Abstract: A bandwidth sharing method for use on respective interstitial connections between on one side a plurality of users and on the other side a common data-link having a shared packet switching device, the method including performing the steps of: monitoring data-link directed bandwidth from each user; maintaining a current sum of the monitored bandwidth; and whenever the current sum exceeds a predetermined data-link bandwidth threshold, reducing current collective data-link directed bandwidth by for substantially each user, comparing the respective user's data-link directed bandwidth with a predetermined data-link bandwidth threshold for the respective user; using an allocation function, selecting at least one user who is exceeding his predetermined data-link bandwidth threshold, and for a predetermined time interval, cutting the connection between each selected at least one user and the shared switching device, so as to restore a current sum of the monitored bandwidth to be not greater than the predet

Abstract: A platform for holding a plurality of modules or printed circuit boards wherein the platform or chassis contains shutters placed over airflow openings in the platform. The shutters are normally closed and are opened be the act of inserting a module into the platform. The shutters are in the closed position in all slots not occupied by a module and are in the open state in all slots populated by a module. The shutters open as the module is inserted and close when the module is removed. The closed shutters prevent airflow from passing through the unpopulated slots and empty space within the platform, thus forcing the airflow to pass through the space in which the modules are present. The platform also comprises a means of controlling the number of fans that are operational in accordance with the number of modules installed in the platform. The fans closest to the modules inserted into the platform are operational while fans close to unpopulated slots are turned off.

Abstract: A power switching and voltage regulation system utilizing a conventional switching element to provide distributed power switching and voltage regulation. The system utilizes a switching element to impose an impedance in a controlled manner to provide power to a load such as a plug-in module in an electronic apparatus. The power source supplying an input DC voltage is intentionally set to a higher voltage than the level required by the plug-in module. The voltage supplied is required to be sufficiently high such that the voltage delivered to the plug-in module, exceeds the maximum permitted voltage level of the voltage required by the particular plug-in module. Once the switching device is turned on, the switching element exerts an impedance which functions to drop the voltage supplied to the load to the required value. The impedance is generated in accordance with a feedback control signal.

Abstract: A platform for holding a plurality of modules or printed circuit boards wherein the platform or chassis contains shutters placed over airflow openings in the platform. The shutters are normally closed and are opened by the act of inserting a module into the platform. The shutters are in the closed position in all slots not occupied by a module and are in the open state in all slots populated by a module. The shutters open as the module is inserted and close when the module is removed. The closed shutters prevent airflow from passing through the unpopulated slots and empty space within the platform, thus forcing the airflow to pass through the space in which the modules are present. The platform also comprises a means of controlling the number of fans that are operational in accordance with the number of modules installed in the platform. The fans closest to the modules inserted into the platform are operational while fans close to unpopulated slots are turned off.

Abstract: A continuous byte stream encoder/decoder process where a continuous stream of ATM data cells is received with a plurality of words, where each word has a plurality of bits in parallel. The ATM data cell is analyzed and new control words are created to convey information such as Start-of-Cell, parity and synchronization signals for the serializer and deserializer chip set. These control words are combined with the data words of the ATM data cell to form a combined word stream. This word stream having a higher word transfer rate than the original ATM data cell. This combined word stream is fed to a known 8B/10B encoder which further modifies the data for proper transmission over an AC coupled serial path. Data from the 8B/10B decoder is then serialized through known serialization/deserialization chip sets passed over the serial path and then deserialized back into an recombined word stream.

Abstract: A system and method for communication and management of an aggregate is provided including a plurality of separate entities, each entity residing in a separate environment. The system includes a data path which is provided as a common medium. Each of the entities is connected to the data path for exciting the medium with a signal. All entities connected to the common medium receive the signal. A mapping path is also provided. The mapping path is implemented as a multitude of point-to-point connections such that each entity is connected directly to another entity via a point-to-point connection or connected to a first entity by a point-to-point connection and connected to a second entity by a point-to-point connection. The connections provide a known topology, allowing identification of all entities adjacent to a given entity to establish mapped adjacent entities. From these mapped adjacent entities all entities adjacent to the mapped adjacent entities are mapped until all entities of the aggregate are mapped.