Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for per-packet load balancing in a port channel. The system first maps an incoming traffic flow to queues containing packets to be transmitted through a port channel at the system, the port channel including ports grouped into a single virtual port. Next, the system assigns a port from the port channel to a queue for a predetermined period of time, wherein the port is assigned to the queue based on at least one of a port state and a service history associated with the queue. The system then de-queues at least a portion of the packets in the queue through the port for the predetermined period of time. This load balancing can ensure that traffic is efficiently and fairly load balanced across the links of the port channel, and packets of each queue are not reordered.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for controlling transmission power in CAN communication, including: a controller area network (CAN) interface configured to receive transmitted data through a CAN BUS; a message priority management unit configured to read an arbitration ID included in the received data, and determine a priority of the received data; and a transmission power level selection unit configured to determine a transmission power level according to the priority.

Abstract: An application gateway including application service programming logically positioned on a user premises side of a network demarcation forming an edge of the wide area network at a user premises can provide managed services to a user and one or more endpoint devices associated with the application gateway. The application gateway can be controlled remotely by the application service provider through a service management center and configured to execute an application service provided from the application service provider. The application gateway executes the application service at the user premises independent of application services executing on the application service provider's network.

Abstract: A mechanism for segregating traffic amongst STAs that are associated with a bridge, referred to herein as the personal virtual bridged local area network (personal VLAN), is based upon the use of a VLAN to segregate traffic. The IEEE 802.1Q-1998 (virtual bridged LANs) protocol provides a mechanism that is extended by the invention to partition a LAN segment logically into multiple VLANs. One embodiment of the invention extends the standard VLAN bridge model to provide a mechanism that is suitable for use within an AP. In a preferred embodiment, the Personal VLAN bridge extends the standard VLAN bridge in at least any of the following ways: VLAN discovery in which a personal VLAN bridge provides a protocol for VLAN discovery; VLAN extension in which a Personal VLAN allows a station to create a new port that serves a new VLAN, or to join an existing VLAN via an authentication protocol.

Abstract: A vital-signs patch for a patient monitoring system that includes a housing containing a sensor that makes physiological measurements of a patient, a transmitter, a receiver, a memory, and a processor. The processor periodically takes a measurement from the sensor, converts the measurement to a data record, and stores the data record in the memory. Upon receipt of a signal from another device, the processor retrieves at least a portion of the data record, converts the retrieved portion of the data record to a vital-sign signal, and causes the transmitter to transmit the vital-sign signal to the other device.

Abstract: A system and method for initiating and maintaining a secure wireless communication between a wireless analyzer and a target network (e.g., a hospital network connected to a LIS and/or HIS). The present disclosure provides novel processes and systems for securely networking a wireless analyzer with a Wi-Fi network without the need for an operator or user to engage in manual initiation steps on, or through, the wireless analyzer.

Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for improving multicast traffic operations in a Shortest Path Bridging (SPB) network by conveying bridging domain information of an incoming interface (IIF) when transporting multicast traffic over the SPB network. Techniques disclosed herein include modifying encapsulation packet header information of existing Mac-In-Mac fields to convey additional information that can be interpreted at edge nodes by modifying edge node interpretation of multicast data. Specifically, the value of the I-SID in the BMAC-DA field can be set to be different from the I-SID value in the I-TAG field. Carrying the L2 VSN I-SID value in the I-TAG allows the Egress BEBs to determine which VLAN/L2 VSN/Bridging-Domain of the IIF is in use, and then modify or preserve underlying header information accordingly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing communication capabilities of networks and devices are provided. According to one aspect, an interface device for providing communications between a first and a second device comprises an input, logic, and an output. The input of the interface device receives data in a first format from the first device. The logic identifies the second device for receiving the data and identifies a second format compatible with the second device. The data is then translated to the second format. The logic may also determine a status of the interface device by testing components of the interface device to determine if the components are accessible and functioning. The output of the interface device then transmits the translated data to the second device.

Abstract: A solution for establishing a session of a real-time media communication service in a communication system comprising at least two separately administered subsystems. The session establishment comprises receiving a request for session initiation, querying subscriber information related to the requested session, and initiating the session according to the queried subscriber information. The invented method comprises detecting that the terminating subscriber does not belong to the same subsystem as the originating subscriber, determining a defined transit server associated with the terminating subscriber, said transit server having access to a subscriber database of the subsystem of the terminating subscriber, and querying subscriber information related to the requested session with a first control message comprising parameters of the requested session to the transit server.

Abstract: The invention comprises three extensions of the IEEE 802.1Q VLAN bridge model. The first extension is the cryptographic separation of VLANs over trunk links. A LAN segment type referred to as an encapsulated LAN segment is introduced. All frames on such a segment are encapsulated according to an encryption and authentication code scheme. The second extension is the division of a trunk port into inbound and outbound ports. The third extension is a protocol that automatically infers for each outbound port in a bridged VLAN, a set of LAN segment types for the port that minimizes the number of transfers between encapsulated and unencapsulated segments required to transport a frame in the bridged VLAN.

Abstract: A mechanism for segregating traffic amongst STAs that are associated with a bridge, referred to herein as the personal virtual bridged local area network (personal VLAN), is based upon the use of a VLAN to segregate traffic. The IEEE 802.1Q-1998 (virtual bridged LANs) protocol provides a mechanism that is extended by the invention to partition a LAN segment logically into multiple VLANs. In the preferred embodiment, a VLAN bridge forwards unicast and group frames only to those ports that serve the VLAN to which the frames belong. One embodiment of the invention extends the standard VLAN bridge model to provide a mechanism that is suitable for use within an AP.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system are provided for acquiring an access point name for an application employing a local Internet protocol breakout service. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a user management subsystem (820) configured to initiate an Internet protocol application. The apparatus also includes a local breakout service monitoring subsystem (810) configured to monitor availability of a local Internet protocol local breakout service and to obtain an access point name from the local Internet protocol local breakout service when the local Internet protocol local breakout service is available. The apparatus also includes an access point name selection control subsystem (830) configured to bind the access point name to the Internet protocol application.

Abstract: A hybrid network system and method is used for incrementally upgrading a gaming system from legacy equipment to broadband equipment while maintaining the capability to support the assets and functionality of both legacy gaming devices and networks and modern gaming devices and networks. The hybrid network system enables new gaming devices and networks to coexist in the same system as existing, legacy gaming devices and networks, and thereby upgrade components as resources and availability allow. The hybrid network system enables the addition of modern devices and networks having new capabilities while continuing to support legacy equipment that is currently in use.

Abstract: A method and system for bridging a call in a network as well as a bridged call are provided. A call is received via a network. The call is connected to a first destination. The call is then directed from the first destination to a second destination. Intermediate connection links connecting the network, the first destination, and the second destination are associated with a dialed number identification service (DNIS) label associated with the call. The call is selectively bridged from the network to the second destination via a virtual network by: analyzing the DNIS label associated with each intermediate communication link; determining that the analyzed DNIS labels identify the intermediate links as part of the same call flow; establishing a direct connection between the network and the second destination via the virtual network; and terminating at least one of the intermediate communication links.

Abstract: Arbitration for a processor block core is described. Master devices are associated with a processor block core embedded in a host integrated circuit (“IC”). The master devices are coupled to core logic of the host IC via a crossbar switch and a bridge, which are part of the processor block core. The crossbar switch includes an arbiter. An arbitration protocol is selected from among a plurality of arbitration protocols for use by the arbiter. Pending transactions having are polled for access to the bridge for arbitration using the arbitration protocol selected.

Abstract: An expansion image processing board 6 (expansion information processing module) of the present invention, which is installable in a network printer 2 having an image processing board 5 (information processing module), includes: a second printer function control section 28 (expansion information processing section) which controls the network printer 2; and a router 31 (data relaying section) which relays data to the second printer function control section 28 or the image processing board 5. Therefore, the expansion image processing board 6 is capable of simply and efficiently extending a functionality of the network printer 2.

Abstract: A method for surveilling a telecommunications network link includes disposing a link demarcation device (LDD) at a point on a network link, the LLD dividing the network link into a first network link section and a second network link section, the LDD being configured to perform self-monitoring and monitoring of the first a network link sections, operating the LDD to transmit one of a plurality of unique fault-indicating signals based upon a specific detected fault-indicating condition, wherein each of the unique fault-indicating signals corresponds to a detected fault-indicating condition, detecting the unique fault-indicating signal with a link delimiting device (LLD) communicatively coupled to the LDD by one of the first and second network link sections, and unambiguously identifying the unique fault-indicating signal with the LLD, wherein the unique fault-indicating signals are selected to be readily distinguishable by an existing detection and alarming capability of the LLD.

Abstract: An application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) employs various logic blocks. The blocks may include logic circuits that operate at different clock rates. Consequently, an interface logic block may be needed to efficiently transfer signals from one frequency clock domain to another. One such interface, known as a universal asynchronous boundary module (UABM) is situated between the two domains allowing communication between the logic circuits.

Abstract: A transparent switch is able to emulate the arbitration and addressing steps for devices that are normally connected to a bus-type communications network. The switch is connected to the devices in a star-type arrangement, with each device connected to a separate port. The switch performs the arbitration and addressing communications with a transmitting device, selects the proper port as defined by the addressing communication, arbitrates with the receiving device, and then switches the communications to occur directly from the transmitting device to the receiving device.

Abstract: A network device includes a content addressable memory (CAM). The CAM may be accessed by a host processor. The host processor stores active device addresses in the CAM. Each device address is associated with one of the network switch ports. If the network switch receives a packet having a source address not presently stored in the CAM, the network switch adds the source address to the CAM. If the CAM is full of source addresses, the new source address replaces a selected one of the old source addresses.

Abstract: A bridge device, for coupling a parallel bus to a packet network, includes a bus interface adapter, coupled to the parallel bus so as to receive bus cycles from a master device on the bus. An outbound packet register, having a bus address in an address space of the bus, is adapted to store an outbound network address header and payload data written to the bus address of the register by the master device in one or more of the bus cycles received by the bus interface adapter. A network interface adapter is coupled to the network so as to transmit over the network an outbound packet containing the outbound network address header and payload data from the register, to a target device on the network specified by the network address header.

Abstract: A method for detecting and preventing intrusion in a virtually-wired switching fabric. An embodiment provides for a method in which a switch is programmed with MAC addresses which are authorized for packets processed at each switch port, based on the device coupled to that switch port. If the MAC address is authorized, the packet is forwarded. If it is not, the packet is dropped. Furthermore, MAC addresses that are learned at a port connecting two switches in the fabric are compared to MAC addresses that are expected at that port, based on the physical topology of the network. If an unexpected MAC address is detected, the topology may be traced to locate the host port through which the packet with the unauthorized MAC address entered the virtual network. Additionally, the physical topology of the network may be periodically compared to the expected topology to detect unexpected changes.

Abstract: A method and system for providing routing information for use in virtual private networks is disclosed. The method supports a variety of different secure network topologies. According to the method a static map is generated including information on each static gateway and resources accessible therethrough. The map also contains security information for accessing and authenticating a gateway.

Abstract: A router is configured for sending and receiving data packets on an InfiniBand™ network and acts as a bridge between an IP network and the InfiniBand™ network. The router is configured to receive an Internet Protocol (IP) data packet having an IP header including a type of service (TOS) field having a differentiated services code point indicative of layer 3 priority data of the IP packet . The router includes a mapping table having multiple entries, each entry specifying a differentiated services code point and a corresponding service level. The controller is configured for parsing the TOS field and determining the service level for the differentiated services level. The controller outputs the IP packet on the InfiniBand™ network within an InfiniBand™ packet according to the determined services level.

Abstract: A method of computer data transmission over a telecommunications network having a head end connected to a plurality of service units is provided. The method includes receiving a request for transmitting computer data over the network from a service unit, retrieving provisioning information for the service unit, and selectively assigning one or more data channels based on the provisioning information to transmit the computer data over the network to provide a data path with substantially constant data transfer bandwidth between a head end and the service unit.

Abstract: A network switch includes a plurality of first network ports coupled to a first bus, a plurality of second network ports coupled to a second bus, a bridge interface enabling data transfer between the buses, a switch manager controlling the flow of network data, and a processor for performing supervisory and control functions. The first and second network ports operate according to different network protocols, and the first and second buses operate according to different bus standards. During packet data transfers across the first bus, the bridge interface emulates a first network port. During packet data transfers across the second bus, the bridge interface primarily acts as a slave to the second network ports by storing control lists for execution by the second network ports, thus relieving the processor of performing overhead functions associated with data transfers across the second bus.

Abstract: A programmable arbitration system including control logic to select one of several arbitration schemes for selecting the ports of a network switch, a memory to store priority values indicating the relative priority of each of the ports, monitor logic to monitor each of the ports and to program the priority values in the memory based on a priority scheme selected by the control logic, and arbitration logic to select a port having the next highest priority. The arbitration schemes preferably include a round-robin priority scheme, a first-come, first-served (FCFS) priority scheme, a weighted priority scheme, or any other desirable priority scheme. The monitor logic includes polling logic to periodically poll the ports and to program a priority value of each port. The memory includes receive and transmit lists to indicate of which of the ports have indicated needing service and a corresponding priority value.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement utilizes a common bus for functional operations of logic circuits and for scan testing the logic circuits. In one embodiment, input/output ports and scan test ports of the logic circuits are switchably coupled to a bus. For functionally testing the logic circuits, a predetermined command transmitted over the bus causes the scan test ports to be coupled to the bus and the input/output ports to be decoupled from the bus. Test data may then be transmitted to and from the logic circuits via the bus. When testing is complete, a second predetermined command transmitted over the bus causes the scan test ports to be decoupled from the bus and the input/output ports to be coupled to the bus.

Abstract: A network switch including one or more network ports for receiving and transmitting data is disclosed. The network switch also includes a processor, a switch manager, and memory. Each port includes a network interface, a data bus interface, and a processor port interface. A data bus is coupled to the data bus interface of each of the ports and the switch manager. A processor bus is coupled to a processor, the switch manager, and to the processor port interface of each of the ports. A memory bus is coupled to the memory and the switch manager. The switch manager periodically polls each of the network ports to determine the status of each port. The switch manager controls the flow of data between the network ports and memory based on the port status. The separate processor bus allows the processor to perform overhead functions, such as monitoring, determining status and configuration, without consuming valuable data bus bandwidth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for searching a knowledge base to determine whether a search object matches any of a plurality of knowledge base entries. Initially, at least one search object bit is selected and examined to determine whether the knowledge base includes a partially matched entry that represents the same bit pattern in its corresponding bits, and when it does not, the search is terminated indicating no match. When the knowledge base does include a partially matched entry, the group of partially matched entries is identified. Thereafter, at least one previously unselected search object bit is selected and examined to determine whether the group of partially matched entries includes a further matched entry that represents the same bit pattern in its bits that correspond to the previously unselected search object bit and when it does not, the search is terminated indicating no match.

Abstract: A network switch including a plurality of first network ports, a plurality of second network ports, a first bus, a second bus and a bridge interface coupled between the first and second buses. The first ports receive and transmit network data according to a first network protocol and the second ports receive and transmit network data according to a second network protocol. The first and second buses operate according to different bus standards. The bridge interface enables data transfer between the first and second buses and thus between the networks operating at different protocols. The switch includes a switch manager that controls the flow of network data and a processor for performing supervisory and control functions. The bridge interface includes receive buffers and transmit buffers assigned to respective ports. During packet data transfer operations across the first bus, the bridge interface emulates a first network port.

Abstract: A programmable arbitration system including control logic to select one of several arbitration schemes for selecting the ports of a network switch, a memory to store priority values indicating the relative priority of each of the ports, monitor logic to monitor each of the ports and to program the priority values in the memory based on a priority scheme selected by the control logic, and arbitration logic to select a port having the next highest priority. The arbitration schemes preferably include a round-robin priority scheme, a first-come, first-served (FCFS) priority scheme, a weighted priority scheme, or any other desirable priority scheme. The monitor logic includes polling logic to periodically poll the ports and to program a priority value of each port. The memory includes receive and transmit lists to indicate of which of the ports have indicated needing service and a corresponding priority value.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement utilizes a common bus for functional operations of logic circuits and for scan testing the logic circuits. In one embodiment, input/output ports and scan test ports of the logic circuits are switchably coupled to a bus. For functionally testing the logic circuits, a predetermined command transmitted over the bus causes the scan test ports to be coupled to the bus and the input/output ports to be decoupled from the bus. Test data may then be transmitted to and from the logic circuits via the bus. When testing is complete, a second predetermined command transmitted over the bus causes the scan test ports to be decoupled from the bus and the input/output ports to be coupled to the bus.

Abstract: A bridge (62) capable of reducing unwanted WAN multicast packet traffic in a LAN and an associated method and an associated LAN is disclosed. The bridge examines the contents of WAN multicast query and report packets and WAN multicast router-to-router discovery packets and includes this information in its filtering database (88). The bridge designates ports on which query packets or MRRDPs are received as router ports. When there is no WAN router generating multicast query packets into the LAN, the bridge simulates the behavior of a WAN router and generates WAN multicast query packets so as to cause report packet generation by end systems. A timeout interval for undesignating router ports and a method for determining an appropriate timeout for a port is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the throughput of a communications internetworking device. The method involves the generating, by internetworking device hardware, of a predetermined code vector in response to the current state of the communications internetworking device and information contained in a data packet received by the internetworking device. In response to the hardware generated predetermined code vector, a predetermined software routine is executed by a microprocessor in the internetworking device which controls how the data packet is to be transmitted to its destination. By using hardware to generate the code vector, time is saved over having software determine how the internetworking device is to handle the data packet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a display containing information about both the local and remote traffic handled by an integrated router/hub is provided. An integrated router/hub routes local messages between devices on a first local area network, and routes remote messages between the first local area network and a second local area network. The integrated router/hub stores a first set of values related to the local messages, and a second set of values related to the remote messages. A network management station executes a network management application the includes instructions which cause the network management station to generate a display of the information stored in the integrated router/hub. In response to user input, the network management station requests the information from the integrated router/hub, receives the information from the integrated router/hub, and generates the display of the information. The display may include charts that illustrate statistics derived from the information.

Abstract: A bridge (62) capable of reducing unwanted WAN multicast packet traffic in a LAN is disclosed. The bridge examines the contents of WAN multicast query and report packets and includes this information in its filtering database (88). The bridge designates ports on which query packets are received as query ports. When there is no WAN router generating multicast query packets into the LAN, the bridge simulates the behavior of a WAN router and generates WAN multicast query packets so as to cause report packet generation by end systems. A timeout interval for undesignating query ports and a method for determining an appropriate timeout for a port is disclosed.

Abstract: An asymmetric network communication system for use in a client-server environment having independent forward and return channels operating at different speeds and/or under different protocols on the same or different communication media to provide efficient utilization of shared resources. A network manager, such as a hybrid access system, effects transmission of packetized data on a forward (downstream) channel from the host server to multiple client devices coupled with a shared downstream media at 10 or more megabits per second while simultaneously providing selectable multiple lower speeds of operation on shared or dedicated return (upstream) channels from the client devices to the host server depending on bandwidth availability, bandwidth demand, service level authorization, etc. for the return channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for searching a knowledge base to determine whether a search object matches any of a plurality of knowledge base entries. Initially, at least one search object bit is selected and examined to determine whether the knowledge base includes a partially matched entry that represents the same bit pattern in its corresponding bits, and when it does not, the search is terminated indicating no match. When the knowledge base does include a partially matched entry, the group of partially matched entries is identified. Thereafter, at least one previously unselected search object bit is selected and examined to determine whether the group of partially matched entries includes a further matched entry that represents the same bit pattern in its bits that correspond to the previously unselected search object bit and when it does not, the search is terminated indicating no match.

Abstract: A network configuration communication system and method comprising at least one brouter for automatically broadcasting its address and other network configuration information and at least one remote control device for receiving brouter broadcasts and automatically updating its network configuration storage locations. The remote control device may also be equipped to send requests for information for automatically transmitted response by proximate network brouters.

Abstract: An inter-repeater backplane that allows seamless integration of multiple repeaters into a single hub and wherein each repeater may be swapped out without causing the backplane to crash, hang-up or pass error messages. The mixed signal state machines operate in conjunction with the dual analog, digital collision signaling scheme so that repeaters can be removed from the hub without causing the remaining repeaters in the hub to malfunction. Additional drivers or external glue logic are not needed for arbitration because PORTN and PORTM information is embedded within the backplane signals. Thus, the backplane scheme according to the present invention is completely seamless.

Abstract: Routing methods, using an Internet protocol, which allows free alteration of the connection of a terminal between subnetworks such as local area networks (LANs) without necessitating modification of IP (Internet Protocol) addresses. The subnetworks are unified to constitute a network by a plurality of routers and each router is provided with a table which stores information according to every router indicating terminal addresses and times of connection to the network for every terminal included within the network. When a terminal is connected to any one of the subnetworks, the router corresponding to that subnetwork both updates the content of the table incorporated in that router and communicates to other routers the address and connection time of the connected terminal by means of a subscriber signal.

Abstract: Multicast video services are provided in a network having a star topology. The network illustratively compromises a switched hub having a shared transmission medium and a plurality of ports. An Ethernet segment is connected to each port. Client stations belonging to the Ethernet segments communicate to the associated ports information identifying the particular multicasts they wish to receive. This is accomplished by sending special packets (mask update packets) from the client stations to the ports. Only multicast video data packets belonging to multicasts identified in the update packets are transmitted by the ports on the associated Ethernet segments.

Abstract: A communication network. The communication network has an ATM network portion. The communication network has an ATM cell interface in communication with the ATM network portion. The communication network also has a first general purpose computer connected to the ATM network portion and in communication with the ATM cell interface through the ATM network portion. The communication network has a second general purpose computer connected to the ATM network portion and in communication with the ATM cell interface through the ATM network portion. The first computer and second computer each execute instructions for applications other than communications between computers. The computers can communicate at 155 mb/s or 622 mb/s. The ATM cell interface can be connected to an Ethernet, or a Sonet OC-3 or an FDDI. There is a method for dispatching an ATM cell.

Abstract: In a managed repeater having an address learn capability wherein receipt at a particular port of a data packet having a received source address different from a stored source address associated with the particular port replaces the stored source address with the received source address, a source address locking circuit includes an address learn circuit associated with the particular port, for replacing the stored source address with the received source address when the stored source address does not match the received source address, and an address lock register for the particular port, coupled to the address learn circuit, for storing a bit value to disable the address learn circuit from replacing the stored source address with the received source address. This managed repeater provides improved security in a network having source address updating by allowing an administrator to disable the source address update for a particular port in the managed repeater.