Multiplex communications – Fault recovery – Bypass an inoperative switch or inoperative element of a...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-05
2001-02-13
Rao, Seema S. (Department: 2732)
Multiplex communications
Fault recovery
Bypass an inoperative switch or inoperative element of a...
C370S250000, C370S359000, C370S360000, C370S476000, C370S907000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06188667
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to telecommunication information transportation and more particularly to a transport interface for performing protection switching of telecommunications traffic.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In SONET based add drop multiplex telecommunication equipment, it is common to have a transport system composed of multiple printed circuit assemblies requiring a variety of hard wired signaling communication channels between assemblies. Popular uses of hard wired inter-assembly signaling communications include card provisioning, status checking, performance monitoring, and protection switching. Hard wired signaling communication connections increase the expense and size of the assemblies and the transport system. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the necessity of hard wired signaling communications connections in a transport system of a telecommunications network.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
From the foregoing, it may be appreciated that a need has arisen for a transport system in a telecommunications network that is less dependent on hard wired signaling communication connections among its various components. In accordance with the present invention, a transport interface for performing protection switching of telecommunications traffic is provided that substantially eliminates or reduces disadvantages and problems associated with conventional add drop multiplex telecommunication equipment.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a transport interface for performing protection switching of telecommunications traffic that includes first and second high speed unit pairs where each of the first and second high speed unit pairs have a main unit and a protection unit coupled to each other by first and second protection pair datalinks. The first and second high speed unit pairs are coupled together by a first in-band datalink. A broadband interface pair couples to the first and second high speed unit pairs by second and third in-band datalinks. The broadband interface pair includes a main unit and a protection unit coupled to each other by a second protection pair datalink. A SONET formatter pair is coupled to the first and second high speed unit pairs by fourth and fifth in-band datalinks. The SONET formatter pair includes a main unit and a protection unit. The first, second, third, fourth, and fifth in-band datalinks provide protection switching status and processor operability status for the first and second high speed unit pairs, the broadband interface pair, and the SONET formatter pair in conjunction with the various protection pair datalinks.
The present invention provides various technical advantages over conventional add drop multiplex telecommunication equipment. For example, one technical advantage is to eliminate a need for dedicated hard wired signaling communication connections. Another technical advantage is to provide protection switching signaling over unused portions of frame overhead. Yet another technical advantage is to provide each component in a transport interface with status information concerning the operability of all other components. Other technical advantages are readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, description, and claims.
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patent: 5568300 (1996-10-01), Ishibashi
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patent: 0570882 (1993-11-01), None
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Howson, Jr. R. Douglas
Potter Thomas A.
Roberts Martin
Alcatel USA, Inc.
Bakers Botts L.L.P.
Rao Seema S.
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