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Methods and apparatus for implementing switched virtual connections (SVCs) in a digital communications switching system

  • US 5,051,982 A
  • Filed: 07/27/1989
  • Issued: 09/24/1991
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/27/1989
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for making switched virtual connections in a digital communication system utilizing the same control and distribution equipment used for voice and data communications in said system, comprising:

  • (a) a central equipment module, including a circuit switch and a switch control processor, for controlling the definition and activation of switched virtual connections;

    (b) a plurality of station devices each of which is connected to said circuit switch and said switch control processor, wherein each station device is capable of transmitting bearer channel information to and through said circuit switch under the control of said switch control processor and further wherein each station device is capable of communicating signal channel information with said switch control processor over at least one signal channel;

    (c) transmission means for coupling said bearer channel information from each of said plurality of station devices to said circuit switch and for coupling said signal channel information between said plurality of station devices and said switch control processor;

    (d) first memory means, coupled to said switch control processor, for storing at least system configuration information, current switched virtual connection definitions, a list of station device Bid requests and global channel group configuration information;

    (e) second memory means, associated with each of said plurality of station devices, for storing at least the station device address, the channel group configuration information for each station, and a list of local connection identifiers for use in naming defined switched virtual connections;

    (f) means for registering a station device with said switch control processor;

    (g) means, responsive to requests from said station devices, for defining switched virtual connections for a given device under control of said switch control processor;

    (h) means for activating switched virtual connections upon request from a station device, under control of said switch control processor, based on the real time availability of connection resources; and

    (i) timer means, associated with each of said station devices, for controlling the amount of time a given station can utilize a switched virtual connection.

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