering and compatibility with static Virtual Channel Tables (VCTs). The multiplexer system facilitates auto-discovery by inserting identifiers into MPTSs (Multi-Program Transport Streams). These identifiers are echoed back to the multiplexer by the client set-top thereby indicating correspondence between modulators, service groups, and clients. When modulating multiple channels, FEC frames (Forward Error Correction frames) are staggered across channels to reduce correlation and clipping in the IFFT processor.

Abstract: Communication apparatus having first communication device conformed to a first communication standard and second communication device conformed to a second communication standard different from the first communication standard. A control unit is coupled to the first and second communication device. The first communication device is capable of detecting whether or not another apparatus is disconnected from the first communication device. The control unit is capable of setting the second communication device in an active state if the first communication device detects that another apparatus is disconnected from the first communication device when the second communication device is in an inactive state. The second communication device is capable of being used to communicate with another apparatus when the second communication device is set in an active state, and is not capable of being used to communicate with another apparatus when the second communication device is set in an inactive state.

Abstract: In a broadcasting receiver, to quickly switch channels of the received multiplexed broadcasting signals at a high response speed to improve the convenience for a viewer, when broadcasting signals of a plurality of channels are to be code-division-multiplexed and broadcasted from a ground broadcasting station (BC1, BC2) to a broadcasting receiver (MS) in a service area via a geostationary satellite (SAT), the broadcasting signals are multiplexed and transmitted after matching the spreading code phase between the channels in the ground broadcasting station (BC1, BC2). Alternatively, the spreading code phase difference between the channels of a CDM broadcasting signal arriving from the ground broadcasting station (BC1, BC2) is detected in the geostationary satellite (SAT), and the broadcasting signal is transmitted to the broadcasting receiver (MS) after matching the spreading code phase between the channels on the basis of the detection result.