Abstract: A frame work to build and use a generic content switch is provided. The applications and the routing policy for the content switch are provided by the application provider. The content switch, however, is managed by a network provider so that there is a clear separation of the switching action and the switching policy. The basic framework consists of two key elements; a content switch and a user-defined application that also contains the switching policy.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for enabling an efficient processing environment for a functional programming language runtime machine. Separate processors are provided for the main FP processor and the garbage collector as well as separate access to the heap. The routine maintenance performed by the garbage collector does not compete for resources of the main FP processor. The processor implementation for the main FP processor also includes a separate bus to each of the program memory, the heap, and the stacks.

Abstract: The resilient packet ring (RPR for short) is receiving much attention as a telecommunications network architecture. The RPR consists of dual counter-rotating ringlets and implements a ring protection scheme such as ring wrap and source steering. Topology discovery is an important aspect of the network management of the RPR. Herein described is a new topology discovery algorithm which performs in multiple phases. According to one phase of the algorithm, a station on the ring periodically exchange with only its neighboring stations a control messages containing a topology database. The topology database indicates addresses of stations on the ring and their link status. The algorithm should find applications not only in RPR but also other ring architectures.

Abstract: A selective, flow-based datapath architecture is described. A Flow Control Block Manager (FCBM) is located in a flow-based datapath for selectively and intelligently processing packets in the Flow Path. If, according to the FCBM, efficiency gains can be achieved by creating a flow control block and employing flow-based processing on a packet stream, the packets are processed accordingly. If, however, insufficient gains are anticipated the packets are processed in a flow-unaware manner. The FCBM determines the manner in which to process packets based on a set of criteria.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for enabling an efficient processing environment for a functional programming language runtime machine. Separate processors are provided for the main FP processor and the garbage collector as well as separate access to the heap. The routine maintenance performed by the garbage collector does not compete for resources of the main FP processor. The processor implementation for the main FP processor also includes a separate bus to each of the program memory, the heap, and the stacks.

Abstract: A fast and scalable pattern making engine is presented. The engine represents variations on a Shift-And method capable of matching patterns in data streams having high speed data rates. In one aspect of the invention high speed is achieved by accessing the pattern RAM in parallel. In another aspect, the input is likened to TDM and individual slots or channels are accessed separately. The two aspects can also be combined to provide a scalable and high speed pattern matching engine. The engine is adaptable to streams of known length or more complex expressions such as regular expressions with arbitrary length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sending packets from traffic flows to queues in a network element is provided. Each traffic flow has a packet size parameter indicating a sizing constraint for its packets. The method includes the step of grouping the traffic flows into groups utilizing the packet size parameter of each traffic flow. The method further includes the step of sending packets only from traffic flows of one group to at least one designated queue. Traffic flows of the one group are identified utilizing the packet size parameter of each traffic flow.

Abstract: A selective, flow-based datapath architecture is described. A Flow Control Block Manager (FCBM) is located in a flow-based datapath for selectively and intelligently processing packets in the Flow Path. If, according to the FCBM, efficiency gains can be achieved by creating a flow control block and employing flow-based processing on a packet stream, the packets are processed accordingly. If, however, insufficient gains are anticipated the packets are processed in a flow-unaware manner. The FCBM determines the manner in which to process packets based on a set of criteria.

Abstract: A methods of implementing event based distributed multicast flow accounting are presented. Multicast-enabled routers request, and aggregate traffic flow measurement information from downstream multicast-enabled routers participating in dependent multicast sub-trees. Records are kept by the multicast-enabled router regarding changes to the underlying multicast tree topology. The aggregate traffic flow measurements and topology information are reported to multicast-enabled routers upstream. Advantages are derived from the ability to accurately compute multicast content transport costs within a communications service provider's network.

Abstract: A fast and scalable pattern making engine is presented. The engine represents variations on a Shift-And method capable of matching patterns in data streams having high speed data rates. In one aspect of the invention high speed is achieved by accessing the pattern RAM in parallel. In another aspect, the input is likened to TDM and individual slots or channels are accessed separately. The two aspects can also be combined to provide a scalable and high speed pattern matching engine. The engine is adaptable to streams of known length or more complex expressions such as regular expressions with arbitrary length.

Abstract: A frame work to build and use a generic content switch is provided. The applications and the routing policy for the content switch are provided by the application provider. The content switch, however, is managed by a network provider so that there is a clear separation of the switching action and the switching policy. The basic framework consists of two key elements; a content switch and a user-defined application that also contains the switching policy.

Abstract: The resilient packet ring (RPR for short) is receiving much attention as a telecommunications network architecture. The RPR consists of dual counter-rotating ringlets and implements a ring protection scheme such as ring wrap and source steering. Topology discovery is an important aspect of the network management of the RPR. Herein described is a new topology discovery algorithm which performs in multiple phases. According to one phase of the algorithm, a station on the ring periodically exchange with only its neighboring stations a control messages containing a topology database. The topology database indicates addresses of stations on the ring and their link status. The algorithm should find applications not only in RPR but also other ring architectures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sending packets from traffic flows to queues in a network element is provided. Each traffic flow has a packet size parameter indicating a sizing constraint for its packets. The method includes the step of grouping the traffic flows into groups utilizing the packet size parameter of each traffic flow. The method further includes the step of sending packets only from traffic flows of one group to at least one designated queue. Traffic flows of the one group are identified utilizing the packet size parameter of each traffic flow.