Abstract: When a network apparatus of this invention receives an IEEE 802.3ad link application control packet from a subscriber line with a VPWS function, it processes the packet in a control unit without relaying the packet by VPWS. More specifically, the network apparatus receives an IEEE802.3ad link aggregation control packet along with receiving an IEEE802.3x flow control packet. The network apparatus transmits a link aggregation control packet. The network apparatus also relays other layer 2 control protocol packets without receiving them, and does not transmit the other layer 2 control protocol packets.

Abstract: A network node unit and a method for forwarding data packets are provided. The network node unit is designed for forwarding data packets provided with a virtual network tag and comprises an identified cascading depth of the virtual network tag in the data packets which exceeds a predefined cascading depth, a filtered forwarding of data packets provided with a cascaded virtual network tag in accordance with the predefined and the identified cascading depth, and an administration table for entering the virtual network tag and address data of the data packets in accordance with the predefined and the identified cascading depth.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving configuration data at a particular node of a first set of multiple nodes. The configuration data includes data that indicates a particular zero or more instances for which the particular node is primary among multiple virtual local area network (VLAN) instances to be forwarded. It is determined whether a VLAN indicated in a data packet received at the particular node is included in the particular instances for which the particular node is primary. If so, then the data packet is forwarded. In another embodiment, multiple nodes are configured to perform as a single virtual node, and the single virtual node is configured to forward data packets for the multiple VLAN.

Abstract: A method of preventing network denial of service attacks by early discard of out-of-order segments comprises creating a reassembly queue for a connection between a first network node and a second network node, wherein the connection has been established based on a transport-layer network protocol, the reassembly queue having a size based on a buffer size of an input interface with which the connection is associated. As out-of-order data segments arrive on the connection, and before other processing of the segments, whether the reassembly queue is full is determined, and the out-of-order segments are discarded if the reassembly queue is full. The size of the reassembly queue is automatically changed in response to one or more changes in any of network conditions and device resources.

Abstract: Loop detection information, such as information associated with the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), is synchronized within virtual private networks. A routing protocol, such as the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), is extended in a manner that allows STP information or other loop detection information to be opaquely communicated between routing devices across an intermediate network. These techniques may, for example, be useful in environments where Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS) is run through one or more intermediate networks.

Abstract: As part of a wireless access point configuration process, a computer network is probed and each previously unprogrammed wireless access point on the network is programmed by transmitting wireless network configuration parameters thereto using a software agent residing on a node of the computer network.

Abstract: A method for minimizing tunnels in a network, apparatus and computer-readable storage medium having computer readable code stored thereon for programming a computer to perform the method. The method includes the steps of: obtaining state information associated with a first node connected to a mobile network behind a mobile node; receiving a first message sent between the first node and a correspondent node, wherein a first header was removed from the first message prior to sending the first message; recreating, in one of the mobile node and a mobility agent, the first header using the state information; and sending the first message with the first header.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to enable 911 services to an internet protocol (“IP”) communication device are disclosed. A disclosed example method involves receiving a media access control address associated with the IP communication device and a first internet protocol address associated with a gateway through which the IP communication device is obtaining network access. A second internet protocol address associated with the media access control address is then retrieved. The first internet protocol address with the second internet protocol address are then compared. When the first internet protocol address does not match the second internet protocol address, the media access control address is associated with the first internet protocol address in a database to designate a geographic location of the device.

Abstract: A technique avoids Internet Protocol (IP) lookup with Multipoint-to-Multipoint (MP2MP) Label Switched Paths (LSPs) in a computer network. According to the novel technique, end nodes of an MP2MP LSP determine a root node of the MP2MP LSP for a particular IP stream, e.g., based on a rendezvous point (RP) of the IP stream. The root node of the MP2MP LSP allocates an inner-label for the particular IP stream, and informs each of the end nodes of the inner-label for that stream. When any one of the end nodes thereafter sources traffic for the particular IP stream, the sourced traffic contains the allocated inner-label for the stream. Upon receiving the traffic for the particular IP stream, an end node may determine the IP stream to which the received traffic belongs based on the MP2MP LSP (e.g., indicated by an outer-label) and the inner-label, i.e., without performing an IP lookup operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for switching communications across different data link layer protocols are provided. A switch which supports a first data link layer protocol can support differentiated services for a second data link layer protocol without performing routing in the second data link layer protocol. The differentiated services are provided by mapping a connection of the first data link layer protocol onto one of a plurality of connections of a second data link layer protocol. The mapping of frames is based on the connection carrying the frames of the first data link layer protocol and a type of service associated with the frames. The frames of the first data link layer protocol are forwarded to another switch using one of a plurality of connections based on the mapping.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a communication device including a discovery agent 348 operable to determine an encapsulation method used by a tunnel by transmitting packets generated using different encapsulation protocols until a responsive packet is received on a selected receive port.

Abstract: A method of transmitting data between first and second network entities in a communications network, the method including, transmitting from the first network entity an establishment message providing a first indication which indicates whether the first network entity is capable of handling extended messages, receiving the message at the second network entity and returning to the first network entity an establishment response which provides the first indication in respect of the second network entity, and transmitting a data message from the first network entity to the second network entity, the data message selectively being an extended message in dependence on the first indication received in the response message, the data message further providing a second indication which indicates whether or not the data message is an extended message.

Abstract: Transmitting data in a digital video broadcasting for handheld (DVB-H) receiver comprises a transport stream (TS) demultiplexer adapted to extract internet protocol (IP) datagrams from TS data packets; a packet identifier (PID) filter adapted to extract the TS data packets based on the PIDs of the TS data packets; a Multi Protocol Encapsulation-Forward Error Correction (MPE-FEC) random access memory (RAM) unit operatively connected to the TS demultiplexer; a Reed-Solomon decoder operatively connected to the MPE-FEC RAM unit; an IP to TS encapsulator operatively connected to the MPE-FEC RAM unit; a TS multiplexer operatively connected to each of the PID filter and the IP to TS encapsulator, wherein the TS multiplexer is adapted to combine both DVB-Terrestrial (DVB-T) and DVB-H TS data packets into a single combined TS data packet; and a host interface operatively connected to the TS multiplexer.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing a stateful address auto-configuration protocol in an Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) network are provided. The method includes multicasting, at an IPv6 network, a Router Solicitation (RS) message, acquiring and managing flag values of a Router Advertisement (RA) message received from at least one router, and setting an operation mode of a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol-for-IPv6 (DHCPv6) client according to the flag values of the RA message.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus of transmitting data via a multi-protocol single-medium network. The method includes initializing a network; transmitting messages in the network; setting up the size and the protocol of the messages and assigning the messages to a multi-protocol stack of the PHY layer based on a network time sharing multitasking principle; assigning each of the messages to a proper time slot; checking whether or not all messages are assigned to the proper time slots; if yes, transmitting the messages; and receiving the messages by a network device and transmitting the messages to another network device via a single-medium network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for accessing integrated services by an access network, including: establishing at least one Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) Label Switch Path (LSP) in a broadband access network; MPLS encapsulating at a broadband access node a service to be transmitted, and transmitting the encapsulated service in the broadband access network via the LSP.

Abstract: A network component comprising at least one processor configured to implement a method comprising transparently snooping a path control message comprising a first path identifier, wherein the path control message is sent between a plurality of routers and is not intended for the network component, analyzing a plurality of frames each comprising a second path identifier, and diverting at least some of the frames away from at least one of the routers, wherein the second path identifier in the diverted frames matches the first path identifier. Included is a method comprising configuring a bypass path by snooping a control frame comprising a label switched path (LSP) identifier, and routing a plurality of data frames associated with the LSP identifier to the bypass path without routing any subsequent control frames associated with the LSP identifier to the bypass path.

Abstract: A virtual private network is provided across a Provider Link State Bridging (PLSB) network between a first node connected to a private LAN and a second node connected to a roaming device. The roaming device is authenticated. A successful authentication results in a Service Identifier for the VPN being sent to the second node. Connectivity between members of the VPN service instance is maintained as part of the PLSB Link State process for forwarding table maintenance, rather than by any form of explicit signalling. A single Customer Virtual Bridge/Virtual Switch Instance can be located at the first node to provide point-to-point connectivity to each roaming device. A virtual Residential Gateway function can be combined with the Customer Virtual Bridge/Virtual Switch Instance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for handling fault between an Egress LSR and an Egress data device connected with it, including the following steps: an Egress Label Switching Router (LSR) transmitting fault information to an Ingress LSR after detecting a fault of an Egress Work link connected with it; the Ingress LSR adjusting a service flow transmission according to the received fault information. When there exists an Egress Protect link in the network, the present invention can transmit the service flow through the Egress Protect link, thus it is guaranteed that the service flow can be transmitted to the Egress data device; and the service flow is not transmitted when there is no Egress Protect link in the network, thus the waste of network resources is avoided.

Abstract: Mechanisms are disclosed for detecting protocols independently of the ports used by streams associated with the protocols or applications that may send out such streams. The detecting may entail using a content filter that is hosted on a networking stack, where the content filter may be composed of a stream buffer and handlers for detecting the protocols. The handlers may be further used to modify streams incoming to a port or streams outgoing from an application. The handlers can modify the streams in a variety of ways, including reading, inserting, replacing, deleting, and completing data in the streams according to some policy criteria, such as those set by parental controls. Individual handlers may be selected from a plurality or set of handlers so that they can be matched up to the appropriate streams.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing automatic protection switching for media packets, such as ATM cells or IP packets that carry media content, in a device that includes an Ethernet switching fabric are disclosed. According to one method, first and second packet network interfaces of the device are configured to function as working and protection APS interfaces. At least one of a media processing resource and an Ethernet switch fabric of the device are configured to replicate egress media packets from the media processing resource to the working and protection APS interfaces. Egress media packets from the media processing resource are forwarded to the working and protection APS interfaces via the switch fabric. Ingress media packets received at the working APS interface are forwarded to the media processing resource via the Ethernet switch fabric. Media packets received at the protection APS interface are discarded.

Abstract: Various embodiments for providing multi-band operation in a mobile computing device are described. In one or more embodiments, a mobile computing device may be arranged to support quad-band GSM communication in the GSM-850, GSM-900, GSM-1800, and GSM-1900 frequency bands. The mobile computing device may be arranged to determine a starting frequency band based on the home country and home network. By using the determined starting frequency band associated with the home country and home network of the user, fewer and/or shorter delays may be experienced when searching for and acquiring an available frequency. Once a network search is completed, the mobile computing device may be arranged to determine whether a network can be found in current frequency band pair for normal service, to disconnect from the acquired network if normal service is not supported, and to intelligently search for an available frequency in a different frequency band. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A computing device with a software defined radio. The software defined radio has an architecture with separate components to provide control functions and data processing functions. The control components configure the data processing components so that the software defined radio provides desired operating characteristics. Components in the data plane may derive information indicating operating conditions, which can be provided to one or more of the control components. In response, the control components can modify components in the data plane to adjust to operating conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a termination point for service emulation instances in an access network is provided. In an embodiment, the service emulation instances are implemented utilizing, for example, pseudowires. Communications to and from the access network are aggregated and transmitted via one or more pseudowires to a service emulation instance terminator. The service emulation instance terminator converts the traffic to its native form and, if necessary, converts the traffic to a different type of format or service. The service emulation instance terminator then frames the traffic for the appropriate type of service and transmits the traffic to the service edge. Traffic received from the service is removed prepended with a pseudowire label and aggregated with other traffic. The aggregated traffic is transmitted to the customer via the access network. If necessary, an interworking function may convert the traffic from one type of service to another type of service.

Abstract: A Layer 2 Virtual Private Network (L2VPN) system is provided. A Provider Backbone Bridge (PBB) network is provided which comprises a plurality of sites to be connected via a L2VPN. The plurality of sites in the PBB network is connected using a plurality of provider backbone trunks that includes a Provider Backbone Transport (PBT) trunk or a Provider Backbone Bridge Traffic Engineering (PBB-TE) trunk, such that the L2VPN includes the plurality of sites.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for establishment of multiple concurrent virtual networks. In one example, there is provided a method operable by a virtual network controller (VNC) or the like. The method may involve establishing communication links with a plurality of virtual network interfaces (VNIs) operatively coupled to a plurality of virtual networks. The method may involve establishing a single port communication link with an operating system. The method may involve allowing the virtual networks to be transported on top of a physical network, and facilitating communication between the operating system and the virtual networks via the single port communication link.

Abstract: A technique controls the capacity of a virtual concatenation group (VCG) carried on a SONET path of a data network. Efficient control of VCG capacity is provided by emulating aspects of a Link Capacity Adjustment Scheme (LCAS) protocol in software. A hardware poller facility is employed to manage the status and state of the VCG, as well as members belonging to the VCG. The hardware poller contains one or more VCG state machines (VSMs) and member state machines (MSMs) configured to maintain the status and states of the VCGs and their members.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a technique enabling efficient routing in the entire network by totally viewing a state of the entire network from a specific server. An information processing method for managing paths between arbitrary nodes in a specific network according to the invention, includes: obtaining data concerning a utilization state of each link constituting a path, from associated nodes in the specific network; and calculating a value of dynamic transmission bandwidth in an entire path by using the data concerning the utilization state of each link constituting the path, and storing the calculated value into a management data storage. By the dynamic transmission bandwidth, that is, bandwidth, which can actually be used for communication to be carried out from now, it becomes possible to carry out efficient routing.

Abstract: A network entity located in a first network using a first protocol, the network entity supporting at least the first protocol of the first network and a second protocol of a second network. The network entity comprises a receiving unit for receiving data packets according to the first or second protocol, a mapping table for storing addresses according to the first and second protocols, an address determination unit for determining a destination address for a received packet from the mapping table, and a routing unit for routing the received packet in accordance with the determined destination address.

Abstract: MPLS labels can be used to tunnel data packets through IP networks. At a start point such as a router or network terminator, the IP destination address is examined and one or more labels are generated which relate to the topology of the network. The labels can include QoS information. The packet is then sent to the destination via a label switched path. At the destination the packet may be sent on via a further label switched path by examining the IP address from the received label and generating one or more fresh labels for the passage of the packet through the further label switched path.

Abstract: A management system manages multiple multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) virtual private networks (VPNs), the VPNs having overlapping IP addresses. The system includes a storage storing a file that associates a host name with an IP address and a route distinguisher. The host name corresponds to a network element within one of the customer VPNs. The system also includes a label obtaining system that obtains at least one label for the host name based upon the associated IP address and route distinguisher. The system also has a packet construction system that creates packets destined for the network element using the obtained label(s).

Abstract: An Ethernet network comprises nodes which support a plurality of different forwarding modes. A range of VLAN Identifiers (VIDs) are allocated to each of the forwarding modes. Connections are configured between a source node and a destination node of the network using different forwarding modes. Packets carrying data traffic are sent to the destination node by selectively setting a VID in a packet to a first value, to transfer a packet via a first connection and a first forwarding mode, and a second value to transfer a packet via the second connection and the second forwarding mode. Packets received from both of the connections and sent on to an end-user. VLAN Identifiers can be allocated to different releases of functionality at nodes (e.g. software releases) such that packets are forwarded via a set of nodes supporting a first release, or via a set of nodes supporting a second release. It is possible to provide a controlled and disruption-free network evolution.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for circuit emulation services over cell and packet networks. A constant bit rate traffic stream is mapped to one of a cell and packet structure. The constant bit rate traffic stream is mapped to one or more cells and the one or more cells are selectively translated to one or more packets if a packet stream is selected. In addition, one of a received cell and packet stream are mapped to a constant bit rate traffic stream. The packet stream is selectively translated to one or more cells and the one or more cells are translated to the constant bit rate traffic stream. A clock can optionally be recovered from the received cell or packet stream.

Abstract: A probe transmitting section (216) in a packet receiving terminal (210) sends a probe packet to a second radio channel (320) at fixed intervals. A probe analyzing section (117) in a packet sending terminal (110) detects a burst loss on the basis of a state of reception of the probe packet. When a burst loss detection is detected, a predictive retransmission control section (118) predicts that a data packet transmitted during the period of the detected burst loss among data packets sent from a priority processing transmission buffer (115) to a first radio channel (310) is a data packet lost on a receiving side, reads the data packet from a retransmission buffer (114), and then sends the data packet to the priority processing transmission buffer (115). A real-time property can be ensured while a packet loss is overcome in a radio environment.

Abstract: In one aspect a method for remotely managing a non-compliant Internet Gateway Device (IGD) residing in a Local Area Network (LAN) is provided. The method includes providing a proxy agent that resides on a computer in the LAN. The proxy agent receives from a Wide Area Network (WAN) configuration device a Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) WAN Management Protocol (CWMP) request message, converts the request message to a protocol that is used by the IGD and communicates the converted request message upstream toward the IGD. The proxy agent receives a response from the IGD, converts the response from a first protocol to the CWMP, and sends the converted response upstream toward the WAN configuration device.

Abstract: A network device for processing data packets includes input logic, a register, route lookup logic and output processing logic. The input logic receives a data packet having at least one multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) tag, stores the packet and forwards a portion of the packet including the MPLS tag. The route lookup logic receives the portion of the packet, generates next hop information based on the MPLS tag and determines whether at least one MPLS tag is to be removed from the packet before the packet is to be output by the network device. The route lookup logic also modifies a start offset value in the register for each MPLS tag that is to be removed and forwards the start offset. The output processing logic receives the start offset and begins processing the data packet for output at a location identified by the start offset.

Abstract: A telecommunications system provides mobile internet protocol related communications services to mobile nodes via a plurality of access networks that each include an access gateway, a mobility manager operable to receive link quality messages from the mobile nodes providing an indication of a currently available link quality from an access network with which the mobile node is currently affiliated. The mobility manager is also operable to receive application server messages from the application server for managing the communications service with respect to the communications session level. The mobility manager directs a change of affiliation of a first mobile node between one of a first of the access networks and a second of the access networks to the other of the first and second access networks, or a change of communications session level of the first mobile node.

Abstract: A system and method for providing packet-switched telephony service. The system provides call control, signaling, and/or delivery of voice, video, and other media in substantially real time. One embodiment of the system includes a call client application on a user device, and a call server located at a packet-switched telephony service provider. The call server is preferably operable to communicate with the call client in a non-native protocol and with the gateway in a native protocol.

Abstract: Principles of the invention are described for providing virtual private local area network service (VPLS) multicast instances across a public network by utilizing multicast trees. In particular, the VPLS multicast instances transport layer two (L2) multicast traffic, such as Ethernet packets, between customer networks via the public network. The principles described herein enable VPLS multicast instances to handle high bandwidth multicast traffic. The principles also reduce the state and the overhead of maintaining the state in the network by removing the need to perform snooping between routers within the network.

Abstract: A system may forward to a network device an advertisement label mapping message that requests an establishment of an active performance monitoring (APM) control channel. Further, the system may process a reply label mapping message that is sent from the network device in response. The system may establish the APM control channel and a pseudowire associated with the APM control channel.

Abstract: Principles of the invention are described for providing multicast virtual private networks (MVPNs) across a public network that are capable of carrying high-bandwidth multicast traffic with increased scalability. In particular, the MVPNs may transport layer three (L3) multicast traffic, such as Internet Protocol (IP) packets, between remote sites via the public network. The principles described herein may reduce the overhead of protocol independent multicast (PIM) neighbor adjacencies and customer control information maintained for MVPNs. The principles may also reduce the state and the overhead of maintaining the state in the network by removing the need to maintain at least one dedicated multicast tree per each MVPN.

Abstract: A method for transporting a client signal in an optical transport network (OTN) includes steps as follows. A byte number Cn of a client signal transported in a current OTN frame period is generated according to a client signal clock and a system clock. If the Cn of the current OTN frame falls in a certain range, a predetermined area in an optical channel payload unit-k (OPUk) overhead field is identified as normal, and the Cn is filled in the OPUk overhead field of the current OTN frame. Therefore, the reliability for transporting the client byte number can be improved and an OPUk overhead byte space needed for transporting the client signal byte number can be saved.

Abstract: Data traffic is scheduled by, in a first scheduler, selecting a source of traffic from a plurality of sources of traffic, each source being associated with a second scheduler, in a second scheduler associated with the selected source of traffic, selecting a type of traffic from a plurality of types of traffic within the source selected by the first scheduler, and transmitting data of the selected type and source. Identifying and creating tunnels between endpoints in a network for optimum data traffic method and apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a device which may be used for communication through an Ethernet network. The device may comprise two modules. A first module may be based on an existing Fibre Channel arbitrated loop HBA technology. The second module may be configured to provide a virtual Fibre Channel arbitrated loop network for the first module utilizing the Ethernet network. In other words the second module may process communications generated by the first module as well as incoming communications from the Ethernet network in order to make it appear to the first module that it is communicating with an actual Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop network (whereas it is actually communicating through an Ethernet network). Thus, existing Fibre Channel technology can be used for the first module and the overall design cost of the device can be reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that operates two bridging protocols in a hybrid bridging node is described. The operation of the two bridging protocols in the hybrid node allows for an incremental transition of a provider bridging network from operating a legacy bridging protocol that shares MAC addresses to a bridging network that operates VPLS and/or PBB bridging protocols. The hybrid bridging node selectively broadcasts unicast packets with unknown MAC addresses from the nodes operating VPLS and/or PBB to nodes operating a legacy bridging protocol.

Abstract: A method for creating an Operation Administration and Maintenance frame in an Ethernet/Transport Multi-Protocol Label Switch hybrid network. The method includes mapping values in an Ethernet Operation Administration and Maintenance data field in a protocol data unit (PDU) in a first Ethernet Operation Administration and Maintenance frame (Ethernet OAM frame) into a Transport Multi-Protocol Label Switch Operation Administration and Maintenance data field in PDU in a first Transport Multi-Protocol Label Switch Operation Administration and Maintenance frame (TMPLS OAM frame) and mapping values in first control parameter fields in the first Ethernet OAM frame into second control parameter fields in the first TMPLS OAM frame. The PDU in the first TMPLS OAM frame includes added extra fields as necessary, and the second control parameter fields further comprise preselected default information and routing information mapped from values stored in a memory.

Abstract: A method of load balancing data packets at an array is disclosed. The method includes receiving a data packet encoded in a first format at an input of the array. The received data packet is assigned to an assigned element of the array, and the data packet is routed to a device. A message encoded in a second format is received from the device at the array. Information is extracted from a payload portion of the message, and the message is assigned to the assigned element of the array based on the information extracted from the payload portion of the message.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a network provider, in concert with IP technology and protocols, to provide the ability to offer a simple pre-answer or post-answer call redirection, such as call transfer, to customers with IP endpoints is disclosed. The present invention allows call transfers to be initiated from an IP endpoint but processed in the packet network, e.g., the VoIP network instead of being processed by the endpoint. When a redirecting party (RP) receives a call from a calling party (CP), the RP simply sends a VoIP signaling message to the network to initiate a call transfer to redirect the call from the CP to a TP instead and the network will complete the call transfer on behalf of the RP.

Abstract: A method for collision avoidance in multiple protocol networks using a shared communication medium begins by determining a first protocol probable active time period. The method continues by determining a first protocol probable inactive time period. The method continues by generating a transmit blocking indication based on the first protocol probable active time period and the first protocol probable inactive time period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that operates two bridging protocols in a hybrid bridging node is described. The operation of the two bridging protocols in the hybrid node allows for an incremental transition of a provider bridging network from operating a legacy bridging protocol that shares MAC addresses to a bridging network that operates VPLS and/or PBB bridging protocols. The hybrid bridging node selectively broadcasts address resolution packets and unicast packets with unknown MAC addresses from the nodes operating VPLS and/or PBB to nodes operating a legacy bridging protocol.