Alcatel-lucent USA Inc.

Alcatel Lucent

Francis Robert Magee

Thomas P Chu

Steven Howard Richman

Paul Francis Gagen

Tao Jin

Zhengxue Zhao

Benjamin Y C Tang

Martin Joel Glapa

Data (e.g., instructions) used to route Internet Protocol traffic is converted from one protocol to another (e.g., MPLS to Virtual Router) or vice-versa. This allows routers and other network devices based on either protocol to co-exist in the same network.

Methods and devices for converting routing data from one protocol to another in a virtual private network

A method and apparatus for configuring connectivity at a hub having a plurality of subscriber lines from a plurality of subscriber premises and a plurality of feeder lines from a central office. The hub provides connectivity between the plurality of subscriber premises and the central office. The method and apparatus include categorizing the plurality of subscriber lines into a plurality of groups based on penetration rates and churn rates of the plurality subscriber lines. Each group of subscriber lines are connected to feeder lines based on the penetration and churn rates for POTS and/or DSL services. Subscriber line groups with high penetration rates and high/low churn rates are coupled directly to feeder lines. Subscriber line groups with low penetration rates and high/low churn rates are terminated at the hub. Subscriber lines with an intermediate penetration rate are candidates for being connected to the feeder lines via an automatic switch.

Method and apparatus for configuring an automatic cross connect system at a remote wiring hub

Methods and systems for forwarding packets over Label Switched Paths (LSPs) in a Virtual Private Network (VPN) are implemented within a Layer-2 architecture. A system includes a number of multi-purpose nodes connected by a number of multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) LSP links. Each multi-purpose node contains at least one bridging module (BM) that runs an extension of a bridging protocol (BP) contained in the IEEE 802.1d standard. The BP is used to establish MPLS LSPs between the BMs. The BP then generates a spanning tree using a spanning tree program to establish an optimal number of active LSPs. The remaining LSPs are then set to 'inactive' The BM de-allocates the resources assigned to inactive LSPs and makes the resources available to other active LSPs.

Methods and systems for providing MPLS-based layer-2 virtual private network services

Apparatus for providing connectivity at a hub having a plurality of subscriber lines and a plurality of feeder lines. The apparatus includes a first switch module for coupling to N of the plurality of subscriber lines, where N is an integer. The first switch module is also for coupling to a digital subscriber line access modem (DSLAM) at the hub. A second switch module is coupled to the first switch module and the DSLAM. The second switch module is also adapted for coupling to M of the plurality of feeder lines at the hub, where M is an integer.

Apparatus for decomposing an automatic cross connect system at a remote wiring hub

Reduction of administrative overhead in maintaining network information, rapid convergence on an optimal routing path through the data network, and utilization of only required network resources are realized by a novel method for establishing a call path between network users. The method is based upon deployment of a network information server that stores network topology information and that is addressable by each end user. In this method, the network information server receives a request to establish a call path. The request identifies at least the calling party. In response to the request, the network information server determines a network traversal between the calling party and a root network wherein the network traversal includes call path information about the sub-networks between the calling party and the root network. The request for establishing a call path can also identify the called party. Based on the calling and called party identification, the network information server also determines a second network traversal between the called party and the root network. The second network traversal is sent to either the calling party or the called party or to both the calling and called parties. The server can determine an intersection of the traversals and send the intersection information to the parties. The intersection information is known as a merge point and represents an optimal call path between the parties.

Method for optimal path selection in traversal of packets through network address translators

Establishing voice calls in an IP based VPN includes determining the relative location of a terminating point with respect to an originating point of a new communication containing the voice data, determining one or more IP addresses to egress the communication from the originating point to the terminating point, creating a VPN identifier in the new communication, passing the new communication to the terminating point and removing the VPN identifier from the new communication. The VPN identifier can be an extra field added to an encapsulation coding scheme of the voice data.

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Lincroft, NJ, United States of America

Francis Robert Magee