Showing papers on "Network switch published in 2004"

System and method for optimizing network capacity in a cellular wireless network

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for increasing the efficiency of a cellular communication network, reduce ongoing operating costs and increase revenue. According to one aspect, a method is disclosed for increasing the efficiency of a cellular communication network whereby network capacity in the radio access network (RAN) and baseband processing for wireless connections are dynamically adjusted to automatically provision sufficient bandwidth and baseband processing capacity in response to changes in the network. The method is further extended by implementing policy management which allows wireless carriers to develop and implement network based policies to automatically increase or decrease the amount of processing resources and network bandwidth required from any cell site, hub or mobile switching office. According to another aspect, network efficiency is enhanced by utilizing a novel cellular network infrastructure. RF signals from cell site antennas of various technology types are demodulated, digital bit information is extracted from the RF signals, processed, and groomed into Gigabit Ethernet/Resilient Packet Ring (GigE/RPR) or Ethernet over copper traffic flows using specific Quality of Service (QoS) priorities. The GigE/RPR traffic flows are routed to hub sites or mobile switching offices, at which point the packetized information is extracted and converted to RF signals that are equivalent to the signals that were received at the antenna. The RF signals are sent over coaxial cable to a network hub including a pool of Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) (or Node Bs). The hub is coupled to one or more mobile switching offices via a second fiber optic ring.

Video/audio network

Abstract: A packet-based data network comprises: a packet-based network switch; a plurality of packetised data sources coupled to the network, the packetised data comprising at least one of audio data or vide data; at least one destination, being a data handling device for handling data from the packetised data sources, coupled to the network; and a network control arrangement coupled to the network, the network control arrangement being arranged to provide virtual circuit-switched connections for transfer of packetised data from sources to destinations via the network switch by: a) assigning multicast group identifiers to the sources, so that the sources launch packetised data onto the network as multicast data packets identified by the multicast group identifiers; and b) instructing a destination to issue a request to the network switch to join the multicast group of a source so as to receive data packets from that source.

Unified, configurable, adaptive, network architecture

Abstract: A network switch having a unified, adaptive management paradigm for wireless network devices is disclosed. The switch includes configurable ports for connecting devices. A software application running on the switch allows a network administrator to selectively configure each port to support either a wired device or wireless device. Configuration information and software images that are needed for operation of the wireless device are associated with the port. When a wireless device is first plugged into the switch port, it downloads its configuration directly from the switch port. By storing the configuration information and images at the switch and automatically downloading them to the wireless devices, the task of configuring the devices is greatly simplified for the network administrator. This is particularly advantageous in heterogeneous network environments that support both wired and wireless devices, and where wireless device are readily moved to different ports.

Centralized base station system based on advanced telecommunication computer architecture platform

Abstract: A centralized base station system based on ATCA, comprising a main base station subsystem and one or more remote radio frequency subsystems, the main base station subsystem comprising: one or more shelves based on ATCA platform, each shelf comprising at least one control switch module of ATCA board form; one or more base station controller interface module; a signaling module; one or more baseband processing modules; one or more remote radio frequency interface modules; a first switch network comprising first switch network shelf back board BASE interface link, a control switch module and a first network switch unit; a second switch network comprising a shelf back board FABRIC interface link, a control switch module and a second network switch unit; a clock synchronization network comprising a shelf back board clock synchronization bus, a control switch module and a clock unit; and a signal transmission network, wherein the second network switch unit and the clock unit are further connected to the first network switch unit, one of the control switch modules of all the shelves is the main control module.

Top-Down Network Design

Abstract: A systems analysis approach to enterprise network design Master techniques for checking the health of an existing network to develop a baseline for measuring performance of a new network design Explore solutions for meeting QoS requirements, including ATM traffic management, IETF controlled-load and guaranteed services, IP multicast, and advanced switching, queuing, and routing algorithms Develop network designs that provide the high bandwidth and low delay required for real-time applications such as multimedia, distance learning, and videoconferencing Identify the advantages and disadvantages of various switching and routing protocols, including transparent bridging, Inter-Switch Link (ISL), IEEE 802.1Q, IGRP, EIGRP, OSPF, and BGP4 Effectively incorporate new technologies into enterprise network designs, including VPNs, wireless networking, and IP Telephony Top-Down Network Design, Second Edition, is a practical and comprehensive guide to designing enterprise networks that are reliable, secure, and manageable. Using illustrations and real-world examples, it teaches a systematic method for network design that can be applied to campus LANs, remote-access networks, WAN links, and large-scale internetworks. You will learn to analyze business and technical requirements, examine traffic flow and QoS requirements, and select protocols and technologies based on performance goals. You will also develop an understanding of network performance factors such as network utilization, throughput, accuracy, efficiency, delay, and jitter. Several charts and job aids will help you apply a top-down approach to network design. This Second Edition has been revised to include new and updated material on wireless networks, virtual private networks (VPNs), network security, network redundancy, modularity in network designs, dynamic addressing for IPv4 and IPv6, new network design and management tools, Ethernet scalability options (including 10-Gbps Ethernet, Metro Ethernet, and Long-Reach Ethernet), and networks that carry voice and data traffic. Top-Down Network Design, Second Edition, has a companion website at http://www.topdownbook.com, which includes updates to the book, links to white papers, and supplemental information about design resources. This book is part of the Networking Technology Series from Cisco Press which offers networking professionals valuable information for constructing efficient networks, understanding new technologies, and building successful careers.

Apparatus and method for redirection of network management messages in a cluster of network devices

Abstract: A method manages a cluster of network devices each having an intra-cluster identifier. The method includes (a) selecting a plurality of network devices to form a cluster, (b) selecting a first network device to be a commander network device having a public IP address, each of the remaining network devices being a cluster member network device and having a non-public network address, (c) receiving at the commander network device a network management request message from a management console, the message including a source address field containing an IP address of the management console, a destination address field containing the IP address of the commander network device, a request identification field containing an original request identifier uniquely identifying the message, and an intra-cluster identifier, and (d) forwarding the message to the-cluster member network device identified by the intra-cluster identifier using the non-pubic network address of the cluster member network device.

Network tap with integrated circuitry

Abstract: A system and method is presented for a network tap having integrated circuitry therein for obtaining statistics about a communication line. The network tap also has a routing node for allowing information to be transmitted back into the communication line from an attached device without disrupting the communication traffic. The routing node coordinates the transmission of device data from an attached device to avoid data collisions with data transmissions already existing in the communication line. The routing node may be an Ethernet switch or field programmable gate array (FPGA). The integrated circuit may be a microprocessor or FPGA. The integrated circuit also controls other components of the network tap. The integrated circuit may also be programmed or upgraded to provide other functions.

Dynamic access control lists

Abstract: A method controls access of a user to a network including a plurality of hosts coupled together through a network switch. The method includes storing in the network switch an enhanced access control list containing data related to at least one of user names, DNS names, domain names, and physical addresses. A dynamic access control list is generated from the enhanced access control list, with the dynamic access control list containing a plurality of IP addresses that restrict access of the user to the network.

Reducing the sizes of application layer messages in a network element

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing the sizes of application layer messages in a network element such as a network switch or router. According to one aspect, the network element receives data packets and determines an original application layer message that is collectively contained in payload portions of the data packets. The network element compresses the original application layer message into a compressed message, and sends the compressed message toward an application that is hosted on a device other than the network element. According to another aspect, the network element receives data packets and determines a compressed message that is collectively contained in payload portions of the data packets. The network element decompresses the compressed message into an original application layer message, and sends the original application layer message toward an application that is hosted on a device other than the network element. Compressed messages consume less network bandwidth.

System management method for a data center

Abstract: Changes such as addition or removal of a device in a system composed of a number of devices are automatically detected and the physical location of the devices is managed. A management method of this invention includes a step (S502) of detecting the physical location of servers (S1 through S3) connected to a network switch (2) that is to be monitored, steps (S512 and S513) of collecting a globally unique MAC address which is unique to equipment of the servers (S1 through S3) connected to the network switch (2) and is not shared by the equipments, and a step (S517) of creating configuration information from the MAC address and from the physical connection location of the network switch (2).

Ethernet OAM network topography discovery

Abstract: Network topography may be discovered by a network element on an Ethernet network by collecting connectivity check messages periodically issued by other network elements on the network and using the information gleaned from those messages to build a topography database. Since the connectivity check messages may be link level or service instance based, the topography database may include network topography as well as service topography on the Ethernet network. Ethernet OAM loopback frames may also be used to cause network elements on the Ethernet network to issue response frames directed to the initiating network element. By collecting responses from the responding network elements, the initiating network element can build a topography database of network elements on the Ethernet network. This topography database may show the overall network topography or service instances on the network, and may provide visibility within one or more domains.

Network switching device ingress memory system

Abstract: A switching device includes an ingress memory system having a VOQ-based design to provide an infrastructure for enabling fine-grained QoS and SLAs.

System and method for load balancing and fail over

Abstract: Systems and methods for load balancing and/or fail over are provided. In one embodiment, a server system may include, for example, one or more of the following: a first network interface card (NIC); a second NIC having same layer-3 (L3) address as the first NIC; a first network switch coupled to the first NIC, the first network switch receiving an incoming traffic flow destined for the second NIC; and a second network switch coupled to the second NIC and coupled to the first network switch. The first network switch may determine, for example, whether the incoming traffic flow is destined for the first NIC or is destined for the second network switch.

Packet-switched telephony with circuit-switched backup

Abstract: A packet voice switch 60 and method for its operation are disclosed. The switch comprises a network switching means, preferably implemented within its host processor 78, that allows calls to be routed between a circuit-switched connection at circuit-switched interface 74 and either another circuit-switched connection at interface 74 or a packet-switched connection at packet-switched interface 76. The network switching means selects call routing for calls based on a comparison of the current quality of service for the call over the packet-switched connection vs. the extra cost of connecting the call over the circuit-switched connection. Preferably, the comparison can be adjusted for call distance, the user's own quality of service preference, and current system load. In a preferred embodiment, switch 60 communicates with a similar packet voice switch (handling the other end of the same call) in order to initiate a mid-call network switch that is transparent to the calling and called parties. This embodiment provides a guaranteed minimum quality of service for packet voice applications, and provides a reliable backup in case of a packet data route failure. In a second embodiment, users may initiate network switching themselves if they desire higher quality, by entering an appropriate sequence on their DTMF keypad.

Method and apparatus for generating routing information in a data communications network

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for generating routing information in a data communications network. A first network element (such as a router) receives information relating to a second network element, such as another node or a network link. In response, the first network element determines whether the information relating to the second network element indicates a change in the network. When information relating to a second network element indicates a change in the network, the first network element determines a new shortest path through the network from the first network element for each network element in the network. After a delay, the first network element updates routing information for the first network element based on the new shortest path for the first network element. Preferably the delay is proportional to the distance of the first network element from the second network element.

Link layer emulation

Abstract: An embodiment includes a network of at least one router. The network includes a data packet address translator. The data packet address translator manipulates address information of data packets routed by the network, so that a network device connected to the network perceives the network to be a bridge. One embodiment of the network includes wireless mesh network that is wirelessly connectable to a client.

Method and apparatus for hand over of calls

Abstract: A wireless communication unit (101, 200), network switch (112, 300) and corresponding methods facilitate routing and handover or handin of calls from a second network (105) to a first network (103) when the unit has been operating in second network and is being handed in to the first network. The communication unit comprises a transceiver (203) and a controller (209) arranged to operate with the transceiver to determine (503) that the wireless communication unit is within a coverage area of the first network; to exchange messages (505, 507) corresponding to call appearance information with the switch in the first network; to decide whether a call within the second network can be handed in to the first network based on the exchange of the messages (507); and to initiate (519, 619) a handin of the call to the first network only when the decision is affirmative.

Power over ethernet switch node for use in power pooling

Abstract: The present invention provides for an Ethernet switch node providing power over Ethernet functionality for use in a power pooling system comprising at least one pooling controller, the Ethernet switch node providing power over Ethernet functionality comprising: a DC power source; an electrical load connected to the DC power source; a power sharing circuit responsive to an output of the at least one pooling controller, the power sharing circuit being operative to govern electrical power provided by the DC power source; and a DC electrical power connection to the DC power source and the electrical load, permitting external DC electrical power flow to and from the DC electrical power consuming and providing entity, wherein the Ethernet switch node providing power over Ethernet functionality has multiple modes, including a first operative mode in which the DC power source may provide more electrical power than is consumed by the electrical load.

Network managed device installation and provisioning technique

Abstract: A system for managing and documenting a local area communications network is provided which deploys power sourcing equipment and powered devices by the use of active electronic modules, having an Ethernet controller and Power over Ethernet forwarding capabilities, as integral, managed components within the cable plant, to enhance management, documentation, security and emergency 911 aspects of the network as well as extending the physical reach of the network.

Method and apparatus for routing on hold calls

Abstract: A wireless communication unit (101, 200), network switch (112, 300) and corresponding methods facilitate retrieval, routing, and management of on-hold calls (FIG. 5) within a first communication network (103) when the unit is operating in a second communication network (105) that is loosely coupled to the first. The communication unit comprises a transceiver (203) configured to support an air interface with the first and the second communication network; and a controller (209) arranged to cooperatively operate with the transceiver to retrieve an on-hold call from the first network via a call leg established to handout on-hold calls to and while the unit is operating in the second network. A user interface (211) facilitates management, connecting, disconnecting, etc., of the on-hold calls by the communication unit.

End-to-end performance of 10-gigabit Ethernet on commodity systems

Abstract: Apart form the success in local-area networks (LANs) and system-area networks and anticipated success in metropolitan and wide area networks (MANs and WANs), Ethernet continues to evolve to meet the increasing demands of packet-switched networks. Although the recently ratified 10-Gigabit Ethernet standard differs from earlier Ethernet standards, primarily in that 10GbE operates only over fiber and only in full-duplex mode, the differences are largely superficial. More importantly, l0GbE does not make obsolete current investments in network infrastructure. The 10GbE standard ensures interoperability not only with existing Ethernet but also with other networking technologies such as Sonet, thus paving the way for Ethernets expanded use in MANs and WANs. The world's first host-based 10GbE adapter, officially known as the Intel PRO/10GbE LR server adapter, introduces the benefits of l0GbE connectivity into LAN and system-area network environments, thereby accommodating the growing number of large-scale cluster systems and bandwidth-intensive applications, such as imaging and data mirroring. The 10GbE controller is optimized for servers that use the I/O bus backplanes of the peripheral component interface (PCI) and its higher speed extension, PCI-X.

Method for transmitting multimedia services in the UMTS networks by immediate multicasting of a streaming subset

Abstract: The method concerns multicast service delivering through the UMTS and GSM networks. For this aim is given higher priority to an opportune subset of all the real-time services with guaranteed bandwidth transmissible by the network. This subset is named IS-MBMS (Immediate Streaming-Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service). A certain amount of physical resources is reserved in all the system for the IS-MBMS services; not real-time services can be transmitted on the reserved resources when not used by the IS-MBMS ones. The reserved resources allow for transmitting the IS-MBMS services with minimum bit-rate, at least. The network announces in the service area that an IS-MBMS content becomes available; in reply one or more subscribed users transmit a request for joining a multicast group for that service. The network transmits a notification message on a multicast channel to give to the joined users useful information of how get the announced service, i.e.: Service-Id, RB parameters, etc. The IS-MBMS content is transmitted immediately on a point-to-multipoint channel set-up in each involved cells, even if there are zero recipients in the cell. Content is transmitted in parallel in different cells, leading to service continuity, and the mobile station can perform soft combining. During the IS-MBMS content delivery the network can count in each involved cell the number of subscribed users joined to the transmitted IS-MBMS service. The network switches from point-to-multipoint to point-to-point or to no transmission depending on the result of counting and on a fixed threshold. Alternatively the network, parallel to the content delivery, can execute a checking procedure to see if there are joined users in a cell: in this case the point-to-multipoint channel is switched to no transmission (fig. 3 ).

Method for beacon rebroadcast in centrally controlled wireless systems

Abstract: A method of beacon rebroadcast for use in a packet-based, centrally-controlled, wireless network includes embedding auxiliary network information in a header portion of a packet transmitted over the network by a central controller; receiving a packet having auxiliary network information therein by a device in the network; rebroadcast, by the device in the network, of the packet having auxiliary network information therein in a predetermined time slot, wherein the predetermined time slot is predetermined by the central controller; and receiving, by a device not already on the network, of the auxiliary network information bearing packet, thereby allowing the device not already on the network to join the network.

Method and system for analyzing network traffic

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing network traffic are provided. A network traffic analyzer includes a plurality of data switching devices connected to a plurality of data hubs. Each data hub may have multiple input ports and multiple output ports and may be configured to broadcast all data packets received at an input port to all output ports. Each data switching device may be configurable to forward data packets to an input port of any one of the plurality of data hubs, any subset of the plurality of data hubs, or all data hubs of the plurality of data hubs, based on a characteristic of one or more data packets. Furthermore, at least one network sensor device may be connected to an output port of a data hub of the plurality of data hubs. The network sensor device may be configured to analyze data packets in real time for, among other purposes, detecting network intrusions.

Method and apparatus for determining shared broadcast domains of network switches, ports and interfaces

Abstract: A system for determining shared broadcast domains. The system includes a network having devices which have physical ports and/or logical interfaces, and having a network management system. The network management system having a mechanism for learning features about ports or interfaces of devices of the network. The system includes a mechanism for identifying which ports or interfaces on each device are part of a same broadcast domain from the learned features. The identifying mechanism in communication with the network management system. A network management system. A method for determining shared broadcast domains of network devices and ports or interfaces includes the steps of learning features about ports or interfaces of devices of a network by a network management system. There is the step of identifying which ports or interfaces on each device are part of a common broadcast domain from the learned features.

Method and apparatus for intelligent seamless network switching

Abstract: A method and apparatus that enable a mobile electronic device (120) to automatically and seamlessly maintain optimal network connectivity by selectively connecting to the most appropriate, currently available data or communications network. Guidelines for what constitutes optimal network connectivity are provided by pre-selected user preferences or objectives. These are combined into one or more rules that can be interpreted by a software module (60) operating on the mobile electronics device, and used to switch (10) between the available networks in a way that makes intelligent use of the mobile device resources, and provides seamless support for any applications running on the device while roaming through regions of changing network availability, or as the service quality of available networks varies.

Utilization of the internet protocol to facilitate communication involving mobile devices

Abstract: A data communication system capable of forwarding IP-addressed data to devices as such devices move among networks having different IP addresses is disclosed herein. The system includes first and second networks containing first and second pluralities of nodes. At least one of the first plurality of nodes is adapted to receive data transmissions from an external IP-based network. Upon joining the first network, this device is assigned an IP address which remains with it irrespective of whether it moves beyond the range of the first network. When this device roams into the vicinity of the second network, data addressed to the device which is received at the first network is forwarded via at least one node of the second network to the roaming device.

Network device management system, network device management device, and network device management program

Abstract: A network device management system includes a computer that is connected to a network and at least one network device that is connected to the network and is capable of communicating with the computer via the network. Each network device includes a network device controller that provides the computer with network device information about settings and conditions of each network device of the at least one network device, via the network. The network device information includes connection type information that indicates whether each network device is a wired connection type or a wireless connection type. The computer includes a computer controller that obtains the network device information from each network device via the network and outputs a part or all of contents of the network device information including at least the connection type information, based on the obtained network device information.

Equal-cost source-resolved routing system and method

Abstract: A method and system for augmenting routing decisions in a network switching device with topology information acquired using source learning are disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the method of selecting a port to transmit an outbound flow from a first node to a second node comprises the steps of identifying a plurality of ports associated with minimal equal-cost paths from the first node to the second node, and if an inbound flow from the second node is detected on a first port of the plurality of ports of the first node, then transmitting the outbound flow from the first port. In the absence of an inbound flow from the second node, the first node generally selects the port for the outbound flow from the plurality of minimal equal-cost paths. The present invention allows a switching device to take advantage of the path determination made at another router in the network while avoiding inconsistencies between conventional route selection operations and IP source learning in switching devices adapted to perform bridging on IP address.

IP backbone network reliability and performance analysis method and apparatus

Abstract: This invention provides a tool for reliability evaluation and performance analysis of an IP backbone network by using the network packet loss ratio as the main measurement. A queuing model and algorithm is presented for calculating packet loss at congested interfaces or links. A reliability model is presented for considering network hardware component failures such as router failures, ATM switch failures, and physical link failures. Based on the measurement and models presented, a network reliability and performance (NetRAP) apparatus calculates IP network reliability and performance measurements. The NetRAP apparatus uses the network topology, a traffic matrix, and the reliability parameters of a network as inputs and calculates the network packet loss ratio and sigma score, and provides a list of heavily congested links under non-failure or different single failure conditions.