Abstract: A method and system for designing a bi-connected ring-based network is provided, which designs from scratch or converts an existing network to a dual-homed ring-based network. The network covers the locations capable of being bi-connected with one or more cycles/rings. The traffic demand is then routed via the cycles, in such a way so as to minimize the amount of network traffic management equipment required.

Abstract: A computer-based method of scheduling jobs for processing by resources. The method proceeds by identifying resources capable of processing a first job and selecting a second job for rescheduling from jobs currently being processed by the identified resources such that the second job can be processed by resources other than the identified resources. Scheduling further includes scheduling the first job for processing by the resource currently processing the second job and rescheduling the second job. The method used to schedule the first job may be repeated to reschedule the second job and any jobs displaced by rescheduling the second job.

Abstract: A switch core is set forth that comprises a plurality of duplex switches that are interconnected with a interconnection fabric to implement, for example, strictly non-blocking operation of the switch core for reciprocal traffic. In one embodiment, an N-way reciprocal switch is implemented. The N-way reciprocal switch comprises a plurality of duplex switches numbering N of at least a 1×(N−1) switch type (e.g., the duplex switches have at least N−1 ports available for connection to implement the interconnection fabric). The interconnection fabric interconnects the plurality of duplex switches so that each duplex switch is connected to every other duplex switch used in the interconnection fabric by a single connection. A similar architecture using switches numbering N of at least a 1×N switch type are also set forth.

Abstract: A reduced component optical switch module includes a plurality of ports wherein each port includes an optical input and an optical output. A plurality of switchable deflectors in combination with a plurality of non-switchable deflectors can be used to establish transmission paths between pairs of ports to support traffic reciprocity. In one embodiment, the ports and switchable elements are configured so as to provide substantially constantly transmission paths within the respective module. In another embodiment, additional deflector elements can be provided to implement loop-back functionality at one or more of the ports.

Abstract: An interconnect element incorporates a plurality of smaller, substantially identical, interconnect modules. Multiple identical elements can in turn be combined to form larger interconnect networks. Signal paths in the elements can be implemented with optical fibers or electrical conductors.

Abstract: A switch core is set forth that comprises a plurality of duplex switches that are interconnected with a interconnection fabric to implement, for example, strictly non-blocking operation of the switch core for reciprocal traffic. In one embodiment, an N-way reciprocal switch is implemented. The N-way reciprocal switch comprises a plurality of duplex switches numbering N of at least a 1×(N−1) switch type (e.g., the duplex switches have at least N−1 ports available for connection to implement the interconnection fabric). The interconnection fabric interconnects the plurality of duplex switches so that each duplex switch is connected to every other duplex switch used in the interconnection fabric by a single connection. A similar architecture using switches numbering N of at least a 1×N switch type are also set forth.

Abstract: A reduced component optical switch module includes a plurality of ports wherein each port includes an optical input and an optical output. A plurality of switchable deflectors in combination with a plurality of non-switchable deflectors can be used to establish transmission paths between pairs of ports to support traffic reciprocity. In one embodiment, the ports and switchable elements are configured so as to provide substantially constantly transmission paths within the respective module. In another embodiment, additional deflector elements can be provided to implement loop-back functionality at one or more of the ports.

Abstract: A reduced component optical switch module includes a plurality of ports wherein each port includes an optical input and an optical output. A plurality of switchable deflectors in combination with a plurality of non-switchable deflectors can be used to establish transmission paths between pairs of ports to support traffic reciprocity. In one embodiment, the ports and switchable elements are configured so as to provide substantially constantly transmission paths within the respective module. In another embodiment, additional deflector elements can be provided to implement loop-back functionality at one or more of the ports.

Abstract: A modified air activated pressure valve is described, together with a method for its manufacture, that has a pressure sensitive switch located in the inlet chamber and in the outlet chamber. These pressure sensitive switches are preset by the user to output a finite voltage (typically about 5 volts) only when they are exposed to a pressure that exceeeds some value. The outputs of both switches may then be displayed, as needed. Additionally, a display circuit is provided that gives an output signal only when both the inlet and the outlet chambers are at or above their intended pressures.