Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the specification and drawings facilitate the transportation of data packets having diverse formats through a general packet switching system. Due to the diverse formats of the data packets used by various common communications protocols, it is has been difficult to produce general packet switching systems that are able to switch multiple protocols. Embodiments of the present invention provide a Unified Data Packet for encapsulating data packets having diverse formats. Through encapsulation, embodiments of the present invention improve switching system efficiency by providing a single data packet format for handling by the switching system while enabling data packets in diverse formats to pass through the switch.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the specification and drawings facilitate the transportation of data packets having diverse formats through a general packet switching system. Due to the diverse formats of the data packets used by various common communications protocols, it is has been difficult to produce general packet switching systems that are able to switch multiple protocols. Embodiments of the present invention provide a Unified Data Packet for encapsulating data packets having diverse formats. Through encapsulation, embodiments of the present invention improve switching system efficiency by providing a single data packet format for handling by the switching system while enabling data packets in diverse formats to pass through the switch.

Abstract: A segmented protection system and method. The invention comprises a plurality of Processing Modules arranged in series along a Protection Bus. A number of Protection Groups may be formed along the Protection Bus, with each Protection Group comprising at least one Protection Processing Module and at least one Working Processing Module. Upon failure of the Working Processing Module, the Protection Processing Module substitutes for the failed Working Processing Module.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the specification and drawings facilitate the transportation of data packets having diverse formats through a general packet switching system. Due to the diverse formats of the data packets used by various common communications protocols, it is has been difficult to produce general packet switching systems that are able to switch multiple protocols. Embodiments of the present invention provide a Unified Data Packet for encapsulating data packets having diverse formats. Through encapsulation, embodiments of the present invention improve switching system efficiency by providing a single data packet format for handling by the switching system while enabling data packets in diverse formats to pass through the switch.

Abstract: A segmented protection system and method. The invention comprises a plurality of Processing Modules arranged in series along a Protection Bus. A number of Protection Groups may be formed along the Protection Bus, with each Protection Group comprising at least one Protection Processing Module and at least one Working Processing Module. Upon failure of the Working Processing Module, the Protection Processing Module substitutes for the failed Working Processing Module.

Abstract: A segmented protection system and method. The invention comprises a plurality of Processing Modules arranged in series along a Protection Bus. A number of Protection Groups may be formed along the Protection Bus, with each Protection Group comprising at least one Protection Processing Module and at least one Working Processing Module. Upon failure of the Working Processing Module, the Protection Processing Module substitutes for the failed Working Processing Module.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the specification and drawings facilitate the transportation of data packets having diverse formats through a general packet switching system. Due to the diverse formats of the data packets used by various common communications protocols, it is has been difficult to produce general packet switching systems that are able to switch multiple protocols. Embodiments of the present invention provide a Unified Data Packet for encapsulating data packets having diverse formats. Through encapsulation, embodiments of the present invention improve switching system efficiency by providing a single data packet format for handling by the switching system while enabling data packets in diverse formats to pass through the switch.