Abstract: Network elements within a network are configured to retain clock traceability over an asynchronous interface. The network elements can generate and process multi-frames that include two different types of traffic, each synchronized to a different respective clock source. Each of the multi-frames is synchronized to the clock source of one of the traffic types and further includes a timestamp to enable the original clock signal of the other traffic type to be reconstructed at the receiving network element.

Abstract: Network elements within a network are configured to transport Ethernet traffic and non-Ethernet traffic over a same medium. The network elements can generate and process multi-frames that include the Ethernet traffic and non-Ethernet traffic. Each of the plurality of group slots includes a first set of bytes allocated to carry the non-Ethernet traffic and a second set of bytes allocated to carry the Ethernet traffic. At least one group slot of the plurality of group slots includes a timestamp, and the network elements are further configured to use the timestamp to reconstruct the original spacing between packets of the Ethernet traffic.

Abstract: We disclose an interface device configured to inter-convert CPRI data frames and Optical Transport Units (OTUs). The interface device acquires frame synchronization by temporarily storing data in a buffer bank such that translated sync characters are placed at respective predetermined locations within the buffer bank. Each translated sync character represents, in the corresponding OTU, a respective sync character of a CPRI hyperframe. The interface device is configured to distinguish translated sync characters from payload-data words of identical value based on predetermined alignment, in the buffer bank, of data temporarily stored therein for conversion into the CPRI data format. The interface device advantageously enables multiplexing of a plurality of CPRI links and aggregation and encapsulation of the multiplexed CPRI data into a stream of OTUs for transmission to the intended destination over an Optical Transport Network.

Abstract: A baseband unit independently determines one or both of an uplink delay or a downlink delay for frames transmitted from the baseband unit to a remote radio head based on a round-trip time between the baseband unit and the remote radio head and times determined at the baseband unit, a downlink node associated with the remote radio head, and an uplink node associated with the remote radio head. The times are determined at different nodes after an interval of frames. The baseband unit then may determine a location of user equipment based on one or both of the uplink delay or downlink delay.

Abstract: Network elements within a network are configured to retain clock traceability over an asynchronous interface. The network elements can generate and process multi-frames that include two different types of traffic, each synchronized to a different respective clock source. Each of the multi-frames is synchronized to the clock source of one of the traffic types and further includes a timestamp to enable the original clock signal of the other traffic type to be reconstructed at the receiving network element.

Abstract: Network elements within a network are configured to transport Ethernet traffic and non-Ethernet traffic over a same medium. The network elements can generate and process multi-frames that include the Ethernet traffic and non-Ethernet traffic. Each of the plurality of group slots includes a first set of bytes allocated to carry the non-Ethernet traffic and a second set of bytes allocated to carry the Ethernet traffic. At least one group slot of the plurality of group slots includes a timestamp, and the network elements are further configured to use the timestamp to reconstruct the original spacing between packets of the Ethernet traffic.

Abstract: We disclose an interface device configured to inter-convert CPRI data frames and Optical Transport Units (OTUs). The interface device acquires frame synchronization by temporarily storing data in a buffer bank such that translated sync characters are placed at respective predetermined locations within the buffer bank. Each translated sync character represents, in the corresponding OTU, a respective sync character of a CPRI hyperframe. The interface device is configured to distinguish translated sync characters from payload-data words of identical value based on predetermined alignment, in the buffer bank, of data temporarily stored therein for conversion into the CPRI data format. The interface device advantageously enables multiplexing of a plurality of CPRI links and aggregation and encapsulation of the multiplexed CPRI data into a stream of OTUs for transmission to the intended destination over an Optical Transport Network.

Abstract: A baseband unit independently determines one or both of an uplink delay or a downlink delay for frames transmitted from the baseband unit to a remote radio head based on a round-trip time between the baseband unit and the remote radio head and times determined at the baseband unit, a downlink node associated with the remote radio head, and an uplink node associated with the remote radio head. The times are determined at different nodes after an interval of frames. The baseband unit then may determine a location of user equipment based on one or both of the uplink delay or downlink delay.

Abstract: To address the need for new techniques that are able to reduce delays in frame selection, a method such as that depicted in diagram 10 of FIG. 1 may be employed. A packet from one call leg active for a call is received (11) during a particular frame interval of the call. In response to receiving the packet, a determination (12) is made as to whether to make a frame selection decision for the frame interval. This determination is based upon the number of call legs active for the call and upon the number of call legs for which a packet has already been received. When (13) it is determined to make a frame selection decision, a packet is selected (14) and forwarded (15) without waiting for the end of the frame interval.

Abstract: A system and method that controls node congestion in a packet switching network by allowing the congested node to seize control of transmission on the packet switching network and not relinquishing control until it has drained its buffer of the backlog of packets. In response to the node's buffer reaching a predetermined occupancy level, the node requests from the network's arbiter for exclusive transmission rights on the network. When the node receives transmission rights, the node continues to process packets in the buffer. When the occupancy of the buffer reaches a second predetermined threshold, the node releases the transmission right, and thus permits other nodes to transmit packets to it (and to other nodes) again.