Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a mobile station in a Compact packet transfer mode with discontinuously transmitting neighbor cell control channel carriers, as is a mobile station that operates in accordance with the method. The method features, when operating in a Traffic mode, and during Traffic frames, determining if the transmitter is off and, if it is, tuning a frequency source during the unused transmit timeslot for receiving a channel from a neighbor cell to make a measurement, or if the neighbor cell is on the same frequency as the serving cell frequency, making the neighbor cell measurement without retuning the frequency source. The method further features, during Traffic mode Idle frames, making at least four neighbor cell measurements per 52-multiframe. The neighbor cell control channels include a Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) and a Compact Packet Broadcast Control Channel (CPBCCH).

Abstract: The dedicated telecommunications lines functioning as data trunks carrying voice and data between the switching points of a wireless communications system are replaced by virtual data trunks implemented over an Internet Protocol network. An IP gateway associated with each switching point receives a plurality of data trunks carrying communications data. The data are assembled into IP packets, with a source address associated with the gateway and a destination address derived from which data trunk carried the communications data. The IP packets are sent across an IP network to the destination gateways. Incoming data packets, with a destination IP address matching that associated with the IP gateway, are received at the gateway. The data are extracted from the IP packets, and directed to one of the data trunks to the switching point, based on the IP source address of the packet.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for duplicate address detection in a communication network includes a plurality of communication nodes and a proxy node. A particular one of the communication nodes generates a tentative interface address and transmits a solicitation message including the tentative interface address to the proxy node. After receiving the solicitation message, the proxy node determines from the solicitation message whether the tentative interface address is allocated to another of the communication nodes. If the proxy node determines that the tentative interface address has been allocated to another communication node, the proxy node sends a response message to the particular communication node.

Abstract: A system for pushing information to a mobile device includes a information source, a wireless network, and a proxy content server. The information source stores information. The wireless network sends and receives transmissions to and from the mobile device. The proxy content server is coupled to information source and the wireless network and receives information from the information source. In addition, the proxy content server stores information received from the information source to one of a plurality of channels based on predefined information categories, and automatically transmits information from a selected channel over the wireless network to the mobile device.

Abstract: A method for reserving quality of service (QoS) in a wireless telecommunication system, which comprises at least one mobile station, a support node serving the mobile station, and a data terminal communicating with the mobile station. QoS is reserved and maintained by transmitting path messages and reservation messages between QoS protocol entities of the mobile station and the data terminal. When reserving QoS, data at least on the first path and reservation messages is stored in the mobile station and the support node. The mobile station and the support node drop, on the basis of the stored data, the next messages corresponding to the first path and reservation messages to be transmitted between the mobile station and the data terminal. The mobile station and the support node transmit messages corresponding to the first path and reservation messages periodically to the QoS protocol entities of the mobile station and the data terminal on the basis of the stored data.

Abstract: A method of allocating a plurality of paths to finger receivers by multiplying a delay profile by a weighting coefficient to provide hysteresis for detection of path timing is disclosed. Signals received at an antenna are down-converted at a high-frequency reception circuit and converted to digital signals at an A/D converter. A sliding correlator derives a delay profile from the digitally converted signals. A delay profile power adder averages path variations due to fading or the like for the delay profile. The delay profile after the path variations are averaged is multiplied by a weighting coefficient from a state weighting section at a multiplier in a weighting unit. A correlation peak position detecting unit detects upper N path timing from the delay profile multiplied by the weighting coefficient. The detected path timing is notified from a rake path allocating unit to respective finger receivers.

Abstract: Physical channels of a new user service are to be assigned to a set of time slots in a hybrid time division multiple access/code division multiple access wireless communication system. The new user service physical channels are ordered based on a desired reception quality of each of the new user service physical channels. The new user service physical channels are assigned to the set of time slots based on the order and the time slot sequence.

Abstract: Techniques to time-share a common channelization code among multiple terminals for compressed mode transmissions. Each terminal is initially assigned a respective channelization code used to channelize data transmitted in non-compressed frames for the terminal. A common channelization code used to channelize data transmitted in compressed frames for the terminals is also selected. Each compressed frame includes one or more compressed transmissions and all or a portion of a transmission gap. The compressed frames for the terminals are scheduled such that the compressed transmissions for the compressed frames do not overlap. Thereafter, non-compressed frames for each terminal are channelized with the channelization code assigned to the terminal, and compressed frames for the terminals are channelized with the common channelization code.

Abstract: A code division multiple access user equipment receives K data signals over a shared spectrum. The user equipment receives and samples a combined signal having the K transmitted data signals. A combined channel response matrix is produced. A block column of a cross correlation matrix is determined using the combined channel response matrix. Each block entry of the block column is a K by K matrix. Each block entry of the block column is a K by K matrix. A fourier transform of a complex conjugate transpose of the combined channel response matrix multiplied to the combined signal samples is taken. An inverse of a fourier transform of each block entry is multiplied to a result of the fourier transform to produce a fourier transform of the data vector. An inverse fourier transform of the data vector fourier transform is taken to produce data of the K signals.

Abstract: A digital signal processing architecture and method for performing base band tasks of a cellular base transceiver station. A plurality of base band tasks is partitioned into sequential time elements of a dynamic processing schedule. A reconfigurable processor is sequentially programmed for performing each one of the plurality of base band tasks during an associated time element of the processing schedule. Thus, with a single hardware platform, the base band processing may be performed without burdens of hardware partitioning or software interface problems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radio communication system in which a time slot of a frame of a multiframe signal allocated to the frequency control channel is modulated using an 8PSK modulation scheme to contain a tone having a frequency which GMSK modulation is unsuited to generate. This enables COMPACT-format signals to be distinguished from GSM—format signals and ensures backwards compatibility with all existing GSM mobile stations.

Abstract: A TDMA radio terminal comprises a transmitter portion and a receiver portion. A reference signal is launched in the transmitter portion while tuning the receiver portion. At the same tine, an internal delay counter is started. The counter counts clock pulses till the reference signal returns through the receiver portion. Letting this pulse count be Nd, a transmission wait time is Nt−Nd. Nt is a transmit timing at the antenna. The Nd counting operation may be triggered by a power on or a signal from a controller. Method for determining the transmission wait time in the production site is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a radio access network, multicast packets are delivered each identified by a multicast network layer address representing a multicast group of access terminals. The multicast packets are delivered in one or more air link frames using a common control channel that is shared among access terminals in a sector. Each airlink frame carries a multicast air link address that identifies the multicast group of terminals.

Abstract: A gate node reports current position information of a mobile terminal managed by the gate node itself to a communicating edge node which routes a packet destined for the mobile terminal to the gate node. The communicating edge node carries out routing of the packet destined for the mobile terminal to a resident edge node based on the reported cache information in place of the gate node. This achieves high-speed handover and route optimization free from a limitation to a packet transfer route in a packet communication system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying base stations of a time division cellular network in a mobile station. An object of the invention is to speed up the identification of new base stations.

Abstract: Voice and data streams transmitted from a conventional DSVD modem are interfaced directly to a network access server through a modified DSVD modem according to the invention. The voice and data is formatted into network data packets that are then routed directly to different endpoints through the network access server. The modified DSVD modem includes a packet framer that removes conventionally transmitted V.76 DSVD framing formats and stuffs bytes into the voice and data to form network packets. The network access server then routes the voice and data packets to the different endpoints identified in a packet header. Since the voice and data are output from the DSVD modem in data packets, the voice and data can be routed more efficiently to different network endpoints.

Abstract: PSTN and voice over packet telephony are integrated at a customer premises, thereby reducing the plurality of redundant user I/O devices on the desktop, simplifying management of multiple telephony interfaces, and interconnecting PSTN and VoP calls at the desktop. A desktop appliance interfaces to both the PSTN and a packet network and includes a single set of user I/O and user audio devices, analog telephony functionality, a digital interface, VoP telephony functionality, and a switching and bridging system for interconnecting/bridging the user devices, the PSTN, and the packet network. A desktop PC can also be incorporated with the appliance, the PC providing telephony applications and the appliance providing network connectivity for the PC. Similarly, the PC can provide network connectivity and telephony functionality, with the appliance integrating the PSTN and VoP calls.

Abstract: A communication system includes User Equipment (111), Radio Access Network (RAN) (121), a packet-switched domain (131), an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) (141), a circuit-switched domain (151), a Domain Name System (DNS) (165), a Charging Gateway Function (CGF) (134), an EIR (135), a Transport Signaling Gateway (T-SGW) (146), and a Roaming Signaling Gateway (R-SGW) (147). The CS domain (151) includes an interworking Mobile Switching Center (iMSC) (201). The iMSC (201) translates the CS domain registration, call control, feature control, and feature invocation procedures associated with the access technology to standard SIP procedures. The media gateway (MGW) (173) under the control of the iMSC (201) converts the air interface media flow into a packet stream that is managed by SIP procedures within the IMS (141). The iMSC (201) thereby allows for interworking between circuit-switched and packet-switched domains for call terminations.

Abstract: Architecture for processing routing information in a data network. A set of routing information entries is provided in a routing database of a first storage location. A subset of the routing information entries is created in a second storage location, which subset of the routing information entries are in the structure of an IP tree. Packet routing information of an incoming packet is extracted, which packet routing information includes multiple byte parts. The second storage location is accessed to compare the multiple byte parts of the packet routing information sequentially with respective entries of the subset of routing information entries to determine forwarding information. The subset of routing information in the second location is adjusted dynamically in response to the availability of the packet routing information in the subset of routing information entries.

Abstract: A system and method for emulating phone extensions in a packet telephony distribution system include using a gateway and an adapter. Signaling protocols between the gateway and the adapter provide procedures to enable typical analog phone system characteristics such as a dial tone and a line-in-use indicator. During an incoming or outgoing call, users of multiple phones on the packet telephony distribution system can make and receive calls or join a call in progress using methodologies commonly used for typical analog phone systems.

Abstract: When a CRC error is detected by a PIAFS protocol controller during data transferring, the PIAFS protocol controller starts a resynchronization sequence and informs a TCP/IP protocol controller of starting of resynchronization. In the TCP/IP protocol controller, when the starting of resynchronization is informed after a retransmission timer is started, the retransmission timer is stopped temporarily, and, in a condition that the retransmission timer is stopped temporarily, completion of resynchronization is informed from the PIAFS protocol controller, the retransmission timer which was stopped temporarily is re-started.

Abstract: The holder means 2 holds active library information 2-1 to 2-m, determining the retrieval sequence of active library storage areas to be retrieved, every program types C1 to Cm. The selector means 5 selects the active library information 2-1 corresponding to the type C1 of the program 4-1 in execution. The dynamic linker 3 retrieves the library X1 with an identifier x specified from program 4-1 in execution, in accordance with the retrieval sequence of the active library storage areas 1-1 and 1-2 indicated by the selected active library information 2-1, and then links it to the program 4-1. When the program 4-2 of the program type C2 issues a link request specifying the same identifier x, the active library information 2-2 is selected and the active library storage area 1-2 is first retrieved. Thus, the library X2 with the identifier x is linked to the program 2-2.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and device for generating and transporting synchronous cells and switching them with circuit-packet duality switch. Different traffics are carried by the synchronous cells and switched by the circuit-packet duality switch (100). These synchronous cells are synchronously mapped into 125 &mgr;s frames and transported over synchronous cell switched network (250). Each synchronous cell in the 125 &mgr;s frame is both a time slot of the frame and a fixed size packet. A synchronous cell (12) is switched by the circuit-packet duality switch (100) either in circuit switching manner by treating the cell as a time slot, or in packet switching manner by self-routing using connection IDs in the cell header.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for protocol pattern identification in protocol data units (PDUs). Techniques disclosed utilize the concept of stages. Within each stage, a protocol identification apparatus attempts to find a pattern match between the bits of the protocol data unit and the predefined bits of search patterns for a particular layer of protocol encapsulation. Once found the apparatus resets itself and begins the search anew for the next layer of encapsulation. The user is provided the ability to look for a particular pattern in a higher layer protocol without having knowledge of which lower layer protocols were used. Both hardware and software implementations of this apparatus provide for very fast identification of the protocol data units. Information regarding which encapsulations are present in a particular protocol data unit are provided saving software routines time when they process each packet.

Abstract: Data packets and a method for developing data packets for transmission over a network to selected multiple remote destinations. The data packets include a header section and a data section. The header section includes a special internetworking protocol field indicating that a list of internetworking protocol addresses is embedded in the data packet.

Abstract: Communication data streams are transmitted within the scope of a multipoint connection from a first terminal to other terminals. The first terminal distributes communication data streams originating at the first terminal and received from the other terminals involved in the multipoint connection. As a result, each of the other terminals receives the communication data streams originating from the other terminals.

Abstract: Large payload files are selectively partitioned in blocks and the blocks distributed to a plurality of distribution stations at the edge of the network qualified to have the data. Each qualified station decides how much and what portion of the content to save locally, based on information such as network location and environment, usage, popularity, and other distribution criteria defined by the content provider. Different pieces of a large payload file may be available from different nodes, however, when a user requests access to the large payload file, for example, through an application server, a virtual file control system creates an illusion that the entire file is present at the connected node. However, since only selective portions of the large payload file may actually be resident at that node's storage at the time of request, a cluster of distribution servers at the distribution station may download the non-resident portions of the file as the application server is servicing the user.

Abstract: A method and system for manipulating packet header compression parameters, by substituting at least one instruction set associated with a PPP negotiation packet at the PPP layer of a protocol stack, the at least one instruction set for use in establishing a communication protocol and channel between a pair of correspondents. The method includes the steps of a software module coupled to a first correspondent examining all PPP negotiation packets from a second correspondent; the software module determining whether a first instruction set is present in the PPP negotiation packet; the software module discarding said first instruction set and replacing the first instruction set with a second instruction set; and at the second correspondent receiving the second instruction set associated with a communication protocol information.

Abstract: The transmission server according to the present invention includes a processor, buffer memory, an I/O bus, and a transmission unit. Furthermore, the transmission unit includes a transmitting unit for controlling the generation and transmission of a packet, buffer memory for holding transmission data provided by the processor, and an NIC for connection to a network. The processor manages receivers, and transfers data in the buffer memory to be transmitted to the transmission unit connected to the I/O bus. The transferred data is stored in the buffer memory of the transmission unit. The transmission unit generates a packet for each receiver from the data in the buffer memory according to the receiver information, and transmits the data to a network through the NIC.

Abstract: Problems currently exist in determining which traffic policies should be applied to data packets from different origins or destinations in networks. Since there can be different traffic classification policy for different users, a network boundary node needs to find out which classification policy is to be applied to each data packet. Currently this is achieved through large look-up tables which must contain details of all users. The present invention aims to overcome these problems.

Abstract: A system for use with communications according to TCP, or a similar protocol, comprises a sender host, one or more routers and a destination host. Each router comprises means for generating acknowledgement packets and translating addresses associated with data packets. When a data packet is received by a router, an acknowledgement packet is returned with a source address corresponding to the router and a destination address corresponding to the sender host. The sender host perceives the acknowledgement packet as having been sent by the destination host. As the acknowledgement packet is sent by the router, and not the destination host, this system allows acknowledgement packets to be received on a shorter timescale, reducing the effects of a link delay. Although the route between the sender host and the destination host is divided into multiple connections, the hosts perceive a single, conventional connection.

Abstract: A number of hash tables are accessed concurrently with a different computed index based on a single search key for each hash table. Each index identifies a location in one of the hash tables capable of storing at least one entry. If all indexed locations are used, the entries stored in the lookup table can be reordered so that the new entry can be inserted in one of the locations identified by the computed indexes.

Abstract: A packet routing apparatus has a routing information table comprised of a plurality of sub-tables. Each sub-table includes an entry of a first format indicative of routing information, and at least one of the sub-tables includes, in addition to the entry of the first format, an entry of a second format for designating another sub-table to be referred to. A routing processor of the packet routing apparatus refers to a sub-table designated by an input line interface. As a result, when the entry of the second format is retrieved, the routing processor executes routing of an input packet and header conversion by referring to another sub-table designated by the entry.

Abstract: Concerns a method for transmission of packets in a Hiperlan 2 transmitter, comprising the steps of sending packets in an automatic repeat request mode, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of: providing the data link control layer of the transmitter with a time to live parameter applicable to at least one packet received by the data link control layer from an upper layer for determining an upper transmission time for the at least one packet; checking before transmission of the at least one packet whether upper transmission time has been reached; and sending the at least one packet only when the upper transmission time has not been reached.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are proposed for dynamically allocating units of user data to resource devices when the user data is transmitted in small packets multiplexed onto long packets and both the long and short packets contain routing information relating to each unit of user data. In the arrangement A mapping table is provided containing identifiers that identify a group of resource devices. A receiving unit extracts routing information from the long packets. For each unit of data, a first bit sequence of the routing information is used to address the table and obtain a group identifier. Subsequently, a second bit sequence taken from the routing information is concatenated onto the group identifier obtained to generate a resource identifier identifying a single resource device. The mapping table is preferably implemented as a writable RAM or portion of the same.

Abstract: A Multi-tone transmission system processes input data through a plurality of intermediate processing stages 12,14,16 and corresponding stages of intermediate data 18,20. A symbol including a number of tones is obtained therefrom by an inverse Fourier transform 24 and stored in a buffer 158. The peak amplitude that the symbol would contain after the subsequent processing in the analogue front end 146 is modelled and compared with a threshold. If the modelled peak amplitude in the symbol exceeds the threshold, the symbol stored in the buffer 158 is regenerated. The symbols stored in the buffer are output through the analogue front end 146.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a switching method and a switching apparatus in a telecommunication network for connecting physical endpoints via a through switch connection are disclosed. The through switch connection is composed of legs and a leg connector, and a leg is composed of services and subconnections between the services. A leg being terminated by termination points and comprising specific services is formed by leg control means, and the specific services and subconnections between the specific services which form the leg are provided by connection control means, the services being terminated by termination points. Further, connection admission control means accept connections being part of the through switch connection.

Abstract: A Digital Subscriber Line (xDSL) is used to connect Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) to a telecommunications network. The Customer Premises Equipment generates both Constant Bit-Rate (CBR) and Variable Bit-Rate (VBR) Packets. Each Frame of Packets from the Customer Premises Equipment is used to transmit up to a limited amount of CBR data, and VBR data is used, if available, to fill up the Frame. The limit on the amount of CBR data can be dynamically adjusted according to the need of the CPE. Similarly, and importantly, a limit on CBR data to the CPE can be adjusted dynamicaly according to the need for transmission of CBR data to the CPE. Advantageously, a guaranteed rate of transmission of CBR data can be maintained, even in the face of a flood of VBR traffic. Advantageously, this arrangement improves the quality of service on CBR traffic, such as Voice, and subject to the limit imposed by CBR traffic, allows a maximum amount of VBR traffic to be transmitted.

Abstract: A cell switching method and system are disclosed that divide an input ATM cell into ATM adaptation layer (AAL) 2-type common part sublayer (CPS) packets. The divided CPS packets are stored in different first storage areas, in accordance with virtual paths/virtual channels (VPs/VCs) of the respective CPS packets, and identifiers of the first storage areas are also stored. The stored CPS packets are read in the order of the stored first identifiers. Thereafter, the read CPS packets are stored in second storage areas, in accordance with respective CIDs, and second identifiers of the second storage areas are stored. The CPS packets stored in the second storage areas are read in the order of the stored second identifiers and multiplexed to generate ATM cells.

Abstract: A system and method providing virtual channels with credit-based flow control on links between network switches. A network switch may include multiple input ports, multiple output ports, and a shared random access memory coupled to the input ports and output ports by data transport logic. Two network switches may go through a login procedure to determine if virtual channels may be established on a link. A credit initialization procedure may be performed to establish the number of credits available to the virtual channels. Credit-based packet flow may then begin on the link. A credit synchronization procedure may be performed to prevent the loss of credits due to errors. On detecting certain error conditions, a virtual channel may be deactivated. In one embodiment, the link is a Gigabit Ethernet link, and the packets are Gigabit Ethernet packets. The packets may encapsulate storage format (e.g. Fiber Channel) frames.

Abstract: A routing protocol, called characteristic routing, which allows data to be transported multi-hop through an internetwork from a sender to a set of receiver nodes using a description of the receiver nodes in the form of multiple arbitrary identifying descriptive names (called characteristics). Host nodes can have multiple dynamic characteristics. Characteristic routing is optimized to make the multiple-name case operate in a fast manner. In particular, characteristic routing creates an efficient routing table index using bit vectors and compression techniques. Using characteristic routing, the sender can choose whether the receiver nodes need to exactly match the characteristic routing address or certain characteristics in the routing address, or whether the receiver nodes can be simply “similar” to the characteristic routing address, or whether the receiver nodes have desired ranges of characteristics.

Abstract: According to the present invention, simultaneous call-handling and data transfer is achieved between a terminal and a multi-line gateway in a cordless telephony environment. Multiple logical channels are established and used as signaling resources for calls on the multiple lines, and also for data transfers between the gateway and terminal. As a result, terminals can handle multiple calls on different lines and at the same time access data stored at the gateway. According to a first aspect of the present invention, two or more logical channels are established over an asynchronous channel between a terminal and a gateway. These logical channels are assigned to calls that are set-up between the terminal and gateway. When used as a signaling resource, the logical channels allow the terminal to distinguish between signaling information for multiple simultaneous calls. The calls are associated with another speech or data channel that will bear the voice signal, referred to herein as a bearer channel.

Abstract: A CE consumer apparatus, e.g., an STB is a gateway between a home network and an external data network The STB has an access point device for the home network. The access point device has a first functionality that enables broadband wireless RF data communication to the home network; and the access point device has a second functionality that serves as a user-interface. Because of the latter, the user will position the device in such as way that RF communication is not hampered by nearby obstacles.

Abstract: An L2/L3 network (e.g., Multi-protocol Label Switched (MPLS) network) having an MPLS-enabled router and a plurality of MPLS-enabled bridges is provided for implementing Label Switched Path (LSP)-enabled virtual routing. The router may be at the edge of the network and may be an Egress Label Switching Router (E-LSR). The E-LSR may also function as an LSR and/or as an ingress LSR (I-LSR) for multiple LSPs at the same time at line rate. The E-LSR may receive a packet from one of the bridges over an LSP, remove a label (e.g., MPLS label), and then route the PDU to an external network using IP (e.g., IPv4 or IPv6) protocol. In addition, the E-LSR may also receive a packet from one of the bridges over an LSP, remove a label, route or bridge the packet, apply a new label, and then label switch it to one of the VLAN bridges over an LSP. Further, the E-LSR may also receive a packet from one of the bridges over an LSP, swap labels, and then label switch it to one of the bridges over an LSP.

Abstract: The present invention provides a node device for connecting a plurality of networks. The node device comprises a plurality of input units for respectively inputting data from first transmission lines installed in each of the networks, a plurality of output units for respectively outputting data to second transmission lines installed in each of the networks, and a switching unit for switching the data input from the input units to the output units. The input unit that inputs data from a transmission line shared by the networks among the first transmission lines has a higher transmission speed than other input units.

Abstract: A method and apparatus associates a domain name of a home gateway with one or more PVCs. After the PVC is established, a tunneling protocol is used to request the domain name of the home gateway, and the domain name is associated with the PVC. When a user logs on via an access communication device, the user will provide a domain name of a home gateway with which the user desires to communicate. A PVC associated with the home gateway is then used to allow the user to communicate with the home gateway. The domain name of the home gateway may be periodically verified to detect any changes.

Abstract: A process in which a signaling unit contains at least two line units which are used when setting up a connection for the transmission of user data in data packets wherein the line units in each case terminate the signaling with respect to one of the terminal devices involved in the data transmission and exchange internal signaling messages with one another to allow the signaling to be carried out in a simple manner.

Abstract: A variable-size jitter buffer is used to store information associated with a voice signal, facsimile signal or other received signal in a receiver of a packet-based communication system. The receiver determines an appropriate adjustment time for making an adjustment to the size of the buffer based at least in part on a result of a signal detection operation performed on the received signal. For example, in the case of a received voice signal, the determined adjustment time may be a time at which a state machine associated with a speech detector is in a “no speech” state. If the actual buffer size at the determined adjustment time is not within a designated range of a target computed at least in part based on one or more jitter measurements, the buffer size is adjusted at the determined adjustment time, e.g., by an amount representative of the difference between the actual buffer size and the target.

Abstract: A method of performing the multiplexing of data streams in a packet network by initializing the address pointers in an output queue to point to their own addresses. Then, select a data packet from an input queue and determine whether the preferred location for its pointer in the output queue is occupied. If that location is occupied, go to the address pointed to by the address pointer for that location, and if not occupied, store the pointer to the input stream data in that location.

Abstract: A circular buffer is used to receive packets transmitted to an application. Normally, incoming packets are placed at the “tail” of the buffer, which is indicated by the write pointer. Packets to be used by the application are read from the “head” of the buffer, which is indicated by the read pointer. In contrast, the present invention uses the sequence number to direct the packets to specific places in the circular buffer. This inventive use of sequence number allows the packets to be written at the proper place in the buffer, regardless of the location of the write pointer. Within certain limits, a packet that arrives out of sequence is not bound by the position of the write pointer to be placed into the buffer out of sequence. This abstract is provided as a tool for those searching for patents, and not as a limitation on the scope of the claims.