79results about "Hybrid switching fabrics" patented technology

Information packets are routed through a distributed routing network by determining a forwarding equivalency class (FEC) for each subscriber unit accessing the network. The FEC to which each subscriber unit belongs is based on the point at which the subscriber unit accesses the network. The forwarding equivalency class for each subscriber unit is updated if the subscriber unit accesses the network at a different point. Information packets are routed from a distribution point by determining the next point connected to the distribution point based on the forwarding equivalency class for the destination subscriber unit specified in the packet.

A video conferencing method is provided in a system for managing voice and data communications to a plurality of users. Computer data is communicated between the system and one of a plurality of computers coupled to the system over one or more packet buses. Voice data is communicated between the system and one of a plurality of telephone devices coupled to the system. The voice data is coupled to a TDM bus in the system, and the voice data and / or the computer data are coupled from the TDM bus to a digital transmission link. Video and audio data are coupled between the system and a video conferencing unit and coupled to the TDM bus. The video and audio data are coupled from the TDM bus to a digital transmission link of the telecommunications network. A video conference participant participates in a video conference with the video conferencing unit over the digital transmission link, while concurrently a user participates in a telephone call with one of the telephone devices over the digital transmission link.

Systems and methods by which voice / data communications may occur in multiple modes / protocols are disclosed. In particular, systems and methods are provided for multiple native mode / protocol voice and data transmissions and receptions with a computing system having a multi-bus structure, including, for example, a TDM bus and a packet bus, and multi-protocol framing engines. Such systems preferably include subsystem functions such as PBX, voice mail and other telephony functions, LAN hub and data router or switch functions. In preferred embodiments, a TDM bus and a packet bus are intelligently bridged and managed, thereby enabling such multiple mode / protocol voice and data transmissions to be intelligently managed and controlled with a single, integrated system. In particular, systems and methods for generating required telephony voltages directly on station cards, rather than on the basis of a large, central ringing or other power supply that supply such telephony voltages to each of the station cards, are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a plurality of station cards are provided in the telephony or communications system. One or more DC power supplies provide a source of DC voltage, such as 12 volts, to each of the station cards. The station cards are coupled to a processor of the system. The station cards may support a plurality of analog and / or digital telephony devices, such as telephones facsimile, voice mail, recording, speakerphone, conferencing or other type telephony devices.

Growth of a distributed communication system is facilitated through dynamic addition of routing elements. A new routing element may be added to a network of routing elements by first establishing a connection between the new routing element and an existing routing element in the network. The connection may be either wireless or wireline. At least one address is assigned to the new routing element. Each assigned address comes from a pool of addresses maintained at the existing routing element. At least one pool of addresses is issued to the new routing element, permitting the new routing element to dynamically add yet another new routing element to the network of routing elements.