Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for interfacing an asynchronous network with a synchronous network and in particular for efficiently utilizing available bandwidth of a synchronous network transmit opportunity. In one embodiment asynchronous traffic arrives via an asynchronous network at a network device, such as a switch, for transmission over a synchronous network. The traffic is parsed into cells and after switching, a reassembly unit is provided for processing one or more cells buckets. Write operations occur based on an ingress pointer while read operations are controlled by an egress pointer. Upon occurrence of a transmit opportunity on the synchronous network, the entire bandwidth of the transmit opportunity is utilized by loading awaiting cells from bucket memory on to the synchronous network. Sufficient cells are stored in memory between the memory locations identified by the ingress pointer and the egress pointer to insure total utilization of transmit opportunity bandwidth.

Abstract: System and method for dynamically altering bandwidth allocation to each region serviced by a network. Each region is allocated an initial estimated bandwidth on the network and compares instantaneous demand against the allocation. When demand falls below the allocation, the region releases bandwidth so other regions can take advantage of that bandwidth. When demand exceeds the allocation, the region takes advantage of bandwidth released by other regions.

Abstract: Alternate routing tables selected according to data packet priority or according to source and destination addresses of data packet. Data packet propagated to egress port according to indicator provided by selected routing table with expediency dictated by data packet priority or priority indicator stored in the selected routing table.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for interfacing an asynchronous network with a synchronous network and in particular for efficiently utilizing available bandwidth of a synchronous network transmit opportunity. In one embodiment asynchronous traffic arrives via an asynchronous network at a network device, such as a switch, for transmission over a synchronous network. The traffic is parsed into cells and after switching, a reassembly unit is provided for processing one or more cells buckets. Write operations occur based on an ingress pointer while read operations are controlled by an egress pointer. Upon occurrence of a transmit opportunity on the synchronous network, the entire bandwidth of the transmit opportunity is utilized by loading awaiting cells from bucket memory on to the synchronous network. Sufficient cells are stored in memory between the memory locations identified by the ingress pointer and the egress pointer to insure total utilization of transmit opportunity bandwidth.

Abstract: A signaling technique for use with an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) over asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) system is disclosed. The ATM over ADSL system employs an ATM multiplexer (MUX) operatively connected to a number of downstream ATM devices and operatively connected to an upstream ATM switch. The MUX is configured to receive and process upstream setup messages that originate from the downstream ATM devices. In response to an upstream message cell, the MUX compares the call reference number (CRN) contained in the setup message with a table of CRN values associated with other calls. If necessary, the MUX assigns a new CRN value to the current setup message such that the current connection with the originating downstream device is uniquely identified by the assigned CRN. The MUX uses a CRN mapping table to facilitate the unambiguous downstream routing of subsequent signaling cells.

Abstract: System and method for dynamically altering bandwidth allocation to each region serviced by a network. Each region is allocated an initial estimated bandwidth on the network and compares instantaneous demand against the allocation. When demand falls below the allocation, the region releases bandwidth so other regions can take advantage of that bandwidth. When demand exceeds the allocation, the region takes advantage of bandwidth released by other regions.