Abstract: Architecture for a SONET network element. The architecture includes an interconnection system for a network element, including a line unit slot, a switch fabric slot, and service unit slots. The line unit slot is connected as a hub to the switch fabric slot and the service unit slots in a first star interconnection configuration. The switch fabric slot is connected as a hub to the line unit slot and the service unit slots in a second star interconnection configuration. The star interconnection configurations provide fault isolation between different units, and allow for replacement of failed units without interfering with the links of other units to the hub. A service unit is provided including a first backplane interface for connecting with an ATM star interconnect configuration within the network element, and a second backplane interface for connecting to an STM star interconnect configuration within the network element.

Abstract: A network element including an active/standby pair of line units, an active/standby pair of switch fabric units, at least one service unit, and a management and control unit. Each line unit maintains data communications using a first communications protocol. Each switch fabric unit maintains data communications using a second communications protocol. Each service unit includes a first backplane interface supporting the first communications protocol, and a second backplane interface supporting the second communications protocol. The management and control unit provides a control infrastructure for selectively communicating data units between the active/standby pair of line units, the active/standby pair of switch fabric units, and the service unit, responsive to provisioning information or information contained within the respective data unit.

Abstract: Architecture for a SONET network element. The architecture includes an interconnection system for a network element, including a line unit slot, a switch fabric slot, and service unit slots. The line unit slot is connected as a hub to the switch fabric slot and the service unit slots in a first star interconnection configuration. The switch fabric slot is connected as a hub to the line unit slot and the service unit slots in a second star interconnection configuration. The star interconnection configurations provide fault isolation between different units, and allow for replacement of failed units without interfering with the links of other units to the hub. A service unit is provided including a first backplane interface for connecting with an ATM star interconnect configuration within the network element, and a second backplane interface for connecting to an STM star interconnect configuration within the network element.

Abstract: An architecture for a SONET network element, such as a hybrid STM/ATM add-drop multiplexer. The disclosed system includes an interconnection system for a network element, including a line unit slot, a switch fabric slot, and two or more service unit slots. The line unit slot is connected as a hub to the switch fabric slot and the service unit slots in a first star interconnection configuration. The switch fabric slot is connected as a hub to the line unit slot and the service unit slots in a second star interconnection configuration. The star interconnection configurations provide fault isolation between different units, and allow for replacement of failed units without interfering with the links of other units to the hub. In a preferred embodiment, the switch fabric slot and one of the service unit slots comprise the same slot, thus permitting flexible configuration of the device within a minimal space.

Abstract: An architecture for a SONET network element, such as a hybrid STM/ATM add-drop multiplexer. The disclosed system includes an interconnection system for a network element, including a line unit slot, a switch fabric slot, and two or more service unit slots. The line unit slot is connected as a hub to the switch fabric slot and the service unit slots in a first star interconnection configuration. The switch fabric slot is connected as a hub to the line unit slot and the service unit slots in a second star interconnection configuration. The star interconnection configurations provide fault isolation between different units, and allow for replacement of failed units without interfering with the links of other units to the hub. In a preferred embodiment, the switch fabric slot and one of the service unit slots comprise the same slot, thus permitting flexible configuration of the device within a minimal space.

Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit and method for utilizing FLASH devices as nonvolatile storage elements. Information is modified by adding a new block of data at another location in the memory rather than writing over the outdated information. An address pointer locates the latest information for each data file.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for identifying remote terminals which are networked in a digital loop transmission system. A Site Interface Unit (SIU) at one of the remote terminals acts as a master. The Bank Controller Unit (BCU) at each remote terminal calculates a 16-bit number based on its 60-byte serial number. A binary search is then performed by the SIU to determine the calculated number of each BCU, and an address is assigned to each remote terminal by the SIU. Any conflicts in the numbers initially calculated are resolved by transmission of the full 60-byte serial number.

Abstract: Disclosed is a communications network for peripherals in a digital loop carrier transmission system. A broadcast STAR network is employed so that all peripherals receive any message which is broadcast by any of the peripherals. No peripheral broadcasts without clearance from the active communications hub. Two hubs can be provided to alternatively act as the active hub. Each peripheral includes a controller which transmits a request to send signal, multiplexes the request to send signal with an outgoing message, receives clear to send signals, and demultiplexes the clear to send signals from an incoming message.