Abstract: A scheduler block that schedules and shapes packets such as ATM cells. The scheduler block includes multiple queues. Each queue is associated with a physical layer device. Each queue stores packets intended for the physical layer device associated with that queue. Each packet has a priority level associated therewith and a weight indicative of the priority level of that packet. The scheduler block also includes a shaper that retrieves packets from the queues and forwards the packets to the interface. The order in which the packets are retrieved from the plurality of queues is based on the weight assigned to each packet. For each physical layer device, the shaper shapes the packets retrieved from the queue associated with that physical layer device based on a data rate for that physical layer device.

Abstract: A telecommunications gateway enables the conversion of signaling information from one protocol to another. The telecommunications gateway is in communication with a plurality of costumer equipment devices having different customer protocols. The telecommunications gateway is also in communication with a plurality of service provider equipment devices having different service provider protocols. The telecommunications gateway comprises a plurality of protocol handlers, wherein each protocol handler is associated with a given customer protocol or service provider protocol, and a plurality of operation modules in communication with each of the protocol handlers. Each of the protocol handlers is configured to convert input signals in conformance with the associated protocol to a generic information format. In addition, each of the protocol handlers is configured to convert information from the generic information format to output signals in conformance with the associated protocol.

Abstract: A method for automatic provisioning of ATM traffic is provided. The method includes receiving upstream asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) data from customer premises equipment, detecting the port number at which the upstream ATM data is received, and reading a first virtual path identifier (VPI) number of the upstream ATM data from the header information. The method further includes acquiring a new VPI number for the upstream ATM traffic based on the receiving port number and the first VPI number, attaching the new VPI number to the upstream ATM traffic, and directly mapping the ATM traffic onto one or more TDM transmission lines.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling traffic on an SDH/SONET access network in which there are one or more central units and associated remote units, the remote units slaved to the frames generated by the central unit.

Abstract: A method of ring protection is provided. The method includes feeding traffic on two transmission rings at a head end node and summing all traffic received on the transmission rings at the head end node. When a facility failure is detected, by a remote node, on one of the two transmission rings, transmitting forward alarm signals on the one transmission ring and return alarm signals on the other transmission ring and globally selecting the one transmission ring to transmit traffic and the other transmission ring to receive traffic from the head end node. When a remote node receives a forward alarm signal, the remote node passes the forward alarm signal on the transmission ring on which the forward alarm signal was received and globally selects the transmission ring on which the forward alarm signal was received to transmit traffic and the other transmission ring to receive traffic from the head end node.

Abstract: A known clock frequency is divided into at least two phases, and the rising and the falling edges of each of the divided signals are counted. The sum total of edges in a given time period is compared to a stored sum of edges during an earlier time period of the same duration. Adjustment to the local clock is made if sufficient differences are detected.