Abstract: A multi-channel network is disclosed in which channels can be designated as “active” or “inactive” and changes can be made from one channel to another based on a metric which is a function of various channel parameters such as throughput and stability. In one form, the metric is a linear combination of factors such as the mean of the round trip time sequence of previous packets (indicating throughput) and the sample variance of the sequence of retransmission timeout values computed for previous transmission attempts (indicating stability). Regardless of the specific form of the metric or the estimation procedures for the channel parameters, these factors are combined using user-specified weights which permit the user to emphasize the relative importance of individual factors, thereby characterizing the strategy whereby “active” or “inactive” paths are used.

Abstract: The present disclosure addresses a system and method for failure tolerant communications using a transmission control protocol, preferably SCTP. In a preferred embodiment, an association is created between two instances of SCTP, where each instance is an endpoint. While an SCTP association provides for multiple IP addresses providing for multiple paths between the instances, it expressly does not provide for failover of the node occupied by the instance itself. The preferred embodiment provides a duplicate instance of SCTP on a separate node in the cluster which provides a hot back-up to the primary instance. The duplicate instance is maintained by replicating the state information for the association to keep the duplicate instance relatively synchronized with the primary instance.

Abstract: A multi-channel network is disclosed in which channels can be designated as “active” or “inactive” and changes can be made from one channel to another based on a metric which is a function of various channel parameters such as throughput and stability. In one form, the metric is a linear combination of factors such as the mean of the round trip time sequence of previous packets (indicating throughput) and the sample variance of the sequence of retransmission timeout values computed for previous transmission attempts (indicating stability). Regardless of the specific form of the metric or the estimation procedures for the channel parameters, these factors are combined using user-specified weights which permit the user to emphasize the relative importance of individual factors, thereby characterizing the strategy whereby “active” or “inactive” paths are used.

Abstract: A system and method for minimizing wireless packet delay is disclosed. As mobile nodes travel within a wireless communications network, they are transferred (or “handed off”) between zones within the network to maintain continuity of communication. Traditionally, transferring between zones requires the mobile node to notify the network upon travelling to a new zone, and handoff data is then transferred between the mobile and the network before communications can resume. Wireless networks may experience delay and latency in communications due to the mobile node being transferred between zones. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wireless network transmits data preemptively to multiple cells. In selecting which zones data is sent to, prediction algorithms may be employed that monitor information including location of a mobile node and which cells are operational, then a list of candidate cells that the mobile node may enter is generated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing the configuration of telecommunications networks and/or computer networks with proximity keys. A proximity key can be embedded in or removably coupled to a cable. Data can be stored in the key that uniquely identifies the cable to which the key is attached. A proximity key reader can be placed on a network device or in a portable device. A reader coupled to a network device can contain information that identifies the device to which it is attached. When the proximity key on the cable and the proximity key reader are brought near each other the reader reads the data in the key. A control unit can use the cable and device identification data to confirm a proper connection between a cable and a device and to document which devices are connected by which cables.