Patent ID: 7012917
Filing Date: 2006-03-14
Classification: H04J,H04L,H04Q

Abstract:
1. A service unit for a network element, comprising: a first backplane interface to said network element, wherein said first backplane interface conveys payload data using a first communication protocol; and a second backplane interface to said network element, wherein said second backplane interface conveys payload data using a second communication protocol, wherein said first communication protocol is asynchronous transfer mode, wherein said second communication protocol is synchronous transfer mode, wherein said first backplane interface is to couple with a first star interconnect configuration within said network element, said first star interconnect configuration including a line unit slot, wherein said second backplane interface is to couple with a second star interconnect configuration within said network element, said second star interconnect configuration including a switch fabric slot, wherein said line unit slot is communicably coupled as a hub to said switch fabric slot and said first backplane interface to form the first star interconnection configuration, and wherein said switch fabric slot is communicably coupled as a hub to said line unit slot and said second backplane interface to form the second star interconnection configuration.