Architecture for a hybrid STM/ATM add-drop multiplexer
US6359859B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 3, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 3, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L2012/5665
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An architecture for a SONET network element, such as a hybrid STM/ATM add-drop multiplexer. The disclosed system includes an interconnection system for a network element, including a line unit slot, a switch fabric slot, and two or more service unit slots. The line unit slot is connected as a hub to the switch fabric slot and the service unit slots in a first star interconnection configuration. The switch fabric slot is connected as a hub to the line unit slot and the service unit slots in a second star interconnection configuration. The star interconnection configurations provide fault isolation between different units, and allow for replacement of failed units without interfering with the links of other units to the hub. In a preferred embodiment, the switch fabric slot and one of the service unit slots comprise the same slot, thus permitting flexible configuration of the device within a minimal space. In a further illustrative embodiment, a control unit slot is provided in the interconnection system, and connected as a hub to the line unit slot, the switch fabric slot, and the service unit slots to form a third star interconnection configuration. A service unit is also disclosed…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.