Abstract: A method in a data network where the data network includes multiple terminal points interconnected by one or more network intermediate devices includes transmitting an invitation message from a first terminal point where the invitation message is broadcast through the data network to the multiple terminal points; in response to the invitation message, sending a reservation response message from a second terminal point where the reservation response message is broadcast through the data network to the multiple terminal points; and receiving the reservation response message at a first network intermediate device. The method further includes in response to the reservation response message, storing in the first network intermediate device for one reservation cycle a static forwarding address entry including the source address of the reservation response message and an identification of the port of the first network intermediate device on which the reservation response message is received.

Abstract: A look-up table includes a first table formed using a first portion of the table entries where each table entry is associated with a look-up address and includes one or more key-data value pairs and an expansion pointer field, and a second table formed using a second portion of the table entries where each table entry is associated with an expansion address and includes one or more key-data value pairs. An expansion pointer field in a first table entry in the first table identifies a first expansion address associated with a second table entry in the second table as a first expansion pointer for linking the second table entry to the first table entry, thereby providing expansion of the first table entry. Each table entry in the second table can also include an expansion pointer field to provide table entry expansion through linking of multiple table entries in the second table.

Abstract: A method for assigning a value to a fixed parameter in an electrical device where the fixed parameter has multiple states includes associating a time value to each state of the fixed parameter, driving a first input terminal of the electrical device to a first voltage value, receiving an input ramp signal on the first input terminal where the input ramp signal has a first time constant value and a voltage magnitude that varies from the first voltage value to a second voltage value, comparing the voltage level of the input ramp signal to a threshold value, when the voltage level of the input ramp signal reaches the threshold value, determining the elapsed time from the driving of the first input terminal, and selecting a state for the fixed parameter based on the amount of elapsed time until the voltage level of the input ramp signal reaches the threshold level.

Abstract: A management system for supporting management functions of managed network devices is formed by a backend management network providing processing capability to handle management transactions. In one embodiment, the management system is coupled to a first and a second network element connected to a data communication network and being managed by a network manager also connected to the data communication network. The management system includes a management network coupled to the first and second network elements and a processor element coupled to the management network and communicating with the first and second network elements through the management network. In operation, management transactions are transmitted to the managed network elements from the network manager through the data communication network. The management transactions are transmitted through the management network to the processor element where the management transactions are processed on behalf of the respective network elements.

Abstract: The invention includes a protocol, systems and methods for operating, administering, and maintaining (OAM) physical links in a network that carries packet switched data. A network control point implementing the protocol assigns addresses to all ports of the network, discovers network topology and capabilities, and initializes remote parameters through OAM frames sent to the ports. The OAM protocol maintains all physical transmission links through the communication of OAM frames with information concerning link errors and the status of ports and boxes. The OAM frame has a preamble that is an inverse of a preamble of a data frame, allowing decoupling of the OAM and data services. The OAM frames are initiated and terminated at the physical layer of the network. Ports of the network may include ASIC integrated circuits that create, transmit, receive, and process the OAM frames at the physical layer of the ports.

Abstract: The invention includes a protocol, systems and methods for operating, administering, and maintaining (OAM) physical links in a network that carries packet switched data. A network control point implementing the protocol assigns addresses to all ports of the network, discovers network topology and capabilities, and initializes remote parameters through OAM frames sent to the ports. The OAM protocol maintains all physical transmission links through the communication of OAM frames with information concerning link errors and the status of ports and boxes. The OAM frame has a preamble that is an inverse of a preamble of a data frame, allowing decoupling of the OAM and data services. The OAM frames are initiated and terminated at the physical layer of the network. Ports of the network may include ASIC integrated circuits that create, transmit, receive, and process the OAM frames at the physical layer of the ports.