Abstract: An apparatus comprising at least one component configured to implement a method comprising inserting best effort packet (BEP) data into a synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH)/synchronous optical network (SONET) frame without encapsulating or reframing the BEP data. Also disclosed is an apparatus comprising a SDH/SONET framer, and a multiplexer coupled to the SDH/SONET framer, wherein the multiplexer is configured to receive native-form BEP data. Included is an apparatus comprising at least one component configured to implement a method comprising receiving time division multiplexed (TDM) data, receiving BEP data, switching the TDM data using a TDM switch fabric, switching the BEP data using a packet switch fabric, and transmitting at least some of the TDM data and the BEP data over a single interface without encapsulating the BEP data.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, the present invention provides a system for managing signaling messages in a telecommunication system. The system includes a first control module that is operable to receive signaling messages from a plurality of signaling links, process the signaling messages, and send the processed signaling messages through a communication network interface. The system also includes a second control module that is operable to receive the signaling messages from the plurality of signaling links, process the signaling messages, and send the processed signaling messages through a communication network interface. The system further includes a Matelink coupled to the first control module and the second control module. The Matelink is operable to communicate the status of the first control module to the second control module and the status of the second control module to the first control module.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, the present invention provides an apparatus for controlling a signaling link. The apparatus includes a plurality of receivers and a plurality of drivers. Each receiver receives signaling messages from one of a plurality of first signaling links, and each driver sends signaling messages over one of a plurality of second signaling links. The apparatus also includes an interface that receives signaling messages and control data from a control module and sends signaling messages and control data to the control module. The apparatus further includes a processor coupled to the receivers, the drivers, and the interface. The processor receives signaling messages from the receivers and multiplexes portions of the signaling messages together for communication through the interface. The processor also receives portions of signaling messages from the interface and demultiplexes the portions for communication to the drivers.

Abstract: A telecommunications network environment (10) includes a signaling server (20) accessible by maintenance interfaces (12) and network interfaces (14). The signaling server (20) includes a signaling link controller (83) that receives and processes signaling information received from network elements and other signaling servers. The signaling link controller (83) extracts a data portion of the signaling information for message transfer part level two processing. For additional processing, the data portion of the signaling information may be routed over an Ethernet switch (76) to another signaling link controller (83) or to a signaling services controller (99) for signaling connection control part processing. The signaling services control element (99) may perform local number portability lookup and global title translation on the received data portion. After processing, the signaling link controller (83) generates a return message in response to the signaling information.

Abstract: A telecommunications shelf is disclosed that includes a back portion of a shelf, a bus control transition module, and a back plane. The back portion of the shelf is operable to receive a plurality of transition modules. The bus control transition module is received in the back portion of the shelf. The back plane is coupled to the bus control transition module. The bus control transition module is operable to provide system functions for a plurality of cards in the shelf over the back plane.

Abstract: A bus control module for a delivery unit, which interfaces an optical fiber network to a switching matrix. The bus control module controls transport of control data and network data between various application modules of the delivery unit. The control data and network data are carried as datagrams on ingress links from the application modules and on egress links to the application modules.