Abstract: A gateway system is described for use as a gateway between a client device and a remote server. The client device may stream a data stream via the gateway system to the remote server for remote processing. The gateway system may receive the data stream and markers which identify respective blocks of packets in the data stream, wherein each identified block of packets is independently processable. In response to an instruction or configuration to effect a migration of the remote processing from the remote server to a further remote server, the gateway system may determine a block of packets in the data stream from which block of packets onwards the further remote server is to start processing the data stream so as to effect or initialize the migration, and when received, stream the determined block of packets and subsequent blocks of packets of the data stream to the further remote server.

Abstract: Various aspects of the disclosure relate to distributed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication such as coordinated beamforming or Joint MIMO. In some aspects, distributed MIMO is used to support communication in a cluster of wireless nodes (e.g., access points). A distributed MIMO scheduling scheme as taught herein is used to schedule the wireless nodes (e.g., access points and/or stations) operating within the cluster. For example, stations may be scheduled across basis services sets of the access points for a downlink transmission and/or an uplink transmission.

Abstract: A buffer circuit includes a primary interface, a secondary interface, and an encoder/decoder circuit. The primary interface is configured to communicate on an n-bit channel, wherein n parallel bits on the n-bit channel are coded using data bit inversion (DBI). The secondary interface is configured to communicate with a plurality of integrated circuit devices on a plurality of m-bit channels, each m-bit channel transmitting m parallel bits without using DBI. And the encoder/decoder circuit is configured to translate data words between the n-bit channel of the primary interface and the plurality of m-bit channels of the secondary interface.

Abstract: Various aspects of the disclosure relate to distributed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication such as coordinated beamforming or Joint MIMO. In some aspects, distributed MIMO is used to support communication in a cluster of wireless nodes (e.g., access points). A distributed MIMO scheduling scheme as taught herein is used to schedule the wireless nodes (e.g., access points and/or stations) operating within the cluster. For example, selected stations may be triggered to communicate with respective access points.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about coded and multiplexed voltages measured across pairs of electrodes in an array of electrodes configured in relation to a fluid processing structure, including a pipe, tank, vessel, vat or container, having a process fluid therein; and determine using a tomographic signal processing algorithm a tomographic indication of the process fluid, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor module may be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing information about the tomographic indication of the process fluid. The tomographic indication includes a 2D or 3D image or visualization of the process fluid, including an analysis of mixing in multiphase flows, liquid interfaces or liquid-froth layers detected in the process fluid.

Abstract: Various aspects of the disclosure relate to distributed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication such as coordinated beamforming or Joint MIMO. In some aspects, distributed MIMO is used to support communication in a cluster of wireless nodes (e.g., access points). A distributed MIMO scheduling scheme as taught herein is used to schedule the wireless nodes (e.g., access points and/or stations) operating within the cluster. For example, stations may be scheduled across basis services sets of the access points for a downlink transmission and/or an uplink transmission.

Abstract: A RF-digital hybrid mode power amplifier system for achieving high efficiency and high linearity in wideband communication systems is disclosed. The present invention is based on the method of adaptive digital predistortion to linearize a power amplifier in the RF domain. The present disclosure enables a power amplifier system to be field reconfigurable and support multi-modulation schemes (modulation agnostic), multi-carriers and multi-channels. As a result, the digital hybrid mode power amplifier system is particularly suitable for wireless transmission systems, such as base-stations, repeaters, and indoor signal coverage systems, where baseband I-Q signal information is not readily available.

Abstract: A sending unit includes a send data storing unit, a sending-side signal processing unit, and a first DA converter and a second DA converter. A receiving unit includes a first AD converter and a second AD converter, a receiving-side signal processing unit, and a receive data storing unit. The sending-side signal processing unit calculates output signals using a matrix formed of eigenvectors corresponding to transmission eigenmodes in which the signals propagate through a transmission path. The receiving-side signal processing unit calculates data signals of a plurality of sequences by the inverse of the matrix used by the sending-side signal processing unit.

Abstract: A communication assembly is disclosed. The communication assembly includes a radio frequency (RF) module configured to obtain RF data from an antenna of a vehicle, a camera module configured to obtain image data of a scene exterior to the vehicle, and a communication unit, operatively connected to the RF module and the camera module, configured to embed the RF data in a first frequency band of an analog signal, embed the image data in a second frequency band of the analog signal, and transmit, via a single physical medium communication link, the analog signal to a vehicle communication unit of the vehicle. The vehicle communication unit is configured to demodulate the analog signal to retrieve the RF data and the image data for providing, to an electronic control module (ECU) of the vehicle.

Abstract: Controlling aggregation of shared content from multiple presenters during an online conference session includes, at a server having network connectivity, at a server having network connectivity, identifying a master presenter at an endpoint among a plurality of endpoints participating in an online conference session in which at least one of the plurality of endpoints is sharing content with other participants among the plurality of participants at their respective endpoints. One or more assistant presenters are determined among the plurality of participants at their respective endpoints. A master user interface is generated to serve as the user interface on the endpoint of the master presenter and a command is received, via the master user interface, to designate a layout. The layout aggregates shared content from the endpoints of one or more of the assistant presenters to make the layout viewable at the plurality of endpoints.

Abstract: Software applications are used for controlling the optical state of one or more optically switchable windows or other optical products installed in a structure such as building. The applications permit users to send and/or receive data and/or commands for controlling the switchable optical products. In some embodiments, the applications provide an interface with a window network controller, which directly or indirectly controls windows in a structure. Relevant processing involving the application may include user authentication, commissioning, adaptive control, and decisions on whether to permit an action or change requested by a user. In some embodiments, the application allows users to directly control the tint state of one or more tintable windows. In some embodiments, the application allows users to change a rule or property associated with controlling a switchable optical product.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve a circuit for delivering electrical power from a direct current voltage source to an electronic system. The circuit may include a power injection circuit that injects a first portion of the power from a supply voltage of the source to a first data line and a second portion of the power from the supply voltage to a second data line. The power injection circuit may include first and second conductive paths from the supply voltage to the first and second data lines having first and second inductances, respectively, as well as a third conductive path between the first and second data lines having a third inductance greater than the first and second inductances. A conductive support structure may carry return current from the electronic system to the source.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrical system which enables peripheral devices to communicate exclusively of other AC and power transceivers which provide to the electrical system and receive from the electrical system power and signals. The invention is an electrical system that comprises network channels (1000, 2000) connected by circuits (100, 200). Peripheral devices plugged into the network channels communicate with each other. AC and power transceivers connected to the circuits communicate with each other and distribute power through the network channels.

Abstract: A module for interconnecting fiber optic cables and/or cords includes: a housing having a rear wall; a plurality of MPO adapters mounted in the rear wall; and forty-eight fiber optic adapters mounted to a front portion of the housing, the duplex adapters being operatively connected with the MPO adapters.

Abstract: A method of transmitting/receiving signals at a terminal in a communication system is provided. The method includes determining at least one first reception path with a lowest path loss from among first reception paths that receive a first reference signal from a base station, receiving a second reference signal through second paths set up based on the at least one first reception path, and transmitting an uplink access signal with a second uplink transmitting beam that corresponds to a second downlink receiving beam corresponding to a second path having a lowest path loss.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include an automated RF testing management system that is configured to control a plurality of RF testing units, each having multiple test ports for performing RF testing of various electronic devices. Advantages of the disclosed embodiments include cost savings, increase productivity, and ease of configuration and maintenance.

Abstract: A receiver includes a plurality of de-spreading correlators that are programmed to only correlate a specific portion of the full spreading code according to an interleave factor. Each correlator may be associated with a different symbol. The received signal may be received at all correlators and is multiplied by a code generated by a code generator according to the symbol associated with the correlator. While each correlator may be despreading the received signal at all times, an enable signal is used to determine when information for an associated cell should be accumulated for each correlator.

Abstract: A signalling system comprises a first data signal source (10, 14), a first data signal receiver (12, 16) and a cable 18 comprising two or more wire pairs ({1,2}, {3,6}, {4,5}, {7,8}) coupling the first data signal source to the first data signal receiver. A portion of each wire pair is wound around a magnetic core (28). A further winding (30) is wound around the core (28). A further signal source (24) is coupled to the further winding (30) and a further receiver (36, 26) is coupled to the wires to receive the further signal. The windings around the core apply the further signal to the wire pairs as a common-mode signal. This allows the further signal to be transmitted to the further receiver without affecting the signal transmitted between the source (10, 14) and the receiver (12, 16) and with only minor modification of the cable (18).

Abstract: Techniques relating to optical shuffling are described herein. In an example, a system for shuffling a plurality of optical beams is described. The system includes a plurality of sources to output respective beams of light. The system further includes a plurality of receivers to receive respective beams of light. The system further includes a shuffling assembly including a plurality of sub-wavelength grating (SWG) sections. Each of the plurality of SWG sections is for defining optical paths of the plurality of beams. The plurality of SWG sections includes at least one reflecting SWG section to reflect and direct light from a respective one of the plurality of sources toward a respective one of the plurality of receivers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a charger integrating a network interface conversion apparatus, which is used with a wireless mobile gateway device. The charger includes a first interface, a power interface, a second interface, a charging circuit, and a network interface adapter circuit. The power interface is connected to an input end of charging circuit. An output end of the charging circuit is connected to the first interface and a power supply terminal of the network interface adapter circuit. The second interface is connected to a signal terminal which has a corresponding format and is of the network interface adapter circuit, and the first interface is connected to a signal terminal which has a corresponding format and is of the network interface adapter circuit.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate multiplexing of control information and data for common transmission in a localized FDM wireless communication system. Localized FDM transmission of control and data channels can be achieved by, for example, multiplexing control information with data and transmitting the control information and data using resources and transmission schemes specified for transmission of the data. To ensure the reliability of control information multiplexed with data, a power offset can be applied to the control information to provide varying protection levels for the control information based on properties of the data resources into which it is embedded in order to maintain a predetermined signal quality for the control information independent of the data resources.

Abstract: System, methods and apparatus are described that facilitate transmission of data, particularly between two devices within electronic equipment. The apparatus may determine whether a run-length violation will occur or is likely to occur if a first sequence of symbols provided by a mapper of an M-Wire N-Phase encoder is transmitted on a plurality of wires. A second sequence of symbols may be substituted for the first sequence of symbols. The second sequence of symbols may comprise a surplus sequence of symbols that is not used for mapping data in the mapper.

Abstract: An example telecommunications cabinet includes: an enclosure including sidewalls extending between a bottom of the enclosure and a top of the enclosure to define an interior of the enclosure; telecommunications equipment disposed within the interior of the enclosure; and a data distribution arrangement disposed on one of the sidewalls within the interior of the enclosure.

Abstract: A device for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having at least one pair of laterally extending upper and lower wellbores therein may include a radio frequency (RF) source. The device may also include an upper wellbore RF radiator to be positioned in the laterally extending upper wellbore and including a plurality of first terminals. The device may further include a lower wellbore RF radiator to be positioned in the laterally extending lower wellbore and comprising a plurality of second terminals. The device may also include an interconnection arrangement configured to couple the RF source and the first and second terminals so that at least one of the upper and lower wellbore RF radiators heat the hydrocarbon resource in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: An intelligent network patch field management system is provided that includes active electronic hardware, firmware, mechanical assemblies, cables, and software that guide, monitor, and report on the process of connecting and disconnecting patch cords plugs in an interconnect or cross-connect patching environment. The system is also capable of monitoring patch cord connections to detect insertions or removals of patch cords or plugs. In addition, the system can map embodiments of patch fields.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer implemented method is provided for generating a network patch plan. The method can include selecting at least two devices to be interconnected. The method can include selecting a role for each of the at least two devices. The method can include identifying a patching template. The method can include determining a priority order of available logical ports associated with each of the at least two devices. The method can include generating a patch plan based on the priority order.

Abstract: Methods of detecting a plug insertion into a plug aperture of a communications connector are provided in which a control signal is transmitted to a control signal input circuit of the connector that includes a reactive coupling element. The control signal is electromagnetically coupled through the control signal input circuit. The electromagnetically coupled control signal is thereafter detected on a first differential pair of conductive paths that are included in the connector. A determination is made that a plug is present in the plug aperture based at least in part on detecting the electromagnetically coupled control signal on the first differential pair of conductive paths.

Abstract: Methods of detecting a plug insertion into a plug aperture of a communications connector are provided in which a control signal is received that is electromagnetically coupled across a plug aperture of the communications connector using a reactive coupling element. A determination may be made that a mating plug (e.g., an RJ-45 plug or a connector on a fiber optic jumper cable) has been inserted into the plug aperture based on this received control signal. Related connectors are also provided.

Abstract: In order to enhance system efficiency, a method of improving reset of an evolved media access control (MAC-ehs) protocol entity for a user equipment in a wireless communications system is disclosed. The MAC-ehs entity includes a first reset function and a second reset function. The first reset function is activated according to an upper layer request, while the second rest function is activated when any reset timer of the MAC-ehs protocol entity expires. The method includes the steps of activating the first reset function, and stopping all active reset timers of the MAC-ehs protocol entity and setting all reset timers of the MAC-ehs protocol entity to their initial values.

Abstract: Certain aspects of a method and system for configuring a plurality of network interfaces that share a physical interface (PHY) may include a system comprising one or more physical network interface controllers (NICs) and two or more virtual NICs. One or more drivers associated with each of the virtual NICs that share one or more Ethernet ports associated with the physical NICs may be synchronized based on controlling one or more parameters associated with one or more Ethernet ports. One or more wake on LAN (WoL) patterns associated with each of the drivers may be detected at one or more Ethernet ports. A wake up signal may be communicated to one or more drivers associated with the detected WoL patterns. One of the drivers may be appointed to be a port master driver. If a failure of the appointed port master driver is detected, another driver may be appointed to be the port master driver.

Abstract: The combination device includes a first pair of series coupled first and second magnetically coupled coils, to which a first DSL line and a first DSL transmission line are electrically coupled, and a second pair of series coupled first and second magnetically coupled coils, to which a second DSL line and a second DSL transmission line are electrically coupled. A third DSL line is coupled to a first coupling element between the first and the second coils of the first pair, and to a second coupling element between the first and the second coils of the second pair. The combination device is located in a phantom injection module provided with at least five terminals respectively associated to the first DSL line, the second DSL line, the third DSL line, the first DSL transmission line and the second DSL transmission line.

Abstract: Communications connectors are provided that include a plurality of input ports, a plurality of output ports and a plurality of conductive paths. Each of the conductive paths connects a respective one of the input ports to a respective one of the output ports. The conductive paths are arranged as a plurality of differential pairs of conductive paths that are each configured to carry a differential signal. These connectors further include a control signal input circuit that is configured to capacitively couple a phantom mode control signal onto at least a first and a second of the differential pairs of conductive paths.

Abstract: A device for enabling a local area network wiring structure to simultaneously carry digital data and analog telephone signals on the same transmission medium. It is particularly applicable to a network in star topology, in which remote data units (e.g. personal computers) are each connected to a hub through a cable comprising at least two pairs of conductors, providing a data communication path in each direction. Modules at each end of the cable provide a phantom path for telephony (voice band), signals between a telephone near the data set and a PBX, through both conductor pairs in a phantom circuit arrangement. All such communication paths function simultaneously and without mutual interference. The modules comprise simple and inexpensive passive circuit components.

Abstract: A device for enabling a local area network wiring structure to simultaneously carry digital data and analog telephone signals on the same transmission medium. It is particularly applicable to a network in star topology, in which remote data units (e.g. personal computers) are each connected to a hub through a cable comprising at least two pairs of conductors, providing a data communication path in each direction. Modules at each end of the cable provide a phantom path for telephony (voice band) signals between a telephone near the data set and a PBX, through both conductor pairs in a phantom circuit arrangement. All such communication paths function simultaneously and without mutual interference. The modules comprise simple and inexpensive passive circuit components.

Abstract: An intelligent network patch field management system is provided that includes active electronic hardware, firmware, mechanical assemblies, cables, and software that guide, monitor, and report on the process of connecting and disconnecting patch cords plugs in an interconnect or cross-connect patching environment. The system is also capable of monitoring patch cord connections to detect insertions or removals of patch cords or plugs. In addition, the system can map embodiments of patch fields.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for failure handling in a tree-structured communications network having interconnected edge nodes and switching nodes. VLANs may be established by using spanning trees to provide connectivity in case of a failure in the network. Emitters in the edge nodes periodically broadcast alive messages on the VLANs, and notifiers note the alive messages. A missing alive message indicates a failure on one of the VLANs, and the notifier broadcasts corresponding failure messages on the VLANs. When the alive messages are restored, the notifier broadcasts corresponding repair messages. If a notifier fails to note a failure, one of the edge nodes performs a similar function although somewhat slower.

Abstract: A device for enabling a local area network wiring structure to simultaneously carry digital data and analog telephone signals on the same transmission medium. It is particularly applicable to a network in star topology, in which remote data units (e.g. personal computers) are each connected to a hub through a cable comprising at least two pairs of conductors, providing a data communication path in each direction. Modules at each end of the cable provide a phantom path for telephony (voice band), signals between a telephone near the data set and a PBX, through both conductor pairs in a phantom circuit arrangement. All such communication paths function simultaneously and without mutual interference. The modules comprise simple and inexpensive passive circuit components.

Abstract: Phase and frequency recovery techniques comprising; a software controlled clock synthesizer (SCCS) for high accuracy phase & frequency synthesis producing synchronized low jitter clock from external time referencing signals or time referencing messages wherein SCCS includes a hybrid PLL (HPLL) enabling 1-50,000 frequency multiplication with very low output jitter independent of reference clock quality, and receiver synchronization techniques (RST) enabling by one order more accurate synchronization of receiver clock to OFDM composite frame combined with much faster acquisition time and better stability of receivers oscillator.

Abstract: Superimposing phantom-mode signals reinforces existing differentially driven DSL downstream signals in a vectored binder of DSLs or reinforces upstream vectored signals in a binder of differentially excited twisted pairs, thus expanding the extra transmission modes of the previous GDSL multi-wire two-sided-excitation invention to the case where coordination can only occur on one-side of the binder. Each pair is treated as a common-mode antenna with respect to earth ground, with some pairs selectively excited at the transformer center tap at the transmit end with respect to a common (earth or chassis) ground reference. Corresponding receivers on other non-excited pairs sense the signals between their center taps and a ground at the opposite ends of the lines to the exciting transmitters. A dual use with hybrid circuits allows the receiving circuit to also have an upstream transmitter and an upstream-sensing receiver on the center tap of the opposite side of an adjacent wire.

Abstract: Communications connectors are provided that include a plurality of input ports, a plurality of output ports and a plurality of conductive paths. Each of the conductive paths connects a respective one of the input ports to a respective one of the output ports. The conductive paths are arranged as a plurality of differential pairs of conductive paths that are each configured to carry a differential signal. These connectors further include a control signal input circuit that is configured to capacitively couple a phantom mode control signal onto at least a first and a second of the differential pairs of conductive paths.

Abstract: A dynamic fuse element is provided in an inline power circuit to provide an electrical current protection level that varies in accordance with allocated current levels and that can respond to current spikes that are not expected. The dynamic fuse element comprises a processor aware of allocated current levels and an inline switch controlled by the processor to turn OFF in the event of a fault. In another aspect ferrite fuses may be provided for relatively low-current applications. In yet another aspect test fuses may be placed on the circuit board to verify that fuses used in manufacture operate at a certain current level.

Abstract: A base station apparatus includes a measurement unit, a derivation unit and an allocation unit. A base station apparatus allocates at least one subcarrier block, in a frequency band containing a plurality of subcarrier blocks composed of a plurality of subcarriers, to a terminal apparatus. The measurement unit measures an interference power of at least part of subcarriers among a plurality of subcarriers in each of the plurality of subcarrier blocks. The derivation unit derives, from the interference power of subcarriers measured by the measurement unit, an average value of the interference power for each of the plurality of subcarrier blocks and a statistical value indicating a degree of variation in the interference power relative to the average value. The allocation unit allocates at least one subcarrier block to the terminal apparatus, based on the average value and the statistical value derived by the derivation unit.

Abstract: A network media appliance, comprising at least one packet data network interface, adapted for communicating data packets with a data network according to an Internet Protocol; a media data interface, and a processor, having an associated memory for storing executable code, said code defining at least a remote virtual interface function, and a data transfer function for controlling transfer of data through said media data interface.

Abstract: A network media appliance, comprising at least one packet data network interface, adapted for communicating data packets with a data network according to an Internet Protocol; a media data interface, and a processor, having an associated memory for storing executable code, said code defining at least a remote virtual interface function, and a data transfer function for controlling transfer of data through said media data interface.

Abstract: Certain aspects of a method and system for configuring a plurality of network interfaces that share a physical interface (PHY) may include a system comprising one or more physical network interface controllers (NICs) and two or more virtual NICs. One or more drivers associated with each of the virtual NICs that share one or more Ethernet ports associated with the physical NICs may be synchronized based on controlling one or more parameters associated with one or more Ethernet ports. One or more wake on LAN (WoL) patterns associated with each of the drivers may be detected at one or more Ethernet ports. A wake up signal may be communicated to one or more drivers associated with the detected WoL patterns. One of the drivers may be appointed to be a port master driver. If a failure of the appointed port master driver is detected, another driver may be appointed to be the port master driver.

Abstract: An Internet appliance, comprising, within a single housing, packet data network interfaces, adapted for communicating with the Internet and a local area network, at least one data interface selected from the group consisting of a universal serial bus, an IEEE-1394 interface, a voice telephony interface, an audio program interface, a video program interface, an audiovisual program interface, a camera interface, a physical security system interface, a wireless networking interface; a device control interface, smart home interface, an environmental sensing interface, and an environmental control interface, and a processor, for controlling a data transfer between the local area network and the Internet, and defining a markup language interface communicated through a packet data network interface, to control a data transfer or control a remote device.

Abstract: Superimposing phantom-mode signals reinforces existing differentially driven DSL downstream signals in a vectored binder of DSLs or reinforces upstream vectored signals in a binder of differentially excited twisted pairs, thus expanding the extra transmission modes of the previous GDSL multi-wire two-sided-excitation invention to the case where coordination can only occur on one-side of the binder. Each pair is treated as a common-mode antenna with respect to earth ground, with some pairs selectively excited at the transformer center tap at the transmit end with respect to a common (earth or chassis) ground reference. Corresponding receivers on other non-excited pairs sense the signals between their center taps and a ground at the opposite ends of the lines to the exciting transmitters. A dual use with hybrid circuits allows the receiving circuit to also have an upstream transmitter and an upstream-sensing receiver on the center tap of the opposite side of an adjacent wire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a local area network wiring structure to simultaneously carry digital data and analog telephone signals on the same transmission medium. It is particularly applicable to a network in star topology, in which remote data units (e.g. personal computers) are each connected to a hub through a cable comprising at least two pairs of conductors, providing a data communication path in each direction. Modules at each end of the cable provide a phantom path for telephony (voice band) signals between a telephone near the data set and a PBX, through both conductor pairs in a phantom circuit arrangement. All such communication paths function simultaneously and without mutual interference. The modules comprise simple and inexpensive passive circuit components.

Abstract: Superimposing phantom-mode signals reinforces existing differentially driven DSL downstream signals in a vectored binder of DSLs or reinforces upstream vectored signals in a binder of differentially excited twisted pairs, thus expanding the extra transmission modes of the previous GDSL multi-wire two-sided-excitation invention to the case where coordination can only occur on one-side of the binder. Each pair is treated as a common-mode antenna with respect to earth ground, with some pairs selectively excited at the transformer center tap at the transmit end with respect to a common (earth or chassis) ground reference. Corresponding receivers on other non-excited pairs sense the signals between their center taps and a ground at the opposite ends of the lines to the exciting transmitters. A dual use with hybrid circuits allows the receiving circuit to also have an upstream transmitter and an upstream-sensing receiver on the center tap of the opposite side of an adjacent wire.

Abstract: An operating network comprising a large number of nodes interconnected by links determines potential link-capacity enhancement with the help of a companion phantom network. In one embodiment, the operating network and the phantom network are topologically coincident and each node participates in seeking an actual-connection setup through the operating network and a phantom connection through the phantom network for each connection request. Each node associates with each of its output links an operating capacity, a phantom capacity, an operating vacancy, and a phantom vacancy. The phantom vacancy data is used for link provisioning. In another embodiment, nodes may be added to or deleted from the operating network and the phantom network may not topologically coincide with the operating network.