Abstract: A flexible cross-connect with a data plane is presented which allows the establishment of connections between network interfaces at any network interface card to another network interface on any other network interface card. The system can cross-connect connections at an STS-1 and VT 1.5 granularity, and allows the switching and routing of information in a data plane without the use of the cross connect fabric. This permits routing, bridging, and concentration of data services to be performed without burdening of the cross connect. For reliability, a range of protection configurations can be employed including 1:1, 1:5 and mixed 1:N protection. A backplane is used which provides point-to-point traces between each card and the cross connect unit, between each card and a timing, communications and control unit, and between the network interface cards themselves.

Abstract: A flexible cross-connect with a data plane is presented which allows the establishment of connections between network interfaces at any network interface card to another network interface on any other network interface card. The system can cross-connect connections at an STS-1 and VT 1.5 granularity, and allows the switching and routing of information in a data plane without the use of the cross connect fabric. This permits routing, bridging, and concentration of data services to be performed without burdening of the cross connect. For reliability, a range of protection configurations can be employed including 1:1, 1:5 and mixed 1:N protection. A backplane is used which provides point-to-point traces between each card and the cross connect unit, between each card and a timing, communications and control unit, and between the network interface cards themselves.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for cross-connecting high-speed telecommunications signals at a cross-connect apparatus. The cross-connect apparatus can transmit the telecommunications signals from an input interface card to a cross-connect card, and from the cross-connect card to an output interface card without any synchronization information. Synchronization of the signals is accomplished with circuitry contained on the interface cards and the cross-connect card. The cross-connect apparatus also includes a control unit for managing the control and timing of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system for packaging frames or packets encoded in a variety of formats, for example, Frame Relay, Ethernet, ATM, or TCP/IP. The method includes: accumulating first and second packets; determining the length of each packet; and storing the lengths into a header associated with the first packet. By using the length field, frame synchronization can be efficiently achieved and maintained for the packets encoded using the method.

Abstract: A flexible cross-connect with a data plane is presented which allows the establishment of connections between network interfaces at any network interface card to another network interface on any other network interface card. The system can cross-connect connections at an STS-1 and VT 1.5 granularity, and allows the switching and routing of information in a data plane without the use of the cross connect fabric. This permits routing, bridging, and concentration of data services to be performed without burdening of the cross connect. For reliability, a range of protection configurations can be employed including 1:1, 1:5 and mixed 1:N protection. A backplane is used which provides point-to-point traces between each card and the cross connect unit, between each card and a timing, communications and control unit, and between the network interface cards themselves.

Abstract: A system and method for converting the numerous quantities, types, and arrangements of plug-in card connectors, usually disposed on the backplane of equipment systems, to an orderly and standardized array of external connectors. The external connectors facilitate the electrical connection between the cards and one of a variety of specific external cable connectors.