Abstract: A distributed LSR sends data from a first edge LSR, across a non-MPLS network, to a second edge LSR, thereby enabling a non-MPLS network to interface transparently with MPLS networks. This enables a VPN to use a public network to communicate from one portion of the network to another, remote portion. The distributed LSR includes an ingress gateway logically positioned between the first edge LSR and the non-MPLS network. This ingress gateway receives label requests from the first edge LSR. These label requests are multicast to several egress gateways. At least one egress gateway sends a message back indicating that it can transmit data to the destination. In response, the ingress gateway designates that egress gateway to be a designated gateway. The egress gateway then establishes a tunnel through the non-MPLS network to the ingress gateway.

Abstract: A system and method directed to providing a broadcast/multicast in a circuit-switched network. An exemplary method includes receiving at a first switch a call directed to a called number; determining whether the first switch has an active connection to the called number; if the first switch has an active connection to the called number, merging the call with the active connection; and if the first switch does not have an active connection to the called number, routing the call to a next switch. The process is repeated as necessary until a next switch with an active connection is identified and/or the switch serving the called number is reached. The present invention conserves network resources and increases network efficiency, in part, by not carrying a call any further than is necessary for the caller to participate in a broadcast/multicast.

Abstract: To address the need for dispatch in a CDMA communication system, each mobile unit (309, 319) and CBSC (301, 311) involved in a call are allowed to establish an independent RLP session between them. Each session contains its own unique RLP sequence numbers that are not shared. Reverse link sequence numbers are passed from the source CBSC (301, 311) (serving the “talking” mobile) to the target CBSC(s) (301, 311) (serving the “listening” mobiles). However, instead of being directly used by the target CBSC(s) (301, 311) for its forward link RLP sequence number, the sequence numbers passed to the CBSC (301, 311) is translated to the existing target CBSCs (301, 311) current RLP sequence numbers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for managing bandwidth and prioritizing different forms of data to be transmitted from a central hub or node to a plurality of ground stations. All data of all types including image data and text data is processed into frames of TCP formatted data at the central hub or node and passed through a bandwidth flow control system which imposes flow control on the data. Some of the TCP formatted data has inserted therein a conversion flag which denotes a desire to convert the TCP formatted data into UDP formatted data. A computer or controller/converter reads the conversion flags and converts TCP formatted data into UDP formatted data for multi-broadcasting simultaneously to a plurality of ground stations which reduces bandwidth.