Abstract: A data switch is provided which routes fixed-size data packets from input ports to output ports, using shared memory which holds a copy of each packet in buffers. Output ports have a queue which contains pointers to buffers holding packets bound for that port. The number of shared memory buffers holding packets is compared to the number of buffer pointers in the output queues. In this way, a Multicast Index (MCI), a metric of the level of multicast traffic, is derived. The switch includes a Switch Core Adaptation Layer (SCAL) which has a multicast input queue. Because traffic is handled based on priority class P, a multicast threshold MCT(P), associated with the multicast input queue, is established per priority. While receiving traffic, the MCI is updated and, for each priority class in each SCAL, the MCI is compared to the MCT(P) to determine whether corresponding multicast traffic must be held.

Abstract: A data switch is provided which routes fixed-size data packets from input ports to output ports, using shared memory which holds a copy of each packet in buffers. Output ports have a queue which contains pointers to buffers holding packets bound for that port. The number of shared memory buffers holding packets is compared to the number of buffer pointers in the output queues. In this way, a Multicast Index (MCI), a metric of the level of multicast traffic, is derived. The switch includes a Switch Core Adaptation Layer (SCAL) which has a multicast input queue. Because traffic is handled based on priority class P, a multicast threshold MCT(P), associated with the multicast input queue, is established per priority. While receiving traffic, the MCI is updated and, for each priority class in each SCAL, the MCI is compared to the MCT(P) to determine whether corresponding multicast traffic must be held.

Abstract: System for monitoring the performance of at least one line at a node of a digital communication network, such a system including a set of hardware registers associated with the line for registering line performance information associated therewith, a set of counters associated with the line, each counter defining a parameter depending on the line performance information, and a processing unit for, during a predetermined period of time, gathering the line performance information from the counters in a performance report to be sent to a network management unit. One table (22, 24 or 26) is associated with the line and stores all the data necessary to read the parameter for each counter of the associated set of counters with the line, and a processing machine (20) reads the table, sequentially computes the parameters defined by each counter by using the data stored in the table, and sequentially updates the counters.

Abstract: A network node supports switching fixed length information cells between a source unit and a destination unit. The invention uses two lookup tables called the active and the standby calendars for each of said output line. Each entry in the calendars represents the position of one cell in the output cell stream which will be sent onto said output lines. While the active calendar is controlling the network cell multiplexing onto a node output line, the standby calendar is updated at each traffic change by looking for a calendar free position for the new traffic starting with a targeted theoretical entry position. A Free Location Table (700) is used, storing the calendar organized by pages. The standby calendar updating starts with reading a Free Location Table page pointed at by the most significant bits of the theoretical entry. Should said page contain only ones (i.e., no free cell position) looking for the nearest page containing at least one zero (i.e.

Abstract: The remote power On devices used for powering a system from a remote console, to restart the system after a power failure. The remote console is connected to the system through switched network and autoanswer modem. When the connection is established the ring indicator signal of the modem interface is provided to the power control system controlling the power distribution in system. In response to this signal, the system service processor is powered on so that it is able to send messages to console inviting an operator to enter a password authorizing the general power on of the system. The password entered by the operator is sent to processor, checked and if it is correct the general power on of the system occurs. If not, the function is cancelled. In addition, the function may be inhibited at the remote system. This insures that the remote powering function is performed safely.