Abstract: A method of rerouting a digital intra-office signal through a telephone central office comprises the steps of retrieving identification data for ports of first and second digital access and cross-connect systems, the ports being connected by an intra-office digital trunk, retrieving identification data for an alternative path from the first cross-connect system to the second cross-connect system, correlating identification data for the alternative path to the identification data for the intra-office digital trunk, determining availability of and displaying alternative path data responsive to entry of identification data for the intra-office digital trunk, and rerouting the intra-office digital signal via the alternative path.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and a method for testing and evaluating a transmission line. A set of command and data signals is received through an input/output interface. The command and data signals from the input/output interface are processed for controlling at least one relay. At least one switch is activated for testing a transmission signal line using the relay. The transmission signal line is tested based upon the activated switch.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products are provided which may provide for determining a point of loss for data records to be communicated between a source and a destination on a communication network. A topology of the communication network between the source and the destination is determined which includes a plurality of connecting nodes. A number of data records from the source directed to the destination passing between ones of the connecting nodes during a determined period of time is monitored. At least one of the connecting nodes is identified as the point of loss based on the monitored number of data records and the determined topology.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting packets is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises broadcasting data units of packets to a plurality of finite state machine (FSM) comparison units, where each of the FSM comparison units implements a portion of a signature. The method further includes comparing the data units of the packets to signatures, including each FSM comparison unit of the plurality of FSM comparison units independently comparing one of the data units to its associated portion of one signature. The method also includes combining results of the plurality of FSM comparison units independently processing the data units using a logic combinatorial circuit.

Abstract: An alarm transfer method for use in a wide area Ethernet network has the steps of generating a plurality of fixed-length frames from an Ethernet frame sent from a client terminal, generating capsules each comprised of each of the fixed-length frames, a type field for notifying a fault, a forward relay line fault notification field for notifying a fault in a forward direction, and a backward relay line fault notification field for notifying the fault in a backward direction, multiplexing the capsules to generate a frame which is transferred to an Ethernet network, and demultiplexing capsules from a received frame to recognize a fault for each Ethernet path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a WDM network which has: a lightwave path which connects between clients and each of which is provided with an overhead, and a sub-network which is defined by dividing the WDM network. In this WDM network, the sub-network has a partial lightwave path to go through the sub-network, the overhead has a partial lightwave path supervisory control information region which is terminated at both nodes of the partial lightwave path, and when a fault occurs on a lightwave path, the fault information of partial lightwave path including the position information of fault occurred is added to the partial lightwave path supervisory control information region of the overhead.

Abstract: A home network controller provides a user-visible indication of the integrity of a physical connection to a home network. The home network controller periodically checks an interrupt status register for receipt of a physical-layer packet. Receipt of a physical-layer packet serves as a proxy for a functional physical connection, and non-receipt of a packet serves as a proxy for a non-functional physical connection. To avoid race conditions, the controller will indicate failure of a previously functional physical connection if no packet was received during the period but a packet was transmitted during the period and a packet was transmitted during the immediately previous period. A heartbeat signal avoids deadlocks by transmitting a packet if the interrupt status register indicates no packets were received or transmitted during the period.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing mobile network management of assets on a network are presented. In accordance with the method, a network management server is provided to control a network asset on a network. The network asset is connected to the network management server via a connection path. A secure communication path is established between the network management server and a mobile wireless capable device. The network asset is managed via the secure communication path with the mobile wireless capable device. The network is administered via the secure communication path with the mobile wireless capable device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector for electrically connecting a card and a lead wire. The connector includes a housing to and from which the card can be inserted and pulled out along a surface of the housing and a contact built in the housing, the contact having a pair of exposed ends, one of the exposed ends capable of connecting to the lead wire, the other of the exposed ends capable of connecting to the card when the card is inserted. The housing has a first communication hole communicating with the contact, and the first communication hole has a diameter which allows a probe for a connector conduction test to be inserted into the first communication hole. According to the present invention, the first communication hole defined by the support pin for supporting the contacts are utilized as the insertion holes of the probe for the connector conduction test, so that production efficiency of the connector can be improved.

Abstract: In a synchronous communications network such as SDH or SONET, traffic signals can be tagged to indicate that a fault condition has already been identified and reported. On examination of the alarm tag at subsequent stages, an alarm is suppressed if the tag indicates that the fault has already been reported.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a system for accelerating fault recovery in a redundant, tree structured local area network. The invention is used to define some of the LAN ports, which are, for example, used to connect the switch (SW) into the IP router, as critical ones. Likewise, some other LAN ports, used to connect the IP hosts to said switch (SW), are defined as dependent of the critical links. If a critical LAN port or corresponding link is found to be non-functional, e.g. no carrier sensed, all LAN ports or corresponding links depending on it are declared as non-functional. The declaration is done at link level in a way which allows the device(s) or ports connected to the other end of the link to notice that the link is not in use anymore to carry traffic.

Abstract: A LAN (Local Area Network) system employs a plurality of terminals and a shared equipment such as an internet facsimile. When an error occurs in the shared equipment, an error message is transmitted from the shared equipment to a predetermined terminal, for example, a maintenance manager's terminal, and when the error is recovered by someone, the shared equipment transmits an error recovery message to the predetermined terminal.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for Network Problem Segment Isolation. The present invention provides a method for characterizing network segment quality for a segment transmitting messages from a first endpoint to a second endpoint on a network. The method includes the step of receiving messages transmitted between the first and second endpoints. The messages include a first set of quality metrics for message transmission from the first to second endpoint for both the first and second segments and a second set of quality metrics for message transmission from the first endpoint to the juncture. Furthermore, the method includes subtracting the second set of quality metrics from the corresponding quality metrics of the first set of quality metrics to calculate a third set of quality metrics representing the quality metrics of the second segment. Additionally, the method includes comparing the third set of quality metrics to a first set of segment qualities.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing reliability in a communication system. In the system and method, redundant signal paths are continuously tested to determine if any faults are present while the operating signal paths are in use. If any faults are present in the redundant signal paths, they can be addressed while the operating circuits are still in use. This minimizes the chance that a switch from an operating signal path to a redundant signal path because of a fault in the operating circuit will result in downtime.

Abstract: A remote equipment monitoring system with active warning function is constructed to include multiple remote equipments to be monitored, an Ethernet connected to the remote equipments, a remote monitor equipment installed in the Ethernet and adapted to monitor working status of the remote equipments, and an Ethernet switch installed in the Ethernet and adapted to collect working status messages of the remote equipment and forward collected working status message to the remote monitor equipment. The Ethernet switch has an event detection mechanism adapted to detect working status of the remote equipments, a processor adapted to analyze working status messages collected by the event detection mechanism, and a warning message generator controlled by the processor to generate a warning E-mail message to the remote monitor equipment when one working message judged to be the message of an abnormal working status.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method in a wireless communication system (1) which includes wireless terminals (MT1-MT4) and at least one access point (AP1, AP2) and access point controller (APC1, APC2). At least one antenna configuration is determined for an antenna (30) of the wireless terminal (MT1-MT4). In the method, the antenna (30) of the wireless terminal (MT1-MT4) is used for receiving a radio signal and the strength of the radio signal received by the antenna (30) of the wireless terminal (MT1-MT4) is measured. A measurement message (HD1, D1) is formed of one or more measurements, which is transmitted from the wireless terminal (MT1-MT4) to the access point (AP1, AP2). Further in the method, data (UAC) about the antenna configuration during the measurement is added into the measurement message (HD1, D1).

Abstract: Each node (130) of a SONET bidirectional line switch ring (BLSR)(120) generates a squelch table. Squelch table generation does not require a separate computer connected to the node. Each node also generates a payload table indicating a type of a synchronous transport signals (STS) on each link (140) in the ring. The payload table allows each node to quickly determine the STS type on the protection channels when a ring switch occurs.

Abstract: A backup CRF VLAN arrangement provides an alternate, redundant path for traffic between undistributed Concentrator Relay Functions (CRFs) located on separate switches interconnected by trunk links of a distributed token ring bridge. The backup CRF virtual local area network (VLAN) arrangement defines a backup network path which may be utilized if a primary active path is not a valid path to a backup network. Notably, the backup network comprises a special type of CRF that is distributed among the switches, but that has only one port active at any given time.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of determining the effectiveness of radio communication over an area covered by a wireless LAN. A value of a signal parameter, such as stability or throughput, is detected at each of a plurality of sample points spaced over the area. The variation in the parameter over the area is shown in colour on a display.

Abstract: A method for testing and safeguarding the availability of a networked system which is assigned to a system carrier, wherein a multiplicity of subscribers exchange data via a bus-type network which is comprised of one or more bus lines. Specific voltage levels are applied to the bus line or the lines by the appropriate subscribers. By virtue of this, as a minimum, at least individual subscribers transmit data. The bus line or the lines is/are monitored by the at least one receiving subscriber for an overshoot or undershoot of voltage levels. Due to this, the data is evaluated in at least one receiving subscriber with the aid of voltage levels. During operation of the system, signals present on the bus-type network are discriminated, tested or measured with respect to at least one signal criterion by individual subscribers under conditions defined in a network-wide manner for all subscribers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of minimizing multicast traffic in a given multicast domain, the given multicast domain having a plurality of network devices, the plurality of network devices including at least one responsible network device, the responsible network device being responsible for at least one particular multicast traffic, configures a network device in the multicast domain to coordinate multicast messages sent to and from the multicast domain and generates a peering relationship between the configured network device and each responsible network device. The peering relationship ensures that a responsible network device receives multicast messages which reference its particular multicast traffic only.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media are disclosed for performing diagnostic tests of a communication link between a headend and a cable modem without having to assign an IP address to the cable modem. The diagnostic tests are performed at the MAC layer and test the state of the hardware between and including the cable modem termination system (CMTS) and a selected cable modem. By doing so, a network operator is able to more easily focus in on a potential problem in cable RF/MAC connectivity between the two components by first eliminating (or identifying) a problem with hardware before focusing on problem-solving at the software level, typically at the Network layer, at which point the cable modem is assigned an IP address. A network command is received from a network operator causing the CMTS to place a service identifier corresponding to a cable modem in possible need of diagnosing into a poll list.

Abstract: A system and method of testing processor boards in which a test path is created by setting switches in distribution hubs and the devices under test. Test signals are sent through the test path and errors in the signals are used to identify faulty boards. The distribution hubs of an embodiment can detect, report and eliminate errors in the test signals. A command path from a host to the distribution hubs and devices under test is provided through a multi-terminal connector. The command path is preferably separate from the test path. A test signal generator may be included. The system may be particularly adapted for fiber channel testing.

Abstract: A multi-port packet-based bridge is described in which packet transmissions on particular ports or between ports may be monitored on another, monitoring port. Efficient operation is realized by using a multi-processor environment and data structures that allow a packet received on one port to be transmitted to multiple ports without being “copied” multiple times. By using a Supervisory Access Terminal, it is possible to specify various circumstances under which a packet will be sent to the monitoring port. These circumstances include monitoring of all packets incoming to a selected port (or ports), all packets forwarded to a selected port (or ports), and packets generated internally and sent to a selected port (or ports). In addition, all packets forwarded from one selected port to another selected port may be monitored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus accurately and reliably perform a dying gasp process for an external digital subscriber line communication terminal connected to a personal computer via the Ethernet. The state of an Ethernet port of the communication terminal connectable to the personal computer is sensed, and whether the Ethernet port is made inactive after the Ethernet port is made active is checked. The dying gasp process is performed upon sensing the occurrence of the inactive state of the Ethernet port after the Ethernet port is made active.

Abstract: A network exploration is performed to initialize one or more network elements of the network. If during the network exploration a failure is encountered, a systematic and deterministic approach is used to accurately and particularly identify the faulty network component that caused the failure.

Abstract: A network node of a SONET ring is provided with a tributary line interface that receives packets from LAN users. A packet switch performs a switching operation on the LAN packets. An aggregate line interface establishes an STM path on a communication link and a number of packet paths within the STM path. An STM switch connects the packet switch between the tributary line interface and the aggregate line interface so that the switched packets are transported over the packet paths. Monitoring circuitry monitors the LAN packets and produces a warning signal if an abnormal condition is detected in one of the packet paths and transmits the warning signal to the communication link. Preferably, the monitoring circuitry is provided in the tributary line interface.

Abstract: A system for facilitating diagnosis and maintenance of one or more control networks located on a mobile conveyance comprises one or more wireless ground stations configured to communicate over a wireless communication channel with a control network via a wireless interface. A local area computer network receives and responds to messages to or from the control network via the wireless ground stations. The local area computer network comprises one or more user terminals, a server computer, a database comprising diagnostic information relating to said control network, and, optionally, a replacement parts database and/or job auction database. The local area network further includes a wide area network interface, which allow either additional diagnostic information relating to the control network to be retrieved, or parts to be manually or automatically ordered from remote vendor sites.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a zero configuration nomadic wireless and wired computing environment presenting a just works experience is presented. The system examines predefined user preference or profile settings to determine to which of a competing number of wireless networks available it should connect, and what type of authentication should be used for such connection. Nomadic wireless computing between infrastructure wireless networks and ad hoc wireless networks may be accomplished without further user intervention required in an auto mode. Also, both infrastructure only and ad hoc only modes are available through the system of the invention. Further, the user may set a preference for infrastructure or ad hoc modes in the auto mode. With an infrastructure mode preference set, the system will automatically detect and transfer connectivity to a newly available infrastructure wireless network if the user was previously operating off-line or in ad hoc mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically adapting a mobile unit to the communications requirements of a particular country or geographic region is provided. A wireless data communication network located in a particular country or geographic region includes one or more access points for communicating with the mobile unit. The mobile unit receives from an access point an announcement message broadcast. The message has a unique frequency characteristic associated with the geographic location of the access point from which it was broadcast. The mobile unit then determines an allowable frequency set for use in the country or geographic location associated with the access point. The mobile unit adjusts its frequency set to operate o the allowable frequency set. The mobile unit may also adjust others of its operating parameters in a similar fashion.

Abstract: The present invention system automates the process of testing the integrity of the components residing at each node of a data network. After automatically dial connecting to a site of the network by selecting a telephone number from a retrieved list of telephone numbers each representing a site of the network, the instant invention sends a query directed to a particular component at the site. And depending on the response/non-response received, the instant invention can readily determine whether there is a problem with the being queried component. If there is a fault detected, this fault is reported either as a HTML file or a text file to either a web site or a data store, so that a technician can readily retrieve that information when needed. After all components at a site are tested, a report of the operational effectiveness of each of the components could be generated and provided either to the web site or dumped into the data store.

Abstract: A data communication apparatus includes a communication section that performs a pre-communication protocol with a destination terminal and transmits data to a destination terminal. A memory stores data and communication parameters corresponding to each destination terminal, the communication parameters being utilized to perform communication with the destination terminal. When destination terminal data is stored in the memory, a controller reads the communication parameters corresponding to the destination terminal from the memory, performs the pre-communication protocol with the destination terminal, using the read communication parameters, and omits at least a communication protocol for line probing.

Abstract: An Ethernet network with redundancy properties and an associated method for detecting and eliminating errors in the network. A redundancy manager (6), which is connected to the line ends of the network (1), checks the status of the network by transmitting and receiving test telegrams. If there is an interruption in the network, the redundancy manager (6) connects the line ends (7, 8) and thereby ensures continued network operation within milliseconds. The network has a loop structure that is less expensive than a dual bus structure even though fast media redundancy is ensured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ensuring wireless transmission among respective communicating apparatuses when constructing a local area network with a plurality of wireless communicating apparatuses. Under the control of a control station (10), a wireless signal of a frame structure is transmitted between communicating stations (20) and (30). The wireless signal of a frame structure has a managing region and a data transmitting region. In the managing region, a test signal for checking quality of communication among a plurality of communicating stations and communication quality information representative of quality of communication among the plurality of communicating stations are transmitted. In the data transmitting region, isochronous data or asynchronous data is transmitted under the access control of the control station.

Abstract: A communication frame has a counter value which is updated each time the communication frame passes through a node, and a source address. Therefore, upon receiving the communication frame, the node references a source address to check to see if the communication frame was generated by the node, that is, if the communication frame is a returned frame. In addition, even when the node finds that the received communication frame is not the communication frame generated by this node, the node checks counter value information in the communication frame to check to see if the communication frame has already circulated around the network, that is, if the communication frame is abnormal. Furthermore, because the counter value information is provided in each communication frame, the present invention is compatible with a system where a plurality of communication frames are on a network at the same time.

Abstract: The network monitoring system includes a monitor device coupling to a network switch through a mirror port interface of the network switch. The network switch supports a number of regular port interfaces connected to different network components and the mirror port connected to the monitor device. The mirror port mirrors all network traffic of any selected regular port interfaces of the network switch. When the monitor device receives a data packet from the network switch, the monitor device extracts the network address information from such as the source and destination address from the data packet. The monitor device then examines internal lookup tables to determine whether there are corresponding physical port interface for the network address information. If the corresponding physical port interfaces for the network address information are not available in the lookup table, the monitor device interrogates the network switch for the corresponding physical port interface.

Abstract: A modular test instrument comprises a base unit and one of a selection of application modules, neither being capable of performing end-user functions without the other. When physically assembled to one another, the base unit and application module comprise a structurally unitary device specialized for performance of application-specific end-user functions.

Abstract: A method and system for recovering transparently from a network interface failure. The method is to be run in a computing device on a network with multiple peer computing devices, having redundant network interfaces connected with redundant cables. The method transparently recovers from network failures by first establishing an address list of the peer computing devices on the subnet. The computing device then periodically tests the communication link with one or more of the peer computing devices until at least one peer device responds thereby sending its network address. The computing device then uses the peer network address to retest the communication link with the peer device until the peer device does not respond. If there is no response, the computing device reassigns the network address of the computing device from the primary network interface to the redundant network interface.

Abstract: A method, and a system for implementing the method, for implementing the method, for determining if a wire has been miswired in a network comprising service nodes and switch elements.

Abstract: A network controller system including a plurality of network ports and a driver system that operates the network ports as a team. The team is operated to simulate a single logical device in one of several team modes, such as fault tolerance or load balancing modes, to enhance performance of communication of the computer in a network. The driver system periodically determines and updates the status of each of the network ports, where the status of each is based at least on whether at least one directed packet has been received and transferred to the driver system by a respective network port. If any one of the network ports has not received a directed packet within a predetermined time period, the driver system commands another network port to transmit a directed heartbeat packet to the network port that has not received a directed packet. The team may include a primary and one or more secondary ports.

Abstract: A switch is provided for use in a communications system for transmitting traffic from a first user to a second user. The first and the second users are interconnected by a primary communications path and a redundant communications path. The switch includes a first port configured to receive hello communications indicative of a proper operation of the primary communications path and a second port for receiving data communications. A switch control monitors the receipt of the hello communications, directs the forwarding of received data communications up to a threshold capacity and, if the received data communications exceed the threshold capacity, drops at least a portion of the received data communications such that forwarded data communications are below the threshold capacity.

Abstract: An environment monitoring telephone network system comprises: a plurality M of environment parameters detecting and transmitting units (16), which transmit data toward the remote acquisition exchange (7), said units being provided with N analog input sensors; at least a telephone network private line, in order to transmit detected data to the remote acquisition exchange, where a Data Logger (5) is located, and to supply remotely the detecting and transmitting unit; a plurality M of receiving units (18), each interconnected with a specific detecting and transmitting unit, said receiving units being located at the remote acquisition exchange and being linked with the input channels of a Data Logger, which in turn is linked, by means of a modem, to a storing and processing center, through a switched telephone network (6).

Abstract: A method of adapting a mobile telecommunication system to channel conditions. To control transmission of a data packet from an access network (AN) in both a link adaptation scheme and an ARQ (Automatic Repeat reQuest) scheme, an access terminal (AT) compares the received power of a forward pilot signal received from the AN with a predetermined first threshold, checks errors in the data packet of a received time slot if the reception power is greater than the first threshold, and transmits a signal requesting termination of retransmission of the data packet to the AN if no errors are found in the data packet after decoding.

Abstract: A plurality of independent control lines are used by I/O modules to determine which switch of a redundant switch set is the active or primary switch. Each line is driven by a different source. Each of these control lines are driven by one of a plurality of judges an each judge can read the other control lines which they are not driving. All the I/O modules can only read the control lines. Each judge makes a decision as to which switch should be the primary switch. Each decision is conveyed using the control lines. The I/O modules use these control lines to direct a multiplexer of the respective outside node to connect to the primary switch. A majority rules algorithm is used to always obtain the correct result in the face of a single error. The criteria used by the judges to decide which switch should be the primary switch is dependent of this mechanism.

Abstract: A communications system for remotely managing equipment includes a first remote device and a second remote device having the same network address. A communications network includes a first link connecting the first remote device to a management station and a second, disparate link connecting the second remote device to the management station. The management station is operable to individually access the first remote device via the first link and to individually access the second remote device via the second link.

Abstract: A switch is provided for use in a communications system for transmitting traffic from a first user to a second user. The first and the second users are interconnected by a primary communications path and a redundant communications path. The switch includes a first port configured to receive hello communications indicative of a proper operation of the primary communications path and a second port for receiving data communications. A switch control monitors the receipt of the hello communications, directs the forwarding of received data communications up to a threshold capacity and, if the received data communications exceed the threshold capacity, drops at least a portion of the received data communications such that forwarded data communications are below the threshold capacity.

Abstract: A system and method for testing the most complex portions of transceiver devices integrated into digital VLSI chips. The testing is performed in a manufacturing environment with minimal external hardware and using a combination of test-specific circuitry and pattern algorithms built into a mixed signal transceiver implementing a test methodology suitable for application and measurement on a digital tester.

Abstract: A reuse management method for a packet-switched wireless network having a plurality of links between a plurality of terminal devices and at least one base station. Each link is a wireless connection in a medium between a terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices and the one base station. A request for a link in the medium for transmitting a data packet is received. Permission to transmit the data packet over the requested link is granted based on compatibility of the requested link with other links in the medium. Granting permission to transmit the data packet includes assigning a slot for transmitting the data packet over the requested link. The packet-switched wireless network is also coupled to a plurality of connections. Each connection has an associated quality of service and the packet-switched wireless network has a virtual service rate.

Abstract: A hub port in a hub of a loop network which detects and replaces invalid data and invalid control signals in the datastream of the loop. The hub port detects invalid data and invalid control signals or primitives received from an attached node port and substitutes buffer data or valid primitives. The hub port substitutes buffer data or primitives which have correct running disparity for the datastream at the point of substitution. In another implementation, an error detection device is included in a loop network and monitors the datastream of the loop network. The error detection device detects invalid data and invalid control signals or primitives received from an upstream node in the loop and substitutes buffer data or valid primitives. The error detection device substitutes buffer data or primitives which have correct running disparity for the datastream at the point of substitution.

Abstract: A hub port in a hub of a loop network which automatically bypasses a node port which is generating a particular loop failure initialization sequence. The hub port contains a detection circuit which enables the hub port to detect loop failure initialization data received from its attached node port. Upon detecting such data from an attached node port, the hub port replaces such data with buffer data to be passed to the next hub port. Upon detecting the completion of a loop failure initialization sequence from an attached node port, the hub port enters a bypass mode. The hub port no longer passes on output from its attached node port and instead forwards along the internal hub link data received from the previous hub port in the hub loop. The bypass is maintained until the hub port receives a primitive sequence indicating the recovery of the attached node port. The hub port periodically sends at least one recovery sequence to the node port.