Abstract: A system and method for transporting IN/AIN signaling (e.g., SS7 signaling) over an IP-based network using Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP), wherein a peer-to-peer protocol adaptation (PPA) structure is provided at a signaling node. The PPA structure includes an interworking functionality between an MTP3 layer and the SCTP messaging, and operates to provide a symmetrical MTP2 adaptation interface therebetween. The PPA interface functionality facilitates the implementation of network management capabilities included in the MTP3 layer such that the advantageous features of SS7 signaling are retained in the SCTP transport. The MTP2 adaptation interface functionality is processed locally with respect to the signaling node, rather than backhauling the associated signaling to an external node via an IP connection.

Abstract: A communications system comprises a central unit (101) and terminals (102, 103, 104). It is equipped so as to establish and maintain a signaling connection between the central unit and at least one terminal using one of at least two alternative signaling protocols. To that end it comprises in the central unit a device for indicating to a terminal the signaling protocols supported by the central unit, and a device for setting up via the central unit's network interface a signaling connection between the central unit's signaling unit and the terminal, using a selected signaling protocol. Correspondingly, in the terminal the system comprises a device for indicating to the central unit the signaling protocol supported by the terminal in response to a message sent by the central unit as well as a device for setting up via the terminal's network interface a signaling connection between the terminal's signaling unit and the central unit, using a protocol supported by the terminal.

Abstract: In a broadcast-program selection history information acquisition apparatus and its method, the totalization side can easily totalize selection history information. To acquire the selection history information of a broadcast program selected out of broadcast programs of a plurality of channels, the selection information of the broadcast program is stored at a predetermined acquisition timing and the selection history information which is composed of a plurality of pieces of selection information stored every plurality of acquisition timings is transmitted to a notification destination at a predetermined transmission timing.

Abstract: In an information transmission method, error robustness is provided for the bit stream itself so that decoding processing can be properly performed even in the event of an error in important information such as header information. A bit stream reconstruction circuit (107) in an encoding apparatus adds sync signals to the heads of encoded data streams, which are encoded by an encoder (103), in certain bit stream units, and then inserts designation information in each bit stream by using a designation information insertion circuit (106). Each designation information indicates the addition of information for reconstructing important header information. By inserting the designation information in the bit stream obtained, reconstruction information can be added to the bit stream.

Abstract: In an information transmission method, error robustness is provided for the bit stream itself so that decoding processing can be properly performed even in the event of an error in important information such as header information. A bit stream reconstruction circuit (107) in an encoding apparatus adds sync signals to the heads of encoded data streams, which are encoded by an encoder (103), in certain bit stream units, and then inserts designation information in each bit stream by using a designation information insertion circuit (106). Each designation information indicates the addition of information for reconstructing important header information. By inserting the designation information in the bit stream obtained, reconstruction information can be added to the bit stream.

Abstract: A system controlling use of a communication channel in a communication network. The system comprising a network including service nodes. The service nodes comprising one or more sets having one or more nodes adapted to provide service functions in response to messages in the network. At least one of the sets comprising a member node having an interface for communication with a remote terminal, and a user interface process coupled with the interface to include a user of the remote terminal in the network. At least one of the sets comprising a member node having an interface to the communication network, and a process coupled to the interface to control establishment of the communication channel for the user.

Abstract: A method and system for automatic allocation of port addresses in a network is provided. The node performs a self-discovery after initial power-up, and for each port on the node, using unique values associated with the port in the network hierarchy, applies a function that allows for an inverse function to the set of values to generate a default unique address for the port. A typical hierarchical structure in a network is the network area, node, and, within the node, the shelf, the card and the port. Next, the node sends a frame including the default port address and node identifier, from the port to a connected node. The node polls the port for a frame with network information associated with the connected port on the other node.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system (FIG. 4) for servicing messages between device controller nodes and control applications via a Lon Network, wherein the device controller nodes includes a plurality of network variables for defining parameters of the Lon Network. The system includes a server for servicing the messages from at least one control application, a proprietary communication value for indicating a network variable value from the control applications, and a Lon value for indicating a network variable value exposed on the Lon Network. There is also a method that includes the steps of reading a message from the control application, verifying whether the message is valid, determining the requested function for a specified network variable from the message when the message is valid, executing the requested function for the specified network variable, and sending subscribed reports in response to a change of value of the network variables independently of the foregoing steps (170).

Abstract: A method for performing the translation type mapping in the No. 7 gateway signaling network includes defining translation type information on a non-local signaling network in a translation type mapping table according to a manager's request; mapping a translation type of the non-local signaling network contained in the SCCP message received by the neighboring (adjacent) non-local signaling network by searching the translation type mapping table; and mapping a translation type of a local signaling network contained in the SCCP message transmitted to the adjacent non-local signaling network into the translation type of the non-local signaling network by searching the translation type mapping table.

Abstract: A improved protocol for communication between a SS7 gateway and a Remote Access Server (RAS). The gateway connects to the SS7 network and supports, e.g., ISUP and TUP protocols. The gateway relays call handling and administrative events over an Internet Protocol (IP)connection to the RAS using the protocol.

Abstract: Forward/Backward Call Indicators and the Progress Indicator (PI) of ISUP messages are used in call control signals, such as for setting up a mobile multimedia call, to indicate the involvement of a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) terminal. Either terminal of an end-to-end connection can initiate the call and likewise either can respond to the call control signals initiated by the other terminal to immediately recognize the unambiguous fact that a PSTN terminal is involved in the call and to immediately respond by correctly setting up an appropriate and compatible communication format.

Abstract: In one disclosed embodiment, data information is stored in a buffer in a transmitter. The data information is transmitted on a shared channel and control information for recovering the associated data information is transmitted on a dedicated channel. The shared and dedicated channels can be, for example, different portions of the frequency band. The control information can include a spreading factor used to spread the data at the transmitter. For example, the spreading factor can be the length of the Walsh function orthogonal coding used to spread the data. The control information is received over the dedicated channel before the associated data information is received over the shared channel. The control information is then used to recover the associated data information. For example, knowing the spreading factor from the control information, the correct Walsh function can be selected to de-spread, i.e. to Walsh de-cover, the data information.

Abstract: Adjunct apparatus for increasing network transmission capacity provides a low-cost, efficient solution for increasing the network transmission capacity of the existing telephone circuit switched network, while keeping the current network equipment unchanged. A Local Switch Network (LSN) Adjunct (LSNA) and a Tandem/Toll Switch Network (TSN) Adjunct (TSNA) interface with standard network elements, such as switches and cross connect equipment. These network adjuncts, comprising a set of low-bit rate speech coders, a dynamic timeslot manager and other supporting functions, advantageously transmit to and receive from a T1/T3/OC3/E1 trunk. More than one channel of voice is carried on one 64 Kbps DS0 timeslot, while still maintaining the voice at toll quality. A sub-timeslot and sub-timeslot bundling are introduced in the standard T1 or E1 frame where each sub-timeslot is analogous to a single bit of the typical eight bit word to provide more than 24 or 30 voice channels respectively.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing SIP trunk groups are disclosed. A SIP call processor identifies an incoming SIP trunk group based on one or more parameters associated with an incoming SIP message. The SIP call processor selects per-trunk-group call processing data based on the incoming SIP trunk group. The SIP call processor selectively processes the call based on the per-trunk-group call processing data selected for the incoming SIP trunk group.

Abstract: A method and communication device for media access control feedback over a packet channel divided in channel time slots is provided. The channel time slots are divided into sub-channel time slots. A packet channel feedback field associated with each sub-channel time slot is defined. Acknowledgments are indicated using the packet channel feedback field. An active mobile identity associated with an active mobile station may be assigned which would then be included in the packet channel feedback field. A plurality of active mobile identities may be assigned and some of the active mobile identities may be reserved for special functions. The assigned active mobile identity is used, among other things, to identify an active mobile station to receive packet data signals. The active mobility identity is invalidated after one transaction of packet data signals or invalidated after a short number of such transactions.

Abstract: A process for generating service function modules for a signalling server which can provide signalling functions for the control of communications connections, including the steps of: making available procedure modules for detecting, processing and forming signalling messages by a configuration server, displaying the procedure modules in the form of symbols by a user interface on the configuration server, detecting a selection and arrangement, predetermined by a user, of the symbols of the procedure modules at the user interface, combining the procedure modules to form a service function module in a manner predetermined by the selection and arrangement of the relevant symbols of the procedure modules at the user interface, and making available the service function module by the configuration server for the signalling server. A configuration server, a signalling server, a computer program and a storage medium therefore are also disclosed.

Abstract: According to the present invention, simultaneous call-handling and data transfer is achieved between a terminal and a multi-line gateway in a cordless telephony environment. Multiple logical channels are established and used as signaling resources for calls on the multiple lines, and also for data transfers between the gateway and terminal. As a result, terminals can handle multiple calls on different lines and at the same time access data stored at the gateway. According to a first aspect of the present invention, two or more logical channels are established over an asynchronous channel between a terminal and a gateway. These logical channels are assigned to calls that are set-up between the terminal and gateway. When used as a signaling resource, the logical channels allow the terminal to distinguish between signaling information for multiple simultaneous calls. The calls are associated with another speech or data channel that will bear the voice signal, referred to herein as a bearer channel.

Abstract: Multiple carriers are used to provide access to a wireless communication system. A first carrier transmits synchronization messages in accordance with the IS-95B standard (communication protocol revision 5). The synchronization message directs mobiles attempting to access the network to a paging channel on the first carrier. The paging channel enables mobiles conforming to a standard of IS-2000 revision 0 or older to access the wireless network. The paging channel also includes an extended global service redirection message (EGSRM) that instructs mobiles conforming to the IS-2000 revision A standard (communication protocol revision 7) to use a synchronization channel on a second carrier for reception of an IS-2000 revision A synchronization message. The IS-2000 revision A (communication protocol revision 7) synchronization message instructs the mobile to access the wireless communication network using a BCCH and/or FCCCH on the second carrier, or using a BCCH and/or FCCCH on the first carrier.

Abstract: To monitor the use of a chargeable dynamic signaling port of a trunk connecting two exchanges, in particular in connection with applications which communicate via exchanges and which are likely to require to use such ports, rights of use are assigned to each application enabling it either to have a port of this kind set up and then to use it, or only to use a port of this kind if it has already been set up.

Abstract: A distributed gateway includes distributed gateway routing elements co-located with SS7 network elements. Each distributed gateway routing element performs an SS7 routing function, such an MTP level 3 routing function. The distributed gateway routing elements communicate with each other over a virtual bus that guarantees quality of service for SS7 message packets. Accordingly, the distributed gateway routing elements set quality of service parameters in the SS7 message packets that are forwarded over the virtual bus.

Abstract: A signal traffic routing method for a signaling network, for example, a No. 7 signaling network, includes analyzing a signal message when a message transfer unit receives a signal message and determining a route of a final destination of the received signal message, selecting a link for transferring a signal message at a link set of the thusly determined route based on a link determination history and link determination data, updating the link determination history and link determination data based on the selected link, and transferring a signal message through the selected link, thereby enhancing an availability and performance of the signaling network by distributing a signal traffic to all available link of a link set. The message transfer unit preferably comprises a message discrimination unit, a message distribution unit and a message routing unit that distributes a signal traffic to an available route at each signal transfer point.

Abstract: A system for communicating an event status across a data channel is provided. The system includes a data path to provide connectivity for a plurality of communication channels using data transport protocols. An originating device is coupled to a first location on the data path, and is operable to set an event status indicator in a control portion of a data unit. The originating device is additionally operable to communicate a data signal as one or more data units on a data channel supported on the data path. A receiving device is coupled to a second location on the data path, and is operable to detect the event status indicator in the control portion of the data unit. The receiving device is additionally operable to convert the one or more data units communicated on the data channel to a recovered data signal. The event status indicator identifying an event status, such as a buffer overflow or underflow condition, or a line status, for example.

Abstract: A novel method of data packet switching in a data packet switching system having multiple switching devices. The method includes comparing destination address information of a received data packet with current address information maintained in an address table of one of the switching devices, and supplying a match signal to other switching devices when the destination address information matches the current address information. As a result, all other switching devices in the system are informed that the host with the destination address that caused the match signal is not connected to one of their own media ports. The match signal sent to other switching devices in the system is unambiguously associated with the destination address that caused the match. Also, the match signal may uniquely identify the switching device that generates this signal.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a signal quality target at a transceiver of a CDMA radio communication network. The adjustment of the signal quality target ensures that a predefined frame quality target is reached in power control procedure. According to the invention, the method consists in computing for a received frame, a frame quality indicator depending on signal quality indicators measured at slot level in the received frame. The method further comprises a step of adjusting the signal quality target according to the difference between the frame quality indicator and the predefined frame quality target.

Abstract: In an information transmission method, error robustness is provided for the bit stream itself so that decoding processing can be properly performed even in the event of an error in important information such as header information. A bit stream reconstruction circuit (107) in an encoding apparatus adds sync signals to the heads of encoded data streams, which are encoded by an encoder (103), in certain bit stream units, and then inserts designation information in each bit stream by using a designation information insertion circuit (106). Each designation information indicates the addition of information for reconstructing important header information. By inserting the designation information in the bit stream obtained, reconstruction information can be added to the bit stream.

Abstract: Planning alternative SS7 networks is a complex task requiring assistance from an intelligent planning tool. The tool includes at least one planning database containing information on network traffic, component locations, and component connectivity. A load module determines peak load for each STP in the core network. A forecast module determines equipment capacity exhaustion for each STP, network database, and core link during each study period and determines network costs based on peak loads and an alternative network design provided by a user. A graphical user interface guides the user through a sequence of design steps, each step having to be correctly completed before the next step in the sequence is started. The sequence of steps may include permitting changes to the core network, permitting changes to the number of POPs and DBs, rehoming elements left disconnected from STPs, assigning SSPs to POPs, assigning SSPs to DBs, and permitting voluntary rehomes.

Abstract: In an information transmission method, error robustness is provided for the bit stream itself so that decoding processing can be properly performed even in the event of an error in important information such as header information. A bit stream reconstruction circuit (107) in an encoding apparatus adds sync signals to the heads of encoded data streams, which are encoded by an encoder (103), in certain bit stream units, and then inserts designation information in each bit stream by using a designation information insertion circuit (106). Each designation information indicates the addition of information for reconstructing important header information. By inserting the designation information in the bit stream obtained, reconstruction information can be added to the bit stream.

Abstract: A resource management strategy for a network controller device such as an SVC (Switched Virtual Circuit) controller that interprets and processes call messages transported in a connection-oriented network by means of high-capacity switching devices. The call record of given call is compressed or expanded depending upon the transition in phase that a call is undergoing, if any. The strategy is applicable to both point-to-point and point-to-multi-point calls.

Abstract: In an information transmission method, error robustness is provided for the bit stream itself so that decoding processing can be properly performed even in the event of an error in important information such as header information. A bit stream reconstruction circuit (107) in an encoding apparatus adds sync signals to the heads of encoded data streams, which are encoded by an encoder (103), in certain bit stream units, and then inserts designation information in each bit stream by using a designation information insertion circuit (106). Each designation information indicates the addition of information for reconstructing important header information. By inserting the designation information in the bit stream obtained, reconstruction information can be added to the bit stream.

Abstract: A system and method that enables a more flexible architecture in communication networks with separated call control and bearer control. The invention enables full support of the advantages of a communication network with separated call control and bearer control when interfacing with a further network with monolithic signalling. The invention also increases the flexibility of an existing payload connection, especially in the case of a malfunction. The invention uses the existing signalling protocols to transfer further information. Basically, information elements and methods to interpret the transferred information are stored in the receivers and senders of the information. This enables the receivers and senders of information to transmit more information than originally planned when the protocols where designed. So it is possible to identify a combination of a payload transmission device and a control node instead of a single device only.

Abstract: A method (500, 600), and apparatus (110, 120) is provided for establishing a connection (111) between a terminal equipment TE (110) and mobile terminal MT (120). In one embodiment a control path is established between the MT and the TE over respective interfaces prior to a context activation associated with a dial-up request for an access session with a network (210). A command (401) is issued from the TE over the control path to set information related to the context activation. The information is preferably encoded and transferred over the control path in a native transfer mode and decoded prior to an issuance of the dial up request.

Abstract: A path network and a path network operation method capable of dealing with an abrupt traffic variation by realizing fast path bandwidth increase are disclosed. A path network is operated by transmitting path signals from a transmitting node to a receiving node through the working paths and the protection paths, and converting a protection path into a working path temporarily in order to increase a bandwidth of the working paths when a bandwidth increase request occurs in the path network. The transmitting node and the receiving node can convert a protection path into a working path by using the automatic path conversion information contained in the path overhead attached to the path signals.

Abstract: A method for enabling traffic to be carried between devices which may use different communications protocols employs a multimedia service provide, which provides an interface between two devices or between a device and a multimedia network. The service provider enables conversion between the communications protocols used by the two devices by comparing the protocols used by each device and, preferably, carrying out a conversion which minimises the amount of traffic conversion required. If two devices are interfaced to an intermediate network via respective service providers, the service providers preferably negotiate before communication between the devices begins to ensure, if possible, that traffic conversion is only performed by one of the service providers.

Abstract: A variety of bi-directional data transmission systems that facilitate communications between a plurality of remote units (15) and a central unit (10) using a frame based discrete multi-carrier transmission scheme are disclosed. In each of the systems, frames transmitted from the plurality of remote units (15) are synchronized at the central unit (10). A variety of novel modem arrangements and methods for coordinating communications between a plurality of remote units (15) and a central unit (10) to facilitate multi-point-to-point transmission are disclosed. The invention has application in a wide variety of data transmission schemes including Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line systems that includes the transmission of signals over twisted pair, fiber and/or hybrid telephone lines, cable systems that includes the transmission of signals over a coaxial cable, and digital cellular television systems that include the transmission of radio signals.

Abstract: The advantage of flexible multi-axis robot systems and robot cell-unit systems being further extended by providing electric and electronic E-POOL networks, consisting of multiblock individual computer units, central computers, board computers, satellite units, antenna units, open and contact protected under floor and upper floor current and communication supply lines.

Abstract: An illustrative intelligent network and method for providing voice telephony over Asynchronous Transfer Mode (“ATM”) and private address translation are provided that can provide significant advantages. The method includes generating an input ATM setup message at the calling party CPE that includes a VToA designator and a called party phone number, extracting information from the input ATM setup message, analyzing the information, designating an ATM address of a called party CPE to be stored in the first parameter of an output ATM setup message, determining if private address translation is needed, designating the ATM address of the called party CPE to be stored in a first instance of the second parameter of the output ATM setup message, designating an ATM address of an egress ATM edge switch to be stored in the first parameter of the output ATM setup message, and generating an output ATM setup message.

Abstract: A CAS data processing apparatus of an STM-1 interface block which is capable of processing CAS signaling data in real time is disclosed. The CAS data processing apparatus of the STM-1 interface block preferably includes a plurality of framers, which separately read signaling data streams from 21 E1 links, a CPU, which outputs a start signal in the CAS signaling data processing, a CAS signaling processing unit, which reformats the signaling data streams inputted from the plurality of the framers into report data in order of the each link, and a Common Memory, which stores the report data outputted from the CAS signaling processing unit.

Abstract: An IP data transport method and system that makes efficient use of the subscriber television system bandwidth and uses the existing structure and equipment of the subscriber television system. The method allows several levels of IP data service within a subscriber television system. A subnet connection is established between an IP server in a headend and an external network. The existing communications paths within a subscriber television system are used to establish an IP communications route between the headend and a Home Communications Terminal (HCT). The data is communicated in an Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) format. Encapsulating the IP data into an MPEG format allows the existing systems to transport the IP data in the same packet streams it uses for video, audio, and control data.

Abstract: Digital broadcasting for transmitting program data including at least one of digital audio data and digital video data with other information is carried out by using terrestrial waves. The program data, download data corresponding to contents of the program data, and reference information correlating the download data with the program data are multiplexing with each other. The multiplexing signals are transmitted over a specific frequency band.

Abstract: A synchronous bus for a telecommunications node includes a frame repeating at a defined interval. Each frame includes a plurality of service channels. In at least one frame, a service channel individually transports traffic for a DS-0 connection. A set of service channels in the frame together transport an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) cell.

Abstract: An orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) transmitter method, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention arranges OFDM data symbols representing data bits for transmission in a packet. A prescribed pattern of OFDM data symbols are removed (212) and replaced (216) with pilot symbols. The packet is then transmitted (220) to an OFDM receiver that receives the packet (224) and determines a channel correction factor from the pilot pattern. The receiver then estimates a plurality of channel correction factors, one for each of the plurality of OFDM symbols representing data (228) and uses these correction factors to correct the OFDM symbols representing data (232). Arbitrary data are then inserted in place of the pilot symbols (236). The OFDM symbols representing data along with the arbitrary data are then decoded using an error correction decoder that corrects the errors induced by substitution of the pilot symbols for data symbols (240).

Abstract: A proxy-server system (15) connected preferably to a computer-telephone system (10) intercepts, processes, and analyzes as traffic-analysis results (68A-C) all forms of real- and non-real-time electronic communication passing over the network in the form of raw traffic data (61). The proxy-server system normalizes each communication into the measure of time needed by recipient(s) of the communication to understand the information contained therein. Once normalized, the data may be aggregated into summary reports (69A-C). As part of the analysis, the aggregated communication records are compared with user-defined rules to provide alerts if the individual or aggregated durations exceed boundaries set by the rules. In one embodiment, the summary reports may be integrated with general-ledger data (94) and other raw business data (74) via a relational database (72) to derive more accurate records of activity-based-costing information (76).

Abstract: A method of generating timestamps for isochronous data includes locking a data stream time and an isochronous network time to a local clock signal such that a bi-directional mapping may be made between the two time domains. Timing information is extracted from both IEEE 1394 based data packets and a conventional house reference signal in order to obtain scale and offset factors that exist between the two signals. The scale and offset factors are applied to a generated video clock signal in order to predict a future video time in terms of IEEE 1394 time.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting, receiving, generating, and processing call signaling comprises a signaling point to receive and transmit call signaling over access links to, for example, time division multiplex (TDM) communication devices. A signaling interface receives and processes message parameters and call signaling and transmits call signaling and message parameters between the signaling point and a call processor. A call processor processes call signaling and can transmit call signaling message parameters to an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) matrix for transmission through an ATM network or to the signaling interface for transmission of call signaling messages from the signaling point. An ATM matrix transmits call signaling message parameters on designated virtual paths/virtual connections (VP/VCs) to communication devices.

Abstract: A short message gateway may include signal transfer point (STP) functionality, mobile originating short message service center (SMSC) functionality, and short message delivery point-to-point (SMPP) gateway functionality. The short message gateway may receive an SS7 message including a short message payload. The short message gateway may formulate an SMPP message including the short message payload and access one or more internal address resolution and/or number portability databases to determine the destination address for the SMPP message. The short message gateway may then forward the SMPP message to its destination.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method are disclosed for mapping a Transcoder/Rate Adaptor (TRAU) protocol onto a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) for use in an Internet Protocol (IP) based Base Station System (BSS) architecture. All in-band control bits in the TRAU protocol are not relevant when using the UDP protocol. Therefore, when speech information is mapped onto a UDP datagram for transfer to a Channel Codec Unit(CCU) in a Base Transceiver Station (BTS), some of the information normally transferred between a CCU and the TRAU can be removed. For example, a Time Alignment command included in some of frame types is not needed, and should be removed. In addition, bits relating to a frame structure, such as TRAU synchronization bits, tail bits and spare control bits, should be removed from all frame types. Furthermore, a new control bit that contains a sequence number must be added to handle reordering of a packet data stream.

Abstract: In an information transmission method, error robustness is provided for the bit stream itself so that decoding processing can be properly performed even in the event of an error in important information such as header information. A bit stream reconstruction circuit (107) in an encoding apparatus adds sync signals to the heads of encoded data streams, which are encoded by an encoder (103), in certain bit stream units, and then inserts designation information in each bit stream by using a designation information insertion circuit (106). Each designation information indicates the addition of information for reconstructing important header information. By inserting the designation information in the bit stream obtained, reconstruction information can be added to the bit stream.

Abstract: A method for controlling customers' access to services on a broadband network. The method uses a circuit identifier, unique to each customer, to compare service requests with service entitlements. The network provider flows the circuit identifiers to the service providers where relationship between the circuit identifiers and the service entitlements is established in service orders. Service providers flow the service orders back to the broadband network though a standard business system interface. The relationship between the circuit identifiers and the service requests is accomplished at the Broadband Digital Terminal that interface the customers to the broadband network. The circuit identifiers also permit sorting of data bases containing logs of service requests and logs of maintenance actions.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for providing an Alert With Information Message signal between a mobile switching center and a base station in a cellular communication system. The invention recognizes that current provisions of the IS-634 standard lack support for certain required functionality on the interface between a mobile switching center and a base station, or the A-Interface. An Alert With Information Message signal is introduced on the A-Interface to support the required functionality. Introduction of the Alert With Information Message provides support for reliable call processing on the A-Interface for the call waiting procedure, the hard handoff procedure, and the resolution of a glare condition.

Abstract: Examples of local communication systems are disclosed, based on a ring of point-to-point links, providing for transport of fixed rate synchronous, fixed rate asynchronous data and variable rate data in a flexible format. Different segments of the ring network can carry data at different bit rates, while remaining synchronized to a common frame rate and having a common control channel structure, for compatibility with earlier systems. Parallel channels are provided, either permanently or when required, for signalling errors of source data, data validity/padding, flow control. Parallel variable width channels are defined with free content (stream or packet). Null data symbols are defined for padding on a byte-by-byte basis. The allocation of capacity among variable width channels is revised block by block, and a transition period is defined to allow for ring latency.