Abstract: A synchronizer/de-synchronizer maps continuous format signals of an arbitrary rate into frames of pre-selected single common rate, such as SONET frames, with no bits changed and very little jitter or wander added. In this way, the continuous format signal may be carried transparently as a tributary of a SONET network. Each frame comprises a definite number of fixed stuff bits, including transport overhead bits and reminder fixed stuff bits. A frame also comprises an adjustable number of adaptive stuff bits, resulting from the phase difference between the arbitrary rate and the common rate. A mapping function is performed in a tributary unit shelf of a SONET transport shelf, and the reverse mapping function is performed in a similar way at the far end of a SONET connection. The stuff bits are spread uniformly within the frame.

Abstract: A conferencing method not requiring additional or dedicated hardware in a processor controlled telephone terminal, nor requiring an external conference bridge, is provided by one of the terminals designating the conference, processing signals from two other conferees and delaying only two of the conferees active talkers at any given time. The two active conferees do not receive their own signal. An active conferee remains declared active during a dynamic hangover time, which varies between a minimum and a maximum corresponding to the activity time of the conferee.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying one or more characteristics of an optical signal, in which a transmitter is operable to transmit an optical signal and a receiving unit is operable to receive the optical signal. The transmitter has a laser for generating the optical signal and an encoding unit adapted to control the laser to activate and deactivate the optical signal during a laser shutdown state based on a predetermined code. The receiving unit has an optical receiver optically coupled to the transmitter by a light transmission medium and is operable to receive the optical signal from the transmitter. The receiving unit also has a decoder measuring at least one of an active time of the optical signal and the inactive time between active times of the optical signal. The decoder determines at least one of the one or more characteristics of the optical system based on at least one of the active time or the inactive time.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying one or more characteristics of an optical signal, in which a transmitter is operable to transmit an optical signal and a receiving unit is operable to receive the optical signal. The transmitter has a laser for generating the optical signal and an encoding unit adapted to control the laser to activate and deactivate the optical signal during a laser shutdown state based on a predetermined code. The receiving unit has an optical receiver optically coupled to the transmitter by a light transmission medium and is operable to receive the optical signal from the transmitter. The receiving unit also has a decoder measuring at least one of an active time of the optical signal and the inactive time between active times of the optical signal. The decoder determines at least one of the one or more characteristics of the optical system based on at least one of the active time or the inactive time.

Abstract: An interface that provides priority access to a network is disclosed. The interface includes several ports. Preferably the ports are Ethernet compliant ports. At least one of the ports transmits high priority frames in advance of lower priority frames. High priority frames are preferably buffered. Buffered high priority frames pre-empt transmission of lower priority frames at the port. If the port is operating half duplex using CSMA/CD, transmission of high priority frames pre-empts re-transmission of lower priority frames for which a collision has been detected. Additionally, in the case of frames to be broadcast to multiple ports, buffered frames may be transmitted at varying times at the ports at which the frame is to be broadcast. The interface may further buffer frames received at each port. As the buffer fills, flow of frames into the interface is preferably limited on a per-port basis, based on the number of frames already buffered for a particular port.

Abstract: A synchronizer/de-synchronizer maps continuous format signals of an arbitrary rate into frames of pre-selected single common rate, such as SONET frames, with no bits changed and very little jitter or wander added. In this way, the continuous format signal may be carried transparently as a tributary of a SONET network. Each frame comprises a definite number of fixed stuff bits, including transport overhead bits and reminder fixed stuff bits. A frame also comprises an adjustable number of adaptive stuff bits, resulting from the phase difference between the arbitrary rate and the common rate. A mapping function is performed in a tributary unit shelf of a SONET transport shelf, and the reverse mapping function is performed in a similar way at the far end of a SONET connection. The stuff bits are spread uniformly within the frame.