Multiplex communications – Communication techniques for information carried in plural... – Adaptive
Reexamination Certificate
2002-06-14
2003-09-23
Marcelo, Melvin (Department: 2663)
Multiplex communications
Communication techniques for information carried in plural...
Adaptive
Reexamination Certificate
active
06625169
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to networking, telecommunications, and communications technology, and more particularly to integrated communication systems for exchanging data and information between networks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The arts of networking and telecommunications originated well over a century ago with the advent of traditional wired telecommunications. Initially, the technologies required were relatively straightforward since a single telephony network carried information in a simple telegraph signaling data format. Later, a more elaborate telephone network capable of carrying voice information in an analog data format was developed. Eventually information in new and more complex analog data formats, such as facsimile and modem communication formats, was conveyed over telecommunications networks. Soon information in even more advanced digital data formats, such as ISDN for example, was also transmitted across telephony networks. New telephony networks were created, while more sophisticated network formats for transmitting data and information were developed. For instance, later the wireless telephony network joined the traditional wired or landline telephony network. Similarly, wireless telephony protocols emerged to convey information and data through wireless networks. Needless to say, the development of telecommunications created various new networks and new network formats. Network infrastructure devices, such as landline and wireless telecom switches, were designed to interface with distinct telephony networks and to address various network formats, such as the network protocols and network transports or media used to convey data and information through telephony networks.
However, this was only the beginning of the proliferation of networks and network formats used for transmitting data and information. Advances in data communications led to the emergence of Local Area Networks (LANs), such as Token Ring and Ethernet, that provided faster and improved networking communications between increasingly intelligent network terminal devices like PCs. New and increasingly diverse types of networks, network formats, network protocols, and network transports/media came to be deployed. Wide Area Networks (WANs), high-speed telephony networks (T
1
, T
3
, etc.), Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) networks, fiber optic networks, broadband networks, and cable networks were examples of the new types of networks that emerged. New network formats, some corresponding to the newly developed networks were created. For example, Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) network format, ATM network cell format, and IP network packet format are but a few of the many diverse network formats in use today. The emergence of Internet Protocol (IP, TCP/IP, and the like) networks and the Internet network further revolutionized networking and communications given how pervasively these sort of networks have been implemented. Network equipment has been developed not only to interface with a given network, but also to effectively interconnect different types of networks. For example, the landline and wireless telephony networks have been interfaced effectively through hybrid landline-wireless telephony switches. As a further example, the telephony network and Internet network have been productively interfaced using telecom/IP gateway servers. Further adding to the complexity, new types of information had to be conveyed through networks. Video information joined existing types of information such as voice information, facsimile information, and the like, being transmitted as analog data and digital data traffic on modem networks. Today a plethora of different networks, distinct network formats, various types of data and information, numerous protocols, and transports/media must all be addressed by the networking and telecommunications arts.
Consequently, numerous types of networking and communications systems were developed to address the need for interfacing between diverse networks and network formats. Communication systems were designed or adapted to interface with each new type of network. Other communication systems were developed to bridge or route data and information between different types of networks. As a result, typical network topologies for managing various and distinct networks have become extremely complex. It has become increasingly difficult to effectively interface diverse communication systems from different manufacturers found at the edges of different networks. The large number of communication systems to be managed, and the many different types of communication systems to be interfaced, make it difficult and inefficient to exchange data and information between networks and network formats. It would clearly be advantageous to have a single networking solution that could replace the plethora of network devices needed to effectively utilize different networks and different network formats. Further, a need exists for a flexible network solution that could seamlessly address different types of data and information embodied in various networks and network formats.
History indicates that additional networks and network formats may yet be developed. Thus, it would be advantageous to have an open communications architecture that could readily support new networks and network formats. In addition, there is a need for a single networking solution that can be controlled remotely in an open networking environment. Addressing at least some of these needs would enable new applications for networks, and could permit more productive use of the many networks and network formats encountered in modem communications and networking. Note that this Background of the Invention is provided merely for explanatory purposes, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention as defined by the attached claims in any way.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides communication systems seeking to address at least some of the above needs while attempting to deliver one or more of the above advantages. More specifically, the present invention provides integrated communication systems that enable data and information exchanges between various networks and various network formats. The present invention also provides integrated communication systems that allow different types of data and information to be intelligently controlled, translated, interconnected, and reconciled. As a result, the present invention makes it possible to reduce the number and types of network equipment that may be required to exchange data and information, thereby enabling simplified network configurations and management. Integrated communication systems provided by the present invention embody an open hardware and software architecture. Therefore, the communication systems of the present invention can readily support, reconcile, and integrate networks and network formats, whether existing or new. Yet further, the integrated communication systems of the present invention leverage their open architecture to permit external configuration and external control of the integrated communication system. Accordingly, the present invention endeavors to effectively service the plethora of networks, network formats, and types of data and information. Existing applications for networks, as well as new applications for networks, may be productively supported by the present invention. The integrated communication systems of the present invention make it possible to provide a single, coordinated, enterprise-wide networking solution supporting the exchange of data and information of various types between numerous networks and numerous network formats.
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a communication system for exchanging data between networks. This communication system comprises a first network interface, a second network interface, a shared non-switched system bus, and a processor. The first network interface is connected to a first network a
Marcelo Melvin
Pita Frank J.
TeleSys Technologies, Inc.
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