Abstract: A method and system for downloading software managed trees (SMTs) in a network processing system provides dynamic update of frame classifiers while maintaining proper network protocol processing. The network processing system includes a general purpose processor acting as control point processor and a plurality of network processors. The new SMT is built by an application on the control point processor and downloaded to one or more of the network processors. The new SMT is placed in a separate memory location accessible to the network processors, rather then overwriting the existing SMT. The active tree pointers are then changed to transfer control to the new SMT.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling overall behavior of a network processor device implemented in a network processing environment servicing a communications network. The method includes steps of receiving a guided control frame including one or more control functions for configuring various functional devices within the network processor with device control parameter data; a step of forwarding one or more control functions from a received control frame to a functional device within the network processor to be configured; and, executing the control functions as specified in the control frame. A novel control frame data structure and communications infrastructure is implemented whereby any network processor device operating in a distributed network processing environment may be controlled in accordance with executed control functions and device control parameter data.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for alleviating switch congestion caused by long hold times for on-line access calls. A protocol converting device is connected to the originating switch in a public network, usually an ISDN switch. We call the protocol converting device a “smart connector”. The smart connector is connected to the switch by a high speed LAN. The smart connector and the switch include computer program code and hardware which allow the smart connector to transparently re-direct on-line access calls away from the switch and the public network and to a service provider, usually an Internet service provider, through a dedicated data network connected to the provider's point-of-presence (POP). The smart connector provides protocol conversion functions.