Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and program storage devices for constructing a network overlay via embedding an interconnection network in a network overlay graph are provided herein. The network delay distances between pairs of overlay nodes are measured on the shortest network paths. The mapping of the interconnection topology to the network overlay nodes preferably involves assigning 2m m-length binary indexes to the network overlay nodes. There is proposed herein a polynomial time algorithm for interconnection topology embedding using iterative cluster division and node binary index assignment. There is further proposed herein a method for construction of network overlays through interconnection network topology embedding, with the objective of optimizing a quality of service metric (e.g. minimization of the average network overlay routing delay).

Abstract: Video surveillance systems have special requirements with respect to networking and remote access functionality. Conventional communication links do not necessarily meet these requirements. Power line channels, accessible via power line modems, do, in some cases, meet the requirements of video surveillance systems where conventional communication links do not. The present invention provides a flexible and reliable video surveillance system that includes networking and remote access capabilities employing power line communication channels.

Abstract: A data transmitting node and a network inter-connection node suitable for use in the home network environment. In a case of transmitting information data from a data transmitting node connected with a physical network to a receiving node connected with the physical network or another physical network, a data transmitting node transmits the control message including an IP address information of a data transmission destination, a header/channel information dependent on the physical network, and an information indicating that the information data to be transmitted according to the header/channel information is data in an upper layer of an IP layer. The information data is then transmitted to the receiving node, where the information data contains the header/channel information and data of the upper layer without IP packet encapsulation. A network inter-connection node operates similarly.

Abstract: To efficiently transmit data on a wireless network, small packets that might otherwise be sent individually are aggregated into a “superframe”. This superframe can then be transmitted as a single, larger packet. To form this superframe, a plurality of tagged data packets can be aggregated into a packed aggregation block (PAB). Encapsulation data, e.g. protocol information, can be appended to the PAB. Wireless transmission information can bound the PAB and encapsulation data. Forming the superframe can be performed using an efficient combination of hardware and software. In one embodiment, aggregation of the tagged data packets can be performed by hardware without regard to the underlying protocol(s). Software can then provide protocol-handling support.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for dynamically establishing lawful interception taps within connection-oriented communication networks. Taps are established automatically upon establishment of a main connection by embedding collection identifier information within connection setup messages as a new form of information element. The collection identifier information includes information enabling a tap function within an interception node to establish a connection, such as an SPVC or an SVC, to a monitoring station. The collection identifier information may include any of a forward direction ATM address, a backward direction ATM address for use in bi-directional communications, a forward direction end point and a backward direction end point for use in establishing SPVC tap connections, and a connection identifier for use in establishing SVC tap connections. Tap connections can be established either during or after establishment of the main connection.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a communication system (17) is provided for generating and monitoring data over pre-existing conductors (2A-2D) between associated pieces of networked computer equipment (3A-3D). The system includes a communication device (16) attached to the electronic equipment that transmits information to a central module (15) by impressing a low frequency signal on the pre-existing data lines of the remotely located equipment. A receiver (6) in the central module (15) monitors the low frequency data on the data lines to determine the transmitted information of the electronic equipment. The communication device may also be powered by a low current power signal from the central module (15). The power signal to the communication device may also be fluctuated to provide useful information, such as status information, to the communication device.

Abstract: Gateway routers for real-time networks have the ability to collect delay, loss, and jitter statistics on a per-connection basis. It is possible to use this information not only to monitor the quality of individual voice calls and other real-time connections, but also to evaluate the overall performance of the underlying network. This paper describes a method for monitoring and managing the performance of a real-time data network that supports voice, video and other real-time services. In the described embodiments, the RTCP mechanisms of RTP for sender and receiver reporting be used to relay performance information to one or more network monitoring sites for analysis and interpretation. In addition, gateway routers are organized and managed within a hierarchy that allows the monitoring function to localize it view of network conditions within the hierarchy; and the monitoring of network performance can occur on various time scales.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting orphaned CLS primitives in a fibre channel network having a fibre channel switch element coupled to an arbitrated loop is provided. The method includes, sending an OPN primitive to a switch element port's own AL_PA to open a connection with itself; and determining if a CLS primitive is received within a loop a latency period. If a CLS primitive is received within the latency period then the CLS primitive is classified as an orphan and the orphaned CLS primitive is removed by the switch element by enabling a firmware based removal feature. The switch element includes a port that arbitrates for the arbitrated loop ownership and sends an OPN primitive to its own AL_PA.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for simultaneously scheduling multiple priorities of packets, such as in systems having a non-blocking switching fabric. In one implementation, the maximum bandwidth which a particular input can send is identified. During a scheduling cycle, a current bandwidth desired for a first priority of traffic is identified, which leaves the remaining bandwidth available for a second priority of traffic without affecting the bandwidth allocated to the first priority of traffic. By determining these bandwidth amounts at each iteration of a scheduling cycle, multiple priorities of traffic can be simultaneously scheduled. This approach may be used by a wide variety of scheduling approaches, such as, but not limited to using a SLIP algorithm or variant thereof. When used in conjunction with a SLIP algorithm, the current desired bandwidths typically correspond to high and low priority requests.

Abstract: A reconfigurable apparatus providing 1:N redundancy and 1:1 redundancy for high speed broadband interfaces with 1+1 and 1:N Automatic protection Switching (APS), is presented. The apparatus includes a mini-midplane having a redundant slot, a plurality of active slots and capable of communication with a gateway. The mini-midplane includes at least one set of cross-coupled APS lines for implementing 1:1 equipment redundancy for high speed broadband interfaces with 1+1/1:N APS and a plurality of point-to-point traces between redundant slot and each of the active slots for implementing 1:N equipment redundancy for high speed broadband interfaces with 1+1/1:N APS. The mini-midplane may further include a plurality of shared traces between the redundant slot and said at least one active slot for implementing 1:N equipment protection for low speed narrowband interfaces.

Abstract: A switch, switched architecture and process for transferring data through an FCAL switch is disclosed. The switch uses multiple switch control circuits each coupled to one FCAL network and all connected to a crossbar switch. The switch control circuits are coupled together by a protocol bus for coordination purposes. Local conversations can occur on each FCAL loop and crossing conversations through the switch can occur concurrently. The OPN primitive is used to establish the connection before any data is transferred thereby eliminating the need for buffer memory in the switch control circuits. The destination address of each OPN is used to address a lookup table in each switch control circuit to determine if the destination node is local. If not, the destination is looked up and a connection request made on the protocol bus. If the remote port is not busy, it sends a reply which causes both ports to establish a data path through the backplane crossbar switch.

Abstract: A data network and a method for providing prioritized data movement between endpoints connected by multiple logical channels. Such a data network may include a first node comprising a first plurality of first-in, first-out (FIFO) queues arranged for high priority to low priority data movement operations; and a second node operatively connected to the first node by multiple control and data channels, and comprising a second plurality of FIFO queues arranged in correspondence with the first plurality of FIFO queues for high priority to low priority data movement operations via the multiple control and data channels; wherein an I/O transaction is accomplished by one or more control channels and data channels created between the first node and the second node for moving commands and data for the I/O transaction during the data movement operations, in the order from high priority to low priority.

Abstract: Apparatus for designing a virtual VLAN network includes a database representing a plurality of VLAN networks in a spanning tree topology, each of the networks being formed of a plurality of VLAN member nodes interconnected by links. In response to a network configuration request from a communications network, control circuitry determines the costs of the links, and then determines the least cost unicast paths by using a shortest path algorithm. A search is made through the least cost unicast paths for detecting a loop. If at least one loop is detected, a link of highest cost of the loop is blocked. All unicast paths of the blocked link are reestablished through links that circumvent the blocked link. A spanning tree built up with all the links accommodating the least cost unicast paths is established. Configuration command is sent to the network for configuring it according to the established spanning tree.

Abstract: The equipment and techniques disclosed herein introduce a deferred acknowledgement (DACK), in the context of a protocol for a wireless station to request and obtain access to a wireless network resource for communication of one or more data packets. Essentially, a network node, such as a wireless base station, sends the DACK instruction in response to the access request telling the requesting station that the node has heard the request but that the requesting station should defer its transmission. The requesting station need not back off and re-initiate its access request. Instead, the requesting station waits for a later acknowledgement (ACK) granting access to a resource as requested. Although the DACK provides additional signaling, this technique can still utilize a fast ACK type message, that is to say a relatively short signaling packet.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a first method is provided for creating a media access control (MAC) address for a device. The first method includes the steps of (1) obtaining one or more identifiers; (2) obtaining a first MAC address; and (3) creating at least a second MAC address based on the one or more identifiers and the first MAC address. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A method of data communication. The method includes initially receiving one or more channel quality information signals from each wireless unit. The channel quality information may be received in response to the transmission of one or more pilot signals. Once the channel quality information signal(s) from each wireless unit are received, the method then includes selecting one or more transmit powers and one or more transmission rates for each wireless unit. Thereafter, one or more blocks of orthogonal continuous waveforms may be transmitted over a channel to each wireless unit using the selected transmit power and selected transmission rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring and signaling a path restoration using pre-computed restoration paths following a detected fault on a primary service path in a communications network. A fault occurring inside the restorable portion of a network in heterogeneous or multiple network environments can be distinguished from faults occurring outside the restorable network in accordance with the ANSI Tandem Connection Maintenance standard, T1.105.05-1994. Path restoration is activated only when a fault causing path failure occurs inside the restorable portion of the network. Each conforming node in the restorable portion of the network has the necessary monitoring, signaling and cross-connect functionality and databases to participate actively in real time restoration. Additional non-conforming network elements can be positioned between the restoration nodes without preventing path restoration.

Abstract: A system for connecting a circuit network with a packet network. The system includes a packet switch fabric, a circuit network server, and a packet network server. The circuit network server has a first and second port. The first port of the circuit network server sends and receives circuit-based signals with the circuit network. The second port of the circuit network server sends and receives packet-based signals having packets with the packet switch fabric. The circuit network server also includes a plurality of digital signal processors. A digital signal processor performs packet adaptation and subsequent to the packet adaption a second at least one digital signal processor performs signal processing. The packet network server has a first port for sending and receiving packet-based signals with the packet switch fabric and a second port for sending and receiving packet-based signals with the packet network.

Abstract: A method converts an input data rate associated with N units of data to an output data rate associated with M units of data. The method includes calculating N write-control parameters each associated with one of M addresses of an output memory, directing each of N values of input data to an associated address of the output memory in response to the N calculated write-control parameters, and reading the output memory to provide output data associated with the output data rate. If N is greater than M, some of the N write-control parameters are associated with at least one shared address of the M addresses. If M is greater than N, all of the N write-control parameters are associated with different addresses of the M addresses. An apparatus is configured to implement this method.

Abstract: A method and system is provided in which MAN traffic is segregated at a customer and a provider domain level. A switch at the edge of the MAN encapsulates a data packet in a new header, which is used to specify the customer domain tags. The data packet is encapsulated further in another new header, which is used to specify new VMAN tags. The nested encapsulation is repeated as necessary until the data packet is forwarded to a remote switch at the edge of the MAN in accordance with the VMAN configuration or the source and destination address in the original data packet. The remote switch strips the VMAN tags from the data packet, and forwards the stripped data packet to the receiving customer domain as specified in the customer domain tag.