US4879712A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Communications switch
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1988-09-01
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Granted: 1989-11-07
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Expires: 2008-09-01
Abstract
Abstract A communications switch comprises a multi-layer switch configuration each layer comprising a synchronised packet switch with a pre-circulation stage 12, circulation re-entry stage 14, intermediate stage 16, re-circulation exit stage 17 and final exit stage 18. A re-circulation stage 15 allows re-recirculation of data from one synchronised packet switch to another synchronised packet switch via paths 35. A number of switch input nodes 32 and output nodes 34 have access to each of the synchronised packet switches.
Inventors
- 👤 Morgan Littlewood
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 15:58
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04L; H04L49/00; H04L49/15; H04L49/20; H04L49/201; H04L49/55; H04L49/557
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
67 words
A communications switch comprising a plurality of synchronised packet switches (31) connected by data links to a plurality of switch input nodes (32) and with the synchronised packet switch (31) connected by data links to a plurality of switch output nodes (34), at least one of the synchronised packet switches (31) recirculating packets to another of the synchronised packet switches (31) via a recirculated data highway (35).
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
67 words
A communications switch comprising a plurality of synchronised packet switches (31) connected by data links to a plurality of switch input nodes (32) and with the synchronised packet switch (31) connected by data links to a plurality of switch output nodes (34), at least one of the synchronised packet switches (31) recirculating packets to another of the synchronised packet switches (31) via a recirculated data highway (35).
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A communications switch according to claim 1 characterised in that each synchronised packet switch (31) has access to each of the switch output nodes (34).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A communications switch according to claims 1 or 2 characterised in that each switch input node (32) has access to each synchronised packet switch (31).
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A communications switch according to claim 1 or 2 characterised by control means (54, 64) for controlling the selection of packets at switch input nodes (32) or output nodes (34)
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
A communications switch according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that a common clock generator (29) ensures that all of the synchronised packet switches (31) operate at the same speed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
A communications switch according to claim 5 characterised in that all of the synchronised packet switches (31) have substantially similar delay characteristics.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
A communications switch according to claim 6 characterised in that each of the synchronised packet switches (31) are relatively out of phase.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
A communications switch according to claim 7 characterised in that the synchronised packet switches (31) are connected cyclically in order of phase by recirculated data highways (35) which carry recirculated packets.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
57 words
A communications switch according to claim 8 characterised in that the synchronised packet switches (31) are sufficiently out of phase to enable packets to enter the first synchronised packet switch (31) and be repeatedly recirculated until they return to that first synchronised packet switch before the next wave of packets enters that first synchronised packet switch (31).
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
47 words
A communications switch according to claim 9 characterised in that the switch input node (32) transmits packets to the synchronised packet switches (31) so that packets enter the synchronised packet switches (31) in relation to the order that they were received by the switch input nodes (32).
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
A communications switch according to claim 10, characterised in that each switch input node (32) includes a transmission interface (52) for receiving packets for transmission to the switches (31) via a transfer buffer (56).
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
53 words
A communications switch according to claim 1 characterised in that the switch output node (34) accepts packets from the synchronised packet switches (31), buffers them in a packet transfer buffer (62) and passes them to a transmission interface (66) in relation to the order that they arrived from the synchronised packet switches (31).
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
A communications switch according to claim 10, characterised in that the synchronised packet switches (31) give preference to packets according to the number of times they have been recirculated.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
36 words
A communications switch according to claim 10 characterised in that the synchronised packet switches (31) have recirculated data highways (35) to more than one other synchronised packet switch (31) for the purposes of carrying recirculated packets.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
37 words
A communications switch according to claim 14 characterised in that selector means (72) are provided to allow passage of the data on the recirculated data highways (35) to be selectively passed to an associated packet switch (31).
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
42 words
A communications switch according to claim 15 characterised in that a central controller (59) can control the selector means (72) and select logic (54, 64) of a control means to cause one or more of the synchronised packet switches to be bypassed.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
A communications switch according to claim 16 characterised in that the central controller (59) responds to fault information or operator requests.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-11-06 | 1993-05-08 | 1993-11-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-11-06 | 1997-05-08 | 1997-11-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-11-06 | 2001-05-08 | 2001-11-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |