Abstract: A searchable information database is provided. At least one network processor having one or more packet processors is provided which are programmed to independently search for a match of any one of the keys in a key set which is delivered to the network processor(s). Each key set is independently identifiable and searchable. If a match is found, then either a function associated therewith or a pointer to the location of the information in the database is returned. Several searching techniques can be used. For example, multiple network processors can be used, with each storing the keys of a different set of keys, and each set of keys can be searched concomitantly in the network processors. Alternatively, a large lookup table may distribute multiple network processors. If a single network processor is used, the key sets can be pipeline searched, or pico processors or packet processors can independently search each key set.

Abstract: Provision to a customer of equipment already installed into a specified enclosure to create an assembly is accomplished in an advantageous manner by the disclosed process. A manufacturer obtains the enclosure and the components of the specified equipment, installs the equipment in the enclosure and performs appropriate tests on the completed assembly before sending the assembly to the customer.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and program products which monitor wireless access points (12, 16) through which data can be exchanged with a network (10), identify an unauthorized access point (16), and respond to monitored data flow in a variety of manners including determining the location of the identified unauthorized access point, establishing filtering, and controlling accounting for access services.

Abstract: A system comprising a network resource server or a server farm formed by a plurality of computer systems and a network processor which transfers data exchanged with an external network supported by the server farm at a data rate substantially the same as the data flow rate of the network and related method. The network processor protects the network resource server against attacks such as a denial of service attack by monitoring data flow, computing a derivative of the data flow over time to determine the rate of change of data flow, and modifying instructions for the discarding of packets in response to rates of change which are outside predetermined boundaries.

Abstract: Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees are extended to Token Ring LAN stations. A LAN station originating a request for a connection through an ATM network to either a remote ATM station or a remote LAN station sends a frame having an encoded priority value to a LAN/ATM interface device. The device maps the priority value to one of the standard ATM traffic classes; namely, CBR, VBR, ABR and UBR. The LAN/ATM interface device attempts to set up a connection through the ATM network conforming to the mapped class or QoS. If the connection destination is another LAN station, a destination LAN/ATM interface device attempts to set up the final ATM-LAN phase of the connection.

Abstract: Variable length LAN frames can be segmented into fixed length cells to allow the data in the frames to be transported through an intermediate cell-based system, such as an ATM network. Where transport through the intermediate system results in time gaps between data units extracted from the cells, special symbol combinations can be inserted into the time gaps to permit frame-representing data to be forwarded toward its destination as a "stretched frame" without waiting for all the cells representing the frame to arrive. When a stretched LAN frame is received at a "stretch-aware" LAN station, the special symbol combinations are detected and removed to recover at least the data payload of the original LAN frame.

Abstract: A ring network of workstations interconnected on a single simplex ring is converted to duplex communications on the single ring by placing two transceivers in each workstation and adding a duplex conversion device between each workstation and its ring terminal box. One of the transceivers receives and retransmits signals in a clockwise direction around the ring; the other transceiver receives and retransmits signals in a counter-clockwise direction around the ring. The clockwise and counter-clockwise signals are superimposed on the ring but are isolated at the workstations by the duplex conversion device.

Abstract: A system for utilizing a transmission media such as a token ring having multiple, independent channels operating in parallel. The invention provides optimal use of multi-channel bandwidth to a plurality of interconnected workstations, file servers, and other devices. The workstations and devices attach to the token ring via dedicated lobe rings connected to concentrators on the token ring. Each concentrator contains the processors, memory, and logic necessary to coordinate the transmission and receipt of data over the token ring among the interconnected workstations and devices. The multi-channel token ring provides increased bandwidth and reliability to an existing token ring without requiring modifications to existing physical devices, interfaces, or protocols.

Abstract: An improved data connector includes identical hermaphroditic mating members having inner cable clamping ground shields coupled by a grounding plug to an outer ground shield. The outer ground shield is formed from two sleeves one of each mounted on one of the hermaphroditic mating members and overlapping each other to encircle the contact portions of the connector when it is in mated relationship with a complimentary member.

Abstract: A solid state circuit, which serves as a twin simplex/half-duplex converter, includes a triple input NAND gate. The output of the NAND gate is connected directly to the outgoing simplex conductor. Signals on the incoming simplex conductor are applied to the three inputs of the NAND gate through separate signal paths which introduce different delays. One signal path introduces an intermediate delay before applying the incoming signal to the NAND gate in an inverted form. The half-duplex line is connected to this signal path. While incoming signals are applied to all three inputs to the NAND gate as well as to the half-duplex line, a lack of coincidence at the inputs prevents any incoming signal from passing through the converter to the outgoing simplex line.

Abstract: Where a solid state optical transducer is mounted on a ceramic substrate, an improved optical signal path is provided by adding a preformed hole to the substrate in alignment with the active region of the transducer. A metal pin having a light transmitting core is inserted into the preformed hole using the same pin insertion techniques used to secure other solid pins to the substrate. The core provides an optical signal path while the cylindrical metal pin can be used both as a heat sink and to provide an additional electrical path to the transducer.