Multiplex communications – Pathfinding or routing – Switching a message which includes an address header
Reexamination Certificate
1997-12-30
2001-06-05
Hsu, Alpus H. (Department: 2662)
Multiplex communications
Pathfinding or routing
Switching a message which includes an address header
C370S522000, C725S078000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06243388
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to systems which process digital data. More specifically, the present invention relates to the high speed processing of synchronous data, such as may occur in a switch for a broadband network.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Networks transfer electronic information between different locations. Broadband networks differ from other networks in that they transfer a relatively large amount of information during each unit of time. Future broadband networks are expected to convey video signals for business, educational and residential applications. Such networks may provide services such as broadcast-like video distribution, individual access to video program libraries, video telephone, video conferencing, and the like. Any one of such services may, for example, communicate signals having data transfer rates of up to 50 Mb/s or more.
In order to effectively serve a large number of customers, a broadband network includes switching nodes. At switching nodes, broadband signals are routed along selected paths so that desired signals are delivered from signal sources to targets.
Numerous problems are faced by a broadband, real-time switch that accommodates a large number of connections. These problems result, at least in part, from the high data transfer rates associated with broadband communications. In short, a tremendous amount of data need to be processed or otherwise transferred through the switch during every unit of time, and the larger the number of connections supported by the switch, the greater the amount of data which need to be processed.
Conventional signaling protocols are often implemented in communications networks to eliminate or simplify the design effort that would otherwise be required. Standard signaling protocols may also provide a measure of reliability and compatibility with other communications systems. Unfortunately, operating speed, efficiency and user-friendliness may be sacrificed when such conventional protocols are rigidly followed.
Conventional signaling protocols, such as Q.931, are not designed to efficiently accommodate broadcast-like video switching. When operating to provide broadcast-like video programming, a broadband network may be required to process numerous control messages from any number of customer locations. Any given customer location may include more than one television (or other receiving equipment) that can interact with the network to obtain video programming. Typically, each piece of customer receiving equipment is an independently signaled entity, i.e., there is no intercommunication between individual receivers located at the same customer location.
Networks that utilize conventional signaling protocols, such as the Q.931 protocol, may be incapable of supporting various user-friendly features. For example, conventional Q.931 signaling does not allow one receiving unit to “bridge” onto or “merge” with a video program currently being viewed at a first receiving unit without independently identifying the video program to the network switch. This feature may be desirable when, for example, a customer viewing an upstairs television set wishes to conveniently switch channels to view whatever program is currently being viewed at a downstairs television set.
Conventional signaling protocols identify video programs and other communication signals with identification codes, addresses, and/or subaddresses. Although the identity of a received video program may be known at the receiving unit communicating with the network switch, other receiving units located at the same customer premises do not have access to the program identity. When the video program is obtained from a remote video source through network interaction there may be no program identification at all. It may be difficult if not impossible to perform program bridging or merging under such circumstances.
Video program bridging or merging may be crudely realized by splitting a signal after it has been received at a first receiving unit. Unfortunately, control of the video program remains at the first receiving unit, and any interconnected receiving units become mere satellite viewing stations. For example, the bridged video program is not maintained at any other receiving units if the user switches video programs at the first receiving unit. Furthermore, the bridged video program is lost at all receiving units if the first receiving unit is shut down.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention that an improved broadband switch that manages communication signal traffic between a remote switching module and at least one customer site is provided.
Another advantage is that the present invention provides operating methods for the broadband switch that are compatible with a conventional signaling protocol.
A further advantage is that the present invention provides a broadband switch that responds to a request from a second customer unit to view a video program that is currently being delivered to a first customer unit.
Another advantage of the present invention is that a second customer unit can access a video program currently being delivered to a first customer unit without having to identify the video program to the broadband switch.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a broadband switch that maintains a bridged video program at a customer unit after terminating delivery of the video program at an originating customer unit.
The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried out in one form by a broadband video switch that manages communication signal traffic between a remote switching module and at least one customer site having first and second customer units. The switch includes means for receiving a plurality of communication signals, such as video programs. The switch also has means for obtaining a message from the second customer unit. The message is configured to identify the first customer unit. The switch incorporates a plurality of switching modules configured to deliver one of the communication signals to the second customer unit when that communication signal is currently being delivered to the first customer unit.
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Helmes Thomas R.
Liu Stephen S.
Mussman Harry Edward
Ho Duc
Hsu Alpus H.
Suchyta Leonard Charles
Verizon Laboratories Inc.
Weixel James K.
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