US20050147119A1

US20050147119A1 - Computer program products supporting integrated communication systems that exchange data and information between networks

Info

Publication number: US20050147119A1
Application number: US11/007,787
Authority: US
Inventors: Mark Tofano
Original assignee: TELESYS TECHNOLOGIES Inc
Current assignee: TELESYS TECHNOLOGIES Inc
Priority date: 2002-06-14
Filing date: 2004-12-08
Publication date: 2005-07-07
Also published as: WO2003107610A1; AU2002348011A1; US6625169B1

Abstract

Computer program products supporting integrated communication systems exchanging data and information between various networks and network formats through network interfaces. One computer program product executes in an external processor performing software switching for an operably connected communication system. Network interface connection information reflecting the result of the software switching decision is communicated by an external processor to the communication system for implementing the software switching decision therein between network interfaces according to some functional application of the received data. Another corresponding computer program product executes in a processor within a communication system for interacting with the operably connected external processor to implement the switching decision. Another computer program product executes in a processor within a communication system for translating the received data from an incoming format into a format suitable for software switched transmission from an incoming network interface directly to an outbound network interface of a communication system.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present patent application is a Continuation-in-Part (“CIP”) of international patent application PCT/US02/33848 filed on Oct. 23, 2002, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/171,833 filed on Jun. 14, 2002 and now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,625,169. The present patent application claims the benefit of priority from, and incorporates by reference herein in their entirety, both of the above referenced related patent applications.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to software for networking, telecommunications, and communications technology, and more particularly to software supporting integrated communication systems for exchanging data and information between networks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The arts of networking and telecommunications originated well over a century ago with the advent of traditional wired telecommunications. Initially, the technologies required were relatively straightforward since a single telephony network carried information in a simple telegraph signaling data format. Later, a more elaborate telephone network capable of carrying voice information in an analog data format was developed. Eventually information in new and more complex analog data formats, such as facsimile and modem communication formats, was conveyed over telecommunications networks. Soon information in even more advanced digital data formats, such as ISDN for example, was also transmitted across telephony networks. New telephony networks were created, while more sophisticated network formats for transmitting data and information were developed. For instance, later the wireless telephony network joined the traditional wired or landline telephony network. Similarly, wireless telephony protocols emerged to convey information and data through wireless networks. Needless to say, the development of telecommunications created various new networks and new network formats. Network infrastructure devices, such as landline and wireless telecom switches, were designed to interface with distinct telephony networks and to address various network formats, such as the network protocols and network transports or media used to convey data and information through telephony networks.
However, this was only the beginning of the proliferation of networks and network formats used for transmitting data and information. Advances in data communications led to the emergence of Local Area Networks (LANs), such as Token Ring and Ethernet, that provided faster and improved networking communications between increasingly intelligent network terminal devices like PCs. New and increasingly diverse types of networks, network formats, network protocols, and network transports/media came to be deployed. Wide Area Networks (WANs), high-speed telephony networks (T1, T3, etc.), Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) networks, fiber optic networks, broadband networks, and cable networks were examples of the new types of networks that emerged. New network formats, some corresponding to the newly developed networks were created. For example, Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) network format, ATM network cell format, and IP network packet format are but a few of the many diverse network formats in use today. The emergence of Internet Protocol (IP, TCP/IP, and the like) networks and the Internet network further revolutionized networking and communications given how pervasively these sort of networks have been implemented. Network equipment has been developed not only to interface with a given network, but also to effectively interconnect different types of networks. For example, the landline and wireless telephony networks have been interfaced effectively through hybrid landline-wireless telephony switches. As a further example, the telephony network and Internet network have been productively interfaced using telecom/IP gateway servers. Further adding to the complexity, new types of information had to be conveyed through networks. Video information joined existing types of information such as voice information, facsimile information, and the like, being transmitted as analog data and digital data traffic on modern networks. Today a plethora of different networks, distinct network formats, various types of data and information, numerous protocols, and transports/media must all be addressed by the networking and telecommunications arts.
Consequently, numerous types of networking and communications systems were developed to address the need for interfacing between diverse networks and network formats. Communication systems were designed or adapted to interface with each new type of network. Other communication systems were developed to bridge or route data and information between different types of networks. As a result, typical network topologies for managing various and distinct networks have become extremely complex. It has become increasingly difficult to effectively interface diverse communication systems from different manufacturers found at the edges of different networks. The large number of communication systems to be managed, and the many different types of communication systems to be interfaced, make it difficult and inefficient to exchange data and information between networks and network formats. It would clearly be advantageous to have a single networking solution that could replace the plethora of network devices needed to effectively utilize different networks and different network formats. Further, a need exists for a flexible network solution that could seamlessly address different types of data and information embodied in various networks and network formats.
History indicates that additional networks and network formats may yet be developed. Thus, it would be advantageous to have an open communications architecture that could readily support new networks and network formats. In addition, there is a need for a single networking solution that can be controlled remotely in an open networking environment. Addressing at least some of these needs would enable new applications for networks, and could permit more productive use of the many networks and network formats encountered in modern communications and networking. Note that this Background of the Invention is provided merely for explanatory purposes, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention as defined by the attached claims in any way.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention enables integrated communication systems that exchange data and information between various networks, between various network formats, or both. More specifically, the present invention provides computer program products supporting the operation of a number of integrated communication systems that provide data and information exchanges between various networks and various network formats. As such, computer program product embodiments according to the present invention seek to address at least some of the above needs while attempting to deliver one or more of the aforementioned advantages. Various embodiments of the present invention also provide computer software program products for integrated communication systems that allow different types of data and information to be intelligently controlled, translated, interconnected, and reconciled. As a result, the present invention makes it possible to reduce the number and types of network equipment that may be required to exchange data and information, thereby enabling simplified network configurations and management. Integrated communication systems enabled by the present invention embody an open hardware and software architecture. Therefore, computer program products for these integrated communication systems can readily support, reconcile, and integrate a number of networks and network formats, whether existing or new. Yet further, computer software program product embodiments for these integrated communication systems exploit this open architecture by permitting external configuration and external control of these integrated communication systems. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention endeavor to effectively service the plethora of networks, network formats, and types of data and information. Existing applications for networks, as well as new applications for networks, may be productively supported by embodiments of the present invention. Computer program products for these integrated communication systems make it possible to provide a single, coordinated, enterprise-wide networking solution supporting the exchange of data and information of various types between numerous networks and numerous network formats.
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a computer program product stored in computer readable media for execution in at least one processor external to but operably connected to a communication system. The communication system exchanges data between networks through at least two network interfaces within the communication system. This computer program product embodiment comprises at least five software modules therein supporting its functions. A first software module is provided for determining that a first network interface of the communication system is receiving data from a first network in a first network format. In addition, a second software module is provided for determining to which of at least one other network interface of the communication system the data received may be switched in support of at least one functional application of the received data. Further, a third software module is provided for software switching the data received from the first network interface to at least one other network interface of the communication system, according to at least one selected functional application. A fourth software module is provided for creating at least network interface connection information for the communication system reflecting the result of the software switching decision between the first network interface and at least one other network interface of the communication system. Yet further, a fifth software module is provided for transmitting at least the network interface connection information to the communication system to control therein to which at least one other network interface the first network interface will transmit the incoming received data. As such, the communication system can implement therein software switching in accordance with the selected functional application for the received data. Various related embodiments of the computer program products provide additional software modules, additional functionality, and leverage the capabilities of one or more external processors operably connected to the communication system. Means plus function embodiments related to the aforementioned embodiments are also provided.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a computer program product stored in computer readable media for execution in at least one processor within a communication system. As before the communication system can exchange data between networks through at least two network interfaces. Further, the communication system is operably connected to at least one external processor. This computer program product embodiment comprises at least four software modules therein supporting its functions. A first software module is provided for determining that a first network interface of the communication system is receiving data from a first network in a first network format. In addition, a second software module is provided for transmitting to at least one external processor through at least one interface of the communication system that the first network interface of the communication system is receiving data. The software switching decision is performed by at least one processor external to the communication system based at least on the transmission from the second software module within the communication system. A third software module is provided for receiving from at least one external processor through at least one interface of the communication system the results of the software switching decision expressed as network interface connection information. The network interface connection information received indicates to which of at least one other network interface of the communication system the data received by the first network interface will be switched within the communication system. Further, a fourth software module is provided for implementing the software switching decision within the communication system, by directing the data received from the first network interface to at least one other network interface of the communication system as instructed by the processor external to the communication system. As such, software switching performed external to the communication system can be implemented within the communication system. A number of other related embodiments of the computer program products provide additional software modules, additional functionality, and leverage the capabilities of one or more external processors operably connected to the communication system. As before, means plus function embodiments related to the above embodiments are also provided by the present invention.
The present invention provides yet another computer program product embodiment supporting integrated communication systems. For this embodiment, a computer program product stored in computer readable media for execution in at least one processor within a communication system is provided. The communication system can exchange data between networks through at least two network interfaces therein. Further, the communication system is operably connected to at least one external processor. This computer program product embodiment comprises at least four software modules therein supporting its functions. A first software module is provided for determining that a first network interface of the communication system is receiving data from a first network in a first network format. In addition, a second software module is provided for identifying the first network format of incoming data received from the first network interface. Further, a third software module is provided for receiving from at least one external processor through at least one interface of the communication system an indication that the received data is to be transmitted to at least one other outbound network interface of the communication system. A fourth software module is provided for translating the received data from the first network format into different format suitable for software switched transmission of the received data. The different format supports software switched transmission of the received data from the first network interface directly to at least one other outbound network interface of the communication system. In addition, at least the fourth software module is responsive to the results of the software switching decision received from at least one external processor. Other embodiments provide additional software modules, details about the translations, and the like. As before, means plus function embodiments related to the above embodiments are also provided by the present invention.
Computer program product embodiments of the present invention support integrated communication systems that can support exchanges of data and information between networks. As such, the present invention can support integrated enterprise-wide network solutions for addressing various types of data, various networks, and various network formats. The present invention accordingly attempts to satisfy at least some of the above stated needs while seeking to deliver at least some of the advantages noted previously. In one sense, the present invention supports the operation of communication systems that use a common internal format, such as the different format suitable for software switched transmission of the received data, to transparently exchange data and information between network interfaces. In another sense, the present invention herein provides software supporting communication systems that can utilize external software switching to exchange data and information between network interfaces under external control. In either or both senses, the present invention can simplify interfacing with a variety of networks and network formats and exchanging data and information therebetween. The Summary of the Invention is provided herein as an overview of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention as defined by the attached claims in any way. Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the complexities inherent in the multi-network, diverse data and information networking and communications environment encountered by those skilled in the art.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a communication system for transparent exchanges between networks, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating how the communication systems of the present invention attempt to address the complexity inherent in the multi-network, diverse data and information networking and communications environment.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the OSI network layer model, the TCP/IP network layer model, and the SS/7 network layer model, as examples of the diverse networks and network formats encountered in the networking and communications environment.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a communication system for transparent exchanges between networks, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 6, including FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), which are diagrams illustrating some examples of possible network interface and processor configurations, according to various embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 7, including FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), which are diagrams illustrating format translations, including decoding and encapsulation respectively, according to embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 8, including FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), which are diagrams illustrating an IP packet encapsulated in a PCI bus format and the transfer of an encapsulated IP packet over the PCI bus respectively, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 9, including FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), which are diagrams illustrating inverse format translations, including decapsulation and encoding respectively, according to several embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating details regarding software switched transmission and software switched logical connections used for exchanging data, according to various embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a communication system for transparent exchanges between networks, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the communication system and external processor environment for computer software program products supporting exchanges of data between networks, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating a computer software program product for execution in an external processor operably connected to a communication system, for supporting exchanges of data between networks, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating a computer software program product for execution in a processor within a communication system, operably connected to an external processor for supporting exchanges of data between networks, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating a computer software program product for execution in a processor within a communication system, operably connected to an external processor for supporting exchanges of data between networks, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
The Brief Description of the Figures above and the following Detailed Description of the Invention are provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes only, and neither is meant to limit the scope of the present invention as defined by the attached claims in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND BEST MODE

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying illustrative figures, in which various embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure of the present invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limiting the scope of the present invention as defined by the attached claims in any way. Some terminology will be defined herein and used to describe forthcoming embodiments of the present invention, in order to teach the present invention to those skilled in the art. Terms not described explicitly in this disclosure should be construed as they would be by those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the detailed description of the present invention.
As described above, modern networking and telecommunications are characterized by an overabundance of different networks, distinct network formats, numerous protocols, various types of transport media, and different types of data and information. As used herein for purposes of describing the present invention, data comprises analog data, digital data, both, or the like. Further, as used herein information comprises a set of related data having some collective significance or meaning. For instance, image or picture information may be represented as a group of digital data, such as a set of pixels, that define the size and color of an image. Information may be embodied in one or more forms of data, such as in analog data, in digital data, or in both forms of data. For example, audio or music information may be represented as analog data, digital data, or both forms in combination. For purposes of describing the present invention, information and data are functionally equivalent and can be viewed as interchangeable. This is the case not only since data and information are related as noted, but also because the operation of the integrated communication systems of the present invention can exchange and reconcile data and information in whatever form or forms may be required.
FIG. 1 illustrates some of the complexity inherent in the networking and communications environment faced by those skilled in the art. The Figure accordingly shows at least some of the many different types of networks, representing the varied network formats, protocols, and transports/media embodied therein that must be addressed. For instance, WAN network 6, telephony network 11, high-speed telephony network 16, fiber network 21, cable network 26, 1 P network 31, and the Internet network 36 are shown. Note that some of the networks shown could be viewed as composed of one or more other networks. For instance, the telephony network may include both wired and wireless telephony networks. The Figure further shows ISDN basic rate interface network 41, ISDN primary network 46, ADSL network 51, ATM network 56, broadband network 61, MAN network 66, and LAN network 71 therein. Additionally, other networks 76, both existing and yet to be developed must be addressed in the environment. Typically at the edge of each network, some communication system provides an interface between one or more types of networks. In the Figure, edge of network communication systems are shown for each network, numbered respectively from 5 for a WAN network to 75 for the other networks. For example, a router may be used to interface a LAN network to a WAN network. Such router could serve as communication system 5 for interfacing a WAN network 6 to a LAN network such as 71. Similarly, communication system 70 could be a router for interfacing a LAN network 71 to WAN network 6, for example.
In some cases, edge of network communication systems may be used to interface more than two networks. As shown in FIG. 1, the generally “unintegrated” ad hoc approach used for interfacing networks has unfortunately resulted in the creation of a plethora of communication systems for interfacing the numerous networks and respective formats found in today's environment. Further complexity is encountered when it becomes necessary to interconnect several communication systems together in order to interface the required networks. For example, to interconnect telephony network 11 to cable network 26 and IP network 31 it may be necessary to interface communication systems 10, 25, and 30 together in some complex configuration, possibly even requiring additional intervening communication systems. Since existing communication systems are designed to interface a relatively limited set of networks and their associated network formats or data formats, the proliferation of network edge communication systems continues to increase. As discussed earlier and illustrated in FIG. 1, the current environment is fraught with complexity given the large number and types of communication systems being used to interface distinct networks, network formats, and types of data and information that must be addressed.
Accordingly FIG. 1 illustrates that the networking and communications environment needs to consider and effectively manage different types of information and forms of data. More specifically, the very reason for creating networks such as those shown in the Figure is to convey data and information. Thus, communication systems and their associated networks, like the examples shown in the Figure, may need to convey analog data 100, and digital data 105 for example. Additionally, these systems and networks may for example also need to convey audio information 110, image information 115, video information 120, and other information 125. Some examples of other information could be computer commands, network or communication commands, computer executable files, computer parameter files, IP packets, other packet or cell formats, or the like. Of course, as those skilled in the art will realize, there may be additional examples of information or data. Conventional communication systems may encounter problems processing different types of information or different forms of data. One cause of these problems is that existing communication systems do not process or convey different forms of data and information in a common, efficient manner. This disadvantage further complicates network configurations and the resulting network environment because a greater number of communication systems are required to translate and convey diverse types of information and forms of data through networks.
Fortunately, the present invention provides communication systems that attempt to address the complexity found in today's networking and communication environment. The present invention thereby provides some embodiments of communication systems that can perform translations between network formats and can transparently exchange data and information between networks. Other embodiments of communication systems provided by the present invention can be externally controlled and directed to exchange data and information between networks. The example embodiment of the communication system in shown FIG. 2 could accordingly support transparent exchanges, or be externally controlled, or both. FIG. 2 accordingly illustrates one embodiment of a communication system according to the present invention. In this schematic representation, communication system 200 interfaces directly with various networks, for example network 80, network 83, network 87, and other networks as shown in the Figure. Of course, the communication system can interface with significantly more networks than the three examples shown in this Figure. Communication system 200 is integrated since it can directly connect to and interface with a number of networks without requiring intervening network specific communication systems, such as those edge of network communication systems shown in FIG. 1. Accordingly, the present invention can greatly reduce the complexity required to interface with various networks.
Networks 80, 83, and 87 interfaced to communication system 200 in FIG. 2 each could be any of the networks shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, networks 80, 83, and 87 each could be other existing networks, or other yet to be developed networks, such as other networks 76 shown in FIG. 1. Networks 80, 83, and 87 shown in this Figure could be different networks each having their respective network formats, such as their respective protocols and transport media. For example, network 80 could be a telephony network, while network 83 can be the Internet or an IP network, and network 87 could be any other network. Alternatively, at least one of networks 80, 83, and 87 could be a different type of network. Thus, two of the networks 80, 83, and 87 could be IP networks while one of the networks could be a telephony network, for example. Additionally, some or all of networks 80, 83, and 87 could be the same type of network, with identical network formats. For instance, networks 80, 83, and 87 could all be IP networks with matching network model layers. Yet further, there could be differences in one or more network model layers between networks 80, 83, and 87. For example, two of the networks 80, 83, and 87 could be IP networks running on coax cable while the other could be a wireless IP network. In addition, the communication systems of the present invention can interface with data and information in the same format, or with data and information in different formats. For example, analog voice data received into the communication system from one network could be transmitted to another network as the audio portion of digital video information. There are many possible permutations and combinations of types of networks, network formats, and formats of data and information that can be interfaced to the communication systems of the present invention, such as to the embodiment of communication system 200, for instance.
As shown in FIG. 2, network 80 can be connected to communication system 200 through link 81. More specifically, network interface 201 of communication system 200 is used to interface to network 80 through link 81. Similarly, network 83 may be connected to network interface 204 of the communication system through link 84, and network 87 can be connected to network interface 207 of the communication system through link 88 respectively. For the present invention, a link at a minimum could comprise the physical media disposed between a network and a network interface of the communication system. For example, a link could comprise fiber, cable, wire, air, or any other media used to exchange data between a network and a network interface. Alternatively, a link may be defined by the data link layer or by one or more other layers of the network layer model associated with the network attached to a given network interface. Further, each network uses a given network format to communicate through the given link with an associated network interface of the communication system. For example, if network 80 was a telephony network, a telephony format such as all or some part of the SS/7 network layer model, could be used to communicate with the communication system. For instance, if network 83 was either the Internet or an IP network, a TCP/IP format such as all or some part of the TCP/IP network layer model, could be used to communicate with the communication system. As a further example, network 87 could use all or some part of the OSI network layer model as its network format to communicate with the communication system. In any case, each network can exchange information, data, or the like, in a given network format with the communication system through a link connected to a corresponding network interface.
When a communication system according to some embodiments receives data or information from a given network in a given network format through a network interface, it can translate the received data or information from the received network format into a common transparent format. The communication system can use this common transparent format for efficiently transporting data or information under software control as required within the communication system. This common transparent format may be used to efficiently switch or direct the data or information received from one network interface transparently through the communication system to another network interface. A common transparent format therefore allows data or information in any form and in any network format to be processed and conveyed transparently through the communication system, more specifically between network interfaces. Once data or information is transmitted to an outbound network interface in the common transparent format, the communication system can inverse translate data or information from the common transparent format into an outbound network format. Note that the received network format and the outbound network format may be different or may be the same. Once represented in the outbound network format, data or information can thereafter be transmitted through the outbound network interface to the attached network. Therefore, the communication system allows data or information in any form to be processed and conveyed transparently through the communication system to support “end to end” exchanges of data and information between networks. As such, data and information in any form, and in various diverse network formats, can be processed and exchanged between networks in a common, efficient, and integrated manner by the communication systems of the present invention.
A communication system according to some embodiments of the present invention can be externally controlled with respect to exchanging data between networks. Connection information may be received from some network interface or other external interface of the communication system. For example, the connection information could comprise information indicating which network interfaces attached to respective networks are to exchange data and information therebetween. The connection information can be used to establish externally controlled data and information exchanges between networks, through their respective network interfaces. The source of the connection information can use information about the types of networks or formats of data and information attached to the communication system, to intelligently reconcile and control exchanges of data and information between the desired networks. Accordingly data and information in any form, and in various diverse network formats, can be reconciled and exchanged between networks in an intelligent and integrated manner by the communication systems of the present invention.
FIG. 3 helps illustrate the advantages provided by the present invention. As before, the example embodiment of the communication system in shown FIG. 3 could accordingly support transparent exchanges, or be externally controlled, or both. This Figure shows how the communication system 200 embodiment described in FIG. 2 attempts to simplify the complex networking and communications environment described in FIG. 1. It is noted that the numerous intervening edge of network communication systems required in FIG. 1, such as communication systems 5 through 75 of FIG. 1, are no longer required in FIG. 3. Instead, a number of disparate edge of network communication system and other communication systems that may be required are replaced by a single integrated communication system 200. The single communication system includes a number of network interfaces adapted for interfacing with many networks, such as for interfacing with at least the examples of networks shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. In addition, the integrated communication system can directly interface with data in various forms and different types of information as shown. The networking complexity of the environment in FIG. 3 as compared with FIG. 1 is reduced significantly because a single integrated communication system can transparently interface and manage exchanges of different forms of data and different types of information between a number of diverse networks and diverse network formats.
Using FIG. 4, the capability of the computer software program products supporting integrated communication systems of the present invention to support transparent exchanges of diverse data and diverse information while interfacing with different networks and network formats may be further explained. This Figure illustrates some examples of network layer models, also known as network protocol stacks to those skilled in the art. Network layer models were developed to support the transfer of data and information through one or more networks having a network format corresponding to a network layer model. Further, network layer models are used to establish some consistency across implementations of a given type of network. The network layer model mappings between networks are of course approximate, since in practice the boundaries between network layers may not always be clear and precise. Also, there may be different ways to represent some network layers and the functions they perform for a network. FIG. 4 illustrates the OSI network layer model 150, the TCP/IP network layer model 160, and the SS/7 network layer model 170. The OSI model 150 was created as the most general network layer model, which can serve as a reference model for comparison purposes. Accordingly, the OSI model is useful for explaining functions required of networks, and how those functions map to network layers of a particular type of network. The seven layers of the OSI model represent examples of the functions required in a typical network, regardless of how those functions are implemented in the network layer model of a given network.
The OSI model shown in FIG. 4 comprises 7 layers: Physical 151, Data Link 152, Network 153, Transport 154, Session 155, Presentation 156, and Application 157. Each layer may represent one or more functions provided by networks. In the OSI model, the Physical layer 151 is referred to as layer 1, the lowest layer of the model. The Physical layer 151, also called the media layer or network transport layer, provides the mechanical, electrical, and functional facilities for physically transmitting bits between networked devices. In essence, the physical layer transforms bits into electromagnetic signals to be physically transmitted between network devices through a particular transport media, such as through air or space, through a cable, fiber, wire, or the like. The physical layer can define the electromagnetic representation of data as well as the media used to transmit data between network devices. For example, analog data transmitted wireless or digital data transmitted through coax could be distinguished by the characteristics of the physical layer. Layer 2, the Data Link layer 152, also known as the Protocol layer, controls transmissions made through the physical layer, while detecting and correcting transmission errors to ensure error free, end-to-end transmissions between networked devices. Network layer 153, the third network layer, controls the operation of the data link and physical layers while providing higher level services such as routing and congestion control for transmissions. The Transport layer 154, layer 4, creates and maintains the logical end-to-end connection between network devices in a transparent manner so the right data arrives at the destination network device in the right order. Note that the Transport layer is distinguished in function from the Physical layer that describes the physical media or “network transport” as described above. The Session layer 155 shown as layer 5 establishes, manages, and ends connections between software applications running in networked devices. Layer 6, the Presentation layer 156, translates data between the network format and the application format to ensure transparency of data vertically through the protocol stack. Lastly, the seventh Application layer 157 supports application specific end user processes and software programs. For comparison purposes, the correspondence between the functions provided by the seven layers of the OSI reference model and the layers of the TCP/IP and SS/7 models is shown by overlaying OSI reference model layers (1) through (7) onto the layers of the TCP/IP and SS/7 network models.
The TCP/IP network layer model 160 is shown accordingly in FIG. 4. The Subnet or Link layer 161 corresponds approximately to layers 1 and 2 of the OSI reference model, the physical and data link layers respectively. Internet layer 163 corresponds to the network layer, the third layer. In this case, the Internet layer corresponds to the “IP” in TCP/IP, which describes the lower layers of the network as being an IP network. Note that as used herein, an IP network is not limited exclusively to the TCP/IP implementation and may include UDP/IP as well as other implementations of IP networks. Further, for purposes of the present invention an IP network could comprise the Internet or other IP networks. Transport layer 164 maps directly to the OSI transport layer in this example. However, Application layer 167 of the TCP/IP stack corresponds roughly to OSI layers 5, 6, and 7, or to the session, presentation, and application layers respectively.
The SS/7 network layer model 170 also shown in FIG. 4 maps differently to the OSI reference model. Here, several layers do not provide functions that map directly to discrete layers of the OSI model or TCP/IP model. Some layers, such as SCCP 173, may be described as functionally spanning layers 172 and 174 approximately, for example. The SCCP layer appears to have some functions of the OSI network layer and the OSI transport layer. Further, the TCAP, ISUP, and TUP layers 174 operate similarly to OSI layers 6 and 5, as well as similar to parts of OSI layers 7 and 4. As such, TCAP, ISUP, and TUP function to some extent like at least parts of the OSI application, presentation, session, and transport layers. It is worth noting that regardless of how the layers are organized for a given network layer model, each network model and in essence each network, must provide at least some of the seven network layer functions defined in the OSI reference model. The network format of a particular network is defined by the particular implementation of these network functions across the set of network layers used in a particular network. Interfacing different networks may require translations and inverse translations between network formats using computer software program product embodiments provided by the present invention such that the associated network functions can be provided. In any respect, some integrated communication systems can interface intelligently with networks by using computer software program product embodiments that provide the necessary translations required for transparently exchanging data and information between networks.
FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a communication system according to the present invention. More particularly, the Figure shows a communication system 220 for exchanging data and information between networks. As discussed, this embodiment of the communication system can be viewed as an integrated system supporting transparent exchanges of data and information between networks. The communication system comprises a first network interface 223, a second network interface 226, a shared non-switched system bus 227, and a processor 228. Each network interface, such as 223 and 226, includes a physical interface mechanism 230 a for connecting with an attached network; such as through links 222 and 225 connecting to networks 221 and 224 respectively. Optionally, each network interface may include specialized interface hardware 230 as may be required to interface with a given attached network. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the communication system may comprise more than two network interfaces, as well as other types of external interfaces. The first network interface 223 is connected to a first network 221 through link 222 as shown, and exchanges data in a first network format with the first network. Similarly, the second network interface 226 is connected to a second network 224 through link 225 as shown, and exchanges data in a second network format with the second network. A link, such as 222 or 225, may at a minimum define or include the physical layer, such as the media or network transport, disposed between an interface of the communication system and an attached network or networked device. Optionally, a link may include or define both the physical layer and the data link layer of an attached network. Alternatively, a link may include or define some number of network model layers or equivalents thereof for a given network attached to an interface of the communication system. The shared non-switched system bus 227 operably connects the first network interface 223 and the second network interface 226. In addition, the processor 228 is operably connected to at least one of the first network interface 223, the second network interface 226, and the shared non-switched system bus 227.
Processor 228 executes a suitable software program therein, such as those provided by computer software program product embodiments of the present invention, suitable for translating between at least one network format, such as between at least one of the first network format and the second network format, and a third format. The processor executing a suitable software program, in conjunction with other facilities of the communication system such as network interfaces and the third format, helps to provide intelligent and transparent exchanges between networks while reconciling different forms of data, different types of information, and different network formats. Data or information may be received into one network interface, such as into one of the first network interface 223 and the second network interface 226. The received data or information can be translated from the network format as received from the one network into a third format. The third format can be used to support software switched transmission of the data or information received from the one network interface to the other network interface. Software switched transmission of data may occur directly from one network interface to the other network interface in some embodiments. For some such embodiments, direct transfers between network interfaces means that there are no intervening hardware switching or routing devices between network interfaces. The other network interface could be any other network interface for which the received data or information was destined, such as the other of the first network interface 223 and the second network interface 226, for example.
Networks, such as the first network, second network, or any network shown herein attached to any communication system of the present invention, could each be any known network, such as one of the examples shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 11, or other Figures. In addition, the first network and second network could be other networks not mentioned explicitly in FIG. 1, including yet to be developed networks. Any network can readily be accommodated and interfaced to the communication system by using a suitably designed network interface. Often, a variety of standardized parts and components are developed by the industry to consistently interface with particular networks. These parts and components can be used to implement a suitable network interface for the communication system. By using standard components to develop network interfaces, the open architecture aspects of the communication system are enhanced. There are no known limitations that would prevent the communication system from interfacing to a particular network through a network interface. In addition, there are no known limitations that could prevent the communication system from having other external interfaces for interfacing with remote devices. As noted, the first network and the second network may be the same type of network, such as two similar telephony networks or two similar IP networks. Of course, the first and second networks could be different in some respect; such as different in at least one network model layer, so the communication system could intelligently translate and transparently interconnect the somewhat different networks. For example, the communication system can provide an interface between different networks, such as between an IP network and a telephony network, or between two IP networks operating with different data link layers, or different physical layers, or both. For example, the communication system can interface an IP network and a telephony network despite their different network formats, such as shown in FIG. 4. Additionally, through the communication system an IP network implemented via Token Ring running on cabled media can be interfaced to an IP network implemented via Ethernet running wireless, for example.
Accordingly, through its network interfaces the communication system can support any network format associated with a particular network. For instance, the communication system can interface with a first network format associated with a first network and can interface with a second network format associated with a second network. As described, a given network format as used herein includes one or more of the network model layers associated with a particular network. In one embodiment, the first network format may comprise at least one of a network protocol and a network transport or media associated with the first network, and the second network format may comprise at least one of a network protocol and a network transport or media associated with the second network. As such, the communication system can interface networks having some difference in network protocol layers, network transport or media layers, or in one or more other layers. Accordingly, different networks or different network formats would have differences in at least one network model layer of interest. Similar networks or network formats would not have any differences, at least in the network model layer or layers of interest being compared. For example, differences in network model layers of two or more networks could be significant if network layers of interest that a processor accessed and compared had differences. Sometimes, differences in network layer models may not be important or significant. For example, a preset number of network layers from different networks may be encapsulated as payload and transmitted between different networks without requiring any comparisons or translations. For instance, layers 2 through 7 of TCP/IP networks operating on different physical layers or media, such as on fiber and wireless, could be encapsulated and transmitted as payload across TCP/IP networks having different physical layers or media. As another example, a network interface of the communication system could decode an incoming packet from an IP network; such as by removing the physical layer, the data link layer, or both. The remainder of the IP packet could be transmitted as payload in the third format to some other network interface. To summarize, all network layers of a network layer model define the type of network, while one or more network layers of interest to the communication system define the network format of the network. Optionally, the network format comprises at least the physical layer of the network or the data link layer of the network, or both the physical and data link layers of a network. All types of physical media/transports, data links/protocols, and other layers of diverse network layer models can be supported transparently by a communication system that includes suitable network interfaces and network format translation facilities.
Next, we describe some hardware parts and components that may be used to implement the subsystems comprising various communication systems according to the present invention, such as those found in communication systems 200 in FIG. 2, 220 in FIG. 5, 240 in FIG. 11, other disclosed embodiments, or the like. For example, network interfaces and processors used in a communication system are constituent subsystems thereof. As a whole, the communication system may be viewed as integrated with respect to the number of network devices or communication systems it replaces. In addition, the communication system may be viewed as integrated since it transparently interconnects different networks. However, it is worth noting that the hardware parts and components used to implement the communication system may be embodied in logic devices and components having various different levels of integrated circuit (IC) integration. The parts and components used in a system or subsystem could be separate, discrete logic components, demonstrating a relatively low level of IC integration. In this case for example, one or more ICs may comprise a single subsystem of the communication system. For example, a network interface may comprise several integrated circuits and components, such as resistors, capacitors, and one or more network interface ICs. A communication system or its subsystems may be implemented with a higher level of IC integration, wherein one or more subsystems of the system may be combined in a single IC. For example, the processor and network interface logic could be combined into one relatively integrated IC. Still further, the communication system or its subsystems can be implemented with relatively high levels of IC integration. The entire communication system, or a significant portion of its subsystems, could be combined into a single IC given today's amazingly high levels of IC integration. In any case, the functions of the communication system and its constituent subsystems can be implemented using hardware parts and components embodying various different levels of IC integration.
Accordingly, we further describe the processing resources of the communication system, such as processor 228 as shown in FIG. 5. Processor 228 is required to translate or convert incoming data from the incoming network format to the third format, and optionally to inverse translate or convert data from the third format to the outgoing network format. In addition, a processor or programmable controller is also required to perform software switched transmission of incoming data directly from one network interface to another network interface. Further, a processor or programmable controller is needed to establish software switched logical connections between network interfaces. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the processor or other programmable controller can be provided with a suitable software program to execute, thereby enabling the processor to accomplish any required functions for the communication system. Further, each processor or programmable controller may have the necessary memory, disk, non-volatile storage, I/O, networking and communications peripherals, and other support necessary for it to accomplish the required functions. Additionally, a processor such as 228 may execute one or more computer software program product embodiments provided by the present invention such that it can help support the operation of an integrated communication system. Processor 228 can be any commercially available processor, microprocessor, embedded controller, digital signal processor (DSP), some other programmable controller, or a hybrid processor containing DSP capability and more general purpose microprocessor or embedded controller capability.
A single processor, such as processor 228, may be sufficient to execute a computer software program product embodiment for performing all the required format translations and software switched exchanges of data for the communication system. The communication system can operate with a single processor assuming it is provided with a suitable software program or programs, sufficiently rapid processing cycles, memory, peripherals, and the like, to support the functions to be provided. In some embodiments, more than one processor may be provided to support format translations and software switched transmissions. For example, a general purpose microprocessor or embedded controller may be programmed and assigned to perform software switched transmissions of data, while a DSP or DSP equipped hybrid processor can be programmed and assigned to perform format translations. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, if multiple processors are used, they may be statically or dynamically assigned to perform various functions required in the communication system. In FIG. 5, a second processor 229, shown as a dotted line box, could be an additional processor optionally providing multiprocessing capability as discussed. Processor 229 is defined the same as processor 228 above. While not shown for purposes of improving readability of the Figure, the second processor 229 could also be connected to at least one of the first network interface, the second network interface, and the shared non-switched system bus, similarly to the connections shown for processor 228. In addition, processor 229 and processor 228 could be operably connected to each other as required. Although not absolutely required, it may simplify the design and improve overall communication system performance to dedicate processors to the separate and distinct functions to be performed, either statically or dynamically.
Further, processor 228 may be operably connected to at least one of the first network interface 223, the second network interface 226, and the shared non-switched system bus 227. These options for interconnecting the processor 228 to the aforementioned are shown by the dotted connection lines in FIG. 5. Optionally, and as will be described, in some configurations the processor may be contained within a network interface and operably connected to that network interface or to one or more network interfaces. Further, the processor could be connected either directly or indirectly to at least one network interface. For instance, the processor could be connected to at least one network interface indirectly through the shared non-switched system bus, in order to perform the required format translations. The shared non-switched system bus 227 operably connects the first network interface 223 and the second network interface 226. Translations of incoming data received by one network interface, from an incoming network format to the third format, may be required in some embodiments for software switched transmission from one network interface through the communication system to another network interface. Translations from the third format to an outgoing network format may be required in some embodiments for transmission of data from the communication system to an outgoing network, through an outgoing network interface. The processor can also be connected to the shared non-switched system bus, the first network interface, or the second network interface as may be required to perform software switched transmission of data through the communication system between network interfaces. As used herein, a connection and an operable connection may include but are not limited to one or more of a direct electrical connection, a connection through some bus transceivers, a connection through some controlled bus interface logic, or the like, as may be required to properly interconnect hardware in the communication system or to interconnect the communication system to the external world.
Network interfaces, such as example network interfaces 201, 204, and 207 shown in FIG. 2 and network interfaces 223 and 226 shown in various Figures such as FIGS. 5, 6, 10, and 11 will be described further. The description of network interfaces applies equally to other external interfaces of the communication system unless differences are described. It should be noted that network interfaces can be connected together in some way to permit data to be exchanged therebetween. There are many ways to interconnect network interfaces. In some embodiments, network interfaces can be connected through a shared non-switched system bus. Thus, a network interface can have some bus interface capability, either stand-alone or through some optional external bus interface logic or support module. As such, the network interface can exchange data with the shared non-switched system bus and with other network interfaces. Further, for some embodiments a network interface is capable of exchanging data bi-directionally in an interleaved manner with another network interface to improve the performance of the communication system. From a hardware and software perspective, each network interface may comprise a single port customized for interfacing with a given network in a given network format. At a minimum, a network interface should support interfacing with at least part of the physical layer of a network layer model, such as part of layer 1 of the OSI network layer model. The network interface may also include support for additional network models layers, such as the data link or protocol layer. Further, the network interface may optionally support network layer 3 type functions or other higher level networking layer functions.
At least part of the networking support function required in a network interface may be provided by some specialized interface hardware for interfacing with an attached network. A network interface requires at a minimum some specialized interface hardware, such as a physical interface mechanism, for physically connecting to the attached network. Some specialized interface hardware in addition to the physical interface mechanism for supporting the attached network is optional and may be needed depending on the type of attached network. For example, a network interface might only comprise a physical interface mechanism, such as an RJ-45 connector for physically attaching to the network. No other specialized interface hardware may be required. A processor could accordingly connect directly to the network through the physical interface mechanism of the network interface and interact with the network without requiring additional intervening specialized interface hardware. In some cases, interfacing to an attached network may require a network interface having some additional specialized interface hardware or hardware components in addition to the physical interface mechanism. All or part of a network interface, including the specialized interface hardware, physical interface mechanism, and optional hardware components, may be operably connected to other network interfaces, one or more processors, or the shared non-switched system bus as may be required. The specialized interface hardware 230, as shown in FIG. 5 for example, is connected to a network such as 221 though a physical interface mechanism such as 230 a which is connected to a link such as 222. The specialized interface hardware should support at least part of the physical layer as needed, such that data can be exchanged properly with the attached network. Specialized interface hardware 230 should include some physical interface mechanism 230 a for interconnecting a network interface to a link, such as an RS-232 D-shell connector, a fiber optic connector, RJ45 connector, Token Ring connector, coax connector, or the like. A physical interface mechanism could comprise an antenna, other mechanism for exchanging data with a wireless link, or the like. Further, the specialized interface hardware 230 might include some additional physical layer support functions. For example, the specialized interface hardware of a network interface connected to a telephony network could comprise hardware components to interface with the Tip and Ring wires of a POTS interface, such as resistors, capacitors, optoisolators, or the like. For instance, at least part of the specialized interface hardware could include a fiber optic transceiver used to interface the communication system to a fiber-based network. The specialized interface hardware could include a wireless transmitter, receiver, transceiver, or the like. Other components could be included in, or operably connected to, the network interface, the specialized interface hardware, or both.
As noted, the network interface may further contain support for data link or higher layer networking functions. Data link or protocol layer functions could be performed by a device such as state machine logic, an ASIC, integrated controller, some programmable interface controller or other programmable hardware device. For example, a network interface could contain a processor such as 228 executing therein a suitable computer software program embodiment according to the present invention. The device or devices supporting data link layer functions could be within or connected to the network interface, and may be connected to the specialized interface hardware as needed. Support for data link layer functions could optionally be provided by the specialized interface hardware itself, such as by incorporating an Ethernet protocol module in the specialized interface hardware, for example. Higher level networking functions beyond data link layer support functions could be also provided by the specialized interface hardware, such as by including a more sophisticated Ethernet controller therein, for example. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many permutations and combinations possible for implementing the functions required of a network interface, since the above discussion is intended to be illustrative and not all inclusive. Further, skilled artisans will understand that many commercially available devices can function as network interfaces, specialized interface hardware, physical interface mechanisms, and the like, to support interfacing with many networks and formats.
A network interface or other external interface of the communication system can be memory mapped and assigned a range of unique memory addresses associated with the interface. In some implementations, the specialized interface hardware or devices supporting the data link layer and higher layer networking functions may be memory mapped. Memory mapping interfaces can help support data exchanges performed through the communication system. Software switched transmission of data, other programmed transfers of data or parameters, and establishing software switched logical connections between network interfaces are among the communication system functions that can be supported by memory mapped network and external interfaces. Memory mapping interfaces may also allow software customization and control of network transmission/receive parameters, network interface controls or the like, for the network or external interface. Memory mapped access to network interfaces or other external interfaces also supports autonomous and efficient transfers of data between interfaces. Data transfers and exchanges setup by a processor between interfaces of a communication system can occur independently of further processor or user intervention.
Many relative configurations are possible that include the processor 228 and at least one network interface, for example like first network interface 223 or second network interface 226 as shown in FIG. 5. For example, processor 228 or some programmable interface controller could be external to but operably connected to a network interface. Alternatively, a processor or the like could be contained within a network interface. Various other configurations are possible given the descriptions of the processor and network interfaces provided herein. Similarly, different computer software program product embodiments of the present invention can be executed in a single processor or can be distributed among different processors for execution. As noted, a network interface could at a minimum provide at least some physical layer support, although data link and higher level functions may be provided. Given the variable level of function that may be provided by a network interface, the functions that a processor can provide, and the particular implementation selected, a very high number of configurations are possible. FIG. 5 illustrates a first possible configuration in which a processor, such as processor 228 or processor 229, is separate from but may be operably connected to one or more network interfaces. Although not shown explicitly, first network interface 223 or second network interface 226 as shown in FIG. 5 and other Figures may also include optional bus interface logic 231 as shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) for interfacing with the shared non-switched system bus. FIG. 6(a) shows a second possible configuration of a network interface, such as in first network interface 223 shown as an example. In this configuration, processor 228 is integrated inside first network interface 223, and is connected to specialized interface hardware 230. Here in this configuration, the processor may also be connected directly to the shared non-switched system bus 227, or indirectly through optional bus interface logic 231.
A third possible configuration somewhat similar to the second example configuration is shown in FIG. 6(b). A network interface, such as first network interface 223 for example, may contain an integrated interface controller 232 integrated inside, instead of processor 228 as before. The integrated interface controller may contain state machines, suitably programmed RISC processors, controllers, or the like, specially adapted to interface with various network layer models of one or more networks. The integrated interface controller could execute one or more computer software program product embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the integrated interface controller 232 may also include an integrated bus interface capability, such as provided by optional bus interface logic 231. Among the examples of these integrated interface controller devices are the Motorola QUICC family, LSI logic ATM processors, AMCC devices, or similar devices from a number of vendors designed to interface with a variety of different networks and network layer models. Further, the integrated interface controller 232 shown in this FIG. 6(b) may be operably connected to the specialized interface hardware 230, to the physical interface mechanism 230 a, directly to the shared non-switched system bus 227, or indirectly to 227 through optional bus interface logic 231, similarly to the operable connections of processor 228 shown in FIG. 6(a). For this third possible configuration, processor 228 can be external to, but operably connected to, the first network interface 223 as per the first example configuration shown in FIG. 5.
However, a fourth alternate configuration may be created by making some relatively minor modifications to FIG. 6(b), such as by integrating processor 228 within first network interface 223 as shown in FIG. 6(b). This fourth configuration is also illustrated in the Figure by using dotted lines to show processor 228 and its operable connections. Several possible operable connections are shown between processor 228, integrated interface controller 232, specialized interface hardware 230, the shared non-switched system bus 227, and optional bus interface logic 231. These operable connections are described similarly to those shown in FIG. 6(a). Optionally, the processor could also be operably connected to specialized interface hardware 230 as in FIG. 6(a). Persons skilled in the art will understand that other configurations are possible within the scope of the present invention. Also, the components or parts used for implementing each network interface and network interface configuration are preferably commercially available and previously developed for interfacing with the required layers of the networks to be interfaced. Packaging and IC integration level options provide an even richer set of possible configurations for implementing network interfaces. In any configuration, the network interface could be implemented and packaged in various ways. For example, a network interface could be implemented as part of a single printed circuit board incorporating an entire communication system. In another case, a network interface could be packaged within a separate printed circuit board or adapter for insertion into the communication system. Accordingly, the network interfaces of a communication system could be configured and reconfigured as required. As those of skill in the art will appreciate, there are numerous other examples of possible network interface configurations. The discussion above regarding network interfaces applies also to other external interfaces of the communication system.
Next, the shared non-switched system bus 227 as shown in FIGS. 5, 6(a), and 6(b), the shared non-switched system bus 257 shown in FIG. 10, or the like, will be described. Alternatively, the shared non-switched system bus could be provided as a separate hardware path used to interconnect the required network interfaces, external interfaces, processors, and other hardware devices. The shared non-switched system bus could alternatively be some other electrical, optical, or wireless connection between interfaces of the communication system. Optionally, the shared non-switched system bus could be implemented outside the communication system through some cable or other interconnection mechanism between network interfaces and the like. Although the shared non-switched system bus could be a serial bus, for performance and cost reasons the shared non-switched system bus may be implemented as a parallel bus in some embodiments of the present invention. The shared non-switched system bus can be any common party-line bus suitable for connecting network interfaces, processors, subsystems, and other hardware devices as previously described together. Accordingly, the shared non-switched system bus connects portions of the communication system together without any type of intervening hardware switching device, such as a hardware switch, bridge, router, multiplexer, gateway, or the like. The communication system of the present invention can perform software controlled and software switched transmission of data, and does not require hardware switching devices for its shared non-switched system bus. Further, the communication system may use software commands to establish a software switched logical connection between network interfaces for transferring data between connected network interfaces, preferably but not necessarily through the shared non-switched system bus. To support the open architecture of the communication system, the shared non-switched system bus may be any non-switched industry standard bus. For example, the shared non-switched bus could be implemented as a PCI bus, Compact PCI bus, ISA bus, VME bus, VME64 bus, or the like. In some embodiments, the shared non-switched system bus could be an industry standard non-switched PCI or Compact PCI bus. Those skilled in the art are referred to industry standard PCI and Compact PCI specifications available from the PICMG (PCI Industrial Computers Manufacturing Group), such as PICMG 1.0, PICMG 2.0, and several others for specific electrical signal, pin outs, bus cycle, and timing details of these well known PCI busses.
The communication system may include the capability to transfer data bi-directionally, such as by providing full duplex data transfers between network interfaces, through the shared non-switched system bus or through some other connection between interfaces as described. In some embodiments as noted, the communication system can use the PCI bus to connect network interfaces and permit data exchanges therebetween. However, for industry standard PCI busses, transfers are inherently unidirectional, such as from Master to Slave or from Source to Target. However, some PCI bus interface chip vendors, such as AMCC for example, have sold commercially available PCI bus interface modules that can be programmed to permit interleaved bi-directional data transfers through the PCI bus. Instead, an ASIC could be custom designed, or an FPGA could be customized, to provide PCI bus interface modules which are also capable of interleaved bi-directional data transfers. For example, by using PCI bus interface modules such as these, Master to Source and Source to Master PCI bus transfers can be established across a standard PCI or Compact PCI bus for exchanging data bi-directionally between network interfaces. Alternatively, the shared non-switched system bus could also be any of a number of other suitable busses whether or not mentioned explicitly herein capable of supporting data transfers between interfaces and having relatively high bandwidth for data traffic of the communication system. In addition, the shared non-switched system bus could be integrated within the communication system, such as being an internal system bus.
Next, details associated with the third format used in some embodiments for transparent software switched transmission of data between network interfaces through the communication system will be discussed. The third format may be a format suitable for software switched transmission of the data received by a communication system from a first network interface to at least one other outbound network interface of the communication system. Data in the third format may be exchanged transparently between network interfaces through the shared non-switched system bus or the like as described. Data or information received into one of the network interfaces, such as into one of the first network interface and the second network interface, can be translated from the network format as it was received from the one network into a third format. For example, data received into first network interface 223 or second network interface 226 in FIG. 5 can be translated from the respective incoming network format into the third format. Translations of data received into a receiving network interface can be performed by the processor, the receiving network interface, or both, depending on the particular implementation. Regardless of where performed, a processor may execute one or more computer software program product embodiments of the present invention to translate the data. The third format may be used as a common format suitable for transparent software switched transmission directly within the communication system from the one network interface to the other network interface. Optionally, the third format may also be used as a common format for data transfers between network interfaces through a software switched logical connection established between network interfaces. Accordingly, the third format can serve as a common format used to exchange data transparently through the communication system between network interfaces. The third format may be common no matter what types of networks are being interfaced by the communication system. Further, the third format could be the same, regardless of network formats and the types of data/information involved. As such, the third format can be used to transparently support exchanges of data between network interfaces. Optionally, data in the suitable third format transmitted to a network interface can be inversely translated from the suitable transparent third format used for transmission between interfaces within the communication system into the other network format, for outbound transmission through the network interface to the other network. Note that the translation and inverse translation processes may or may not be symmetrical, depending on the networks involved. The processes are symmetrical only if the incoming network format and outgoing network format of data exchanged between network interfaces are the same. Otherwise, the inverse translation process will embody data in an outgoing network format different from the incoming network format. It is the asymmetrical nature of translations to and from the third format that enables the communication system to transparently reconcile different networks, different network formats, and different types of data and information.
Other aspects of translation, inverse translations, and how they are performed will be further explained. As noted, translation between a network format and the third format may require a network interface, a processor, or both, depending on the implementation and particular network involved. The same is true for inverse translation between the third format and a network format. For example, processor 228, first network interface 223 or second network interface 226, or some combination thereof as shown in FIG. 5 may be required. Further as noted, at least one processor may execute therein a computer software program product embodiment of the present invention for translating data, inversely translating data, or both. In one embodiment, the processor may be operably connected to both network interfaces, such as to both the first and second network interfaces, so that the processor can perform all required data translations. In this embodiment, the processor can translate data between the one network format as it was received and the third format, and the processor can also inverse translate data between the third format and the other network format for transmission to the other network. In ann embodiment, the network interface receiving data can contain a processor therein so that the receiving network interface can translate data from the network format as received into the third format. Translating received data from an incoming network format to the third format requires both decoding and encapsulation processing. According to other embodiments that comprise multiple processors, one or more processors may be assigned either statically or dynamically to perform data translations or inverse translations. As described, the communication systems of the present invention include network interfaces for exchanging data and interfacing with given networks. These network interfaces can interface as required with a particular network format, including some or all of the network layers associated with a given network.
The design of the communication system, including the network interfaces and any required processing resources, can accommodate interfacing with various networks and network formats as noted in this disclosure. The programmable nature of the communication system is leveraged to flexibly interface with a number of networks, translate data from an incoming network format to a common transparent format, and inversely translate data in a common transparent format to an outgoing network format. Supporting computer software program product embodiments executing in one or more processors support the various functions of the communication systems. Software programs and data structures may be loaded into some processing resource supporting a network interface, such as a processor, integrated interface controller, other programmable device, or the like as described. As such, support for incoming network formats, outgoing network formats, and the common transparent format can be readily provided through network interfaces by a processing resource. Further, the processing resource can also perform the necessary translations between network formats and the common transparent format. In some cases, software can be used to customize the data link layer, one or more higher network layers, or both, associated with a network format supported at a network interface. This customization can occur at discrete times on demand or dynamically to modify the function of a network interface, such as by modifying the software executed by a processing resource or the parameters processed by a processing resource. As such, network interfaces can be customized to support various networks and network formats. Several different networks and different network formats can be supported through a network interface, even when attached to a given, fixed, physical interface layer. For example, assume a network interface of the communication system is attached to a normal POTS telephone line. By customizing the software or parameters of a processing resource supporting a network interface, various network formats such as analog voice, V.90 modem, DSL, or others can be supported through a normal POTS telephone line. Further, various protocol stacks can be supported by customizing the software or parameters used by a processing resources supporting a network interface. For example, commercially available protocol stacks can be used to allow a processing resource to support that protocol at a given network interface. Computer software program product embodiments of the present invention can be used with processors to support a number of communication system functions as described.
Through a corresponding network interface, the communication systems of the present invention can decode or extract data received in a given network format from a given network. For some embodiments, decoding is part of the translation process applied to incoming received data. The decoding function can be applied to one or more of the network layers inherent in the incoming network format. In some cases, the decoding of incoming data may comprise simply extracting data from a given incoming network format. For example, decoding could comprise extracting analog voice data from the physical layer of an incoming call on a standard POTS telephone line. For some embodiments, data received in a network format may be decoded or extracted from its incoming physical layer and data link layer, so that decoded data can be represented by the contents of network layers 3 through 7 inclusive. For example, decoding or extracting incoming data from an Ethernet link running on copper wire could imply decoding physical layer 1 and data link layer 2. Thus, decoded data could comprise the Internet layer through the application layers of the TCP/IP network layer model shown in FIG. 4, for instance. Additionally, all network layers above the physical layer, such as layers 2 through 7 inclusive, could represent decoded data from an incoming network. For example, the protocol through application layers from a UDP/IP network could be extracted from the physical layer of an incoming fiber optic link. Depending on the network format and the number and type of network layers to decode, the decoding may be performed by the network interface alone, processor alone, or by both. For example, a network interface alone may be able to decode layers 1 and 2 of an Ethernet format. A processor, such as a DSP or the like, could be required to time sample a telephony network format, either alone or in conjunction with some network interface hardware. Once the desired number of layers of incoming data in a first network format are decoded, the communication system can further translate incoming data into a common, transparent format. Some processing resources and supporting programming or “intelligence” is required to complete the translation of the decoded received data into the third format.
The third format is a transparent and common format that may be used to efficiently direct software switched data between network interfaces through the communication system. Accordingly, the third format can be an encapsulated format, such as an encapsulated hardware or software format, suitable for directing the data between interfaces, such as between network interfaces, external interfaces, or both. Optionally, the third format may include addressing information to identify only the destination or outgoing network interface. Alternatively, the third format may include addressing information to uniquely identify each network interface involved in exchanging data, whether uni-directionally or bi-directionally. As such, computer software program product embodiments executed by a processor of the communication system can determine the source network interface and destination network interface, and establish a software switched exchange of data between network interfaces using the third format. Exchanges of data in the suitable third format can occur between network interfaces whether or not a software switched logical connection is established between network interfaces. An encapsulated format is well suited to serve as the third format. An encapsulated format, such as a hardware encapsulated format, can transparently carry decoded data between network interfaces, regardless of the incoming network format, outgoing network format, or type of data or information being exchanged. As such, decoded data could be encapsulated or packaged in a transparent third format to transport it through the communication system in a common manner. In one embodiment, data received into one network interface can be transmitted in the third format to another network interface through the shared non-switched system bus. For an embodiment, the third format may comprise an IP packet formatted from data received and decoded from any incoming network format, whether or not the incoming network format has an IP network format. For instance, voice data from an incoming POTS telephone network call could be decoded, digitized, and formatted as data in an IP packet representation format. For a related embodiment, the IP packet may be encapsulated in a hardware encapsulated format suitable for transmission through a shared non-switched system bus, such as a PCI bus, for example. As a further illustration, the POTS voice data payload in an IP packet format could be transmitted across the PCI bus in a hardware encapsulated format to another network interface.
FIG. 7 shows an example useful for explaining the decoding and encapsulation subprocesses used to translate between network formats and the third format. Similarly to decoding, the encapsulation subprocess may be a part of the translations performed on incoming data received in some computer software program product embodiments. As noted, a processor executing a computer software program product embodiment of the present invention may be used to support translation, inverse translation, both, or other functions. Incoming data must first be decoded from the incoming network format, and thereafter encapsulated into the third format to complete the translation process. In FIG. 7(a), an example of decoding incoming data is shown. Data 301 could be any form of data being received by a network interface in any incoming network format. For this example, the data 301 is shown in the OSI network model format. Data is decoded as shown by 305, which represents decoding as described. In this case, layers 3 through 7 are removed by decoding, and the decoded data 302 is represented as extracted from physical layer L1 and data link layer L2. L1 and L2 are collectively denoted as 303, and are removed by the network interface, processor, or both as explained above. FIG. 7(b) shows an example of encapsulating decoded data, in a continuation of the processing. Optionally, decoded data can be further processed or translated prior to encapsulation, such as to represent decoded data in a format used for transparent exchanges of data between network interfaces. For example, decoded data could be formatted into an IP packet format prior to being encapsulated in some encapsulated format used for transmission between network interfaces. The encapsulated format could be a hardware encapsulated format for transmitting the IP packet between network interfaces, such as through a PCI bus or some other hardware path between network interfaces. Decoded data 302 is encapsulated as shown by 310. The encapsulation packages decoded data 302 as payload in between encapsulation layer E1, denoted as 309, and encapsulation layer E2, denoted as 311. Encapsulation requires embedding payload data 302 into envelope 312; such as by adding the payload to the envelope in between the encapsulation layers, adding the encapsulation layers E1 and E2 to the payload, or both. Accordingly, data translated into the third format has been both decoded and encapsulated. Thus, data translated into the third format is represented as shown in envelope 312. The envelope 312 formed by E1 and E2 containing payload such as decoded data 302 is designed to efficiently transfer decoded data between network interfaces through the communication system. Note that envelope 312 is a common, transparent format, such as the third format or the different format, useful and suitable for transferring data between network interfaces independent of the origin or destination of the data. Also, envelope 312 can be used to transfer data transparently between network interfaces regardless of what incoming network format and outgoing network format are used.
Since the payload can be extracted or decoded from incoming data in any network format and can be encapsulated within E1 and E2, the envelope representing the third format may represent a common transparent format used for transferring the payload within the communication system, such as between any two or more network interfaces. For example, envelope 312 may be used transfer decoded data payload created from data received in an incoming network format between the incoming network interface and another network interface. The envelope can be created from data received in any network format, such as the TCP/IP network layer model, the SS/7 or another telephony network layer model, or any other network layer model. Further, decoded data 302 could comprise payloads other than layers 3 through 7 of the OSI model shown as an example in the Figures. For example, decoded data 302 could represent an IP packet, some other packet, a cell, another industry standard format, a proprietary format, some data structure, or the like. In other words, decoded data could be represented in various formats, including an IP packet format. For instance, decoded data 302 could also represent part of one network layer, one network layer, or more than one layer of a given network layer model. Decoded data 302 could represent data or information extracted from any incoming network and any incoming network layer model and thereafter formatted into a particular decoded data format prior to encapsulation. For some embodiments, decoded data could comprise data received from any network in any network format arranged or packaged into an IP packet format. In other words, incoming data received in any incoming network format could be decoded or extracted and thereafter formatted as decoded data payload contained in an IP packet format for transmission between network interfaces. The IP packet could be encapsulated into an envelope, such as 312 for example, for transmitting the decoded data payload transparently between network interfaces. In one embodiment, data received from a POTS telephony network could be decoded or extracted, and formatted as payload into an IP packet format representing decoded data 302. The IP packet format could be encapsulated, such as in a hardware encapsulated format, for transmission between network interfaces. Further, the encapsulated format could be a hardware encapsulated format used to transmit decoded data in an IP packet format transparently between network interfaces through a PCI type bus. Data received in other incoming network formats, such as WAN, fiber, or many others, could also be represented as decoded data in an IP packet format for transmission between network interfaces. Alternatively, formats other than an IP packet could be used as the decoded data format being encapsulated to support transparent data exchanges between network interfaces. Further, any incoming data format may be supported by a compatible network interface, a processor, and a corresponding decoding process. The encapsulation process is typically similar regardless of the particular incoming network format encountered, since the encapsulation integrates a decoded data format into an appropriate encapsulated format used for transmission between network interfaces. Note that a processor executing a suitable computer software program product embodiment can encapsulate, decapsulate, or both for the communication system.
The envelope 312 may be used to transfer decoded data 302 between network interfaces 223 and 226. The envelope may be transferred between network interfaces through the shared non-switched system bus 227 in some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6(a) and 6(b) or otherwise as described above. Thus, in some embodiments E1 and E2 may represent hardware encapsulation information. Accordingly, E1 and E2 may include addressing, transfer control, or other information needed to transfer the envelope, including its decoded data payload, through the shared non-switched system bus between network interfaces for some embodiments. Alternatively, E1 and E2 could include similar addressing, transfer control, or other information, such as software encapsulation information, needed to transfer the envelope between interfaces using a software encapsulated format. Envelope 312 may reside in memory mapped registers or memory locations before and after being transferred between network interfaces. In another related embodiment, the shared non-switched system bus may be a PCI bus, and the incoming network may be the Internet or an IP network. In this case, the third format may comprise an encapsulated PCI bus format for transmission of data between network interfaces. More specifically, the third format may also comprise an IP packet encapsulated in a PCI bus format for exchanging data between network interfaces across the PCI bus. The payload or decoded data may be represented as an encapsulated IP or Internet Protocol packet transferred over a PCI bus. As noted, the IP packet payload could comprise one or more layers of the IP network layer model, such as one or more of IP layers 2 through 7. The encapsulated PCI bus format may be further translated, actually inverse translated, into an outbound network format for transmission to another network. Again, computer software program products may support the translation and inverse translation processes for communication systems.
An example of this embodiment, having an IP encapsulated in a PCI bus format for transmission between network interfaces, is illustrated in FIG. 8, including Figures (8 a) and 8(b). In this case, network 221 can be the Internet or another IP network, while the shared non-switched system bus 227 may be a PCI type bus as per FIG. 8(b). Data received by the first network interface 223 from network 221 may be decoded by the network interface alone, assuming for example that the network interface can decode layers 1 and 2 of the TCP/IP stack or can extract data from a TCP/IP stack for this example. Processor 228 could then encapsulate the decoded data, including at a minimum data or at least one network layer, into a hardware encapsulated third format, such as shown in FIG. 8(a). As before, we note that the decoded data, such as an IP packet or the like for example, could comprise one or more of layers 2 through 7, depending on the given implementation. Alternatively, the decoded data could represent data from a non-IP incoming network format repackaged as payload in an IP packet format. The envelope 340 represents an encapsulated third format that includes an IP packet inside the decoded data payload area 343. E1′ 341 and E2′ 342 are example encapsulation layers that include all addressing and other parameters necessary to transfer the envelope in the third format across the PCI bus. In essence, the IP packet is hardware encapsulated in a PCI bus format suitable for transmission between network interfaces. As shown in FIG. 8(b), envelope 340 representing data in the third format can be transferred across PCI bus 227 between the receiving network interface 223 and the other network interface 226. In practice, the envelope would reside in a first memory space, such as some memory mapped registers or memory locations associated with the first interface 223. For example, the envelope 340 for a PCI embodiment could be represented in some memory mapped block format for PCI bus transfers that may include transfer control, addressing information, and data payload portions for transmitting data through the PCI bus between interfaces.
PCI bus transfers could then be enabled under software control to permit the transfer of the envelope to a second memory space, such as to some memory mapped registers or memory locations associated with an outgoing network interface, such as the second network interface 226. For example, a processor executing a computer software program product embodiment may be used to enable transfers of data. Thereafter, inverse translation from the third format into a second network format, such as by decapsulating the envelope and then encoding the data payload into a second network format, could optionally be performed. Inverse translation is required to prepare payload in the encapsulated third format for transmission to some outbound network. The data payload, in effect an IP packet encoded with an outgoing network format, could then be transmitted to a second network 224 in the second network format through the second network interface 226. In the above embodiment, which in effect is “IP over PCI”, the third format may comprise an IP packet encapsulated in a PCI memory mapped control block structure which is transferred over the PCI bus using PCI bus cycles. IP over PCI may be accomplished in an efficient manner using a standard PCI bus and off the shelf hardware through the communication system. In another related embodiment, the second network 224 can be a telephony network while the first network 221 could be the Internet or an IP network, such that IP telephony or VoIP (Voice over IP) can be provided in addition to IP over PCI by these communication systems.
FIG. 9, including FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), can be used to further describe the inverse translation process, such as translating data from the third format into an outgoing network format. The inverse translation process requires applying the subprocesses of decapsulation and encoding, in that order, to data in the third format. Again, a processor executing a suitable computer software program product embodiment therein may be used. As shown in FIG. 9(a), envelope 312 carries payload data 302 in the encapsulated third format, more specifically payload data 302 is encapsulated between encapsulation layers E1 309 and E2 311. The payload data 302 as indicated spans layers L3 through L7 for this example, but the data could have been received in any incoming network format and encapsulated. FIG. 9(a) shows an example of the decapsulation process, the first part of the inverse translation process. Envelope 312 is decapsulated by 315 as shown, which represents the decapsulation process. Decapsulation requires recovering payload data 302 from envelope 312, such as by extracting the payload or data from between the encapsulation layers E1 and E2 of the envelope, removing the encapsulation layers E1 and E2 from the payload, or both. The decapsulation process is the same for a given implementation of a third format since it processes an encapsulated envelope in the third format as the input. In any event, payload data 302 is recovered after decapsulation processing, as shown. E1 and E2 may be processed further or discarded as desired.
FIG. 9(b) shows an example of the encoding process, the second and last part of the inverse translation process. Encoding represents converting or translating the recovered payload data into an outgoing network format suitable for transmission to a network. The encoding process can vary since it depends on the characteristics, such as the network format, of the outgoing network to which encoded data will be transmitted. Payload data 302 is encoded by 320 as shown, which represents the encoding process. For this example, encoding for the payload data requires adding a suitable layer 2 and layer 1 as shown by 304, representing the data link layer and physical media layer respectively, to the payload data 302 as represented by layers L3 through L7. The encoding process can add one or more layers from a given network format to the payload data to prepare it for transmission to the outgoing network. At the conclusion of the inverse translation process, such as after decapsulation and encoding, the payload data is embodied in a network layer model stack, such as 321, which can be transmitted through a network interface to an outgoing network in a compatible network format. Similarly to encapsulation, the decapsulation process requires some processing resources, such as processor 228, one or more other processors described herein, or the like. The encoding process, analogously to the decoding process, may be performed solely by the outbound network interface, the processor, or both, depending on the outgoing network format and the respective implementations of the network interface and processor. In addition, both translations and inverse translations may be performed solely by the associated network interface, the processor, or both. Further, a computer software program product executing in a processor could be used to support one or more of these functions. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that the translation and inverse translation processes, including their component subprocesses, may have to reconcile differences in network formats, such as those indicated by the differences in network layer models shown in FIG. 4. It is by reconciling differences in network formats that the communication system of the present invention can support transparent exchanges of data and information between networks and network formats.
An overview of how translating data into a third format supports transparent exchanges of data is now provided. By using a common suitable third format, such as a different or an encapsulated format, it is possible to software switch and direct incoming data transparently between network interfaces, without regard to the incoming network format and the outgoing network format. By using the common third format, data can be transparently and generically exchanged between network interfaces of the communication system, regardless of the network formats of networks attached to those network interfaces. Incoming data in an incoming network format can be decoded and encapsulated into a common third format. The incoming data can be decoded by extracting it from one or more network layers of a network layer model as required to create the payload or decoded data. The payload or decoded data can then be encapsulated as required to embody it in the desired common third format. Once data in the common third format has been effectively transmitted to an outbound network interface, the translation can be inverted or reversed. Thereafter, the communication system can decapsulate and encode data from the common third format into the network format of an outgoing network. Analogously, the encoding can be applied to one or more network layers of a network layer model as required for compatibility with the outbound network format. As such, the data can thereafter be transmitted out of an outbound network interface to the corresponding outbound network. We note that the translations and processing of data described above function equally well whether the incoming network format and outgoing network formats are the same or different. This is the case since incoming data and network formats are processed in a common, transparent manner using translation into the common third format for transporting data between network interfaces. In some cases, the translation and inverse translation processing must reconcile differences in network layer models, as indicated by FIG. 4. The communication systems provided by the present invention can therefore exchange data and information transparently between diverse networks having different network formats. Computer software program product embodiments executing in at least one processor can support the operation of the communication systems.
Next we describe the software switched and software controlled features of the system, which are significant aspects of the communication systems described herein. Software switching of data, software switched transmissions of data, and software switched logical connections established between network interfaces will be discussed. These functions are supported by computer software program product embodiments provided by the present invention. FIG. 10, representing a communication system according to the present invention, will be used for some software switching discussions. As noted, the transfer of data or information between network interfaces, whether in the third format or not, is accomplished through software executing in a processor, such as processor 228 or the like as noted. FIG. 10, showing a representative embodiment of a communication system 250 according to the present invention, may be used to illustrate software switched transmission and software switched logical connections. By determining which interfaces should be allowed to exchange data, the software could setup the route used for sending and receiving data between network interfaces, thus performing a software switching function. In other words, software can switch data by determining what network interfaces are to exchange data, can enable those network interfaces to exchange data, and can optionally determine whether the data exchange will be unidirectional or bi-directional between network interfaces. For example, in FIG. 10 software may determine that network interface 223 should transfer data to network interface 226 and can enable the data transfer between those network interfaces. As such, software switching and software enabled transfers of data between network interfaces could occur without logically connecting or associating network interfaces. Software switching does not preclude establishing a logical connection or association between network interfaces for transferring data between network interfaces. For example, software may optionally determine that network interfaces 223 and 226 should be logically connected through software intervention so they can exchange data with each other. The communication system relies upon software switched transmission to exchange data between network interfaces, optionally but not necessarily through a software switched logical connection established between transferring network interfaces. Thus, data can be transferred by software switched transmission between network interfaces with or without establishing a logical connection between network interfaces.
Communication systems according to the present invention can perform their switching using software, not hardware. The shared non-switched system bus used in the communication system is by definition a common, party line bus without any intervening hardware switching devices disposed between network interfaces, processors, or the like. As shown in FIG. 10 for example, shared non-switched system bus 257 connects network interfaces 223 and 226 directly without any intervening hardware switching devices. In a like manner, the switching of data between network interfaces is performed under software control, without reliance upon hardware switching devices as duly noted. A processor such as 228 or the like executing a software program can receive information from a source external to the communication indicating which network interfaces are to exchange data. The processor can establish a data transfer between those network interfaces, in essence by switching the data using software, and support a software switched transmission of data between those network interfaces. In addition, a processor executing a software program, such as processor 228 shown in FIG. 10 or the like, can receive network interface connection information, indicating which two or more network interfaces are to be logically associated or connected for transferring data between the specified network interfaces. For example, network interface connection information or a software command could at least contain parameters indicating which network interfaces are to be logically connected for exchanging data. The processor can use the network interface connection information to establish a software switched logical connection for exchanging data between the specified network interfaces. By logically associating or connecting the specified network interfaces, software switched transmission of data can occur once a software switched logical connection is established between network interfaces. For example, network interface connection information may direct that network interfaces, such as 223 and 226 shown in FIG. 10, should be logically associated and logically connected together for purposes of transferring data therebetween. As such, software determines that data will be transferred between network interfaces 223 and 226, in essence switching and enabling transfers of data between those network interfaces and their respective connected networks. The data transfer may be conducted through the established software switched logical connection that connects network interfaces 223 and 226.
Software switched transmission of data can be established by the processor, the receiving network interface, the outgoing network interface, or some combination thereof. Recall that in some embodiments, network interfaces may include a processor or programmable controller therein. Software switched logical connections can be established automatically under software control, without requiring intervention from a user of the communication system, between network interfaces. The software switched logical connection logically relates and connects network interfaces to each other such that data transfers are enabled therebetween. In essence, this software may use network interface connection information to issue commands to the respective network interface or interfaces so as to “introduce” them to each other or to make each network interface aware of other network interfaces with which data may be exchanged. For example, the processor executing software could issue commands to address registers within the network interfaces shown in FIG. 10 so that the interfaces can transfer data to each other using memory mapped transfers. For instance, the processor executing software could setup control blocks in memory to enable transfers or exchanges of data between two or more network interfaces. As a further example, the processor executing software could issue commands to setup memory mapped transfers, such as DMA transfers, between mutually memory mapped network interfaces. Once introduced, network interfaces can transfer or exchange data directly between network interfaces autonomously and without requiring any additional processor or software intervention. In other words, once data transfers between network interfaces have been setup; the network interfaces can initiate the data transfer therebetween autonomously without needing any additional processing or software intervention.
Data or information may be transferred directly between network interfaces through the software switched logical connection established between transferring network interfaces. Software switched transmission, as used herein, includes using software executing in a processor, such as an operably connected external processor, to determine what network interfaces should be enabled to exchange data with one another, and issuing any required commands or performing any actions required to establish data transfers or data exchanges between the network interfaces. As explained, software switched transmission of data could be provided with or without establishing a software switched logical connection between network interfaces. For example, transfers between network interfaces such as those shown in FIG. 10 could be setup and executed without logically connecting or associating network interfaces together under software control. However, these data transfers or exchanges could occur through a software switched logical connection established between those network interfaces. Transferring data through a software switched logical connection can simplify the software design significantly. Since a network interface can be addressed by software as a “port”, software commands or the like can be created to simply connect ports together. It is possible that the software commands used to connect ports together can logically connect two or more ports together in a ring or daisy chained configuration. For example, a first network interface and second network interface can be connected, while the second network interface and a third interface can be connected, and while the third network interface and the first network interface can be connected. This optional ring interconnection of network interfaces may be used when exchanging video or image information, as with a videoconference application of the communication system. Of course, network interfaces can also be connected in a star configuration or other configurations as required.
There are at least three mechanisms through which software switched transmission or software switched logical connections can be established under software control. First, a user could interact with a GUI interface on a Personal Computer running a software application and connected to some interface of a communication system. This approach may be used for configuring parameters initially, but has performance and inefficiency problems if the ongoing data transfer operations of the system are managed this way. In a second option, automatic software modules can operate real-time in order to effect software switched transmissions of data, to establish and de-establish logical connections of network interfaces, or both. Third, status events or other events occurring at one or more network interfaces can be monitored by software, such that software switched transmissions or software switched logical connections between network interfaces can be setup under event driven software control. Those skilled in the art realize that many other mechanisms not disclosed here might also be possible.
The software switched logical connection can comprise a hardware path established between network interfaces, at least temporarily, under software control. For example, a software switched logical connection could be represented by programmed memory accesses or DMA accesses established across the shared non-switched system bus to transfer data between network interfaces 223 and 226 in FIG. 10. Further, the software switched logical connection may comprise the processor establishing a logical hardware connection between network interfaces for transmitting data in the third format directly between network interfaces. The logical hardware connection may comprise a memory mapped connection between network interfaces, a memory mapped connection between network interfaces established through the shared non-switched system bus, or a DMA memory mapped connection between network interfaces established through the shared non-switched system bus. The logical hardware connection may also provide either bidirectional or uni-directional data transfers between network interfaces. For some embodiments in which the shared non-switched system bus is a PCI type bus, software switched transmission of data in the third format may comprise establishing a software switched logical hardware connection, across the PCI bus between network interfaces, for exchanging data in the third format therebetween. In this embodiment, the software switched logical hardware connection may comprise establishing a PCI memory mapped connection between network interfaces. For example, shared non-switched bus 257 in FIG. 10 could be a PCI bus, and a memory mapped connection between network interfaces 223 and 226 could represent the logical connection for transferring data therebetween. Two or more network interfaces can optionally be logically connected or associated together under software control so that they exchange data between the logically connected network interfaces. PCI memory mapped logical connections may include master to target PCI bus memory access cycles, bidirectional PCI bus memory access cycles, master to target PCI bus DMA access cycles, and bi-directional PCI bus DMA access cycles for transmitting data directly between network interfaces through the PCI bus.
For this PCI embodiment, software switched transmission may also comprise transmitting data directly between network interfaces through the PCI bus, independently of the processor, after the software switched logical connection is established between network interfaces. Network interfaces can use the logical connection or hardware path once established to transfer data between network interfaces. After the logical connection has been established under software control, data transfers may be started by and carried out autonomously between network interfaces, without further software or processor intervention. For example, DMA transfers between network interfaces 223 and 226 in FIG. 10 can occur automatically sometime after software has established a logical connection between interfaces by enabling DMA transfers between those two interfaces. Data transfers through a logical connection can continue uninterrupted until and unless there is no more data to transfer or the logical connection between network interfaces is disabled or de-established under software control. A logical connection could be de-established by commands or the like issued to network interfaces under software control. The commands could break the logical connection between network interfaces, could prevent any further autonomous data transfers between network interfaces, or both. A processor executing software used to perform software switched transmission of data may also de-establish the data transmission or logical hardware connection established between network interfaces.
Software executing in a processor may determine which network interfaces should be enabled to exchange data therebetween. Once the processor executing software has determined which network interfaces are to exchange data, such as between network interfaces 223 and 226 in FIG. 10 for example, software issues commands to those network interfaces. Data transfers can be established between any two or more network interfaces, including external interfaces, as may be required. Each network interface can transfer data to and receive data from, one or more other network interfaces in an interleaved bi-directional manner. While bidirectional data transfers can be established, data transfers in one direction between network interfaces are also supported as a subset of the bi-directional transfers that can be enabled. Since data transfers may optionally be performed through the shared non-switched system bus, some interleaved data transfers may at times be queued temporarily waiting to access the shared non-switched system bus. Software switched transmission of data may further comprise transmitting data directly through the logical hardware connection, independently of the processor, after the processor establishes the logical hardware connection between network interfaces.
Another preferred embodiment of a communication system according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 11. In particular, the Figure shows a communication system 240 for exchanging data and information between networks. This communication system embodiment is an integrated system supporting externally controlled exchanges of data and information between networks, by using received network interface connection information. Other related communication system embodiments can optionally also support transparent exchanges of data between network interfaces, such as by using the common third format and variants thereof as described previously. The communication system comprises a first network interface 223, a second network interface 226, and a processor 228. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the communication system may comprise more than two network interfaces, as well as other types of external interfaces. The first network interface 223 is connected to a first network 221 through link 222 as shown, and exchanges data in a first network format with the first network. Similarly, the second network interface 226 is connected to a second network 224 through link 225 as shown, and exchanges data in a second network format with the second network. In one embodiment, the first network format may comprise at least one of a network protocol and a network transport or media associated with the first network, while the second network format may comprise at least one of a network protocol and a network transport or media associated with the second network. The first network interface 223 and the second network interface 226 are operably connected. The network interfaces may be connected as shown through operable connection 247, for example. Optionally, the network interfaces may be connected through a shared non-switched system bus in some embodiments. Other connections described previously between network interfaces may be used. The processor 228 further comprises an external interface 241 that can be used to communicate through link 242 with an external node 243. As such, the processor 228 can exchange information and data with external node 243, and can transmit and receive data and information through link 242. As noted before, the terms network interface, external interface, and interface are used interchangeably to indicate the various interfaces of a communication system between which received data or information can be exchanged through software controlled switching. Processor 228 can also execute a suitable software program embodiment therein to support these operations, such as for interfacing with the external interface, the first network interface, and the second network interface, for example. In addition, the processor 228 can be operably connected to at least one of the first network interface 223, the second network interface 226, and the external interface 241 such that it can interface with, and can support exchanges of data between, each operably connected interface. The communication system 200 of FIG. 2 and also communication system 220 of FIG. 5 can optionally support externally controlled exchanges of data and information between networks by using network interface connection information received from a source external to the communication system.
Processor 228 can therefore receive network interface connection information, such as information describing which two or more network interfaces are to be logically connected under software control, from at least one of the interfaces operably connected to the processor. The processor executing a software program can use the network interface connection information received to optionally establish a software switched logical connection between the first network interface and the second network interface. The processor executing a software program can establish the logical connection automatically and without any real-time intervention from a user of the communication system. In any case, the network interface connection information could indicate to the processor that it should logically interconnect at least the first network interface and the second network interface. More than two network interfaces or different types of interfaces of the communication system could be logically interconnected. The logical connection is software switched since the processor executing a software program determines which network interfaces are to be logically connected together, and establishes the logical connection therebetween. The processor may issue commands to at least one of the network interfaces involved in the exchange of data in order to establish the software switched logical connection, as discussed. Optionally, the software switched logical connection may comprise a hardware connection established under software control by the processor. The hardware connection is established by the processor between the first and second network interfaces for transmitting data between network interfaces. For example, assuming that the network interfaces within the communication are memory mapped, the software switched logical connection could comprise creating a memory mapped connection between network interfaces. Accordingly, the hardware logical connection could be a unidirectional logical connection or bi-directional logical connection established between memory mapped network interfaces for exchanging data. Regardless of the implementation used, the establishment of the logical connection supports transfers and exchanges of data between interfaces through the communication system. As duly noted, the software switched logical connection between network interfaces can also be de-established by the processor under software control.
The present embodiment relating to externally controlled exchanges of data and information shares some features in common with other disclosed embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 5. Unless otherwise defined differently in describing the present embodiment, the terms and features herein, including various alternative embodiments and implementation noted, are to be as defined as per descriptions provided with other disclosed embodiments. Terms not defined in the disclosure of the present embodiment should be construed as they would be by those skilled in the art. For example, the processor and network interfaces, including various alternative configurations, should be construed herein as previously described. For instance, with the exception of the direct nature of the transmission between network interfaces, the prior discussions of software switched transmission and software switched logical connections are applicable for this embodiment. This embodiment does contain some differences as compared to prior embodiments, such as not necessarily requiring the use of the third format or encapsulation. Also, the present embodiment includes an external interface. For instance, the external interface of this embodiment, such as external interface 241 of FIG. 11, should be construed analogously to the previously described network interfaces, except that the external interface 241 may optionally attach to some communication link, such as a local or remote RS-232 interface for instance, that may or may not be connected to a network. For example, the external interface could comprise an RS-232 interface or other connection established directly with a Personal Computer or another communication system. Alternatively, the external interface could comprise another network interface that can be used similarly to the other network interfaces for exchanging data with networks. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many possible options for the external interface. Also, the network interface connection information could be received by one or more interfaces. For example, an external interface as described, a network interface, or both could be used to receive network interface connection information from a source external to the communication system. Thus, the external interface of the processor could be the first network interface, the second network interface, or an interface independent of the first and second network interfaces. Allowing network interface connection information to be received by any interface of a communication system provides flexibility in externally controlling software switching of data within the communication system.
Data or information may be received into one network interface, such as into one of the first network interface 223 and the second network interface 226. The other network interface could be the other of the first network interface 223 and the second network interface 226, such as the network interface for which the received data or information was destined. The received data or information can be transmitted directly between the one network interface and the other network interface through the software switched logical connection between network interfaces. For this embodiment shown in FIG. 11, direct transfers between network interfaces could optionally include intervening hardware devices, such as switches, routers, or the like, between network interfaces. The logical connection or path between network interfaces could be established by processor interaction with the intervening hardware devices. However, these direct transfers could be optionally provided herein such that there are no intervening hardware switching or routing devices between network interfaces. In any case, after the processor executing software has established the logical connection, the transmission of data through the software switched logical connection can occur without further processor intervention. A processor executing a suitable software program, along with other facilities of the communication system such as network interfaces, an external interface, and the like, can help provide externally controlled switching or directing of data between networks through network interfaces of the communication system.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 11 does not require that incoming data received be translated from an incoming network format into a third format. Optionally, in a related embodiment the data or information received by a network interface could be translated from the network format as received from the one network into a third format, as previously discussed. The third format or different format can be used to support software switched transmission and transparent exchanges of received data or information from the one network interface directly to the other network interface. For one related embodiment, data received by one network interface may optionally be converted or translated from the one network format as received into a hardware encapsulated format for transmission to the other network interface. In this case, the processor, the one network interface receiving data, or both, could perform the conversion or translation required. As previously discussed, data in the hardware encapsulated format received by one network interface may optionally be translated into another network format for transmission through the another network interface to another network. The embodiment of FIG. 11 can provide externally controlled exchanges of data and information between networks. In combination with other disclosed features of the present invention, this embodiment can also provide intelligent and transparent exchanges between networks while reconciling different forms of data, different types of information, and different network formats.
A related embodiment of the communication system further comprises a second processor therein, such as second processor 229 as shown in FIG. 11. The second processor is shown by a dotted line box to show that it is optional. The second processor 229 may be operably connected to processor 228, and may additionally be operably connected similarly to processor 228, as shown by the solid and dotted line connections between processor 228 and other parts of the communication system. Thus, the second processor 229 may be operably connected to at least one of the first network interface 223, the second network interface 226, the external interface 241, and the processor 228. For this embodiment, one of the processor and the second processor may perform conversions, translations, or other functions of the communication system, while the other of the processor and the second processor may establish software switched logical connections between network interfaces for exchanging data. As before, the processors can share supporting these functions on a static or dynamic basis as desired. Translated data in the hardware encapsulated format may be transmitted directly from the one network interface to the other network interface, through the software switched logical connection established between network interfaces.
The operable connection between first network interface 223 and second network interface 226, such as example operable connection 247, may be implemented in different ways in different embodiments. This embodiment does not necessarily require a shared non-switched bus, PCI bus, or another bus as noted. For example, the operable connection for this embodiment could be implemented through a cable or fiber providing some electrical or optical connection respectively between network interfaces for exchanging data therebetween, as described before. In a related embodiment, the operable connection 247 may optionally comprise a shared non-switched system bus, such shared non-switched system bus 227 described in other embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 5. Thus, at least the first network interface 223 and the second network interface 226 may be operably connected through the shared non-switched system bus. Further, the software switched logical connection between the first and second network interfaces may be established through the shared non-switched system bus. One embodiment includes a PCI bus serving as a shared non-switched bus, such that data received by one network interface in the one network format may optionally be translated into a hardware encapsulated format for transmission from the one network interface to the other interface across the PCI bus. For a PCI embodiment, the software switched logical connection established between network interfaces across the PCI bus could comprise a memory mapped PCI bus transfer such as a unidirectional PCI bus transfer, a bi-directional PCI bus transfer, a PCI memory access cycle, a PCI DMA access, or combinations thereof. In a related embodiment, at least one of the networks connected to the network interfaces comprises an IP network, such that the hardware encapsulated format comprises an IP packet encapsulated in a PCI bus format for transmission between network interfaces. As discussed in other embodiments, this would represent IP over PCI, as implemented by the communication system.
Next, we describe external node 243, which is connected to external interface 241 through link 242 as shown in FIG. 11. The external node can be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, the external node could be a Personal Computer, communication system, networking device, or the like. Preferably, the external node contains a processor therein executing a suitable software program embodiment therein. One embodiment includes an external processor, such as an external processor contained in an external node like 243, operably connected to at least one of the first network interface, the second network interface, and the external interface. The external processor of the external node executes a software program therein and has sufficient memory, I/O, and peripherals for interacting with a communication system, such as 220 or 240 for example.
The software program embodiment executed by the external processor of the external node could include a software module or software application for interacting with the communication system, such as for determining the number of networks and devices attached to the various interfaces of a communication system. For this software program, interfaces could include network interfaces, external interfaces, or both of a communication system. In addition, the external processor could optionally determine what bandwidth, what type of network, what network format, what format of data, and what type of information are associated with each interface of the communication system. The software program could be informed of some event or activity occurring at some part of the communication system, such as at a network interface or external interface of the communication system. For example, an event or activity could represent some communication between the communication system and an attached network or device, or could represent detecting some link or network going online or offline. Further, an event or activity of the communication system could represent some status or error information from an attached network or device, could represent some other condition associated with an attached network or device, or the like. The software program can analyze the event or activity occurring at the communication system, and may or may not transmit a control message or the like to the communication system which could cause the communication system to take some action in response. For instance, the software program could cause the communication system to initiate another event or activity for responding to an event or activity occurring at an interface. Optionally, the software program could initiate some event or activity at an interface of the communication system, whether or not in response to another event or activity occurring at the communication system. The software program executed by the external processor could also determine whether to connect interfaces together, which two or more interfaces to connect together, and how to connect interfaces together in a communication system connected either directly or indirectly to the external processor. Optionally, the external processor executing the software program may transmit network interface connection information to a processor in a communication system operably connected thereto.
As such, the processor in the communication system could use the connection information to establish a software switched transmission or software switched logical connection between the specified network interfaces. The software program executing in the processor of the communication system could be able to interpret network interface connection and commands received from the external processor. As such, the processor in the communication system can act as an agent or command interpreter for the external processor. In addition, software executing in the processor of the communication system could have awareness of the external processor and of the status of each network interface and external interface of the communication system. Thus, the processor of the communication system can relay network interface status, external interface status, and other status of a communication system as may be required by the software program executed by the external processor. With real-time status obtained from the communication system, the software program executing in the external processor can make informed decisions regarding whether, how, and which network interfaces of the communication system could be logically connected for exchanging data. The software program can intelligently decide how to software switch data between interfaces, whether and which interfaces to logically connect, or both, according to some other applications or services that may be provided by the software program executing in the external processor.
As mentioned, the software program executed by an external processor could include a software application that can determine how to manage and request the interconnection of interfaces within a communication system. For example, an incoming telephone call directed into one network interface of the communication system could cause the software program to order the logical connection of the one network interface to another network interface connected to the Internet or an IP network. Thus, an incoming POTS telephone call could be directed to the Internet or another IP network in an implementation of VoIP (Voice over IP), without requiring any specialized IP telephones or the like. In another example, the software program could order the connection of various interfaces connected to telephony networks to create a teleconference. Further, the software program could issue commands to interconnect various Personal Computers or the like for establishing real-time videoconferences through the communication system. These are but a few examples of the many functions and services that can be provided by a communication system connected to an external processor executing a suitable software program. Note that the software switched functions of a communication system may be completely controlled externally through the external processor executing a suitable software program therein.
Communication systems described herein rely on various computer software program product embodiments in order to support a number of its functions and operations. First we refer to FIG. 12 for a discussion of the hardware environment in which the various software embodiments provided by the present invention operate. Of course, various software embodiments support the operation of the various communication systems described herein as well. Note that network interfaces, external interfaces, and all interfaces of the communication system are functionally equivalent and are viewed as interchangeable for the computer software program product embodiments provided by the present invention. As shown, communication system 300 contains a processor 328 therein executing at least one computer software program embodiment. In addition, communication system 300 provides some interface receiving data, such as network interface 323 that receives data through link 322. In addition, the communication system provides at least one other interface, such as network interface 326. Further, communication system 300 is operably connected to an external processor such as external processor 343 through operable connection 342. External processor 343 can execute at least one computer software program embodiment therein. Note that an external processor such as 343 may be operably connected to a communication system through a network interface, an external interface, or any other interface of a communication system. Using a suitably programmed processor the processor 328 and a suitably programmed external processor 343, the communication system can exchange data between network interfaces such as network interface 323 and network interface 326. Some computer software program embodiments support exchanges of data and information between network interfaces. Other computer software program embodiments support format translations applied to data in various forms, such as an incoming data format, a different format suitable for software switched transmission of data between interfaces, and an outbound data format.
A first category of computer software program product embodiments execute in an external processor such as 343 that is external to a communication system such as 300. Such embodiments support the operation of a communication system by externally performing software switching functions for it. We refer to FIG. 13 for a flow diagram illustrating some computer software program product embodiments for execution in an external processor operably connected to a communication system, for supporting exchanges of data between networks as described herein. For example, an external processor 343 can decide to which other interfaces of the communication system incoming data such as data being received from link 322 is to be switched, according to some intended application of the received data. Accordingly, the communication system, such as 300, may be relieved of the performance burden of performing software switching so that data transfers may be supported more efficiently. In addition, new and improved applications for incoming data received can be supported in one or more external processors such as 343.
Further, a second category of computer software program product embodiments execute in a processor, such as 328, within a communication system such as 300 as shown in FIG. 12 or other Figures. These software embodiments can interact in a complimentary manner with the external processor and computer software program embodiments executing therein. We refer to FIG. 14 for a flow diagram illustrating some computer software program product embodiments for execution in a processor within a communication system that is operably connected to an external processor, for supporting exchanges of data between networks as described herein. These embodiments inform the external processor when data is received through a network interface such as 323 of the communication system such that the external processor such as 343 can perform a software switching decision for received data. The external processor such as 343 can communicate the results of the software switching decision back to the communication system 300, such as by indicating to which one or more other network interfaces the incoming data received is to be transferred. For example, incoming data received from link 322 through network interface 323 may be software switched to network interface 326 to be transmitted through link 325. A software embodiment executing in a processor of the communication system such as 328 can receive network interface connection information from an external processor such as 343. Thus, a processor in a communication system executing a software embodiment can use the network interface connection information received from an external processor to perform the associated data transfers between interfaces of the communication system. The processor within the communication system can thereby implement the results of the software switching decision made by the external processor operably connected to the communication system. As such the incoming data received can be sent to another network interface for transmission by the communication system. Note again that as used herein, the terms network interface, external interface, and interface are used interchangeably to indicate the various interfaces of a communication system between which received data or information can be exchanged through software controlled switching.
In addition, a third category of computer software program product embodiments can be executed by a processor, such as 328, within a communication system such as 300. These software embodiments operate to translate the incoming data from the network format as received into a different format suitable for software switched transmission between interfaces of the communication system, such as between network interfaces 323 and 326. For example the different format may be the third format, common format, transparent format, encapsulated format, or the like, that can support software switched exchanges of data between interfaces of the communication system. We refer to FIG. 15 for a flow diagram illustrating some computer software program product embodiments for execution in a processor within a communication system that is operably connected to an external processor, for supporting exchanges of data between networks including data translations as described herein. These translating software embodiments may optionally operate responsive to results of the external software switching decision performed by an external processor such as 343. Optionally, these software embodiments can further translate data from the different format suitable for software switched transmission between interfaces into an outbound network format suitable for transmission from another interface of the communication system. As such, end-to-end exchanges of data between networks are supported through a communication system as disclosed.
We now discuss in greater detail the first category of computer software program product embodiments that execute in a processor external to the communication system. We return to FIG. 13 for a flow diagram illustrating some computer software program product embodiments for execution in an external processor operably connected to a communication system, for supporting exchanges of data between networks as disclosed herein. One computer program product embodiment comprises a computer program product stored in computer readable media for execution in at least one processor external to but operably connected to a communication system such as those described herein. Accordingly, the communication system such as 300 in operation exchanges data between networks through at least two network interfaces therein, such as those shown in FIG. 12 and in other Figures. The computer program product embodiment comprises at least a first software module, a second software module, a third software module, a fourth software module, and a fifth software module operating therein. Its first software module is used for determining that a first network interface of the communication system is receiving data from a first network in a first network format. This processing by the first software module is shown as 400 in FIG. 13. In addition, the second software module is used for determining to which of at least one other network interface of the communication system the data received may be switched in support of at least one functional application of the received data. For example, voice data received from a POTS telephone attached to the communication system may be transmitted to the Internet to support a Voice over IP application for the received data. This processing by the second software module is shown as 410 in FIG. 13. Further, a third software module is used for software switching the data received from the first network interface to at least one other network interface of the communication system according to at least one selected functional application. This processing by the third software module is shown as 420 in FIG. 13. The fourth software module is used for creating at least network interface connection information for the communication system reflecting the result of the software switching decision between the first network interface and at least one other network interface. This processing by the fourth software module is shown as 430 in FIG. 13. In addition, the fifth software module is used for transmitting at least the network interface connection information to the communication system to control therein to which at least one other network interface the first network interface will transmit the incoming received data to implement software switching in accordance with the selected functional application. This processing by the fifth software module is shown as 440 in FIG. 13. As such, the computer software program product executing in at least one external processor can perform software switching for an attached communication system.
In a related computer program product embodiment, a sixth software module is also provided. Note that this sixth software module is optional in some software embodiments, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 13. The sixth software module is used for receiving configuration or status information of various types from the operably connected communication system. This processing by the sixth software module is shown as 450 in FIG. 13. The configuration information received can consist one or more types of configuration information about the communication system. For example, the configuration information received could indicate which network interfaces are present in the communication system, which network interfaces are configured in the communication system, or which network interfaces are active in the communication system. For instance, the configuration information could indicate what type of networks are connected to network interfaces of the communication system, what types of network formats are supported by network interfaces, what types of network formats are in use in network interfaces of the communication system, or what type of physical interface is currently in use in network interfaces of the communication system. Still further, the configuration information may indicate the bandwidth of network interfaces in the communication system, the status of at least one network interface in the communication system, or what network nodes are connected to each network interface of a communication system, for example. As a further illustration, the configuration information could inform about an event occurring from at least one network interface in the communication system, or the status of at least one network node connected to the corresponding network interfaces of the communication system. These are but a few of many examples of possible configuration information that could be received by the sixth module executing in a processor external to a communication system.
Further computer software program product embodiments further describe details regarding the configuration information. The configuration information received by the computer program product could be provided in a number of different ways. For instance the configuration information could be solicited after power up but before completion of initializing the communication system, or it could be unsolicited configuration information received after power up but before completion of initializing the communication system. Further, the configuration information could be solicited after the communication system is completely initialized, or it could be unsolicited configuration information received after the communication system is completely initialized. For example, the configuration information could be solicited after the communication system is communicating with at least one attached network, or it could be unsolicited configuration information received after the communication system is communicating with at least one attached network. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these are merely examples and it is possible to have other types of configuration information.
There are a number of configurations through which external software switching can be performed using computer software program product embodiments in support of communication systems. The computer program product embodiments can control software switching in the communication system through execution in at least one processor operably connected to some communication system. In one case, a single external processor operably connected to a communication system and executing a program product embodiment therein can operate as a single software switching resource for the communication system. In some cases, there may be two or more external processors such as 343 shown in FIG. 12 to support a communication system. In another case, at least two external processors operably connected to a communication system can each execute a program product embodiment configured to operate as a single redundant software switching resource for a given communication system, such as to provide fault tolerant software switching for example. Further, at least two external processors operably connected to a communication system can each execute a program product embodiment therein and be configured to share software switching functions therebetween for the communication system. Switching may be shared in many ways. At least two external processors executing a program product embodiment therein and operably connected to a communication system can also be configured to split software switching functions therebetween for the communication system based on at least two functional applications. For instance, one external processor may be responsible for VoIP related switching while another may be responsible for videoconference related switching. In addition, at least two external processors executing a program product embodiment therein and operably connected to a communication system may be configured to split software switching functions therebetween for the communication system based on relative processor workloads. For example, if one processor is busy and the other processor is idle, the idle processor may perform software switching for the communication system. Further, at least two external processors executing a program product embodiment therein and operably connected to a communication system can be configured to split software switching functions therebetween for the communication system based on the network interfaces supported by each external processor. For instance, one processor may be responsible for providing software switching for physical network interfaces 1 through 16, while the other may be responsible for providing software switching for physical network interfaces 17 through 32. Of course, there are many other ways in which two or more external processors may be used to provide software switching services for an operably connected communication system.
For some computer program product embodiments, at least two external processors provide software switching for the operably connected communication system, and the communication system is able to communicate individually with each external processor. For example, there may be two or more external processors such as 343 shown in FIG. 12. When this is the case, there are a number of ways in which a communication system can identify with which external processor or processors it should individually communicate. A communication system can identify an operably connected external processor according to at least one network interface it software switches for the communication system. Further, a communication system may identify an operably connected external processor according to at least one network address associated with at least one network interface the external processor software switches for the communication system. In addition, a communication system can identify an operably connected communication system by using a dynamic table lookup mechanism, for example a dynamic table lookup could associate external processors with the network interfaces each external processor software switches for the communication system. Yet further, a communication system might identify an operably connected external processor according to a dynamic table lookup associating external processors with network addresses associated with network interfaces each external processor software switches for the communication system. Also, a communication system might identify an operably connected external processor according to identifying at least one network address associated with each external processor, such that an external processor might provide software switching services for the communication system based on network addresses. In addition, a communication system could identify an operably connected external processor according to identifying at least one network node associated with each external processor that provides software switching for one or more network nodes attached to a communication system. For example, a network node could be a personal computer attached to a communication system. It is possible for a communication system to identify an operably connected external processor by identifying at least one device attached to a network interface associated with each external processor that provides software switching for data received from a given device. For instance, a device could be a telephone attached to a communication system. In addition, a communication system can broadcast a transmission to each external processor such that each external processor can compare the network interface originating the transmission to the network interface or interfaces for which it provides software switching services for the communication system. Further, the communication system could broadcast a transmission to each external processor such that each processor can compare the network address of the transmission to the network addresses it is responsible for software switching. In any case, the communication system would be assured that each external processor would receive a transmission but only the mapped external processor would act on the transmission. Each computer program product embodiment executing in an external processor could analyze the transmission and determine if this is from a network interface associated with that external processor. Using some means of identifying which external processor to communicate with, a communication system can when an event occurs at some network interface, the communication system could send a status transmission out to only the network addresses at which reside an external processor that is interested in this network interface. As those skilled in the art will surely appreciate, there are yet other ways in which a communication system can identify which of multiple operably connected externals processor it will communicate with.
As noted, in some computer program product embodiments each external processor, similar to 343 in FIG. 12, that is operably connected to a communication system maintains a lookup table. This lookup table may provide many other additional associations and information well beyond what was discussed previously. For example, a lookup table in an external processor operably connected to a communication system may contain information regarding all network interfaces of the communication system for which an external processor provides software switching services. A lookup table in an external processor operably connected to a communication system might include information about all network addresses associated with all network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching services through the communication system, for instance. In addition, a lookup table in an external processor operably connected to a communication system may contain information regarding all network nodes associated with all network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching. For instance, this information may indicate that a PC at some network address is connected to network interface 4 of a communication system. As a further example, an external processor operably connected to a communication system may have a lookup table containing all devices associated with network interfaces of the communication system for which an external processor provides software switching services. For instance, the lookup table may indicate that a telephone is connected to network interface 7 of a communication system. A lookup table in an external processor operably connected to a communication system might include information about the relationship between network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching. For example, network interface 3 and network interface 7 may be related by exchanging data therebetween in a Voice over IP application. In addition, an external processor operably connected to a communication system may have a lookup table containing information regarding the physical location of devices attached to network interfaces for which for which an external processor provides software switching services. For instance, a PC connected to network interface 5 and a PC at network interface 4 may both be located at the desk of some user. Further, a lookup table in an external processor operably connected to a communication system might include information regarding the user of devices attached to network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching. For example, the PC connected to physical network interface 5 and a PC connected to physical network interface 4 may be associated with a given user. In addition, external processor operably connected to a communication system may have a lookup table containing the relationship between network addresses for which an external processor provides software switching services through the communication system. A lookup table in an external processor operably connected to a communication system may contain information regarding the relationship between network nodes for which an external processor provides software switching services for the communication system. Further, an external processor operably connected to a communication system may contain a lookup table describing the relationship between devices connected to the communication system for which an external processor provides software switching. For example, a telephone connected to physical network interface 7 and a telephone connected to physical network interface 9 might be related in a lookup table. In addition, a lookup table in an external processor operably connected to the communication system may contain the physical to logical association of devices attached to network interfaces of the communication system for which an external processor provides software switching services. For example, the PC connected to network interface 5 and the telephone connected to network interface 6 are both at some user's desk. For instance, the web cam connected to network interface 7 and located at a first user's desk may be grouped with a web cam connected to network interface 11 and be located at another user's desk for conducting a video conference. Of course, those skilled in the art will realize that an external processor may have a lookup table including some combination of two or more of the above lookup table entries. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these lookup tables may also be maintained in some processor within a communication system, or in both an external processor and a processor within the communication system.
For some computer software program embodiments of the present invention, at least one software module executing within an external processor can perform software switching for a communication system to which it is operably connected. Thereafter, the external processor, such as 343 in FIG. 12, may communicate the results of software switching to the operably connected communication system for implementation therein. For example, the fifth software module or the like executing in an external processor may communicate the results of the software switching decision from an external processor to the communication system. As such, a software module executing in an external processor can instruct or command the communication system, such as 300 in FIG. 12, to perform software switched transmission of data between at least two network interfaces within the communication system. Alternatively, a software module executing in an external processor can instruct or command the communication system to perform software switched transmission of data through a logical connection established between at least two network interfaces within the communication system. Of course, the external processor can instruct the communication system to perform other types of software switching transfers within the communication system. For example, a software switched transmission may occur between an external interface and a network interface, between multiple network interfaces, or the like. For other computer software program embodiments of the present invention, at least one software module executing within an external processor can command the operably connected communication system to perform various types of data transfers between network interfaces. For example, such software module can cause a unidirectional data transfer from one network interface to at least one other network interface to occur within the communication system. For instance, such software module can cause a bidirectional data transfer from one network interface to at least one other network interface to occur within the communication system. In addition, other computer program product embodiments provide software modules executing in an external processor that can provide other functions related to software switching. For example, at least one software module executing in an operably connected external processor can determine how many and which network interfaces of the communication system are to receive incoming data received from the first network interface of the communication system. For instance, incoming video data from one network interface may be directed to three other network interfaces to support a videoconference application.
The present invention provides computer software program product embodiments executing in an external processor operably connected to a communication system. In some software program product embodiments, software switching in the external processor is initiated by data being received at a network interface, external interface, or some other interface of the communication system. In essence, the occurrence of data being received by a communication system can be communicated to an operably connected external processor such that it may accordingly perform software switching for the received data. For other software program product embodiments, the occurrence of an event associated with a network interface of the communication system may be communicated to an operably connected external processor such that it may accordingly perform software switching in response to an event at a network interface or the like. For example, the event at a network interface could represent data being received, a network being initialized, a network or link error, or the like occurring at a network interface. In yet further software program embodiments, the occurrence of an event associated with the communication system can be communicated to an operably connected external processor such that it may accordingly perform any software switching required in response to an event in the communication system. For instance, an event at a communication system could be some status, status change, system initialization, system configuration, system configuration change, or error occurring in a communication system. Events can be similarly communicated from a communication system to one or more operably connected external processors suitably programmed to respond to a given event.
Events occurring in a communication system, in a network interface thereof, or in an external interface thereof can represent many things. For instance, an event may represent a network initializing, a network shutting down, a network link being initialized, or a network link shutting down. As further examples, a network interface initializing or a network interface shutting down could be an event. Some events are related to the status of a device attached to a network interface. For example, if a telephone is attached to a network interface, an event could represent a phone going off hook, a phone going on hook, an incoming call being received, an incoming call ringing a telephone number, an incoming call being received with caller ID information, an incoming call being received without caller ID information, an incoming call being received with DID (Direct Inward Dial) information, or an incoming call being received without DID (Direct Inward Dial) information. Further, with a telephone attached to a network interface, an incoming call not being answered, an incoming call not being answered after a given number of rings, a telephone connected to at least one network interface having keypad activity, a telephone connected to at least one network interface having keypad activity but having the activity cease for some period of time, a telephone connected to at least one network interface having keypad activity and keys strokes were captured less than or equal to some key stroke number limit, a telephone connected to at least one network interface having keypad activity and keys strokes were captured beyond some key stroke number limit, or a telephone connected to at least one network interface having keypad activity and key strokes beyond some key stroke number limit that were captured could represent events. Of course, events may be associated with other devices attached to a network interface, such as a network node, a personal computer, a web cam, or the like. An event could also represent a change in status for at least one network interface, or a request for status being made from an external processor to at least one network interface or other interface of an operably connected communication system.
As those skilled in the art will understand, software switching performed by an external processor can be used to manage bandwidth among various external interfaces or network interfaces of an operably connected communication system. In some computer software program product embodiments, at least one software module executing in an external processor can manage differences in bandwidth between the incoming first network interface and at least one other outbound network interface of the communication system. Of course, this can be done so as to multiplex or demultiplex bandwidth between the incoming network interface and the outbound network interface. For example, the external processor can issue a command to an operably connected communication system so as to cause multiplexing, demultiplexing, or both at network interfaces. For instance the external processor can command the communication system to send data through an outbound network interface at a lower bandwidth than that of the incoming first network interface. Alternatively, the external processor can command the communication system to send data through an outbound network interface at a higher bandwidth than that of the incoming first network interface of the communication system. As such, incoming data can be transmitted out through an outbound network interface data at a different bandwidth than that at which it was received, providing concentrator or inverse concentrator functions.
Some computer software program product embodiments executing in an external processor provide at least one software module therein that can create at least one command for an operably connected communication system. These commands may be transmitted by the fifth software module or some other software module executing in an external processor to the communication system. Accordingly, the communication system can decode and implement the received command therein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many types of commands may be issued by an external processor to an operably connected communication system. For example, the command could be a command to transmit data from one network interface to at least one other network interface, a command to connect at least two network interfaces together, a command to disconnect at least one network interface from at least one other network interface, a command to establish a logical connection between at least two network interfaces, or a command to de-establish a logical connection between at least two network interfaces. For instance, a command could direct the communication system to take a telephone line off hook. A command could direct a communication system to take a telephone line on hook. A command could instruct the communication system to connect at least one network interface to voicemail, or a command could be used to disconnect at least one network interface from voicemail. For example, a command could direct a communication system to connect at least one network interface to system voice, and another command could direct the communication system to disconnect at least one network interface from system voice. As used herein, the term “system voice” includes a number of audible communications that the communication system may have with an end device or end network node connected to a network interface or some other interface of the communication system. The audible communications can be in either direction between the communication system and the end device or end network node. These audible communications could be directed by the external processor or can originate from the external processor. Alternatively, these audible communications could be initiated by the communication system itself. System voice is similar in functionality to known “voice response unit” functionality. The system voice function can use tones, sampled voice, or other sampled audible sounds for audibly communicating. A command could be used to cause the communication system to dial a telephone number, to define a ring pattern for a telephone, to ring a telephone at least once, or to stop ringing a telephone. Further, a command received from an external processor could be used to program at least one parameter of an operably connected communication system, or to program at least one parameter of a network interface in a communication system. In addition, a command could cause the communication system to initiate at least one outbound signal from at least one network interface, or could cause a communication system to cease transmitting at least one outbound signal from at least one network interface. Of course it is possible to have many other commands, and to direct the operation of the communication system with a series of commands received from an external processor. Next, we discuss some computer software program product embodiments of the present invention that can execute in at least one processor within a communication system.
The present invention includes embodiments related to the first category of computer software program product embodiments. These computer program product embodiments are for execution in at least one processor external to but operably connected to a communication system that exchanges data between networks through at least two network interfaces, as previously disclosed. This embodiment comprises at least five means implemented in software for performing various functions and operations. First means for determining that a first network interface of the communication system is receiving data from a first network in a first network format are provided. Further, second means for determining to which of at least one other network interface of the communication system the data received may be switched in support of at least one functional application of the received data are provided. In addition, third means for switching the data received from the first network interface to at least one other network interface of the communication system according to at least one selected functional application using software switching are also included. Yet further, fourth means for creating at least network interface connection information for the communication system reflecting the result of the software switching decision between the first network interface and at least one other network interface are provided. Fifth means for transmitting at least the network interface connection information to the communication system to control therein to which at least one other network interface the first network interface will transmit the incoming received data to implement software switching in accordance with the selected functional application are also provided.
As indicated, the present invention provides a second category of computer software program embodiments stored in computer readable media for execution in at least one processor within a communication system. As before, the communication system can exchange data between networks through at least two network interfaces, and the communication system is operably connected to at least one external processor. The second category of computer software program product embodiments execute in a processor, such as 328, within a communication system such as 300, as shown in FIG. 12. These software embodiments can interact in a complimentary manner with the external processor 343 and computer software program embodiments executing therein. We return to FIG. 14 for a flow diagram illustrating some computer software program product embodiments for execution in a processor 328 within a communication system that is operably connected to an external processor like 343, for supporting exchanges of data between networks as described herein. The computer software program embodiment comprises at least four software modules. The software program embodiment provides a first software module for determining that a first network interface of the communication system is receiving data from a first network in a first network format. This processing by the first software module is shown as 500 in FIG. 14. In addition, the computer software program embodiment provides a second software module for transmitting to at least one external processor through at least one interface of the communication system that the first network interface of the communication system is receiving data. This processing by the second software module is shown as 510 in FIG. 14. Further, the computer software program embodiment provides a third software module for receiving from at least one external processor through at least one interface of the communication system the results of the software switching decision as network interface connection information. This processing by the third software module is shown as 520 in FIG. 14. The computer software program embodiment also provides a fourth software module for implementing the software switching decision within the communication system by directing the data received from the first network interface to at least one other network interface of the communication system as instructed by the processor external to the communication system. This processing by the fourth software module is shown as 530 in FIG. 14. The software switching decision is performed by at least one processor external to the communication system based at least on the transmission from the second software module to an external processor. Network interface connection information received by the communication system from an external processor indicates to which of at least one other network interface of the communication system the data received by the first network interface will be switched. In one embodiment, the software switching decision is made by at least one external processor such as 343 in FIG. 12 according to at least one desired functional application of the received data. For example the software switching decision may connect network interfaces together to support VoIP, videoconferencing, teleconferencing, or many other functional applications. As such, these embodiments can implement the results of the software switching decision made by an external processor within a communication system.
In a further computer software program product embodiment of the present invention, a fifth software module is provided. Note that this fifth software module is optional in some software embodiments, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 14. The fifth software module is used for interacting in various ways with at least one operably connected external processor, such as 343 in FIG. 12. This processing by the fifth software module is shown as 540 in FIG. 14. The fifth software module is used by the communication system for exchanging information with at least one external processor. Many different types of information may be exchanged between the communication system and an external processor. For example, communication system configuration information, network interface configuration information, information about attached network nodes, information about supported network formats, or information about attached network formats may be exchanged. For instance, communication system operational information, network interface operational information, network format information for a network interface, physical interface information for a network interface, communication system status information, network interface status information, communication system event information, or network interface event information may also be exchanged between the communication system and at least one operably connected external processor.
As before, an event may represent many things. For instance, an event could represent an indication that a network is initializing, that a network shutting down, that a link being initialized, or that a link shutting down. Further, an event may represent that a network interface is initializing, that a network interface is shutting down, that a phone is going off hook, or that a phone is going on hook. For example, an event may indicate that an incoming call is being received, that an incoming call is ringing a telephone number, that an incoming call is being received with caller ID information, that an incoming call is being received without caller ID information, that an incoming call is being received with DID (Direct Inward Dial) information, or that an incoming call is being received without DID (Direct Inward Dial) information. In addition, an event might represent that an incoming call is not being answered, that an incoming call is not being answered after a given number of rings, that a telephone is connected to at least one network interface having keypad activity, or that a telephone is connected to at least one network interface having keypad activity but that the activity has ceased for some period of time. Further, an event might indicate that a telephone connected to at least one network interface is having keypad activity, and that key strokes were captured less than or equal to some key stroke number limit. Alternatively, an event can represent that a telephone is connected to at least one network interface having keypad activity and that keystrokes were captured beyond some keystroke number limit. An event might indicate that a telephone connected to at least one network interface is having keypad activity and having key strokes captured beyond some key stroke number limit, that a change in status has occurred for at least one network interface. In addition, an event could represent a request for status from an external processor to at least one network interface of the communication system. Of course many other events are possible.
As mentioned before, computer software program embodiments executing within the communication system can interact with more than one external processor, such that at least two external processors similar to 343 in FIG. 12 can provide software switching for the communication system. The communication system can communicate individually with each external processor in a number of ways. For example, an external processor can be identified according to at least one network interface it switches for a communication system, or according to at least one network address associated with at least one network interface it switches therefore. For instance, an external processor may be identified according to a dynamic table lookup associating external processors with network interfaces each external processor switches, or according to a dynamic table lookup associating external processors with network addresses associated with network interfaces each external processor switches. An external processor can be identified according to at least one network address associated with each external processor, according to at least one network node associated with each external processor providing software switching therefor, or according to at least one device attached to a network interface associated with each external processor providing software switching therefore. In addition, an external processor could be identified by having the communication system broadcast a transmission to each external processor such that each processor can compare the network interface originating the transmission to the network interfaces it switches. Also, an external processor could be identified by having the communication system broadcast a transmission to each external processor such that each processor can compare the network address of the transmission to the network addresses it switches. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above are not the only ways through which a communication system can communicate individually with multiple operably connected external processors.
Further, as described above, each external processor, such as 343 shown in FIG. 12 and the like, that is operably connected to a communication system can maintain a lookup table for interacting with the communication system. A lookup table can contain one or more entries, as previously described. For example, a lookup table could contain entries regarding all network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching, all network addresses associated with all network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching, all network nodes associated with all network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching, or all devices associated with network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching. For instance, a lookup table could contain entries regarding the relationship between network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching, the physical location of devices attached to network interfaces for which for which an external processor provides software switching, or the user of devices attached to network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching. A lookup table could contain entries regarding the relationship between network addresses for which an external processor provides software switching, the relationship between network nodes for which an external processor provides software switching, the relationship between devices for which an external processor provides software switching, or the physical to logical association of devices attached to network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching. An external processor can of course also use combinations of the above lookup table entries, and other entries.
In some computer software program embodiments for execution within at least one processor in a communication system, at least one software module therein can implement software switching in the communication system. For instance, a software module can implement a software switched transmission of data between at least two network interfaces within the communication system, based upon the results of the software switching decision made at an external processor. Further, a software module can implement a software switched transmission of data through a logical connection established between at least two network interfaces within the communication system, again responsive to the results of the external software switching decision transmitted to a communication system. Other computer software program product embodiments implement other details regarding data transfers between network interfaces of a communication system. For instance, at least one software module therein can implement a software switched unidirectional data transfer from one network interface to at least one other network interface of the communication system. For example, at least one software module therein can implement a software switched bidirectional data transfer from one network interface to at least one other network interface of the communication system. Computer program product embodiments may contain therein at least one software module for implementing how many and which network interfaces of the communication system are to receive incoming data from a network interface receiving data, according to the network interface connection information received from at least one external processor operably connected to a communication system. Further, as noted previously, at least one software module in some embodiments can manage differences in bandwidth between the incoming first network interface and at least one other outbound network interface of the communication system. For example, a software module executing within a communication system can manage bandwidth by sending data through an outbound network interface at a lower bandwidth than that of the incoming first network interface. For instance, a software module executing within a communication system can manage bandwidth by sending data through an outbound network interface at a higher bandwidth than that of the incoming first network interface of the communication system.
Computer software program embodiments executing in a processor within a communication system interact with an external processor to implement operations within the communication system. Accordingly, at least one software module within a communication system can interpret and implement a command for the communication system received from at least one external processor operably connected thereto. As discussed before, a software embodiment executing within a communication system can interpret and implement many commands from an external processor. For example, software within a communication system can interpret and implement a command to transmit data from one network interface to at least one other network interface, a command to connect at least two network interfaces together, a command to disconnect at least one network interface from at least one other network interface, or a command to establish a logical connection between at least two network interfaces, a command to de-establish a logical connection between at least two network interfaces. Further, a command to setup a data transfer between network interfaces, a command to initiate a data transfer between network interfaces, a command to take a telephone line off hook, or a command to take a telephone line on hook could be received and implemented by a communication system. Further, software within a communication system can implement a command to connect at least one network interface to voicemail, a command to disconnect at least one network interface from voicemail, a command to connect at least one network interface to system voice, or a command to disconnect at least one network interface from system voice. In addition, software within a communication system can implement a command to dial a telephone number, a command to define a ring pattern for a telephone, a command to ring a telephone at least once, or a command to stop ringing a telephone. For example, software within a communication system can implement a command to program at least one parameter of a communication system, a command to program at least one parameter of a network interface in a communication system, a command to have the communication system initiate at least one outbound signal from at least one network interface, a command to have the communication system cease transmitting at least one outbound signal from at least one network interface, or the like. It is understood that many other commands could be interpreted and implemented by software executing within a communication system.
In some computer software program embodiments executing in a communication system, additional software modules may be provided. For example, a software module such as a sixth software module for initiating the physical transfer through the communication system of the data received from the first network interface to at least one other network interface of the communication system may be provided. Note that this sixth software module is optional in some software embodiments, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 14. This processing by the sixth software module is shown as 550 in FIG. 14. Further, one or more processors in a communication system may execute one or more software modules from given embodiments. A processor executing at least one software module therein may be disposed centrally within a communication system so as to serve multiple network interfaces. In addition, a processor within the communication system executing at least one software module therein can be disposed in a first network interface receiving data, in a second network interface transmitting data, or in at least one other network interface of the communication system. As such, the operation of a communication system may be supported by at least one processor executing a suitable computer software program product embodiment therein.
The present invention provides some embodiments related to the second category of computer software program product embodiments. These embodiments are also intended for execution in at least one processor within a communication system used for exchanging data between networks through at least two network interfaces. Further, the communication system is operably connected to at least one external processor as before. These embodiments comprise several means for performing various software functions. First means for determining that a first network interface of the communication system is receiving data from a first network in a first network format are provided. Also, second means for transmitting to at least one external processor through at least one interface of the communication system that the first network interface of the communication system is receiving data are included. The software switching decision may be performed by at least one processor external to the communication system based at least on the transmission from the first means for transmitting. In addition, third means for receiving from at least one external processor through at least one interface of the communication system the results of the software switching decision as network interface connection information are provided. The network interface connection information received indicates to which of at least one other network interface of the communication system the data received by the first network interface will be switched. Further, also provided are fourth means for implementing the software switching decision within the communication system by directing the data received from the first network interface to at least one other network interface of the communication system as instructed by the processor external to the communication system.
The present invention provides a third category of computer software program product embodiments for execution by at least one processor, such as 328, within a communication system such as 300 as shown in FIG. 12 and the other Figures. These software embodiments can interact in a complimentary manner with the external processor 343 and computer software program embodiments executing therein, as well as with other computer software program embodiments executing in a processor 328 of the communication system. We refer to FIG. 15 for a flow diagram illustrating some computer software program product embodiments for execution in a processor within a communication system that is operably connected to an external processor, for supporting exchanges of data between networks as described herein. In any case, the communication system 300 is as before, exchanging data between networks through at least two network interfaces, and is operably connected to at least one external processor such as 328. One or more external processors like 343 may perform software switching services for the communication system as discussed. At least four software modules are provided by the computer software program embodiment. A first software module is provided for determining that a first network interface of the communication system is receiving data from a first network in a first network format. This processing by the first software module is shown as 600 in FIG. 15. Further, a second software module for identifying the first network format of incoming data received from the first network interface is provided. This processing by the second software module is shown as 610 in FIG. 15. In addition, a third software module is provided for receiving from at least one external processor through at least one interface of the communication system an indication that the received data is to be transmitted to at least one other outbound network interface of the communication system. This processing by the third software module is shown as 620 in FIG. 15. A fourth software module for translating the received data from the first network format into a different format suitable for software switched transmission of the received data from the first network interface directly to at least one other outbound network interface of the communication system is provided. This processing by the fourth software module is shown as 630 in FIG. 15. At least the fourth software module is responsive to the results of the software switching decision received from at least one external processor operably connected to the communication system. As such, this embodiment supports format translations between network formats and a different format used for exchanging data between network or other interfaces of a communication system. Readers should refer to the earlier detailed discussions regarding format translations of data. For example, translations may involve the incoming network format, the outbound network format, or both. In addition, translations may involve the aforementioned third format, the common format, the transparent format, an encapsulated format, or the like. For example, the different format suitable for software switched transmission of received data between network interfaces may comprise received data in an encapsulated hardware format, received data in an encapsulated PCI bus format, received data in an IP packet in an encapsulated hardware format, received data in an IP packet in an encapsulated PCI bus format, received data in an encapsulated software format, or received data in the incoming network format encapsulated for transmission between network interfaces.
As noted, a first network interface of the communication system receives data from a first network in a first network format. At least one software module in these most recent software embodiments identifies at least one other network interface to receive the received data by using network interface connection information received from at least one external processor through at least one of the interfaces of the communication system. The network interface connection information can be created and transmitted by at least one processor external to the communication system to indicate that at least two network interfaces are to exchange data therebetween. Also, the network interface connection information may be created by at least one processor external to the communication system making software switching decisions for the communication system to thereby control which at least two network interfaces are to exchange data therebetween.
For some additional software embodiments, a fifth software module is also provided. Note that this fifth software module is optional in some software embodiments, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 15. The fifth software module is used for translating received data in the different format suitable for software switched transmission into an outbound network format suitable for transmission from at least one other network interface of the communication system to some outbound network. This processing by the fifth software module is shown as 640 in FIG. 15. As such, the fifth software module can provide an inverse translation from the different format into the network format for the outbound network to which the formerly received data is to be transmitted. Readers should refer to the earlier detailed discussion on inverse format translations. The different format suitable for software switched transmission is as described previously. The incoming and outbound network formats could be the same, or alternatively the incoming network format and the outbound network format might be different formats. When the incoming and outbound network formats are different, the translation of data received from the first network interface in the first format into the different format suitable for software switched transmission and the subsequent translation of data received from the different format suitable for software switched transmission into the outbound network format are used to reconcile differences between the first and outbound network formats such that data may be exchanged between different network formats through the communication system. In some cases, the first network connected to the first network interface and the second network connected to the outbound network interface have different network layer models that can be reconciled through format translations performed by a computer software program product embodiment of the communication system. Accordingly, these embodiments support efficient and transparent exchanges of data through network interfaces attached to different networks.
Embodiments related to the aforementioned third category of computer software program product embodiments are also provided. These computer program product embodiments are for execution in at least one processor within a communication system for exchanging data between networks through at least two network interfaces, wherein the communication system is operably connected to at least one external processor as before. These embodiments comprise at least four means for performing various functions using software. As such, first means for determining that a first network interface of the communication system is receiving data from a first network in a first network format are provided. Second means for identifying the first network format of incoming data received from the first network interface are included. Further, third means for receiving from at least one external processor through at least one interface of the communication system an indication that the received data is to be transmitted to at least one other outbound network interface of the communication system are provided. In addition, fourth means for translating the received data from the first network format into different format suitable for software switched transmission of the received data from the first network interface directly to at least one other outbound network interface of the communication system are also provided. At least the fourth means for translating is responsive to the results of the software switching decision received from at least one external processor.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the present invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and related figures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various features and aspects of the above disclosed embodiments might be combined to create a number of other related embodiments still within the scope of the present invention. As noted, the above written description is meant to disclose and fully describe the present invention, and is not meant to limit or narrow the present invention as defined by the following claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

Claims

1. A computer program product stored in computer readable media for execution in at least one processor external to but operably connected to a communication system that exchanges data between networks through at least two network interfaces, comprising:

a first software module for determining that a first network interface of the communication system is receiving data from a first network in a first network format;

a second software module for determining to which of at least one other network interface of the communication system the data received may be switched in support of at least one functional application of the received data;

a third software module for software switching the data received from the first network interface to at least one other network interface of the communication system according to at least one selected functional application;

a fourth software module for creating at least network interface connection information for the communication system reflecting the result of the software switching decision between the first network interface and at least one other network interface; and

a fifth software module for transmitting at least the network interface connection information to the communication system to control therein to which at least one other network interface the first network interface will transmit the incoming received data to implement software switching in accordance with the selected functional application.

2. The computer program product of claim 1, further comprising a sixth software module for receiving configuration information from the operably connected communication system wherein the configuration information consists of at least one of which network interfaces are present in the communication system, which network interfaces are configured in the communication system, which network interfaces are active in the communication system, what type of networks are connected to network interfaces of the communication system, what types of network formats are supported by network interfaces, what types of network formats are in use in network interfaces of the communication system, what type of physical interface is currently in use in network interfaces of the communication system, the bandwidth of network interfaces in the communication system, the status of at least one network interface in the communication system, an event from at least one network interface in the communication system, what network nodes are connected to each network interface of a communication system, the status of at least one device connected to the corresponding network interfaces of the communication system, and the status of at least one network node connected to the corresponding network interfaces of the communication system.

3. The computer program product of claim 2, wherein the configuration information received by the computer program product is one of configuration information solicited after power up but before completion of initializing the communication system, unsolicited configuration information after power up but before completion of initializing the communication system, configuration information solicited after the communication system is completely initialized, unsolicited configuration information after the communication system is completely initialized, configuration information solicited after the communication system is communicating with at least one attached network, and unsolicited configuration information after the communication system is communicating with at least one attached network.

4. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the computer program product can control software switching in the communication system through execution in at least one processor selected from the group consisting of a single external processor operably connected to the communication system operating as a single software switching resource for the communication system, at least two external processors operably connected to the communication system configured to operate as a single redundant software switching resource for the communication system, at least two external processors operably connected to the communication system configured to share software switching functions therebetween for the communication system, at least two external processors operably connected to the communication system configured to split software switching functions therebetween for the communication system based on at least two functional applications, at least two external processors operably connected to the communication system configured to split software switching functions therebetween for the communication system based on relative processor workloads, and at least two external processors operably connected to the communication system configured to split software switching functions therebetween for the communication system based on the network interfaces supported by each external processor.

5. The computer program product of claim 4, wherein at least two external processors provide software switching for the communication system, and wherein the communication system communicates individually with each external processor by at least one way of identifying selected from the group consisting of identifying an external processor according to at least one network interface it switches, identifying an external processor according to at least one network address associated with at least one network interface each processor switches, identifying an external processor according to a dynamic table lookup associating external processors with network interfaces each external processor switches, identifying an external processor according to a dynamic table lookup associating external processors with network addresses associated with network interfaces each external processor switches, identifying at least one network address associated with each external processor, identifying at least one network node associated with each external processor providing software switching therefor, identifying at least one device attached to a network interface associated with each external processor providing software switching therefor, the communication system broadcasting a transmission to each external processor such that each processor can compare the network interface originating the transmission to the network interfaces each external processor switches, and the communication system broadcasting a transmission to each external processor such that each processor can compare the network address of the transmission to the network addresses each network processor switches.

6. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein each external processor operably connected to the communication system maintains a lookup table containing at least one entry from the group consisting of all network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching, all network addresses associated with all network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching, all network nodes associated with all network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching, all devices associated with network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching, the relationship between network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching, the physical location of devices attached to network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching, the user of devices attached to network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching, the relationship between network addresses for which an external processor provides software switching, the relationship between network nodes for which an external processor provides software switching, the relationship between devices for which an external processor provides software switching, the physical to logical association of devices attached to network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching, the status of at least one device connected to the corresponding network interfaces of the communication system, the status of at least one network node connected to the corresponding network interfaces of the communication system, and combinations of at least two of the above lookup table entries associated with an external processor providing software switching therefor.

7. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein at least one software module therein can perform software switching for the communication system selected from the group consisting of a software switched transmission of data between at least two network interfaces within the communication system and a software switched transmission of data through a logical connection established between at least two network interfaces within the communication system, to be transmitted by the fifth software module to the communication system for software switching implementation therein.

8. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein at least one software module therein creates a software switched transfer in the communication system selected from the group consisting of a unidirectional data transfer from one network interface to at least one other network interface of the communication system and a bidirectional data transfer from one network interface to at least one other network interface of the communication system.

9. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein at least one software module therein determines how many and which network interfaces of the communication system are to receive incoming data received from the first network interface.

10. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein software switching is initiated by at least one of data being received at a network interface of the communication system, the occurrence of an event associated with a network interface of the communication system, and the occurrence of an event associated with the communication system.

11. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the event comprises at least one of a network initializing, a network shutting down, a network link being initialized, a network link shutting down, a network interface initializing, a network interface shutting down, a phone going off hook, a phone going on hook, an incoming call being received, an incoming call ringing a telephone number, an incoming call being received with caller ID information, an incoming call being received without caller ID information, an incoming call being received with DID (Direct Inward Dial) information, an incoming call being received without DID (Direct Inward Dial) information, an incoming call not being answered, an incoming call not being answered after a given number of rings, a telephone connected to at least one network interface having keypad activity, a telephone connected to at least one network interface having keypad activity but the activity has ceased for some period of time, a telephone connected to at least one network interface having keypad activity and keys strokes were captured less than or equal to some key stroke number limit, a telephone connected to at least one network interface having keypad activity and keys strokes were captured beyond some key stroke number limit, a telephone connected to at least one network interface having keypad activity and key strokes beyond some key stroke number limit that were captured, a change in status for at least one network interface, and a request for status from an external processor to at least one network interface.

12. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein at least one software module therein can manage differences in bandwidth between the incoming first network interface and at least one other outbound network interface of the communication system by issuing a command thereto consisting of at least one of commanding the communication system to send data through an outbound network interface at a lower bandwidth than that of the incoming first network interface and commanding the communication system to send data through an outbound network interface at a higher bandwidth than that of the incoming first network interface of the communication system.

13. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein at least one software module therein creates a command for the communication system that is transmitted by the fifth software module to the communication system for implementation of the command therein.

14. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the command consists of at least one command from the group consisting of a command to transmit data from one network interface to at least one other network interface, a command to connect at least two network interfaces together, a command to disconnect at least one network interface from at least one other network interface, a command to establish a logical connection between at least two network interfaces, a command to de-establish a logical connection between at least two network interfaces, a command to take a telephone line off hook, a command to take a telephone line on hook, a command to connect at least one network interface to voicemail, a command to disconnect at least one network interface from voicemail, a command to connect at least one network interface to system voice, a command to disconnect at least one network interface from system voice, a command to dial a telephone number, a command to define a ring pattern for a telephone, a command to ring a telephone at least once, a command to stop ringing a telephone, a command to program at least one parameter of a communication system, a command to program at least one parameter of a network interface in a communication system, a command to have the communication system initiate at least one outbound signal from at least one network interface, and a command to have the communication system cease transmitting at least one outbound signal from at least one network interface.

15. A computer program product stored in computer readable media for execution in at least one processor within a communication system for exchanging data between networks through at least two network interfaces, wherein the communication system is operably connected to at least one external processor, comprising:

a second software module for transmitting to at least one external processor through at least one interface of the communication system that the first network interface of the communication system is receiving data;

wherein the software switching decision is performed by at least one processor external to the communication system based at least on the transmission from the second software module;

a third software module for receiving from at least one external processor through at least one interface of the communication system the results of the software switching decision as network interface connection information;

wherein the network interface connection information received indicates to which of at least one other network interface of the communication system the data received by the first network interface will be switched; and

a fourth software module for implementing the software switching decision within the communication system by directing the data received from the first network interface to at least one other network interface of the communication system as instructed by the processor external to the communication system.

16. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein the software switching decision is made by at least one external processor according to at least one desired functional application of the received data.

17. The computer program product of claim 15, further comprising a fifth software module for exchanging with at least one external processor information selected from the group consisting of communication system configuration information, network interface configuration information, information about attached network nodes, information about supported network formats, information about attached network formats, communication system operational information, network interface operational information, network format information for a network interface, physical interface information for a network interface, communication system status information, network interface status information, communication system event information, the status of at least one device connected to the corresponding network interfaces of the communication system, the status of at least one network node connected to the corresponding network interfaces of the communication system, and network interface event information.

18. The computer program product of claim 17, wherein the event comprises at least one of a network initializing, a network shutting down, a link being initialized, a link shutting down, a network interface initializing, a network interface shutting down, a phone going off hook, a phone going on hook, an incoming call being received, an incoming call ringing a telephone number, an incoming call being received with caller ID information, an incoming call being received without caller ID information, an incoming call being received with DID (Direct Inward Dial) information, an incoming call being received without DID (Direct Inward Dial) information, an incoming call not being answered, an incoming call not being answered after a given number of rings, a telephone connected to at least one network interface having keypad activity, a telephone connected to at least one network interface having keypad activity but the activity has ceased for some period of time, a telephone connected to at least one network interface having keypad activity and keys strokes were captured less than or equal to some key stroke number limit, a telephone connected to at least one network interface having keypad activity and keys strokes were captured beyond some key stroke number limit, a telephone connected to at least one network interface having keypad activity and key strokes beyond some key stroke number limit that were captured, a change in status for at least one network interface, and a request for status from an external processor to at least one network interface.

19. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein at least one software module therein can implement software switching in the communication system selected from the group consisting of a software switched transmission of data between at least two network interfaces within the communication system and a software switched transmission of data through a logical connection established between at least two network interfaces within the communication system.

20. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein at least two external processors provide software switching for the communication system, and wherein the communication system communicates individually with each external processor by at least one way of identifying selected from the group consisting of identifying an external processor according to at least one network interface it switches, identifying an external processor according to at least one network address associated with at least one network interface each processor switches, identifying an external processor according to a dynamic table lookup associating external processors with network interfaces each external processor switches, identifying an external processor according to a dynamic table lookup associating external processors with network addresses associated with network interfaces each external processor switches, identifying at least one network address associated with each external processor, identifying at least one network node associated with each external processor providing software switching therefor, identifying at least one device attached to a network interface associated with each external processor providing software switching therefor, the communication system broadcasting a transmission to each external processor such that each processor can compare the network interface originating the transmission to the network interfaces each external processor switches, and the communication system broadcasting a transmission to each external processor such that each processor can compare the network address of the transmission to the network addresses each network processor switches.

21. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein each external processor operably connected to the communication system maintains a lookup table containing at least one entry from the group consisting of all network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching, all network addresses associated with all network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching, all network nodes associated with all network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching, all devices associated with network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching, the relationship between network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching, the physical location of devices attached to network interfaces for which for which an external processor provides software switching, the user of devices attached to network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching, the relationship between network addresses for which an external processor provides software switching, the relationship between network nodes for which an external processor provides software switching, the relationship between devices for which an external processor provides software switching, the physical to logical association of devices attached to network interfaces for which an external processor provides software switching, the status of at least one device connected to the corresponding network interfaces of the communication system, the status of at least one network node connected to the corresponding network interfaces of the communication system, and combinations of at least two of the above lookup table entries associated with an external processor providing software switching therefor.

22. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein at least one software module therein implements a software switched transfer in the communication system selected from the group consisting of a unidirectional data transfer from one network interface to at least one other network interface of the communication system and a bidirectional data transfer from one network interface to at least one other network interface of the communication system.

23. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein at least one software module therein implements how many and which network interfaces of the communication system are to receive incoming data from the first network interface according to the network interface connection information received from at least one external processor.

24. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein at least one software module therein can manage differences in bandwidth between the incoming first network interface and at least one other outbound network interface of the communication system by at least one of by sending data through an outbound network interface at a lower bandwidth than that of the incoming first network interface and by sending data through an outbound network interface at a higher bandwidth than that of the incoming first network interface of the communication system.

25. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein at least one software module therein interprets and implements a command for the communication system received from at least one external processor operably connected thereto.

26. The computer program product of claim 25, wherein the command consists of at least one command from the group consisting of a command to transmit data from one network interface to at least one other network interface, a command to connect at least two network interfaces together, a command to disconnect at least one network interface from at least one other network interface, a command to establish a logical connection between at least two network interfaces, a command to de-establish a logical connection between at least two network interfaces, a command to setup a data transfer between network interfaces, a command to initiate a data transfer between network interfaces, a command to take a telephone line off hook, a command to take a telephone line on hook, a command to connect at least one network interface to voicemail, a command to disconnect at least one network interface from voicemail, a command to connect at least one network interface to system voice, a command to disconnect at least one network interface from system voice, a command to dial a telephone number, a command to define a ring pattern for a telephone, a command to ring a telephone at least once, a command to stop ringing a telephone, a command to program at least one parameter of a communication system, a command to program at least one parameter of a network interface in a communication system, a command to have the communication system initiate at least one outbound signal from at least one network interface, and a command to have the communication system cease transmitting at least one outbound signal from at least one network interface.

27. The computer program product of claim 15, further comprising a sixth software module for initiating the physical transfer through the communication system of the data received from the first network interface to at least one other network interface of the communication system.

28. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein the processor within the communication system executing at least one software module therein is disposed in at least one of the first network interface and at least one other network interface of the communication system.

29. A computer program product stored in computer readable media for execution in at least one processor within a communication system for exchanging data between networks through at least two network interfaces, wherein the communication system is operably connected to at least one external processor, comprising:

a second software module for identifying the first network format of incoming data received from the first network interface;

a third software module for receiving from at least one external processor through at least one interface of the communication system an indication that the received data is to be transmitted to at least one other outbound network interface of the communication system;

a fourth software module for translating the received data from the first network format into a different format suitable for software switched transmission of the received data from the first network interface directly to at least one other outbound network interface of the communication system; and

wherein at least the fourth software module is responsive to the results of the software switching decision received from at least one external processor.

30. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein the different format suitable for software switched transmission of received data between network interfaces consists of at least one of received data in an encapsulated hardware format, received data in an encapsulated PCI bus format, received data in an IP packet in an encapsulated hardware format, received data in an IP packet in an encapsulated PCI bus format, received data in an encapsulated software format, and received data in the incoming network format encapsulated for transmission between network interfaces.

31. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein at least one software module identifies at least one other network interface to receive the received data by using network interface connection information received from at least one external processor through at least one of the interfaces of the communication system.

32. The computer program product of claim 31, wherein the network interface connection information is created and transmitted by at least one processor external to the communication system to indicate that at least two network interfaces are to exchange data therebetween.

33. The computer program product of claim 32, wherein the network interface connection information is created by at least one processor external to the communication system making software switching decisions for the communication system to control which at least two network interfaces are to exchange data therebetween.

34. The computer program product of claim 29, further comprising a fifth software module for translating received data in the different format suitable for software switched transmission into an outbound network format suitable for transmission from at least one other network interface of the communication system.

35. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein the different format suitable for software switched transmission being translated into an outbound network format consists of at least one of received data in an encapsulated hardware format, received data in an encapsulated PCI bus format, received data in an IP packet in an encapsulated hardware format, received data in an IP packet in an encapsulated PCI bus format, received data in an encapsulated software format, and received data in the incoming network format encapsulated for transmission between network interfaces.

36. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein the network format of data received from the first network interface and the outbound network format are different.

37. The computer program product of claim 36, wherein the translation of data received from the first network interface in the first format into the different format suitable for software switched transmission and the translation of data received from the different format suitable for software switched transmission into the outbound network format are used to reconcile differences between the first and outbound network formats such that data may be exchanged between different network formats.

38. The computer program product of claim 36, wherein the first network connected to the first network interface and the second network connected to the outbound network interface have different network layer models that are reconciled through format translations performed by the computer program product of the communication system.

39. A computer program product stored in computer readable media for execution in at least one processor external to but operably connected to a communication system that exchanges data between networks through at least two network interfaces, comprising:

first means for determining that a first network interface of the communication system is receiving data from a first network in a first network format;

second means for determining to which of at least one other network interface of the communication system the data received may be switched in support of at least one functional application of the received data;

third means for switching the data received from the first network interface to at least one other network interface of the communication system according to at least one selected functional application using software switching;

fourth means for creating at least network interface connection information for the communication system reflecting the result of the software switching decision between the first network interface and at least one other network interface; and

fifth means for transmitting at least the network interface connection information to the communication system to control therein to which at least one other network interface the first network interface will transmit the incoming received data to implement software switching in accordance with the selected functional application.

40. A computer program product stored in computer readable media for execution in at least one processor within a communication system for exchanging data between networks through at least two network interfaces, wherein the communication system is operably connected to at least one external processor, comprising:

second means for transmitting to at least one external processor through at least one interface of the communication system that the first network interface of the communication system is receiving data;

wherein the software switching decision is performed by at least one processor external to the communication system based at least on the transmission from the first means for transmitting;

third means for receiving from at least one external processor through at least one interface of the communication system the results of the software switching decision as network interface connection information;

fourth means for implementing the software switching decision within the communication system by directing the data received from the first network interface to at least one other network interface of the communication system as instructed by the processor external to the communication system.

41. A computer program product stored in computer readable media for execution in at least one processor within a communication system for exchanging data between networks through at least two network interfaces, wherein the communication system is operably connected to at least one external processor, comprising:

second means for identifying the first network format of incoming data received from the first network interface;

third means for receiving from at least one external processor through at least one interface of the communication system an indication that the received data is to be transmitted to at least one other outbound network interface of the communication system;

fourth means for translating the received data from the first network format into different format suitable for software switched transmission of the received data from the first network interface directly to at least one other outbound network interface of the communication system; and

wherein at least the fourth means for translating is responsive to the results of the software switching decision received from at least one external processor.