Abstract: In a ring-shaped MOST network installed in a motor vehicle, several units are linked to one another by several linkage sections. They function as data source, data sink, or transceiver. At least some of the units have two or more transceiver modules. To relieve the processors of such units with more than one transceiver module, only one network controller is present in such a unit for all its transceiver modules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing automated processing of point-to-point protocol alarms over Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) networks are disclosed. For example, the method receives an alarm for a Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) service over a Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) network and determines whether said alarm is related to a problem associated with a Layer 2 network, a Layer 3 network, a connectivity between a provider edge router (PER) to a customer edge router (CER). The method then generates a ticket in response to said problem.

Abstract: A method of providing information indicative of network coverage by one or more wireless service providers in a geographic area may include obtaining, at an information provider, performance indicators for a plurality of accesses to the information provider by a plurality of wireless devices. The performance indicators may be correlated with one or more network service areas. Related performance indicators may be aggregated to produce one or more aggregated performance indicators. A human-discernible representation of network performance for one or more network service areas may be produced.

Abstract: Specific bits of an incoming transmission are compared against a predetermined bit pattern. If the selected bits do not match the predetermined bit pattern, then the incoming transmission is rejected as a false packet. The predetermined bit pattern can include legal values for predetermined bits in a plurality of fields. Notably, these legal values are set by a networking standard. A parity check may check may be performed in addition to checking for predetermined bits in other fields. A user interface can be used to determine the predetermined bit pattern.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a Connectivity Fault Management (CFM) message of Ethernet includes: receiving a CFM message transmitted from a source node, the CFM message including identifier of a path and a connection maintenance target address; determining whether the connection maintenance target address matches address of a receiving node, and if yes, terminating the CFM message; otherwise forwarding the CFM message to a next hop based upon the path identifier of the path. Another method and a system for transmitting a CFM message of Ethernet, a node for transmitting a CFM message of Ethernet, and a node for receiving a CFM message of Ethernet are also disclosed. With the invention, a CFM message may be forwarded according to information of MAC address and VLAN ID of identifier of a path where a monitored service is located, and thus may be forwarded correctly in a PBB-TE network.

Abstract: A method and system (FIG. 2) for facilitating detection of intruders into a wireless network, through the use of physical layer anomalies. One or more monitoring stations (22, 24, 26) can be distributed across the potential intruder's signal transmission region. They process these transmissions and extract attributes of the signals, which can then transmit to one or more fusion stations (28), which correlate the calculated attributes with stored attributes of signals of known, authorized users of the network, and transmit alert messages in the case that these signal attributes do not match those of known, authorized users. Signal attributes in accordance with the instant invention include the carrier frequency, spurious emissions, and power-on and power-down transients.

Abstract: A network diagnostic device is disclosed that digitally samples the voltages on the cabling of the network, but does so at a much higher rate and with greater resolution then is required to minimally detect digital transmissions on the cabling. This sampling provides information on the analog characteristics of digital, noise, and interference signals on the network. Thus, network problems can be precisely diagnosed. The device includes a fast digitizer with a long memory and a system processor that statistically analyzes the signal events captured by the digitizer. The invention is also capable of performing time domain reflectometry (TDR) analysis of a functioning network. This is accomplished by placing a TDR signal on the network surrounded by a transmission that the network devices will interpret as a broadcast diagnostic packet. This will cause the network nodes to ignore the transmission. The digitizer, however, is able to detect the networks response to the TDR signal.

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: A method and fibre channel switch element is provided for isolating a defective device that is coupled to a fibre channel arbitrated loop. The method includes, isolating a port if a loop initialization primitive (“LIP”) is detected from a device coupled to the arbitrated loop; configuring the device and acquiring an AL_PA; determining if the device is sending LIPs; and isolating the device if the device continues to send LIPs. The switch element includes, a port having an isolation state machine that allows the switch element to isolate a device whose behavior may result in disruption of other devices in the network. The state machine may also configure a device after detecting disruptive parameters from the device and perform diagnostic operations on the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a subscriber line terminal device, which enables identification of the cause of abnormality when abnormality is detected in remote monitoring of a subscriber line terminating device connected to the terminal device via an optical fiber. The terminal device receives a plurality of monitoring signals sent from the terminating device via the optical fiber, the plurality of monitoring signals indicating normality or abnormality of a plurality of monitored items in the terminating device respectively. When two or more among the plurality of monitoring signals indicates abnormality, the terminal device selects a monitoring signal with high order of priority from among the two or more monitoring signals indicating abnormality, based on a prescribed order of priority.

Abstract: A method of determining a communications path in a computer network, the method including sending a simulated network message within a model of the computer network from a source device component within the model to a destination device component within the model along a device component path, where the message does not traverse the computer network, and recording the device components traversed by the message, thereby determining the communications path.

Abstract: A wireless local or metropolitan area network may include a plurality of stations for transmitting data therebetween and a policing station. The policing station may detect intrusions into the wireless network by monitoring transmissions among the plurality of stations to detect transmissions during an unauthorized period and generate an intrusion alert based thereon. The policing station may also detect intrusions based upon one or more of integrity check values which do not correspond with respective data packets, usage of non-consecutive media access control (MAC) sequence numbers by a station, and collisions of packet types and/or MAC addresses.

Abstract: A method and system for protecting a packet switched network from compromised communications due to a physical intrusion in the network are disclosed. The network includes at least one network element having a detection device operable to detect a possible physical intrusion in a data communication path connected to the network element. The method includes receiving a notification from the detection device that the detection device has identified a physical intrusion in the data communication path, generating an alert, and transmitting the alert over the packet switched network. The alert may include instructions on how to remediate the physical intrusion that can be automatically implemented by a given network-connected device or manually addressed by a network user or network administrator.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for determining the status of a packet-switched network by a computing device monitoring components that comprise the packet-switched network including a call-server, one or more gate-keepers, a TDM voice gateway, and one or more packet-switched routers. Te computing device is configured to document failure location information associated with the packet-switched network and provide the failure information to a technical support organization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving a stored link status are provided where a link status associated with a connection status of a wireless network is stored, and the stored link status is matched to a predetermined link code SO as to generate link information. Thereafter, a frame containing the generated link information is transmitted to one or more stations connected to the wireless network. Accordingly, among a plurality of printers and host computers connected to the wireless network, if there is a printer or a host computer which cannot be connected to the wireless network, a user can determine the reason why. Therefore, the user can constantly recognize determine a link status of the plurality of printers connected to the wireless network, thereby facilitating management of the wireless network.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and device are described for collecting, aggregating and monitoring network management information from a plurality of network devices in a network management system. User-definable configuration information are utilized, which contain an operational specification on what to collect, aggregate and monitor, scheduled, e.g., at desired times or intervals. Network devices on the network are identified, then queried. Data are acquired in accordance with instructions contained in the operational specification. Transformations are performed and the data periodically monitored for compliance with specific threshold conditions. Notifications are generated whenever a threshold condition has been met. Data is stored to a database and aggregated to generate trending information. Data stored in the database can be subsequently removed automatically based on aging or other user-specified criteria. The data are rendered to a display for viewing by the user using device-specific GUI attributes.

Abstract: A guaranteed two-wire interface in which upon determining that an operation is to be performed on a slave component, a master component transmits at least a portion of a corresponding frame to the slave component over the data wire. The master component repeats this detection and transmission each time it determines that an operation is to be performed on a slave component, whether the same component or a different slave component as the slave component previously communicated with. The frame structure itself may change depending on the operation to be performed. For example, one frame might include an extended address data field that includes extended address information that goes beyond a basic address field included in another frame. One frame may include reliability fields (such as cyclic redundancy checking field, an acknowledgement field, and/or an error field), whereas another frame having a different operation may not.

Abstract: A method for providing dying gasp support for a network component is disclosed. The method includes detecting an imminent loss of power to the network component and disabling all sub-systems of the network component except a designated sub-system of the network component upon the detection of the loss of power. The imminent failure of power to the network component is reported.

Abstract: An equipment monitoring system line swap fast recovery method by installing a link detection mechanism in an Ethernet switch of an equipment monitoring system in an Ethernet between equipments at respective terminals of the Ethernet and a monitor equipment for enabling the monitor equipment to monitor working status of the equipments, such that when one equipment changed from a first port of the Ethernet switch to a second port thereof, the link detection mechanism detects the change of the connection, clears all address entry for the first port, and learns all address entry for the second port, for enabling the equipment monitoring system to keep functioning during the change of the connection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for managing fault detection and isolation in voice and data networks. Specifically, the present invention is a device and method for fault detection and fault isolation that can be used to validate connectivity of a central site to a number of connected client devices. The present invention operates stage by stage, working from the central site back to a connected client device. The present invention can be controlled from a central maintenance station and as such does not require direct user enabling. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an intelligent device (e.g., an intelligent data concentrator) for coupling an electronic device to a network comprising a first interface for communicatively coupling the intelligent device to the network and a second interface for communicatively coupling the intelligent device to a plurality of client devices such that the client devices are communicatively coupled to the network.

Abstract: Non-invasive systems and methods monitor network system health by monitoring signals inherently on the network. These signals are deciphered and characterized using Cantor set theory such that a signature of the network is determined. Variations in the characteristics of the reflected signals indicate a network event, such as changes in network topology often due to device degradation, system failure, or physical intrusion. The source of the reflected signals can be characterized and the location on the network identified.

Abstract: A method of controlling a first wireless station and a second wireless station is described, the wireless stations being connected with one another via at least one communication link and being controlled according to a communication protocol, the first wireless station communicating with at least one terminal according to a frame-structured wireless transmission protocol using packet transfer, with control messages being defined via an additional protocol layer using the communication protocol for controlling the at least one link and/or for managing the wireless stations.

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: Described is a bus station (e.g., a sensor, an actuator, a gateway) which performs a primary device function and a secondary function (e.g., a bus monitor function). To perform the secondary function, the bus station is equipped with a bus monitor arrangement which allows the bus station to access, to detect and to further process telegram traffic carried on the bus system. Also described is a network equipped with a plurality of such bus stations and a method for carrying out such monitoring with the aid of the bus stations.

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.

Abstract: A wireless local or metropolitan area network may include a plurality of stations for transmitting data therebetween using a media access layer (MAC), where each of the stations has a respective MAC address associated therewith. The wireless network may also include a policing station for detecting intrusions into the wireless network by monitoring transmissions among the plurality of stations to detect frame check sequence (FCS) errors from a MAC address, and generating an intrusion alert based upon detecting a number of FCS errors for the MAC address exceeding a threshold. The policing station may also detect intrusions based upon one or more of failed MAC address authentications, illegal network allocation vector (NAV) values, and unexpected contention or contention-free operation.

Abstract: A remote test unit (RTU) and method of operation are provided for utilizes the ability of an access matrix ability to route signals. The RTU can emulate a central Digital Subscriber Line Modem (DSLM-C) for testing customer premises equipment containing a remote Digital Subscriber Line Modem (DSLM-R). The RTU can also emulate a DSLM-R for testing central offices equipment including a digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM) containing a DSLM-C. The RTU can also emulate a concentrator connected to the DSLAM, a router connected to the concentrator, an Internet service provider (ISP) connected to the router, and a web site connected to the ISP over the Internet. The RTU can further test, using emulation, ISO/OSI layers defined in the ISO/OSI reference model which are connected to the DSLAM.

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 method and apparatus for recovery from faults in a loop network (400) is provided. The loop network (400) has a host means (402), a first loop and a second loop (406, 408), a plurality of ports (410) connected to each of the loops (406, 408) and a control device (414, 440) on or connected to each loop (406, 408) with bypass control over at least one of the ports (410) connected to the loop (406, 408). In the event of a failure on the first loop (406), the host means (402) instructs the bypassing of at least one port (410) on the first loop (406), the host means (402) sending the instructions via the control device (414, 440) on or connected to the second loop (408).

Abstract: A network identification system for use in a process control system creates and stores a unique network identification tag for input/output networks in the process control system. During the configuration process, each process controller is assigned a unique controller identification tag. In addition, each input/output device installed on each process controller is assigned a device identification tag. The network identification system creates a network identification tag for an input/output network by concatenating and combining the unique controller identification tag and the device identification tag. The network identification system may be configured to periodically transmit the network identification tag or to provide the network identification tag is response to a request for identification.

Abstract: There is provided media converter having an integrated local information transmission function and a fault alarm signal communication system for transmitting local information using a frequency outside the communication frequency bands for data signals. In the subscriber's media converter, based on input local information, a control section sets a transmission frequency outside the communication frequency bands and outputs a signal instructing that a transmission be made. A media independent interface section receives this signal and transmits the signal in the instructed frequency. In the station media converter, a media independent interface section detects the frequency in which the local information is transmitted from the received signal. A control section then generates local information using the detected frequency and outputs it to an SNMP unit.

Abstract: A tool for providing a site survey of a wireless network. In one embodiment the tool includes a network server, a plurality of access points and a mobile client. The network server is used to create and distribute data packets. The plurality of access points are coupled to send and receive data packets from the server. The mobile client is in wireless communication with the plurality of access points. The client has a two-dimensional surface area map on a data grid. The client includes instruction to compute throughput and packet error rate at selected locations within a network coverage area when the client receives data packets sent by the network server. The client displays the throughput and packet error rate on the two-dimensional surface area map to provide a site survey of the wireless network coverage.

Abstract: An access point for a wireless local area data communications network is designed to derive power from a lighting fixture. In one arrangement, the access point includes a housing configured to be received in one or more sockets of a lighting fixture and to replace a lamp which would be inserted therein. In another arrangement, the housing includes a socket for receiving a lamp whereby both the access point and a lighting fixture can be serviced by the socket of the lighting fixture.

Abstract: A multiplexing apparatus selectively performs cell discard processing in the case of congestion on the basis of a use state of the same connection formed by cells from the side of a switching unit and subscribers without installing UPC units, and the multiplexing apparatus, which is connected to the switching unit and each of the plural subscribers through communication lines.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for analyzing a network utilizing a zone controller. Initially, network traffic information is received from a plurality of host controllers. Further, the network traffic information is reported upon utilizing a plurality of network-based interfaces. The host controllers are related to a zone for facilitating the reporting.

Abstract: Energy detect with auto pair select. The present invention is operable without ‘a priori’ knowledge of the pairs' connectivity. In addition, the present invention is operable within systems performing automatic detection of connectivity in systems that employ the Ethernet based media dependent interface crossover (MDIX). Where there has been some cross-over of pairs within the system, a situation not uncommon in many networks, the present invention is operable to perform energy management even without having any knowledge of the pair connectivity. Knowledge relating to the energy of multiple pairs is used to perform energy detect and management. A state machine operates in performing the analysis of the energy using a qualified energy level. The present invention is also operable within systems that do not employ auto-negotiation. In systems where auto-negotiation is performed, the present invention is performed before the auto-negotiation to determine if an operable partner exists within the network.

Abstract: A virtual LAN (VLAN) has a number of segments connected by connections in a connection-oriented network. The topology of the VLAN is defined by a spanning tree. Cell sources on the connections send continuity checking cells in a direction toward the spanning tree root to corresponding cell sinks. The cell sinks can trigger a change in the topology of the VLAN if the reception of continuity checking cells is interrupted. The connection-oriented network may be an ATM network. The continuity checking cells may be OAM cells.

Abstract: A method and system for routing an externally generated message in a network includes receiving at an ingress port of a network a message from an external network. The message includes Internet protocol (IP) source and destination addresses and message data. The IP source and destination addresses are translated to internal addresses that are non-forwardable in the external network. The message data is routed in the network based on the internal addresses.

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 network management system has a network monitor arranged to monitor the load on elements of a computer network and to reconfigure the network when necessary to optimize its performance. The network configuration is carried out by servers in the network in response to an appropriate instruction from the network monitor. The servers operate to divert traffic from overloaded elements in the network by modifying both source and destination addresses of the transmitted data packets. In this manner the processing or database loads can be spread optimally among a plurality of servers in the network.

Abstract: The present invention is for automatic reconfiguration of industrial networked devices. More particularly, the system described herein facilitates use of TCP/IP networks, such as Ethernet, as an alternative for industrial fieldbus or device buses by removing the need to perform significant reconfiguration of devices such as I/O modules, sensors, or transducers under field replacement situations. The present invention uses a monitor agent to track the IP and MAC addresses of networked devices as well as port information. If a device fails, maintenance personnel make an in-field replacement of the failed device and the monitor agent automatically reassigns the IP address to the replacement device.

Abstract: A method for conversion of a voice output of appliance statuses, wherein three spoken phrases are stored for each appliance to be controlled, with the first spoken phrase being allocated to a first appliance status, the second spoken phrase being allocated to a second appliance status, and the third spoken phrase being allocated for at least one third status. When an appliance status is checked, the relevant appliance sends a data word. If the value (which identifies the current appliance status) of the data word corresponds to a first value, the first spoken phrase is output, if it corresponds to a second, the second spoken phrase is output, and the third spoken phrase and the third value are output for at least one third value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system and apparatus enabling user-defined, genre-structured interaction online. The present invention enables users to define their own genres, including rules of interaction, as well as rules of enforcement. Genre definitions also can include the specification of roles, parameters, and states. The present invention also facilitates a given user to modify a given genre definition. Allowable modifications include addition, modification, and deletion of parameters and interaction and enforcement rules. The present invention also provides dynamically updated graphical representations of the state of genre instances, these graphical representations definable by the users.

Abstract: Methods and associated hub arrangements are described for use in diagnosis and recovery in high performance digital loops such as, for example, those seen in Fiber Channel systems. In one system having a hub configured for interconnection of a plurality of stations as part of a digital system such that digital data flows between the stations based on operational status of the system, an arrangement forms part of the hub which arrangement is connectable at points within the hub and between at least two different pairs of the stations for monitoring certain characteristics of the data in a way which provides for non-invasive identification of one or more conditions related to the operational status of the system.

Abstract: A multi-channel network monitoring apparatus has input connectors for network signals to be monitored and four channel processors in a rack-mountable chassis/enclosure for receiving and processing a respective pair of incoming signals to produce monitoring results. Each processor operates independently of the others and is replaceable without interrupting their operation. LAN connectors enable onward communication of the monitoring results. A cross-point switch routes each incoming signal to a selected processor and can re-route a channel to another processor in the event of processor outage. Each processor has a self-contained sub-system of processing modules interconnected via a CPU-peripheral interface in a backplane, which provides a separate peripheral interface for each processor.

Abstract: A system facilitates the visualization of a network having multiple nodes. The system collects information from at least one of the nodes (510). The information describes network operation over a period of time. The system then reconstructs the network operation for the time period from the collected information (520) and presents the reconstructed network operation to an operator (530-550).

Abstract: A mechanism for determining a data link path in a managed network between a source device and a destination device is disclosed. To determine the data link path, a mechanism determines the topology of the network. Information on the topology is needed in order to create a Connected Group space based on the topology. By creating a Connected Group space, the problem of determining a data link path is reduced to an optimization problem of finding the shortest path between the source device and destination device in the managed network. The shortest path is then transformed back into the topology space to reveal the data link path network between the source device and the destination device.

Abstract: A link extender node is used to extend links between end nodes and/or routing nodes in a system area network. A connection includes a first link, coupling an end or routing node to a local port of a first link extender, a second link coupling the remote ports of first and second link extenders, and a third link coupling the local port of the second link extender to an end or routing node. The link extender includes link exception detection logic and transmits a this link bad command on the link generating the exception and transmits an other link bad command on the link not generating the exception.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing transmitters within a communications network by utilizing wide-mode marshaling. Wide-mode marshaling increases the bandwidth dedicated to performing a marshaling process, thereby allowing a controller to quickly marshal the transmitters. Within a TDMA network, a TDMA frame includes a header portion and a multi-channel portion. Each of the transmitters within a TDMA network transmits during an assigned time-slot of the TDMA frame. To marshal a transmitter, the transmitter is requested to transmit a ranging signal to a central controller. If the ranging signal is received during the header portion of the TDMA frame, the controller can accurately detect the ranging signal. However, for longer propagation delays, the length of the header is insufficient. Wide-mode marshaling resolves this by silencing some or all of the transmitters to increase the bandwidth for receiving the ranging signal.

Abstract: A media converter allowing a test mode to be activated from cable side and allowing easy detection of a failure and failure location is disclosed. A media converter includes first and second physical-layer interfaces and a memory connected between the first and second physical-layer interfaces to temporarily storing received data. When a trigger signal has been received at one of the first and second physical-layer interfaces, a response signal to the trigger signal is sent from a corresponding physical-layer interface back to a source that transmitted the trigger signal. The trigger signal is one of a specified modulation link signal and a packet having an illegal length that is not permitted in a network to which the media converter belongs.