Patent ID: 7145909
Filing Date: 2006-12-05
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for use as a packet switching access platform, the apparatus comprising: at least one duplex, fault tolerant asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) fabric element; a plurality of application packs operative as one of processing elements and access interface elements, connected to the ATM fabric element; and, a duplex connection per ATM fabric element, whereby control and/or maintenance functionality is provided from an external source, wherein each pair of sequential application packs is connected by a mate update bus, providing for multiple modes via which said sequential pair of application packs may communicate, wherein a selected pair of application packs of said plurality of application packs is operative to provide the primary function of ingress and egress to an external packet switched network in a high speed manner, and, wherein a selected group of the plurality of said application packs is operative to provide the secondary function of ingress and egress to an external packet switched network or public switched telephone network at data rates lower than those provided by the selected pair.