Abstract: Methods and systems for associating a plurality of different routes with the same destination and for routing signaling messages to the destination based on originating information associated with non-adjacent signaling nodes are disclosed. A routing database in a signal transfer point includes multiple routes to the same destination. The routes are distinguishable from each other in the routing database using message origination information associated with signaling nodes that are not adjacent to the signal transfer point. When a signaling message is received, origination and destination information in the signaling message are used in combination to select among multiple routes to a destination having a network address corresponding to the destination information in the signaling message. The signaling message is then routed over the route selected using the originating information. The selected route may be a high-speed route used to provide a particular quality of service.

Abstract: A network device for performing redirect checking includes an input device and processing logic. The input device receives a data packet on a first one of a number of interfaces. The data packet includes source and destination addresses. The processing logic assigns an incoming interface to the data packet and generates forwarding information identifying a next hop for the data packet. The processing logic also identifies an outgoing interface based on the next hop and determines whether the incoming interface index is equal to the outgoing interface index. The processing logic also determines whether the data packet originated from a station that is part of the same subnet as the next hop. When both of these conditions are met, the processing logic generates a redirect message.

Abstract: A protocol enabling the exchange of information between data switching node components and a supervisory management processor is provided. The protocol defines a data frame format, data fields, data field values of a group of command frames. The exchange of information therebetween via the defined frames enables the production of data switching equipment having a generic implementation with a deployable, upgradeable and expandable feature set providing and enhancing support for current and future services.

Abstract: A routing system provides internet service providers with internet routing support for internet communications. The routing system receives a query from an internet service provider and responds with the appropriate internet address to transport communications over the internet. The internet address may direct the communications to an internet gateway or to the routing system itself. The routing system can forward the communications to a destination over the public telephone system. The routing system may process a telephone number to identify the proper internet address for the communication. The routing system may also provide internet gateways for use by the service providers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for changing the bandwidth or other traffic characteristic of an established packet call in response to an identification of the requirements of the call. In one implementation, an integrated access device (“IAD”) is used to connect one or more devices to a packet network. When a device goes off-hook, a call is established through the packet network with an initial bandwidth, such as that which will support a compressed and silence suppressed voice call. The IAD monitors the received signal to determine whether a type of traffic is detected which requires a different call characterization. A request may be made to modify the traffic characterization of the established call to match the detected call characterization. In an ATM network, Q.9231.x may be used to request a change in the bandwidth of the originally established call.

Abstract: The present invention provides a network interface adapter for connecting a client computer to a computer network that includes a reduced hardware media access controller (MAC) coupled through a physical interface (PHY) to the network physical link. A significant portion of the MAC functionality is implemented as software within the processor of the host client computer. The hardware portion of the preferred MAC implementation provides memory for buffering communications between the PHY and the client computer. The preferred hardware aspects of a MAC in accordance with the present invention also includes a register interface for register-driven communications between the hardware portion of the MAC and the software portions of the MAC implemented within the client computer. By implementing most of the MAC functionality in software within the host computer, the preferred MAC provides lower cost, lower power consumption, and generally greater flexibility.

Abstract: A telephone set and an information terminal are connected by a packet switched network. The information terminal has a control target list in which a predetermined telephone set information is stored, and a terminal controller. The terminal controller generates, based on an instruction from a user, a control command in which an instruction related to multimedia phone communication is recorded, and sends that command to the predetermined telephone set. The predetermined telephone set has a terminal list storing information about the information terminal, and a telephone controller. The telephone controller generates, based on the control command received from the information terminal, a call control command for performing multimedia phone communication with another telephone set on the packet switched network, and sends that command to the other telephone set.

Abstract: A method and system enables distributed transaction oriented telephony functionality for telephony services in a broadband packet network. Exemplary distributed transaction oriented telephony functionality includes Intelligent Network (IN) and Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) functionality accessed through the legacy Common Channel Signaling (CCS) network using transaction-based messaging protocols, such as Intelligent Network Application Part (INAP) and/or Transaction Capability Application Part (TCAP) protocols. A functional content of a transaction message, such as a TCAP message, is encapsulated in a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) of the broadband packet network. The PDU is forwarded through the broadband packet network to a second network element. The functionality is then invoked using the encapsulated transaction message functional content. In preferred embodiments the PDU is a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) envelope, into which TCAP message functional content can be mapped.

Abstract: A packet mode (e.g. IP) communication service layer is provided on top of a standard mainstream cellular radio network. Conceptually, the communication layer comprises a pair of basic logical entities, an application bridge and a call processing server (CPS). The bridge and the CPS run packet mode communication service applications, which communicate with packet mode communication service application(s) in a mobile station MS over the IP connections provided by the radio network. The CPS is responsible for control plane management of communications. Embedded user-plane signaling is used for connecting call parties for a packet mode speech two-party (one-to-one) communication. Embedded signaling in the user-plane's bearer makes it unnecessary to reserve another bearer for the control plane's signaling, which saves network resources and allows to achieve a short connection setup time.

Abstract: A method of transmitting signalling information in a telecommunications network between peer user/application parts. Signalling information is transferred from a first user/application part to a Message Transfer Part (MTP) level 3, the information including a destination signalling point identifier identifying the signalling point at which the peer user/application part is located. The MTP level 3 determines from the destination signalling point identifier, a destination address suitable for conveying the signalling information to the destination signalling point. In the event that the destination address is an Internet Protocol (IP) address and Port number, the signalling information and the determined IP address and port number are transferred to an IP part for transmission over an IP network to the destination signalling point.

Abstract: A VPN edge router with the ability of identifying VPNs by using the identifiers of logical channels multiplexed on a single input line.

Abstract: Signalling messages conforming to different signalling protocols in a distributed switch telecommunications network are correlated by associating specific pairs of messages according to parameters they have in common. Inter-MGC IAMs and SS7 IAMs are correlated by the combination of Calling & Called address parameters; the connection descriptor parameter included in inter-MGC IAMs and MGCP OK messages can be used to correlate these messages; and the MGCP OK message can be correlated with the MGCP CRCX message using the transaction ID. Hence a correspondence can be deduced between an MGCP endpointname (in the CRCX message) and an ISUP OPC-DPC-CIC identification (in the SS7 IAM).

Abstract: A simplified methodology for accomplishing traffic management in a packet based network is achieved by allowing allocation of bandwidth based on a count of the number of endpoint connections associated with a specific service for a corresponding network device. A network device (e.g., IP router) can be configured to count the number of TCP/IP and UDP/IP connections and bandwidth usage per interface. The counting can be done by identifying the IP Addresses, Type of Service (TOS), and TCP/UDP and/or UDP/IP socket number range in the IP Header of a packet and then querying a specific communication type. When reaching the maximum allowed connections or bandwidth for a specific service, the network device (e.g., IP router) stops forwarding any new calls by means of dropping packets of new calls and informing the given endpoints to disconnect the new calls.

Abstract: A signal transfer point (STP) within a Signaling System 7 (SS7) telecommunications network receives SS7 signals transmitted by a local switch. In response to a determination that the destination node specified by the received SS7 signal is connected to an Internet Protocol (IP) network, the serving STP encapsulates the received SS7 signal within an IP packet and transmits the IP packet over an IP network using an IP address identifying an application service provider (ASP) associated with a STP serving the specified destination local switch as the destination address. All other SS7 signals are transmitted over an existing SS7 telecommunications network.

Abstract: A method and communication network for administering additional services which provides that a subscriber self-input into communication terminal equipment be initiated by the subscriber for the respective additional service and, due to the subscriber self-input at least one structured container message is generated by the communication terminal equipment and is sent to a memory unit of the communication network. The container message received by the memory unit is inventively forwarded via an interface that connects the memory unit to the service control point. The interface implemented between memory unit and service control point makes it possible that the container message can be forwarded up to the service control point for a service handling via the subscriber self-input for the additional service.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the processing of multiple data streams with common resources. More particularly, this invention relates to a technique for time-multiplexed processing of, for example, multiple digital video programs. In one embodiment, an exemplary method provides for time-multiplexed processing of a set of digital streams includes storing each received packet in a random access memory. For each stream, the deadline for the arrival of the next packet at the receiver is determined and a priority based on the deadline is assigned. The stream with the highest assigned priority is identified as an identified stream. In some embodiments, the processing state of the identified stream is then restored. One or more packets of data corresponding to the identified stream are retrieved from random access memory to produce retrieved packets. The processing state is saved after the retrieved packets have been processed.

Abstract: A method for managing an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) cell includes transmitting an ATM cell from a server system to a broadband modem. The ATM cell is forwarded from the broadband modem to a client system.

Abstract: A layer-structured MPLS path is set up in a short time by using a minimum number of control messages. A relay apparatus acting as the start point of the highest-layer L2 path creates a label request message specifying the intermediate-point and end-point relay apparatuses for all the paths of all the layers, and transmits it to the end-point relay apparatus of the L2 path. At a relay apparatus permitted to use an already established L1 path, instead of requesting a label of the L1 path, the label of the already established path is inserted in the label request message. In response to the label request message, a label mapping message is transmitted and transferred to the start-point relay apparatus. With this message, each node determines the labels associated with it and transfers them to its adjacent relay apparatus.

Abstract: A demodulation method, and apparatus, for reproducing data from a received signal. The demodulation method includes the steps of: receiving a signal including a series of frames each containing a training signal for automatic equalization processing and a data signal; controlling an amplitude of the received signal by AGC processing so as to make the amplitude a predetermined level; conducting demodulation processing on the signal subjected to the AGC processing; periodically conducting automatic equalization processing so as to adapt the modulated signal to characteristics of the signal transmission path based on each training signal of the frame; and setting values of a time constant of the AGC processing and an update repetition period of the automatic equalization processing so as to satisfy a predetermined relation.

Abstract: A system and method for a packet VRU which directly utilize packet network protocols, such as those of the H.323 standard, to provide enhanced services via a packet network, such as whisper mode communications, call recording, call broadcasting, advertisement broadcasting during calls, one-number service, and operator services. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the packet VRU establishes control of media streams, such as through the use of separate signaling channels associated with various communication devices, in order to provide desired enhanced call services.

Abstract: A method of processing congestion conditions of a MTP user part in the SS7 network is disclosed. According to the method, a congestion condition is identified, and information regarding the condition is transmitted in a MTP user part to an originating signaling point. The originating signaling point reduces traffic to be transmitted to the MTP user part of the congested destination, thereby preventing an interruption of service.

Abstract: An arrangement operable to communicate with a fieldbus network and operate an attached relay and a method for implementing such arrangement is provided. The arrangement and method provide conventional discrete outputs from a fieldbus device using standard fieldbus function blocks, such as those used for Foundation® and Profibus® fieldbus networks. The arrangement and method may facilitate the integration of traditional discrete relay functions into these more advanced digital fieldbus networks, and also utilize additional functions available to standard Foundation® fieldbus and Profibus® fieldbus network devices.

Abstract: A flexible routing node for re-directing signaling messages in a communications network is disclosed. Re-direction or re-routing of signaling message packets is accomplished through the use of a range or block-based database in conjunction with an exception-based database. The range-based routing instruction databases incorporates a data structure that maps ranges or blocks of mobile identification numbers (MINs) to a single destination network address, while the exceptions database stores any exceptions to these range or block-based rules. The pair of routing databases is implemented such that, when a signaling message is received that requires re-direction, the exception-based database is queried first. If a match is found in the exceptions database, the signaling message is modified using the returned routing instructions and transmitted into an associated communication network. If no match is found in the exception-based database, a default query is performed against the range-based database.

Abstract: A network system is provided for enabling priority-based number switching from a lower priority access number to a higher priority access number during an active data session is provided. The system comprises, a CTI-switch for establishing call connections and performing call switching according to instruction, a network-hosted part of a software application for monitoring the current user-node connection states and the current states of the alternate access numbers, at least two network-access nodes connected to the network, the access nodes each accessible through dialing a network-access number from the user node and, a client-hosted part of the software application for listing access numbers, configuring priority states to the access numbers and for communicating the pertinent data to the network-hosted part of the software application. The system affects call transfer based on priority state.

Abstract: Network congestion avoidance within aggregated channels is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method first transmits a packet associated with a first channel of a plurality of related channels from a source protocol layer (e.g., a source IP layer) of a source through a network (e.g., the Internet). Next, the method triggers an ECN event by the packet at the network. Finally, at least one channel is determined to have decreased packets transmitted therethrough, in response to the triggering of the ECN event (e.g., based on a congestion pricing criteria).

Abstract: A link layer system is provided. The link layer system a first link layer control module and a retry queue for storing a transmitted data packet. The retry control module is coupled to the first link layer control module, which directs the retry queue to discard the transmitted data packet when an acknowledgment bit is received by the first link layer control module.

Abstract: A device for use in a process control system includes a first pair of electrical connections configured to couple to a two-wire process control loop. The loop includes a two-wire process variable transmitter. A second pair of electrical connections is configured to couple to an input channel of a process device having multiple input channels. An electrical component is connected in series in the loop for use in digital communication with the two-wire process variable transmitter.

Abstract: An interconnect structure and method of communicating messages on the interconnect structure assists high priority messages to travel through the interconnect structure at a faster rate than normal or low priority messages. An interconnect structure includes a plurality of nodes with a plurality of interconnect lines selectively coupling the nodes in a hierarchical multiple-level structure. Data moves from an uppermost source level to a lowermost destination level. Nodes in the structure are arranged in columns and levels. Data wormholes through the structure and, in a given time-step, data always moves from one column to an adjacent column and while remaining on the same level or moving down to a lower level. When data moves down a level, an additional bit of the target output is fixed so data exiting from the bottom of the structure arrives at the proper target output port.

Abstract: A conferencing method not requiring additional or dedicated hardware in a processor controlled telephone terminal, nor requiring an external conference bridge, is provided by one of the terminals designating the conference, processing signals from two other conferees and delaying only two of the conferees active talkers at any given time. The two active conferees do not receive their own signal. An active conferee remains declared active during a dynamic hangover time, which varies between a minimum and a maximum corresponding to the activity time of the conferee.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for associating querying switches with responsive access nodes in a telecommunications network (10) having a switch pool (18). The methods include techniques for assigning a switch (12) of the switch pool (18) as a handling switch for queries received from the plurality of access nodes (14). The handling switch directs queries to respective target access nodes (14). The handling switch also receives responses from target access nodes. Techniques are provided for reassignment of the handling switch from among switches (12) of the switch pool (18) on the basis of various criteria such as, for example load or transaction count. Examples of the invention in the context of a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network (10) having a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) pool (18) are described.

Abstract: A communication network (10) utilized for providing communications between a first party and a second party includes a surveillance server (26) within a core network (10) to provide communication surveillance capability. The core network (10) may be a packet data network, and the surveillance server (26) is operable responsive to trigger information to establish communications surveillance. Communication surveillance may be established by creating duplicate bearer packets of those data packets carrying the communicated data between the parties, creating duplicate control packets of those data packets carrying in-band or out-of-band call control information between the parties and within the packet data network, and/or various combinations thereof. The duplicate bearer packets and the duplicate control packets are routed to appropriate authorized law enforcement agencies for providing surveillance.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for policy based accounting and billing for network services. In one embodiment, a packet forwarding device receives a packet to be forwarded over the network, accesses a policy table to identify a billing party associated with the packet, obtains billing information, and stores a record of the forwarded packet and the associated billing party.

Abstract: New routing techniques over a packet switching network so that the protocol processing at inter-node line cards is drastically simplified or even eliminated altogether. These techniques utilize an ingress node of the packet switching network for translating the routing information into a fixed route encoded as a sequence of in-band control signals, fragmenting the packet into cells of a fixed length, and affixing the sequence of in-band control signals in front of each of the cells, deploying the in-band control signals in a sequence in nodes on the route to guide each of the cells through the sequence of nodes and then consuming the in-band control signals, and at an egress node reassembling the cells into the packet.

Abstract: A communication system is disclosed comprised of a signaling processor and an interworking system. The signaling processor receives a call setup message including a called number, processes the called number to transmit a query, receives a response message responsive to the query that includes number portability information for the called number, processes the number portability information to select an identifier for routing, and transmits a control message that identifies the identifier. The interworking system receives a user communication and the control message, converts the user communication into communications that include the identifier, and transfers the communications that include the identifier.

Abstract: A communication system includes User Equipment (111), Radio Access Network (RAN) (121), a packet-switched domain (131), an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) (141), a circuit-switched domain (151), a Domain Name System (DNS) (165), a Charging Gateway Function (CGF) (134), an EIR (135), a Transport Signaling Gateway (T-SGW) (146), and a Roaming Signaling Gateway (R-SGW) (147). The CS domain (151) includes an interworking Mobile Switching Center (iMSC) (201). The iMSC (201) translates the CS domain registration, call control, feature control, and feature invocation procedures associated with the access technology to standard SIP procedures. The media gateway (MGW) (173) under the control of the iMSC (201) converts the air interface media flow into a packet stream that is managed by SIP procedures within the IMS (141). The iMSC (201) thereby allows for interworking between circuit-switched and packet-switched domains for call terminations.

Abstract: A system and method for a packet VRU which directly utilize packet network protocols, such as those of the H.323 standard, to provide enhanced services via a packet network. The packet VRU generally operates within the packet network and is not required to provide data format translation or multiple device-type access. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the packet VRU redirects the media stream from a source so that it is sent directly to a destination, instead of passing through the packet VRU. Alternatively, if the packet VRU must perform processing on the message contents, the packets may be sent to both the destination and to the packet VRU. The packet VRU may still retain call control over the media streams by maintaining the signaling and user input components of the call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprises a controller to establish a call session between a first endpoint and a second endpoint. Without exchanging call setup signaling with the first endpoint, the controller is able to pivot the call session from the second endpoint to another endpoint so that media communication can occur between the first and other endpoints. The first endpoint remains “anchored” in the call session. The pivot is accomplished by sending a call request to the other endpoint and exchanging messages with a media portal that controls the communication of packets between endpoints. The media portal contains a network address and translation module that performs translation of addresses and/or ports of media packets communicated from one endpoint to another.

Abstract: A method and system for transporting SONET signals over an optical telecommunications network, the method including generating a ComBus signal, including payload data, J1/C1 and synchronous payload envelope (SPE), per SONET path, Smart extracting of data from the ComBus signal (J1 detection and N/P detection), gathering the payload data and J1 into short packets, adding a packet header to each short packet, transporting the short packets to a destination, and generating C1 and SPE at the destination so as to reconstruct the SONET signals out of the ComBus signal.

Abstract: A communication system includes a switching network and a wireless network. The switching network includes a first gateway for receiving a communication from a caller, a second gateway for establishing an external connection through which the communication can be routed, and a command center that allows the first and second gateway to make an internal connection. The wireless network includes a visited mobile switch center and a home location register. The visited mobile switch center generates routing information, receives the communication from the external connection of the switching network, and routes the communication to a wireless network subscriber. The home location register locates the visited mobile switch center, and passes the routing information from the visited mobile switch center to the command center of the switching network. The command center causes the external connection to be established based on the routing information.

Abstract: An IP telephony client initiates and manages multimedia sessions. The client includes a user interface, an application interface, and a protocol stack. The application interface provides an interface between the protocol stack and the user interface and helper applications. The protocol stack packages messages received from the application interface and parses messages received from other parties or prospective parties. The application interface converts incoming messages to appropriate application programming interfaces (APIs) and sends incoming payloads to the appropriate helper application.

Abstract: The datapipe routing bridge is composed of three building blocks, transmitter, bridge and receiver. The bridge component provides high levels of connectivity between multiple digital signal processors without paying the penalties usually associated with inter-processor connections. The individual digital signal processors are connected with unidirectional point-to-point links from a bridge terminal on one digital signal processor to a bridge terminal on another digital signal processor. A real-time comparison of the packet header information with direction identification codes (IDs) stored inside the bridge routes individual data transfer packets arriving at the bridge into the local processor, repeated out to the next processor or simultaneously absorbed and repeated.

Abstract: A method for operating an anti-theft system having a transceiver unit comprising a trigger unit and a portable code generator, comprises the steps of: emitting a request signal by the transceiver unit upon activation of the trigger unit, and emitting a response code signal by the code generator after reception of the request signal, wherein the request signal and the response code signal overlap for a predefined time period.

Abstract: The method and system for reprogramming instructions for a switch includes programming a redirection memory to associate a routing parameter set in a routing memory for the switch with a first line card. The routing parameter set includes a plurality of routing parameters to be provided to the switch to service the first line card. In response to an event initiating activation of a second line card in place of the first line card, the redirection memory is reprogrammed to associate the routing parameters set in the routing memory with the second line card.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for maintaining a communication session between telephony devices, which includes establishing a first TCP/IP signaling communication link between a first telephony device and a proxy. The first TCP/IP signaling communication link is operable to communicate first keep alive signals between the proxy and the first telephony device. A second TCP/IP signaling communication link is established between a primary gatekeeper and the proxy. The second TCP/IP signaling communication link is operable to communicate second keep alive signals between the proxy and the primary gatekeeper. The first and second TCP/IP signaling communication links are terminated at the proxy. Therefore, a communication session between the first telephony device and a second telephony device may be maintained even if the second keep alive signals are interrupted.

Abstract: A network element that is capable facilitating the routing and accounting of messages between a plurality of network elements that do not share a common signaling application protocol nor a common transport protocol suite. In one embodiment of the present invention, a Multi-Protocol Gateway (MPG) is adapted to receive a signaling message and subsequently translate both the signaling and transport protocol suite prior to message routing. The MPG node is also configured to create and maintain usage and measurements data that may subsequently be used to produce billing records.

Abstract: A method for receiving a signal from a local device and converting the signal to a network port packet data signal to emulate a local data signal port. Once the signal from the local device is converted to the network port packet data signal, the network port packet data signal is transmitted to a remote device over a network connection.

Abstract: In a network of digital signal processor nodes connected in a peer-to-peer relationship, a data packet sent to a node causes a return transmission from that node. The requester digital signal processor sends a data packet to a target digital signal processor. Upon arrival at the target digital signal processor, its receiver drives the arriving request packet into an I/O memory and triggers a transmitter interrupt. Next, the pull interrupt causes the transmitter to execute on a next packet boundary the pull request packet. Finally, the execution of the pull request causes the transmitter to pull a portion of the local I/O memory and send it back to the requester digital signal processor. The same physical portion of the I/O memory is overlaid with two logical uses, a receiver channel and a transmitter code block.

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: A write-only data transfer protocol for peripheral component interface busses and a method for transferring data between source and destination communication units is provided. The method includes the source communication unit writing a buffer allocation request to the destination unit and, in response to the buffer allocation request, the destination communication unit allocating space within an associated buffer to receive the data to be sent. The method also includes the destination communication unit writing at least the location of the allocated buffer to the source communication unit and the source communication unit writing the data to be sent to the allocated buffer location.

Abstract: Support for a mixed network environment is provided which can contain multiple isochronous and/or non-isochronous LAN protocols such as Isochronous-Ethernet. Ethernet, isochronous-token ring, token ring, other isochronous-LAN or other LAN Systems. Support for a mixed environment includes a protocol detection mechanism which is embodied in a handshaking scheme. This handshaking scheme determines the signalling capability at the end points of the link and implements the correct protocol. This enables isochronous nodes and hubs to automatically detect the presence of Ethernet, token ring, or other LAN equipment at the other and of the network cable. If this detection occurs, the isochronous LAN equipment will fall-back to a LAN compliant mode of operation. Typically, only the hub will have the capability of operating at different networking modes, such as Ethernet, Token Ring isochronous modes.