Abstract: A packet switching node is coupled by links to other nodes of a network, and receives and assembles packets belonging to a specified packet flow, into bursts of packets with a burst control packet indicating a sequence of the burst in the flow. The node determines whether to distribute the flow across several links. If so, the bursts are then forwarded for switching to the output ports of the selected links. Distributing the flow over multiple links can enable more flexible and efficient filling of allocated bandwidth on links, as traffic increases. To reduce the risk of losing the order of packets the sequence of the bursts is indicated for use in reordering at intermediate nodes during transmission through the network.

Abstract: A packet forwarding node of a transport network performs a first packet forwarding mode in which received packets are processed and forwarded on a per-packet basis. The forwarding node performs a second packet forwarding mode when the node identifies a group of consecutive packets. The group of packets are destined for the same destination node of the transport network. The second packet forwarding mode comprises determining a forwarding treatment for the group of packets and forwarding the group of packets with the determined treatment. The forwarding is performed without processing the headers of at least some of the packets in the group. The group of consecutive packets is identified by a control packet preceding the group or by inter-packet signalling which indicates that the packet before the inter-packet signalling and the packet after the inter-packet signalling are to be treated as part of the same group.

Abstract: A switching matrix connects to an access network and a set of at least two operator networks. A controller performs a method of establishing new connections across the switching matrix in response to new connection requests. The new connection requests involve a sub-set of the set of operator networks. The controller determines if the new connections can be established across the switching matrix by rearranging only existing connections across the switching matrix to the sub-set of operator networks and, in response, establishes the at least one new connection. Otherwise, the controller rearranges existing connections across the switching matrix to at least one other of the set of operator networks to establish the new connections. The controller minimizes the number of other operator networks which are involved when rearranging existing connections. The switching matrix can be a Clos switching matrix.

Abstract: A switching matrix connects to an access network and a set of at least two operator networks. A controller performs a method of establishing new connections across the switching matrix in response to new connection requests. The new connection requests involve a sub-set of the set of operator networks. The controller determines if the new connections can be established across the switching matrix by rearranging only existing connections across the switching matrix to the sub-set of operator networks and, in response, establishes the at least one new connection. Otherwise, the controller rearranges existing connections across the switching matrix to at least one other of the set of operator networks to establish the new connections. The controller minimises the number of other operator networks which are involved when rearranging existing connections. The switching matrix can be a Clos switching matrix.

Abstract: A packet forwarding node of a transport network performs a first packet forwarding mode in which received packets are processed and forwarded on a per-packet basis. The forwarding node performs a second packet forwarding mode when the node identifies a group of consecutive packets. The group of packets are destined for the same destination node of the transport network. The second packet forwarding mode comprises determining a forwarding treatment for the group of packets and forwarding the group of packets with the determined treatment. The forwarding is performed without processing the headers of at least some of the packets in the group. The group of consecutive packets is identified by a control packet preceding the group or by inter-packet signalling which indicates that the packet before the inter-packet signalling and the packet after the inter-packet signalling are to be treated as part of the same group.