Concurrent switching of synchronous and asynchronous traffic

Abstract

A network element can be configured for connection to any portion of a communication network: access, transport and core. Moreover, a single network element can be configured to couple subscriber equipment directly to the core portion of the network, thereby permitting the subscriber to bypass the transport portion of the network. Specifically, such a network element can be configured to include a line unit that supports subscriber equipment (also called a “subscriber line unit”), and also to include a line unit to support a link to the core of the communication network (also called a “core line unit”). The subscriber line unit and core line unit are both installed in a single chassis, and each unit can be installed in any of a number of slots in the chassis. Moreover, when configured with appropriate line units, such a network element may support traditional circuit-switched telephony services while simultaneously delivering packet-based voice or data services. The network element provides multi-class service over the entire range of the network because it employs a common switch fabric for handling both synchronous and asynchronous traffic over a common bus.