Abstract: A telecommunications network environment (10) includes a signaling server (20) accessible by maintenance interfaces (12) and network interfaces (14). The signaling server (20) includes a signaling link controller (83) that receives and processes signaling information received from network elements and other signaling servers. The signaling link controller (83) extracts a data portion of the signaling information for message transfer part level two processing. For additional processing, the data portion of the signaling information may be routed over an Ethernet switch (76) to another signaling link controller (83) or to a signaling services controller (99) for signaling connection control part processing. The signaling services control element (99) may perform local number portability lookup and global title translation on the received data portion. After processing, the signaling link controller (83) generates a return message in response to the signaling information.

Abstract: A unit controller for a delivery unit that interfaces telecommunications media to a switching matrix. The unit controller is partitioned into “generic” units, that can be easily configured for use as a line/trunk processor in an OC3 delivery unit. The same unit controller can be adapted for use in other types of delivery units, as well as for higher level controller applications.

Abstract: A computer system for controlling the mode of operation of a data cache. When a DMA state machine detects a DMA cycle to a memory block, the machine interrupts the processor so the processor sets a new value of the DMA state to control the mode of cache operation associated with the block.