Abstract: An asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switch includes a switch memory having a plurality of discrete queues. A queue is dedicated to a connection in which a traffic stream is transmitted in cells and an inverse multiplex ATM (IMA) format. A switch controller is operable to receive a plurality of cells, to identify cells for the connection, to queue cells for the connection in the queue based on order information received with the cells, to reconstitute from the queue the traffic stream, and to switch the traffic stream and the ATM cells.

Abstract: A synchronous bus for a telecommunications node includes a frame repeating at a defined interval. Each frame includes a plurality of service channels. In at least one frame, a service channel individually transports traffic for a DS-0 connection. A set of service channels in the frame together transport an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) cell.

Abstract: An asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switch includes a switch memory having a plurality of discrete queues. A queue is dedicated to a connection in which a traffic stream is transmitted in cells and an inverse multiplex ATM (IMA) format. A switch controller is operable to receive a plurality of cells, to identify cells for the connection, to queue cells for the connection in the queue based on order information received with the cells, to reconstitute from the queue the traffic stream, and to switch the traffic stream and the ATM cells.

Abstract: A rate adjustable backplane includes a set of switch slots configured to receive one or more switch cards forming a switch core and a plurality of line slots each configured to receive a line card. A low speed bus couples the line slots to the set of switch slots. A high speed bus also couples the line slots to the set of switch slots. Each line slot includes a low speed connector coupled to the low speed bus and a high speed connector coupled to the high speed bus. The low speed connector is adapted to receive a mating connector of a line card to establish a low speed communication connection between the line card and the switch core. The high speed connector is adapted to receive a mating connector of the line card to establish a high speed link between the line card and the switch core.

Abstract: A method and system for distributed processing of traffic in a telecommunications node includes receiving a traffic stream at a line card of the telecommunications node. The traffic stream includes a plurality of discrete cells. The cells are forwarded from the line card to a centralized switch of the telecommunications node. The centralized switch identifies cells that are of a particular type. Cells of the particular type are returned from the centralized switch to the line card. The returned cells are processed at the line card.

Abstract: A bus for a telecommunications node includes a frame repeating at a defined interval and including a defined number of slots. Each slot includes an overhead portion identifying a type of traffic in the slot and a service traffic portion transporting traffic of the type. A first slot in at least one frame transports in the service traffic portion asynchronous traffic and routing information for the asynchronous traffic in the telecommunications node. A second slot in the frame transports synchronous traffic in the service traffic portion and has a location in the frame associated with routing information for the synchronous traffic in the telecommunications node.

Abstract: A single ATM traffic stream is carried over a plurality of lower bandwidth media, such as T-1 or E-1 interfaces, using inverse multiplexing assisted by a prepended byte at the beginning of each ATM cell, the byte containing a key to permit recovery of the proper order of ATM cells.

Abstract: A universal DS-0 channelized format is provided wherein selected states of CAS bits are used to indicate to the transport mechanism when DS-0 channels are not being used for voice and are available for use for data transport. In addition, the T1 frame format carries CAS bits only in the first DS-0 channel, so that robbed bits are disabled and not used to carry ABCD signaling bits, thereby avoiding any risk of data corruption. Still further, a special CAS signaling value not defined as a CAS state, is employed in a frame nibble instead of a frame counter to indicate that the state is in the first DS-0 slot.

Abstract: A system for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the operation of a kraft chemical recovery furnace which includes a mechanism for determining carryover particle counts, bed profile information, and temperature information of a smelt the bed over a major portion of the bed. The location and temperatures of high and low temperature spots on the bed can be determined. This information may be displayed in a convenient manner, such as on a common screen, for use by the furnace operator in controlling the furnace. Trending and history of bed performance in relationship to these characteristics may be tracked for use in diagnosing furnace operating problems and in adjusting parameters of the furnace to enhance furnace performance.