Abstract: Apparatus and method that increases bandwidth and reliability of digital subscriber line (DSL) connections. The system involves provisioning multiple DSL lines, splitting traffic into cells, transmitting the cells independently of each other, and reassembling the cells at the destination. Sequence numbers may be used when reassembling the cells. Virtual circuits (VCs) may be constructed across the DSL lines. Accordingly, a failure in one DSL line merely reduces the bandwidth without disruption to the customer. In this manner, the customer can be inexpensively provided with increased bandwidth and reliability.

Abstract: A combined wide area network (WAN) port/synchronization unit that receives inputs including data and timing information and that synchronizes the data for transmission. The unit includes the following components. A network interface receives the input and removes data and primary timing information from the input. A data-path function processes the data. A reference selection unit receives timing information from the network interface as well as timing information from a secondary combined WAN port/synchronization unit. A synchronization control unit selects the most reliable timing information from the plurality of timing information inputs to the reference selection unit. A multiplexor multiplexes the timing information with the processed data across a link.

Abstract: A method is described for improving bandwidth utilization on point-to-point and point-to-multipoint links, wherein data packets are transmitted across the links in cells. The method includes the following steps. A context is defined comprising a plurality of protocol headers for the data packets. At a transmitter, the protocol headers associated with subsequent data to be transmitted are replaced with a compressed header. At a receiver, the compressed header is used for identifying an associated context. The compressed header is replaced with the plurality of headers in accordance with the associated context. How many of the plurality of protocol headers to be compressed is determined such that header compression achieves a header size reduction equal to or greater than a payload size of the cells, thereby improving bandwidth utilization of the link.

Abstract: A distributed system for communicating between a host digital terminal and a remote terminal. The host digital terminal is coupled between a central office digital terminal and a distribution network. The remote terminal is coupled between the distribution network and a plurality of subscriber loops. The system further includes a first network interface in communication with the host digital terminal for translating between an interface group protocol and a gateway control protocol. A distribution network switching fabric routes data between the host digital terminal and the remote terminal. A second network interface is in communication with the remote terminal for performing commands received from the first network interface and responding accordingly. Such a system enhances the evolution to next-generation packet networks.

Abstract: A system enhances automation of activating network service between a customer modem and a central office modem over a digital subscriber line (DSL) link. The central office modem couples the customer modem to a network for providing the network service. The system comprises a polling system coupled with the central office modems. The polling system polls inactive central office modems in order to detect the presence of an associated customer modem. A discovery application is coupled with the polling system and the central office modems for selectively enabling ones of the central office modems in accordance with a result of the polling system. If the polling system detects the presence of the customer modem, the associated central office modem is enabled for providing network service to a customer.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for accelerating ATM connections. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive an ATM connection setup message, a memory coupled to the receiver, a table stored in the memory configured to store at least one table connection setup parameter, a parser engine configured to extract at least one message connection setup parameter, an analysis engine configured to compare the extracted message connection setup parameter to at least one table connection setup parameter, and a setup engine that makes a connection between at least two of the plurality of nodes based upon the table connection setup parameter or the message connection setup parameter.

Abstract: A network shelf is disclosed for connecting a number of devices together. The shelf includes a backplane having multiple device slots. It also includes multiple links connected to each device slot. Each of the device slots is normally connected to at least one of the other device slots through at least one of the links. The limit on the number of devices being connected together in a full mesh configuration is one more than the number of links on a given device slot.

Abstract: A plurality of end devices are coupled via a shared port to an asynchronous network in which traffic is carried in cells. A cell multiplexer is disposed between the devices and the port and is adapted to multiplex cells from the devices to the port in the order in which they are received by the multiplexer. The multiplexer broadcasts cells received from the network to all of the devices. Each said device is allocated a respective VCI so that it can identify its own cells from the broadcast cells.