Abstract: A system enables telephony services when roaming in a visited mobile network (108) to a user subscribing to a home mobile network (104) and having a prepaid account with a balance at the home mobile network (104). The system includes a home intelligent gateway (106) integrated into the visited mobile network (108), and a global packet switch network (100) connected to the home intelligent gateway (106) and to the visited intelligent gateway (102). The home intelligent gateway (102) and the visited intelligent gateway (106) are configured to communicate via the global packet switch network (100) in order to manage the telephony services in real-time according to the balance.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring asynchronous transfer mode cells in the communication system is proper for recognizing state information of asynchronous transfer mode cells transceiving between a base transceiver station and a base station controller. Accordingly, the apparatus enables to monitor the contents of the cell by comparing VPI/VCI of the ATM cells inputted to the multiplexing/demultiplexing part to the other VPI/VCI latched hardware, have the cell bus RX I/F count the number of the error-occurring ATM cells by carrying out header error checks of the ATM cells inputted to the cell bus RX I/F itself, and find out how long the cell transferring time takes for transceiving loop is found out by transceiving the test ATM cells between the multiplexing/demultiplexing part being the ATM low rate subscriber multiplexing/demultiplexing board assembly (ALMA) and the base transceiver station.

Abstract: A computer network includes frame- or packet-based subnetworks connected by switches, the switches being interconnected by high-capacity trunks using a connection-based data transfer protocol similar to Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). Some of the trunks include a Permanent Virtual Path (PVP) trunk crossing an ATM core network, the PVP trunk including one or more bidirectional PVPs. A multipoint-to-point (MPT) protocol is used among the switches to transfer packets as groups of cells directly from “leaf”, or source, switches to “root”, or destination, switches without requiring significant routing-related processing during cell transmission.

Abstract: Data flows generated in accordance with a connected mode protocol and formatted in packets in accordance with a non-connected mode protocol are transmitted via an ATM network. A set of virtual circuits of the ATM network is assigned in advance to each pair of access points of the ATM network, without allocating transmission rate resources to them. When an access point receives a request, formulated in accordance with the connected mode protocol, to establish a connection between a source address and a destination address accessible via another access point of the ATM network, an available virtual circuit is selected from the set assigned to this pair of access points and a resource management cell containing a request to activate the virtual circuit is transmitted on the selected virtual circuit. When this cell is received by a node of the ATM network located on the selected virtual circuit, a transmission rate resource is allocated, if it is available, to the selected virtual circuit.

Abstract: A communications system includes a first switch and a second switch coupled to a packet-based network. A first set of network terminals are coupled to the first switch, and a second set of network terminals are coupled to the second switch. Each of the terminals is associated with a virtual terminal number (VTN). Each of the first and second switches store profile information associated with VTNs of the terminals. The profile information relate to the capabilities or features of the network terminals. The switches communicate signaling over a packet-based trunk, or virtual trunk, that is established on the packet-based network. Each switch sends messages to their associated terminals to establish media paths over the packet-based network to establish a call session.

Abstract: Multicast packet transferring apparatus and system with a multicast packet transferred from one transferring apparatus existing in one domain to another transferring apparatus existing in another domain, the former transferring apparatus converts the multicast packet fed from a transmitter to a unicast packet and transfers the converted packet to the latter transferring apparatus. The latter transferring apparatus reconstructs the original multicast packet from the received unicast packet and rewrites to replace a transmitter address contained in the reconstructed multicast packet with an address of the transferring apparatus and then transfers the rewritten multicast packet having the rewritten address to specified receivers.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for making bandwidth allocation for data to be sent from a plurality of ingress forwarders or LICs (310, 312, 314, 316) egress forwarders or LICs (320, 322, 324, 326) across a routing device (330). The data may be unicast and/or multicast. The bandwidth allocation is calculated in accordance with ingress forwarder multicast queue occupancy for each ingress forwarder (312, 314, 316), the number of multicast cells received by egress forwarders (322, 324, 326) from the ingress forwarders in the last bandwidth allocation period, and the bandwidth allocated to non-real time multicast flows from ingress forwarders (310, 312, 314, 316) to egress forwarders (320, 322, 324, 326).

Abstract: An access network for mobile terminals includes a switch arranged to be connected to at least one external network and a local access network connected to a plurality of radio base stations. Each base station is arranged to enter into communication with mobile terminals, each terminal being arranged for receiving or sending user cells on a virtual channel identifiable by a fixed virtual path identifier and a specific virtual circuit identifier allocated thereto at the time a call is established. Signaling cells on a virtual channel are identified by a specific virtual path identifier and a specific fixed virtual circuit identifier. The switch allocates a virtual path identifier and a virtual circuit identifier to each user channel. To each signaling channel, the switch allocates a virtual path identifier equal to the virtual path identifier of the user circuit and a fixed virtual circuit identifier.

Abstract: An ATM communication system has a connection setting section for controlling a plurality of ATM switches to set an n:n bidirectional ATM connection having n terminals of a plurality of constituent terminals as terminal points and using the VPI/VCI for identifying the n terminal points, and a process ID allocating section for allocating an MID as a process ID to a plurality of processes, executed by the n terminals for sending a message to the bidirectional ATM connection. The ATM communication system migrates a process executed on an arbitrary terminal to another terminal while keeping the process ID allocated to the processes. Where a dead-lock occurs due to that a process becomes a sleep state for the reason of that the bandwidth of a physical link is insufficient for executing in parallel the processes on the ATM communication system, the bandwidth of the physical link that a sleeping process occupies is intercepted to avoid a CAC dead-lock.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a flexible method of allocating groups of virtual circuits in a network as a virtual circuit bunch. A virtual circuit bunch of arbitrary number can be set up with the ease of setting up a single virtual circuit. A single virtual circuit bunch can have plural destinations. Further, a virtual circuit bunch can be routed to the same destination over different routes. Connections across the network can be initiated as separate virtual circuits and then be grouped together as a virtual circuit bunch. The implementation of virtual circuit bunches permits rapid setup of virtual circuits and reduced table sizes at individual nodes of the network. A fast connect service can be implemented using virtual circuit bunches without establishing a connection by assigning a fast connect packet to one virtual circuit of a virtual circuit bunch. Virtual circuit bunches permit cell interleaving problems found in ATM switches to be circumvented in a particularly convenient way.

Abstract: VPI/VCI of an ATM cell is translated into an internal ID by distributing VPI/VCI entries into sections in a table according to a portion of each VPI/VCI entry. A section to be searched according to the portion of a VPI/VCI of the received ATM cell is selected; and a search over the selected section is performed to find an entry corresponding to the VPI/VCI of the received ATM cell. An internal ID corresponding to the found entry is outputted.

Abstract: VPI/VCI of an ATM cell is translated into an internal Id by distributing VPI/VCI entries into sections in a table according to a portion of each VPI/VCI entry. A section to be searched according to the portion of a VPI/VCI of the received ATM cell is selected; and a search over the selected section is performed to find an entry corresponding to the VPI/VCI of the received ATM cell. An internal ID corresponding to the found entry is outputted.

Abstract: A relationship between the mean number of “empty ” cells per scheduled cycle of the connection server and the cell rate bandwidth in cells-per-second that may be allowed to enter a virtual path that is already considered to be “full”, based on the sum of the sustainable cell rates of its existing component connections, is used as the basis of CAC. Virtual connections may be admitted to a “full” virtual path if the cell rate of the requested connection is less than the allowable cell rate statistically determined from the mean number of “empty” cell timeslots in the path available for use by high-priority cells.

Abstract: A method for virtual end nodes indicates in routing information (51) that the data packet is for a “special access” to an end node with a virtual address (60). An RF network device then inserts the identity of the physical end node (virtual address) into user information (62). If an access point (14) determines that the user information is for the virtual address (66), then all virtual end nodes 41-43 receive the data packet and analyze the virtual end node identity from the user information (68).

Abstract: A method for transferring an MPOA packet which is capable of permitting address resolution based on layer 3 packet filter information and capable of preventing establishing an undesirable short cut path. In an ATM network, an MPOA server 20 which received an address resolution request packet from an MPOA client 10 determines whether or not the address resolution request packet be forwarded to the other MPOA server or the other MPOA client based on a layer 3 packet filter information.

Abstract: The combination of narrowband applications with broadband transport may be enabled with a tri-level nodal system in which a narrowband node (e.g., a telecommunications node) may provide switching intelligence to the switching fabric of multiple broadband nodes (e.g., media gateways). The switching intelligence is provided via an intermediate node (e.g., mediation logic) that emulates a switch interface for the narrowband node and translates circuit-based addresses/routing instructions to packet-based addresses/routing instructions. This translation equates to a mapping of address(es) in a first address space to address(es) in a second address space in order to utilize the address(es) of the second address space for propagating communications on a broadband transport mechanism.

Abstract: A method of providing network services is described. The network includes a number of nodes, each one of which is coupled to at least one other of the nodes by at least one of a number of optical links. The network is preferably capable of supporting a number of virtual circuits. The method begins with the receiving of a request for a virtual circuit between a first node and a second node of the network. Preferably, the request specifies a quality of service of the virtual circuit. Next, the availability of network resources for supporting a virtual circuit at the requested quality of service is determined. Assuming sufficient network resources are available for support of the virtual circuit, the request is then serviced by provisioning (and maintaining) the requested virtual circuit. Servicing the request preferably includes actions such as provisioning, maintaining, and restoring the virtual circuit, using the requested parameters.

Abstract: A system or network may provide for communication between two or more applications. The communication is achieved by initiating communication between a first and second application. The communication is directed from the first application to a second virtual address of the second application. An actual address associated with the second application is determined. A first data channel is established between a first computer associated with the first application and a second computer associated with the second application over a control channel, to coordinate the communication over the first data channel. The communication is then directed to the actual address associated with the second application over the data channel. Further, the first data channel is taken down and a second data channel is established to maintain communication without the knowledge of the first and second applications.

Abstract: A device for implementing a multimedia communication dissemination system is disclosed herein. The communication system integrates heterogeneous satellite transmission systems, local area computer networks, and the public telephone system to implement a flexible, high-speed communication system. The preferred communication dissemination system includes a broadcast server for broadcasting an information signal, a mobile base station for receiving the information signal broadcast from the broadcast server, and a local area network for distributing information received by the mobile base station. The preferred mobile base station includes a receiver for receiving information signals transmitted from a broadcast server, a network interface for distributing processed information signals, and a software proxy process for processing information signals. A software proxy process controls the dissemination of information through the network.

Abstract: A voice gateway (18) in a telecommunications network (1) includes a plurality of telephony port modules (102). Each telephony port module (102) receives telephony voice signals from a public switched telephony network (13). Each telephony port module (102) includes one or more digital signal processors (110) that perform one or more processing functions on the telephony voice signals. A particular telephony port module (102) may receive a telephony voice signal and use its associated digital signal processor (110) to process the received telephony voice signal or transfer the received telephony voice signal for processing to any digital signal processor (110) on any telephony port module (102). Telephony signals may also be transferred for processing to digital signal processors (110) on another voice gateway (18) in a voice gateway system.

Abstract: A transmitter, a communication system, and a communication method capable of realizing communication of more than a set bandwidth with respect to a packet communication with a bandwidth guarantee set therefore by using a set bandwidth as the minimum guaranteed bandwidth, wherein when a transmitter transmits packet data, it decides whether or not packet communication guarantees a bandwidth based on a guaranteed bandwidth set in advance, and adds a first identifier to the packet data when guaranteeing bandwidth, and adds a second identifier when not guaranteeing the bandwidth.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for parallel searching a table by first breaking the larger table into a plurality of smaller subtables. Once the larger table has been subdivided into subtables, all the subtables are searched simultaneously (in parallel). When a match is detected, a predetermined operation is performed.

Abstract: A method of identifying a segment and end-to-end OAM flow VPC context table for one of a plurality of VCCs corresponding to the VPC. Each VCC has a context table. Each VCC context table has a pointer. The pointer contains the address of the context table for the segment and end-to-end OAM flow VPC. Provisioned connections supported by the ATM switching system are repeatedly scanned. If a VCC has an active F4-to-F5 OAM process, the pointer is extracted from that VCC's context table, identifying the context table of the corresponding segment and end-to-end OAM flow VPC. If the VPC is in the VP-AIS alarm state, the current VCC outputs a VCC-AIS cell. A continuity check is repeatedly performed by updating the appropriate F4 OAM connection context table whenever a VCC cell is received on a corresponding F5 connection, preventing the F4 connection from raising a continuity check alarm.

Abstract: A method of operating an network is described. The network includes a number of nodes connected by a number of links. A method according to the present invention provisions a virtual path between a first and a second one of the plurality of nodes by: identifying the first and the second nodes, discovering a physical path from the first node to the second node, and establishing the virtual path. The method discovers a physical path from the first node to the second node by automatically identifying nodes forming the physical path. The method establishes the virtual path by configuring a set of connections between the nodes forming the physical path.

Abstract: A method of operating an network is described. The network includes a number of nodes connected by a number of links. A method according to the present invention provisions a virtual path between a first and a second one of the plurality of nodes by: identifying the first and the second nodes, discovering a physical path from the first node to the second node, and establishing the virtual path. The method discovers a physical path from the first node to the second node by automatically identifying nodes forming the physical path. The method establishes the virtual path by configuring a set of connections between the nodes forming the physical path.

Abstract: Layer 7 switching may be accomplished using one or more caches placed throughout a computer network. Changes to a file on a server may be detected and propagated throughout the network. At the switch or router level, once notification of changes to a file is received, the content may be retrieved from the server and placed in a connected cache. A routing table entry may be created for the content and also placed in the cache. The routing table entry may contain an original location field identifying the original location of the content, a distance field indicating a distance from the cache to the server, and a field indicating a version number of the content. Additional fields may also be contained within the routing table entry. When a user requests a specific file, rather than forward the request directly to the server containing the original file, the request may be handled by the router closest to the user which has a connected cache containing the content.

Abstract: VPI/VCI of an ATM cell is translated into an internal ID by distributing VPI/VCI entries into sections in a table according to a portion of each VPI/VCI entry. A section to be searched according to the portion of a VPI/VCI of the received ATM cell is selected; and a search over the selected section is performed to find an entry corresponding to the VPI/VCI of the received ATM cell. An internal ID corresponding to the found entry is outputted.

Abstract: A communication network includes a second switching equipment and a first switching equipment connected to the second switching equipment by connection paths. The connection paths include a first set of connection paths and second set of connection paths. The first switching equipment includes a first storage area for storing bits of information associated with an availability of bandwidth for the first set of connection paths, a second storage area for storing bits of information associated with an availability of bandwidth for the second set of connection paths, and a controller to determine whether a suitable connection path exists in the first set of connection paths based on the bits of information stored in the first storage area. If the suitable connection path does not exist in the first set of connection paths, the controller selects the second switching equipment to allocate the second transmission channel to the requested connection.

Abstract: A system and method for connecting a call processes call signaling to determine if a call is a ported call or a non-ported call. A signaling processor determines if a ported number parameter (PNP), such as a forward call indicator (FCI) bit M and/or a ported number generic address parameter (GAP), is present. If the PNP is not present and the signaling processor determines the dialed number is a member of a portable number plan area and central office code combinations (NPA-NXX), the signaling processor queries a ported number database (PNDB). The PNDB responds with the called number dialed digits if the call is not a ported call or a location routing number (LRN) if the call is a ported call. The signaling processor appends a 1 to the nature of address (NOA) subfield of the called party number (CdPN) field if the call is a ported call.

Abstract: VPI/VCI of an ATM cell is translated into an internal ID by distribute VPI/VCI entries into sections in a table according to a portion of each VPI/VCI entry. A section to be searched according to the portion of a VPI/VCI of the received ATM cell is selected; and a search over the selected section is performed to find an entry corresponding to the VPI/VCI of the received ATM cell. An internal ID corresponding to the found entry is outputted.

Abstract: A virtual connection queue (VCQx) and a packet queue (PQ) are provided in an ATM switch (20). In the virtual connection queue (VCQx), arriving ATM cells are stored for each virtual connection (VCx). In the packet queue (PQ), at the time where the final ATM cell forming a packet is stored in the virtual connection queue (VCQx), an identifier of the virtual connection (VCx) is stored. A scheduler (26) scans the packet queue (PQ), and based on the identifier in storage of the packet queue (PQ), it selects a virtual connection queue (VCQx) and successively dispatches ATM cells forming a packet in storage of the selected virtual connection queue VCQx. As a result, address space for identifying virtual connections in an ATM network can be used effectively.

Abstract: A network implemented communication system, comprising a Local Area Network (LAN), a plurality of H.323 endpoints connected to the LAN, each of the endpoints including a communication application for communicating via H.323, at least one H.323 Gatekeeper connected to the LAN for third party control of communications between the H.323 endpoints, and software within each of the H.323 endpoints and the H.323 Gatekeeper for implementing features which do not require direct connection between the H.323 endpoints.

Abstract: A shared spanning tree protocol (SSTP) creates a plurality of spanning trees (i.e., loop-free paths) which are shared among one or more virtual local area network (VLAN) designations for data transmission within a computer network. Each shared spanning tree includes and is defined by a primary VLAN and may be associated with one or more secondary VLANs. In order to associate VLAN designation(s) with a single shared spanning tree, network devices exchange novel shared spanning tree protocol data units (SST-PDUs). Each SST-PDU corresponds to a given primary VLAN and preferably includes one or more fields which list the secondary VLAN designations associated with the given primary VLAN. The association of VLAN designations to shared spanning trees, moreover, preferably depends on which path traffic is to follow as well as the anticipated load characteristics of the various VLANs. The association of VLAN designations to shared spanning trees thus provides a degree of load balancing within the network.

Abstract: A integrated access device in a communication network. The integrated access device in one embodiment includes a network port, a plurality of telephony ports, a data port and communication circuit. The network port is adapted to provide dynamic time division multiplex (TDM) interface to a communication network. The plurality of telephony ports are adapted to provide telephony service to subscriber premises equipment. The data port is adapted to provide digital subscriber line (DSL) service to subscriber premises equipment. The communication circuit is coupled to the network port, the plurality of telephony ports and the data port. Moreover, the communication circuit is adapted to carry voice and data signals between the network port and the plurality of telephony ports and the data port. In addition, the integrated access device is line powered over the network port.

Abstract: A method and apparatus retrieves and stores configuration information for network endpoint devices from other devices in the network, such as a switch adjacent to the endpoint device. When the endpoint device establishes a connection with the network, it generates a sequence of SNMP getnext commands using the ILMI interface to obtain the configuration information from the network device. If the network device sends a trap to the endpoint device indicating a change has been made to the configuration parameters stored in the network device for a PVC, a series of SNMP getrequest commands are made using the ILMI interface to retrieve the configuration information for that PVC from the network device. If the endpoint device detects an interruption in communication with the network device, the endpoint device discards the information retrieved previously.

Abstract: Network address request data is transmitted in the order in which the power is applied to control devices, or by adding a device ID assigned with a simple input means. An information processing device has a power application order or a correspondence table between device IDs and network addresses and informs each control device of network address determined for the above each control device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently transporting DS-X traffic in packet form over an ATM or other packet network. Specifically, virtual connection or slot provisioning and/or cell concentration techniques are used to compact the amount of DS-X traffic broadcast between communications system devices such as the access mux and the communications switch and spare bandwidth. In provisioning, a configured DS-X loading of an end node supporting DS-X traffic is ascertained. In turn, a minimum number of virtual connections for bearing packetized DS-X traffic are established, either at communications system configuration or as needed. In concentration processing, a dynamic association between the virtual connections and the DS-X traffic is established, typically on a per frame basis. Only those digital channels entering the node within a given time frame which actually bear DS-X traffic will be assigned a slot within packet. Concentration may be augmented by provisioning to further reduce bandwidth requirements.

Abstract: A multi-access transmission method for effectively and efficiently utilizing bands of a synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) path. The method has the steps of extracting a synchronous digital hierarchy path from signals input from a first point, recognizing all packets or cells input from the first point to select and drop a packet or cell to be dropped at a second point, multiplexing packets or cells not dropped and a packet or cell to be inserted at the second point at a packet or cell level, and sending signals created at the multiplexing step to a third point. With this method, packets or cells are multiplexed in a synchronous digital hierarchy path to share one synchronous digital hierarchy path among a plurality of communications.

Abstract: A central route table design in a fiber channel switch for providing one location for D_ID and exit port combinations. The fiber channel switch has a plurality of ports, each are coupled to the central route look-up table.

Abstract: Computers sending IP datagrams over an ATM network are generally capable of operating multiple simultaneous virtual circuits over the network. However, in doing so, they normally only set up one virtual circuit to each destination IP address so that in order to test the simultaneous operation of N virtual circuits by a computer under test, N target computers are needed. To enable a single computer (T) to provide the destination endpoints for multiple virtual circuits (SVC) from a computer (M) under test, both computers (M,T) are allocated a plurality of virtual IP addresses (IM(j),IT(i)) and the target computer (T) is additionally provided with a module running address-changing processes (70,71) that avoids the IP layers (20) of both computers from rejecting IP datagrams (25A,25B) addressed with the virtual IP addresses.

Abstract: Method for forming the virtual topology of an ATM-layer where the ATM-layer is carried over an optical network, where inputs such as the physical topology and constraints of physical nature are given, thereafter forming node-pairs with end-to-end connections according to some known optimal routing algorithm, and finally applying a non-deterministic mathematical approach to obtain an optimal virtual topology with the objective of minimising the need for necessary electrical processing in the nodes of the network.

Abstract: Asynchronous transfer mode communication equipment utilizing distributed processing to manage switching to standby virtual paths when a failure occurs in an active path, allowing an increased number of virtual paths to be reliably handled by the equipment, even in situations where multiple virtual paths simultaneously fail. Each unit controller within the ATM communication equipment has its own virtual path paired information table. When a failure occurs in a virtual path to a respective unit controller, the unit controller can immediately and independently select a standby path. This distributed processing increases the retrieval speed of standby paths and minimizes the delay to full restoration of service, avoiding the concurrent processing bottleneck that occurs in prior art designs when multiple active paths simultaneously fail and a central processor must sequentially redirect each unit controller.

Abstract: Based on link security method to be discussed in IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802, for which standardization is to progress while centering on IEEE 802.3 and 802.1d, provided is an authentication method capable of allowing an OLT to implement functions of a RADIUS server to authenticate ONUs. An MD-5 algorithm, adapted to be used between the OLT and the RADIUS server, in accordance with its use between the OLT and the ONUs, is simplified so that it is usable in an EPON architecture. A computer-readable recording medium recorded with a program implements the authentication method. The authentication method includes the step of sending a start code from an optical network unit (ONU) to an optical line terminal (OLT). The ONU receives in response a request for an identifier of the ONU.

Abstract: The system of the invention provides a unique address assignment mechanism and technique that allows an address server such as a DHCP server to receive requests for network addresses from computer systems or other requesting devices. Based on an identity of the requesting computer system, or on another criteria, the address server can select an address for use on the network from either a set of local addresses or one or more sets of guest addresses. If the address server identifies the requesting computer system as a guest computer system, then a guest address selected from at least one set of guest addresses is assigned and provided to that computer system, whereas if the address server identifies the requesting computer system a local computer system then the address server selects and assigns a local address (from the set of local addresses) to the requesting local computer system.

Abstract: An intelligent network implementing processes and apparatus for supporting ATM/Vnet services. The intelligent network comprises the ability to receive an ATM VNET call at an ATM switch associated with a service node of the intelligent network, translate the dialed VNET number and then extend the call to a correct termination. Prior to the outdial, source address and subscription validation, destination address screening, source address screening and VNET number translation are performed. In one embodiment, assuming that the VNET call is an ATM to ATM call, no number translation is required. In placing Vnet/ATM calls, the network does all resource allocation, e.g., bandwidth reservation and allocation. The resource specification in the ATM setup message (e.g., bandwidth) is validated against the customer's subscription versus the current network utilization.

Abstract: A stackable multi-port communication device for a packet-based data communication system, having a multiplicity of physical ports for the reception and dispatch of data in the form of packets, includes switch logic for selecting for a packet at least one destination selected from a multiplicity of ports which include a logical port common to a specified group of said physical ports. A cascade trunk logic, coupled to the switch logic, is used for determining, for the dispatch of a packet directed to said logical port, a selected port of said group of said physical ports; and a remote monitoring logic is used for forwarding a copy of the packet.

Abstract: An SVC is established via an ATM switch port, which includes multiple virtual paths (VPs), by associating multiple virtual user-to-network interfaces (UNIs) to each of the VPs. Each of the VPs includes multiple virtual circuit (VC) ranges, each of which corresponds to a different virtual UNI. Each VC range includes at least one VC for control and at least one VC for data transfer. Associating the virtual UNIs to each of the VPs includes mapping each virtual UNI to a corresponding VC range within a VP based on a virtual path index (VPI)/virtual channel index (VCI) of the virtual UNI initially received by the ATM switch port.

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 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 on or more fresh labels for the passage of the packet though the further label switched path.

Abstract: The present invention guarantees that voice data (and other information types) will switch within a predetermined time period. Systems and methods consistent with the present invention accomplish this guarantee by, among other things, establishing permanent virtual paths or circuits between each network element, guaranteeing each voice line a slot in a packet in each frame, employing both octet switching and packet switching, synchronizing the operation of the network elements to a reference clock, and providing several levels of network redundancy.

Abstract: Logical connections between nodes in a network can be established by the following steps: generation of an identifier by each group of logically connected nodes in the network; exchange of identifiers between physically connected groups of logically connected nodes; and establishment of logical connections between physically connected groups of logically connected nodes for which the exchanged identifiers differ. Repeatedly carried out, these steps can allow a network without logical loops to be built up from individual nodes.