Abstract: The extended messaging scheme adds additional packet formats to the prior art 6-byte Lucent Access Interface Unit (AIU) Message Format of Table 1. The extended messaging scheme supports multi-packet messaging over telecommunication system configurations not supported by the prior art AIU Message Format. In one implementation, the extended messaging scheme includes (1) a “first-of-many” packet format for the initial data packets of messages requiring more than one 6-byte data packet, (2) a “continuation” packet format for the one or more subsequent data packets corresponding to such multi-packet messages, and (3) a “first-and-only” packet format for messages requiring only a single data packet. The extended messaging scheme enables telecommunication systems to be configured with one or more (possibly non-co-located) client terminals in addition to a main remote terminal to provide telecommunication services to a large number of widely distributed customers.

Abstract: The source code for a computer program contains a plurality of debug output statements that provide a debug output string when the computer program is running. Each debug output statement comprises a fixed-content text string field which is provided in the debug output string. The fixed-content text string field of each debug output statement is replaced with a unique text string number to provide stripped source code. A number-to-string mapping table for translating each unique text string number into a corresponding fixed-content text string is constructed. The stripped source code is compiled to provide stripped object code. The stripped object code for the computer program is run on a target computer. A debug computer receives debug output strings from corresponding debug output statements of the computer program, each debug output string having a unique text string number.

Abstract: A method for handling upgrades of systems comprising two circuit packs which contain memory. In one embodiment, on some trigger signal to a circuit pack, that circuit pack acts as a slave circuit pack, and causes version information for the data stored in the memory of the second circuit pack, which acts as a master circuit pack, to be transferred to the slave circuit pack. If the transferred version information indicates that the data in the slave circuit pack should be updated, the slave circuit pack causes a transfer of information from memory in the master circuit pack to the slave circuit pack, and stores the new information in the memory of the slave circuit pack.

Abstract: A central controller, such as an RF distribution shelf (RFDS) of a hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) access system, keeps track of the different channels assigned to different remote units, such as the network interface units (NIUs) of the HFC system. Information about the different channel assignments (e.g., for upstream channels) is broadcast to the remote units as part of the overhead bits in each of the downstream channels. Each remote unit monitors the broadcast messages and, over time, updates its own version of the data structure containing the channel assignments, as appropriate. In one embodiment, the central controller also transmits a second type of broadcast message indicating when changes in the channel assignments occur.

Abstract: A data system, such as a computer network or a telecommunications system, has a base station and a number of nodes called network interface units (NIUs). Each NIU is assigned to one of a number of groups of NIUs. The base station transmits special data to the NIUs indicating which groups of NIUs are currently authorized to transmit upstream messages to the base station, where only the authorized NIUs are allowed to transmit upstream messages. When message collisions in the upstream direction becomes a problem, the base station can reduce the number of NIU groups that are authorized at any given time to transmit upstream messages, in order to attempt to reduce the rate of message collisions. In one possible embodiment, each NIU is assigned horizontal and vertical group words that identify to which group it is assigned. The special data contain additional horizontal and vertical code words that are monitored by the NIUs.

Abstract: A special network interface unit (NIU) for a communication system, called a super NIU, simulates operations of multiple NIUs, called virtual NIUs, for such purposes as testing other components of the communication system. The super NIU has a real (i.e., actual) NIU that communicates with a message simulator implemented on a PC configured with the actual NIU. The component to be tested (e.g., the host digital terminal of the communication system) sends downstream messages intended for the virtual NIUs to the super NIU, which handles the downstream messages, generates any necessary upstream messages from the virtual NIUs, and transmits the upstream messages back to the component.

Abstract: A transmit-receive unit (TRU) which includes interface circuitry for interconnection with another TRU. Interconnect lines can carry PCM data to and from a line interface unit as well as share system information between the two transmit-receive units. An embedded operation channel data path multiplexer (EDP) also permits transmission of data between the transmit-receive unit and a bank controller unit over a service request lead.