Abstract:
A loopback processing method includes detecting a loopback at a first entity in a wide area network. The detection is accomplished by recognizing that a "memorized" frame has returned on the same communications interface within a given period of time. The time interval between sending the frame and detecting it returning at the same port may be recorded and sent to an operator to provide information on the relative location of the loopback in the network. A loopback detect sequence is sent from the first entity to a second entity on the communications interface in loopback. Because of the loopback, both entities receive the loopback detect sequence.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for distributing and consolidating data packets onto multiple network interfaces includes using frame-based inverse multiplexing (44, 46) to parse high-speed data into frames for placement onto lower-speed E1 or T1 (38) connections between a base station controller and a base station, or between two base station controllers (34, 36), in a cellular telephony network. The inverse multiplexing algorithm may be implemented with hardware such as, e.g., FIFOs (46) and registers. The frames are transmitted across the E1 or T1 (38) connections and then received, buffered, and multiplexed into a single high-speed data stream (73).