Abstract: A frame and upper and lower shells made of metal plates covering the top and bottom of the frame constitute a flat housing. A disk cartridge rotatably houses a disk serving as a recording medium in the flat housing. Disassembly of the disk cartridge is facilitated. An engaging protrusion 25 is provided on at least one of the side of the frame 22. The engaging protrusion can freely oscillate in and out from the surface and is elastically urged in a direction the engaging protrusion 25 protrudes from the surface. At the same time, an engaging aperture 23c which engages with the engaging protrusion 25 is formed on at least one of the upper and lower shells 23 and 24.

Abstract: The invention concerns a multicarrier signal consisting of a temporal succession of symbols formed by a set of data elements, each of said data elements modulating a carrier frequency of said signal, the data elements comprising reference elements called pilots (20) whereof the value in transmission is known to at least one receiver designed to receive said signal and informative data elements (21-28), whereof the value in transmission is not known a priori to the or said receiver(s), one of said carrier frequencies modulated, at a given time, by one of said data elements, being called carrier. The invention is characterised in that it at least one constraint is imposed on the value of at least one of said informative data elements, so as to reduce, in reception, at least one term of interference affecting at least one of said pilots.

Abstract: A method of data communication. The method includes initially receiving one or more channel quality information signals from each wireless unit. The channel quality information may be received in response to the transmission of one or more pilot signals. Once the channel quality information signal(s) from each wireless unit are received, the method then includes selecting one or more transmit powers and one or more transmission rates for each wireless unit. Thereafter, one or more blocks of orthogonal continuous waveforms may be transmitted over a channel to each wireless unit using the selected transmit power and selected transmission rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for supporting variable bitrate services in an OFDM environment while minimizing the impact of the variations of fading channels and interference. In general, a basic access channel (BACH) is defined by a set number of sub-carriers over multiple OFDM symbols. While the number of sub-carriers remains fixed for the BACH, the sub-carriers for any given BACH will hop from one symbol to another. Thus, the BACH is defined by a hopping pattern for a select number of sub-carriers over a sequence of symbols.

Abstract: An new arrangement for object handling and a new information data object in redundancy protected networks according to SDH or SONET comprising one or more protected items and protection items. In a protected layer, groups of first information objects representing linked protected items are globally addressable by means of at least one respective GDIP object, and the first information objects are made addressable relative to the GDIP object. In a protection layer, second information objects representing protection items are globally addressable. The arrangement and object addressing simplifies object handling in system supervision, operation, monitoring, control, management or the like.

Abstract: An algorithm for dynamic provisioning of fail-over support in Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (“GMPLS”) enabled networks is disclosed. A Fault-Tolerant Routing and Wavelength Assignment (“FT-RWA”) scheme uses a pseudo-dynamic mechanism to provide such fail-over support for the GMPLS networks. The FT-RWA scheme is capable of recovering from channel and link failures within the GMPLS network. When a channel failure occurs, some wavelength channels on the link fail. As a result, traffic on the affected light paths are switched to any unused and reserved wavelengths on the same link. If no wavelengths are available, the failure is perceived as a link failure. When a link failure occurs, all or part of the traffic is redirected to a neighboring node, designated as a “redirector”. The redirector node calculates alternate routes to the destination of that link and creates a light path on a suitable route when a failure occurs.

Abstract: A fabric of modules includes a plurality of physically offset adjacent modules and first dimension links which, in at least one linear array of modules, connect single offset modules in a ring. The fabric also includes second dimension links which connect the modules of each linear array in at least one ring with substantially all links between modules in each array being double offset links bypassing a single module, and third dimension links which connect modules of each linear array in at least one ring with substantially all links between modules in each array being triple offset links bypassing two modules.

Abstract: In prior art, the provision of an equivalent circuit for ATM cells is efficiently controlled using linear structures. According to the invention, in order to also transit these structures to ring-type architectures, a ring-type structure is configured from linear structures as follows: additional linear structures are integrated into the transmission section of a linear structure and the switching devices of the original linear structure are combined. In addition, a large number of equivalent circuits share a common reserved transmission capacity.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems facilitating the aggregation or bonding of physical communications links into higher-bandwidth logical links. The present invention features a novel link bonding and encapsulation protocol scheme that, in one embodiment, optimizes the efficiency of data transfer across the physical links, while still allowing for desired Quality of Service (QoS) levels to high-priority traffic, such as voice data, with low delay requirements. Embodiments of the present invention allow a variety of service types to be transported transparently over bonded physical links. According to one embodiment, data streams are divided and concurrently transported over multiple physical links that are aggregated or bonded together to form one logical link. At the receive end, the original cell streams are recovered from the bonded logical links. In one embodiment, the physical links are xDSL links transmitting and receiving signals via conventional copper twisted-pair cabling.

Abstract: The present invention is a methodology to prioritize packets based on the conditional probability that given the values of attributes carried by packet, the packet is a legitimate one. We will call this the conditional legitimate probability of a packet from here onward. The conditional probability of each packet is evaluated based on Bayesian estimation technique. This is accomplished by comparing the attributes carried by an incoming packet against the “nominal” distribution of attributes of legitimate packet stream. Since an exact prioritization of packets based on their conditional legitimate probability would require offline, multiple-pass operations, e.g. sorting, we take the following alternative approach to realize an online, one-pass selectively dropping scheme.

Abstract: A system and method of packet storm control includes a storm control device configured to count designated packets and drop any such packets that are in excess of a threshold value per a specified time internal. The packet storm control system and method may be implemented with both ingress and egress designated packet traffic. A user may provide a maximum percentage of line speed for designated packet traffic, and the storm control device may determine an appropriate threshold value in response.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for sending transmission control protocol (TCP) messages in a local area network (LAN). The method comprises: selecting a TCP streaming application; transmitting message segments at a rate responsive to a congestion window parameter; and, maintaining at least the congestion window parameter during the session, regardless of idle time between transmitted segments. In some aspects, the method further comprises: selecting a threshold level. Then, incrementing the congestion window parameter with an increment in response to receiving acknowledgements includes increasing the congestion window parameter until the congestion window parameter equals the threshold level. Additionally, the method further comprises: in response to not receiving an acknowledgment, maintaining the threshold level; and, in response to not receiving an acknowledgement, maintaining the congestion window parameter.

Abstract: An information cell transmission method includes receiving flow control cells at a switch from a collection of multicast virtual circuits and aggregating the flow control cells to form an aggregate flow control cell. A network switch includes first and second port circuitry and control circuitry. The first port circuitry is operative to exchange flow control cells on a collection of multicast virtual circuits coupling the switch to destination nodes. The second port circuitry is operative to exchange flow control cells on another virtual circuit that couples the switch to a source node. The control circuitry is operatively couples the collection of multicast virtual circuits to the source virtual circuit via the first and second port circuitry.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a communication system (17) is provided for generating and monitoring data over pre-existing conductors (2A-2D) in cables between associated pieces of networked computer equipment (3A-3D). The system includes a communication device (12) attached to the electronic equipment that transmits information to a central module (15) by impressing a low frequency signal on the pre-existing data lines. A receiver (6) in the central module (15) monitors the low frequency data to determine the transmitted information of the electronic equipment. The communication device may also be powered by a low current power signal from the central module (15). The power signal to the communication device may also be fluctuated to provide useful information, such as status information, to the communication device.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for improved monitoring and analysis of VoIP communications, multimedia communications or other types of network traffic in a network-based communication system. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an endpoint device of the system includes an integrated call synthesis capability. More particularly, the endpoint device is configurable into at least a first mode of operation in which the device responds to one or more commands from a testing server of the system directing the device to participate in a synthetic call or other test communication within the system, and a second mode of operation in which the device is utilizable by a system user to establish an actual communication. Other aspects of the invention relating to kernel timestamping and timestamp post-processing provide improved accuracy for measurements such as jitter, loss and delay.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a communications network generates a total value figure, using a store of value information. The system can identify which of the monitored flows of traffic rely on a given one or more of the components of the network, and generate a total value of all the identified flows. This type of value information can be easier for network operators to interpret because the information is more direct, and more explicit. Also, many specific rules/warnings about reconfigurations need not be provided. Values can be sent to remote field workers, or used for network configuration, network planning, and financial reporting.

Abstract: By using portions of their reverse pilot signals, mobile stations report relevant state information to supporting radio base stations (RBSs) such that reverse link scheduling decisions may be made quickly at the RBS level rather than by an associated base station controller. Moving reverse link scheduling to the RBS level greatly increases the speed of scheduling decisions, such that a wireless network gains efficiency through greater scheduling responsiveness. In exemplary embodiments, “pilot stealing” for state information transmission is balanced against the network's need for unmodulated pilot signals from the mobile stations to use in channel estimation operations and carrier synchronization. “Stolen” portions of a given mobile station's pilot signal may be used to indicate that, for example, the mobile station has data to send, and that it can increase its reverse data rate.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method to measure network bandwidth. A source computer sends sets of packet pairs to a destination computer. Each set of packet pairs is centered around a different packet size. The destination computer times each packet pair to determine the time delta between the packets in the packet pair. The time deltas are then organized and analyzed to determine the network bandwidth.

Abstract: A lookup table for searching for a longest prefix match for a key is disclosed. The lookup table provides a match for a key in a single search cycle. The number of matches stored in the lookup table is maximized by storing each match in only one location in the lookup table. The binary tree is divided into a plurality of levels and each level has a plurality of subtrees. A subtree descriptor stored for a subtree includes a field for each node in the subtree. The state of the field indicates whether an entry for the node is stored in the table. The bit vector allows indexing of the single match stored for the key.

Abstract: In a spanning tree-based computer network having a plurality of switches, a spanning tree can be generated and/or recovered by identifying a network core, determining a distance to the network core for each switch in the network, and generating and/or recovering a spanning tree for the network based on the switches' relative distances to the network core.

Abstract: A system and method for providing conference calling over an IP network includes establishing a conference calling platform capable of interacting with a gateway connected to the Internet. Conference call participants can directly access the conference calling platform via an analog telephone call carried over the PSTN. Conference call participants can also access the conference calling platform by placing a call that is routed over the Internet. In this instance the call would be removed from the Internet by the gateway, and then connected from the gateway to the conference calling platform. The gateway could send the call directly to the conference calling platform in a digital format, or the gateway could convert the call to an analog format, and then send the call to the conference calling platform via the PSTN. This allows participants to access a conference call via low cost International long distance calls that are carried over the Interent.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention can be used to efficiently transmit access control and traffic information on separate spatial channels. In one embodiment, the invention includes assigning a conventional channel and a first training sequence to a first remote radio and a second training sequence to a second remote radio. Thereafter, the invention can include communicating with the first remote radio on a first spatial channel occupying the conventional channel using the first training sequence, and communicating with the second remote radio on a second spatial channel occupying the same conventional channel using the second training sequence.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for facilitating communications in an OFDM communication system. A sending station of the OFDM communication system performs inverse discrete trigonometric transforms upon modulation symbols representative of data that is to be communicated. And, a transformed vector is formed by the inverse discrete trigonometric transformer. A symmetric extension adder adds an extension to the transformed vector to attain desired symmetry or anti symmetry properties. The apparatus formed at a receiving station of the OFDM system includes a discrete trigonometric transformer for performing transform operations upon data received thereat.

Abstract: Described herein is a hyperlink browsing system that includes a plurality of mobile hyperlink browsers that communicate wirelessly with a plurality of servers having geographically-dependent information content. The hyperlink browsers have access to positioning receivers that generate varying geographical coordinates indicating the varying locations of the hyperlink browsers. When submitting HTTP requests, the hyperlink browsers include the geographical coordinates. The servers recognize the parameters and customize returned content in accordance with the geographic locations of the requesting users.

Abstract: By using allocated spectrum from the mobile station air interface, one or more remote, child access points within a wireless communication network establish backhaul connections to a parent access point having conventional backhaul links to the network. In this manner, backhaul traffic is carried on the standard air interface coexistent with the normal mobile station traffic. Such an arrangement permits parent and child access points to use the standard air interface for both conventional mobile station traffic, as well as backhaul traffic. In an exemplary embodiment, a wireless cellular communication network establishes backhaul connections between one or more child Radio Base Stations (RBSs) and a parent RBS using one or more of the data channels defined by the network's air interface.

Abstract: In a CDMA receiver and a CDMA receiving method according to the present invention, based on a channel estimation result from a despread pilot symbol, a despread data symbol and a data symbol delayed by one symbol time, which have been delayed by an amount of time equivalent to the channel estimation, are derotated and simultaneously demodulated. Further, in the CDMA receiver and the CDMA receiving method according to the present invention, a vector conversion is performed on the despread pilot symbol, vector converted pilot symbols are accumulatively added, and the channel estimation is performed based on a result of an accumulative addition of the pilot symbols corresponding to the number of the pilot symbols to be used in the channel estimation.

Abstract: Narrowband interference in a wideband RF signal is reduced by a notch filter operating at IF between down- and up-converters supplied by a local oscillator (LO) at a frequency controlled by a control circuit. The control circuit detects interference by determining power in each of a plurality of narrowband channels, also at IF via another down-converter with a controlled LO frequency, relative to power of the wideband RF signal and scaled in accordance with the wideband and narrowband bandwidths. The control circuit controls the LOs for scanning the narrowband channels to determine a channel with greatest interference and to filter out this narrowband channel with the notch filter. In the absence of interference, the notch is tuned outside the signal bandwidth.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for use in a wireless communication system to provide an estimated pilot signal. The system includes a receiver and a front-end processing and despreading component in electronic communication with the receiver for despreading a CDMA signal. A pilot estimation component is in electronic communication with the front-end processing and despreading component for estimating an original pilot signal using a time-varying adaptive pilot estimator that includes a Kalman filter to produce a pilot estimate. A demodulation component is in electronic communication with the pilot estimation component and the front-end processing and despreading component for providing demodulated data symbols. The Kalman filter is configured by an offline system identification process that calculates parameters using a prediction error method and a Gauss-Newton algorithm and generates state estimates using the Kalman filter.

Abstract: A spreading code notification section 201 notifies each mobile station apparatus of a spreading code corresponding to a mobile station apparatus currently communicating, a separation section 212 separates information indicating an interference station detected from the results of spreading in each mobile station apparatus from a received signal, and a control section 213 decreases the transmission power of a signal to the interference station.

Abstract: A method (18) for scheduling packet data transmissions in a wireless communication system wherein a per-user Priority Function (PF) (24) is based on a channel condition indicated by a Rate Request Indicator (RRI). The method also considers fairness criteria dictated by predetermined Quality of Service (QOS) requirements. In one embodiment, the rate request indicator is a Data Rate Request (DRR). In another embodiment, the rate request indicator is Carrier-to-Interference (C/I) information. In the exemplary embodiment, the base station calculates a Priority Function (PF) for the multiple mobile users. Each PF is a function of the rate request indicator and the projected throughput of a given mobile user. In one embodiment, the predicted throughput is calculated by T′=(T′)&agr;.

Abstract: A plurality of antennas transmit a first spread spectrum signal having an associated code. The first spread spectrum signal is received at the wireless user. For each received first spread spectrum signal, a second spread spectrum signal is transmitted having an associated code having a same phase as that received first spread spectrum signal. The second spread spectrum signals are received at the plurality of antennas. A distance measurement is determined between each antenna and the wireless user based on in part a received timing of the second signals. The wireless user's location is determined based on in part the distance determinations.

Abstract: A method for conveying signaling information of a communication system that uses MIMO antenna systems. To enable a relatively larger amount of information to be conveyed over the communication system and thus exploit the use of the MIMO antenna system, forward link signaling channels are provided where such channels contain swapping information that allow the communication system to retransmit traffic information using any one of the antenna elements of a MIMO system. The forward link signaling channels also contain channel assignment information that indicate which particular groups of channels are available for use by particular users of the communication system.

Abstract: A hybrid ARQ method for packet data transmission in a mobile communication system wherein previously transmitted packets are combined with retransmitted packets, the packets being segmented into a plurality of protocol data units PDUs, and each being assigned a sequence number for identification purposes. The sequence number is transmitted on a control channel which is separate from the data channel for transmitting the PDUs.

Abstract: An initiating mobile station (102) subscribes to a wireless communication system (109) for mobile communication service. A wireless remote access server (WRAS) (118) interacts with the wireless communication system as a subscribing mobile station would, but provides network connectivity to data information network, such as the Internet (108). The WRAS includes radio devices (120, 122) for communicating with the wireless communication system, and network control and routing (124). The WRAS sets up a network session with the target (104 or 106) to facilitate communication between the initiating mobile station and the target, via the wireless communication system and the network.

Abstract: A wireless network system includes a server having a server controller and a server radio modem, and a number of clients each including a client controller and a client radio modem. The server controller implements a server process that includes the receipt and the transmission of data packets via the radio modem. The client controllers of each of the clients implements a client process that includes the receipt and transmission of data packets via the client radio modem. The client process of each of the clients initiates, selects, and maintains a radio transmission path to the server that is either a direct path to the server, or is an indirect path or “link” to the server through at least one of the remainder of the clients.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a method for determining a power control set point is provided. In one embodiment, the power control set point is determined based on one or more factors including a first factor corresponding to a pilot bit error rate, a second factor corresponding to a normalized signal variance, and a third factor corresponding to an average number of fingers in lock.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention can be used to efficiently receive access control and traffic information. In one embodiment, the invention includes receiving a signal at a radio in a timeslot on a carrier using a plurality of antenna elements, the signal including an access control burst from a first remote radio and a traffic burst from a second remote radio, the traffic burst being part of an existing logical connection between the radio and the second remote radio. The access control burst and the traffic burst can then be extracted using spatial processing.

Abstract: A method of supporting reactivation of service instances in a dormant session. A wireless device (102) sends an Origination or Reconnect message to a Base Station (104) requesting reactivation of one, all or some of its dormant service instances. The request includes a SYNC_ID previously assigned by the BS. The Base Station sends a message to a Packet Control Function (106) requesting stored service configuration information. The Packet Control Function responds with the requested information and channel resources are allocated for each service instance supported for the session.

Abstract: Two or more cross-connect ICs are interconnected. Each IC directly receives some, but not all, of the system inputs, and outputs to some, but not all, outputs. Each cross-connect IC has a switch matrix that has the same number of inputs as the system, and a lesser number of outputs that matches the number of outputs of the IC. Each cross-connect IC provides fanout of its direct inputs to a link to each other cross-connect IC. Thus, each IC receives inputs either directly, or from a fanout on another IC.

Abstract: Methods to and devices capable of transmitting data in a centralized network are disclosed. A central coordinator receives data from a source device to be relayed to at least one destination device. The central coordinator acknowledges reception of the data from the source device and transmits data to at least one destination device. The central coordinator then waits for an acknowledgement of data reception from each destination device to which the data was sent.

Abstract: A communications system that supports multimedia components is easily adapted to existing network elements. Voice components arriving at or coming from a user having multimedia capabilities are referred from a telephony server serving the user to a multimedia server. A determination is made as to whether the other party supports multimedia capabilities. If that determination is negative, the component is passed back to the telephony server with an indication that the session is coming from the multimedia server to avoid an infinite loop. If the determination is positive, a parallel multimedia component is established between the parties while the multimedia server remains aware of the bearer path.

Abstract: The method and system allows for predicting the capacity of a data network to have voice over IP communications implemented thereon. Information corresponding to network data transmission traffic is collected. Information corresponding to telephone call traffic on the PSTN for an organization is also collected. A determination is made about what load the telephone call traffic would impose on the network if implemented as voice over IP traffic. This is compared to the network capacity and it is determined from this comparison whether the network is capable of having conventional legacy telephone traffic implemented thereon as voice over IP.

Abstract: An automated attendant system is made multimedia capable by adding a combined user agent to the automated attendant. A search is done to verify that the caller to the automated attendant has combined user agent capabilities. If so, the caller receives multimedia content from the automated attendant's combined user agent so that the content may be presented on the caller's computer to assist the caller in navigating through the automated attendant's menus and options. Upon selection of a desired connection from the menus and options, the automated attendant's combined user agent helps the caller be connected by voice to the selected connection.

Abstract: A framework system serves to translate calls between dissimilar networks. More specifically, the framework system serves to translate calls between dissimilar packet networks and/or between a packet switch network and the public switched telephone network. The system includes a media engine module for terminating and handling channels of data transmitted between the networks in real time. An administrator module provides control and management interfaces for controlling processing applied to each channel. A conduit module serves to enable the distribution of software throughout the framework system allowing the distributed software to use interprocessor communication mechanism in the system. Optionally, a signaling engine module serves to provide access to call control information for connection between two networks.

Abstract: A switchboard device and methods of operation of same are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention may provide a flexible means of interconnecting wideband and narrowband communications interfaces, where wideband communications interfaces may transfer low-band data and high-band data, and narrowband communication interfaces may transfer low-band data. Low-band data may be combined and sent to a narrowband communications interface or a wideband communications interface. High-band data may be combined and sent to a wideband communications interface. The low-band data may represent audio signals below a predetermined frequency, while the high-band data may represent audio signals above the predetermined frequency. The predetermined frequency may be, for example, approximately 4 kHz. The spectral mask of the low-band data may meet the spectral mask of G.712. Methods of operating embodiments of the present invention are included.

Abstract: In a Voice over IP system, a user can dial numbers stored in a series of lists, which are stored in the system and displayed to the user of an IP telephone. One implementation will allow a user to scroll through a list of remote sites. When the user finds the desired site, the user is then presented with the same options as a user local to that site. All of this can be performed without the need for an operator or a printed directory. This system provides an ability for a user to scroll through a list of names and phone numbers and then call a person once their name and phone number is displayed.

Abstract: A method of chatting through a cellular phone system is disclosed. The cellular phone system includes a processor connected to an Internet website that supports network chatting, and a plurality of nodes. The method includes wirelessly connecting a plurality of cellular phones to the website via the plurality of nodes and the processor, sending a message by a cellular phone of the plurality of cellular phones to the website through a node of the plurality of nodes and the processor, and sending the message from the website to the plurality of cellular phones via the processor and the plurality of nodes.

Abstract: In a next generation packet based network a routing engine is used to determine the most cost effective route for a call from a caller/client subscriber to a call destination. The service manager or call agent softswitch, a call processor that controls the processing of calls, uses a table of softswitch node location information to determine the softswitch node in the service provider's network that is closest to the call destination. The location information related to the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) is also used to make this determination by providing the necessary location information on the call destination. The service manager the first receives the call then forwards the call through the packet backbone network of the service provider to the identified closest softswitch thereby reducing the need for use of the PSTN or another service provider's network.

Abstract: Disclosed is a network switching device in which a new connection request packet is held in chronological sequence in a priority-assignment circuit provided corresponding to a priority level contained in the connection request packet, and in a case where the new connection request packet does not exist, the connection request packets being held in the priority-assignment circuits on the lower-priority side are shifted in sequence toward the priority-assignment circuits on the higher-priority side, to be held there.

Abstract: A synchronous signal/active signal restoring apparatus and method are disclosed in which a display device receives a digital image signal transmitted in an optical signal form from a source device through an optical cable, a physical medium which can not transmit a clock signal, and restores a horizontal/vertical synchronous signal and a horizontal/vertical active signal.