Abstract:
The present invention includes a method, system and apparatus for processing information bits in a telecommunications system. A network element receives the information bits into a physical port and then forwards the information bits to a MUX through an internal connection. The MUX receives the information bits from the physical port and then forwards the information bits to a functionality element through an internal connection. The functionality element receives the information bits from the MUX and then forwards the information bits to the MUX through an internal connection. The MUX receives the information bits from the functionality element and then forwards the information bits to the physical port.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable. 
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention is related to the field of telecommunications, and in particular, to the processing of information bits in a telecommunications system. 
     2. Background 
     Telecommunications systems establish a communications path between two or more points to allow the transfer of information bits between points. The communications path typically comprises a series of connections between network elements such as switches or other network devices. These network elements separate functions such as input and output into physically different ports. A particular network element will typically have a plurality of ports. Each port of a network element will typically be physically connected to another port of another network element. 
     The result of the present state of the art is that telecommunications systems are made up of a complex arrangement of network elements. Each network element has a plurality of ports which are physically connected to other network elements. There is a need for a more efficient and cost-effective way to connect network elements. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention is a method, system and apparatus for reducing the number of ports in a network element of a telecommunications system. A multiplexing device (MUX) is placed inside the network element which results in a reduction in the number of ports needed in the network element. Reducing the number of ports associated with a network element is more efficient and cost-effective because it results in reduced hardware costs, reduced cross-connecting costs, reduced space requirements, reduced power requirements, reduced installation and provisioning complexity, increased provisioning flexibility, and increased reliability. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, a network element receives all information bits through a single physical port. The information bits are then forwarded from the single physical port to a MUX. From the MUX, the information bits are forwarded to a functionality element of the network element where any necessary functionality is performed on the information bits. The functionality element then forwards the information bits back to the MUX, and the MUX then forwards the information bits back to the single physical port. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a version of the current state of the art. 
     FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a version of the current state of the art. 
     FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a version of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a version of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Telecommunications systems establish a communications path between two or more points to allow the transfer of information such as voice, data and video over the communications path. Typically, telecommunications systems are comprised of network elements and connections. A network element is any telecommunications device such as a switch, server, service control point, service data point, enhanced platform, intelligent peripheral, service node, adjunct processor, network element of a different network, enhanced system or other network related device, server, center or system. 
     A connection is the media between two network elements that allows the transfer of information bits. A few examples of connections are: photonic connections, electrical connections, digital T1 lines, OC-3 optical fibers, hybrid fiber coaxial connections, packet connections, dedicated access lines, microwave transmission and cellular radio. Connections can be described as being external connections or internal connections. External connections are located outside network elements and connect and exchange information bits between ports without changing the form or context of the information bits. Internal connections are located within network elements. Typically, a network element processes the information bits from the input port and an internal connections provides the processed information bits to the output port. The processed information bits may be substantially the same information bits received but in a different form. Alternatively, the processed information bits may be completely new information bits changed in both form and context. 
     Network elements typically separate functions such as input/output, drop/line, and low speed/high speed into physically different ports. A port is any mechanical or electrical interface through which it is possible to enter or exit a network element. A particular network element will typically have at least two ports. Each port of a network element will typically have an external connection to another port of another network element. 
     A network elements will typically be either a full duplex or a half duplex device. A full duplex device is operable to transmit information bits in both directions. A half duplex device is operable to transmit information bits in one direction. 
     Current State of the Art—FIGS.  1 - 2 : 
     FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a version of the current state of the art for a network element. In FIG. 1, network element  150  comprises functionality element  160  and first, second and third ports  111 ,  112  and  113  respectively. First and second ports  111  and  112  are input ports, and third port  113  is an output port. First and second ports  111  and  112  are connected to functionality element  160  through internal connections  121  and  122  respectively. Functionality element  160  is connected to port  113  through internal connection  123 . 
     In operation, network element  150  is operable to receive information bits from port  111  or  112  and forward the information bits through internal connection  121  or  122  to functionality element  160 . Functionality element  160  is operable to receive information bits from port  111  or  112  through internal connection  121  or  122 , perform specified capabilities on the information bits received, and forward the information bits to port  113  through internal connection  123 . 
     FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram of another version of the current state of the art at the telecommunications system level. In FIG. 2, telecommunications system  200  comprises first network element  240  and second network element  250 . First network element  240  has first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ports  211 ,  212 ,  213 ,  214 ,  215 ,  216 ,  217  and  218  respectively. First, second, third, fourth and seventh ports  211 ,  212 ,  213 ,  214  and  217  are input ports, and fifth, sixth and eighth ports  215 ,  216  and  218  are output ports. First, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ports  211 ,  212 ,  213 ,  214 ,  215 ,  216 ,  217  and  218  have first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth external connections  201 ,  202 ,  203 ,  204 ,  205 ,  206 ,  207  and  208  respectively. First and second ports  211  and  212  are connected to fifth port  215  through first and second internal connections  221  and  222  respectively, and third and fourth ports  213  and  214  are connected to sixth port  216  through third and fourth internal connections  223  and  224  respectively. Seventh port  217  is connected to eighth port  218  through seventh internal connection  227 . 
     In FIG. 2, second network element  250  has ninth, tenth and eleventh ports  251 ,  252  and  253  respectively. Ninth, tenth and eleventh ports  251 ,  252  and  253  are connected to fifth, sixth and seventh ports  215 ,  216  and  217  through fifth, sixth and seventh external connections  205 ,  206  and  207  respectively. 
     In FIG. 2, first, second, third, fourth and fifth points  291 ,  292 ,  293 ,  294  and  295 , which are located outside of telecommunications system  200 , are connected to first, second, third, fourth and eighth ports  211 ,  212 ,  213 ,  214  and  218  through first, second, third, fourth and eighth external connections  201 ,  202 ,  203 ,  204  and  208  respectively. 
     As those skilled in the art are aware, points outside of the telecommunications system can take many forms. Some examples are customer premises equipment, telephones, computers, or switches of a separate telecommunications system. 
     In operation, first, second, third, and fourth points  291 ,  292 ,  293 , and  294  are operable to forward information bits to first, second, third and fourth ports  211 ,  212 ,  213  and  214  through first, second, third and fourth external connections  201 ,  202 ,  203  and  204  respectively. First network element  240  is operable to receive information bits from first, second, third and fourth ports  211 ,  212 ,  213  and  214  and forward the information bits over first, second, third and fourth internal connections  221 ,  222 ,  223  and  224  to fifth and sixth ports  215  and  216 . Ninth and tenth ports  251  and  252  are operable to receive information bits from fifth and sixth ports  215  and  216  through fifth and sixth external connections  205  and  206  respectively. Second network element  250  is operable to forward information bits from eleventh port  253  to seventh port  217  through seventh external connection  207 . First network element  240  is operable to receive information bits from seventh port  217  and forward information bits to eighth port  218  through seventh internal connection  227 . Fifth point  295  is operable to receive information bits from eighth port  218  through eighth external connection  208 . 
     Universal Port—FIGS.  3 - 4 : 
     FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of a version of the invention. In FIG. 3, network element  350  comprises multiplexing device (MUX)  370 , functionality element  360 , and port  311 . Port  311  is both an input port and an output port. One skilled in the art will appreciate that port  311  may take many forms in addition to input/output such as drop/line or low speed/high speed to name some examples. Port  311  is connected to MUX  370  through first internal connection  321 . MUX  370  is connected to functionality element  360  through second, third and fourth internal connections  322 ,  323  and  324 . 
     As those skilled in the art are aware, a multiplexing device (MUX) is a device which is operable to allow a plurality of signals to pass over one communications circuit and/or operable to separate a plurality of signals previously combined. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, MUX  370  is a byte interleave MUX manufactured by Texas Instruments. 
     In operation, network element  350  is operable to receive information bits from port  311  and forward the information bits through first internal connection  321  to MUX  370 . MUX  370  is operable to receive information bits from port  311  through first internal connection  321  and forward the information bits through second, third or fourth internal connection  322 ,  323  or  324  to functionality element  360 . Functionality element  360  is operable to receive information bits from MUX  370  through second, third or fourth internal connection  322 ,  323  or  324 , perform specified capabilities on the information bits received, and forward the information bits to MUX  370  through second, third or fourth internal connection  322 ,  323  or  324 . MUX  370  is operable to receive information bits from functionality element  360  through second, third or fourth internal connection  322 ,  323  or  324  and forward the information bits through first internal connection  321  to port  311 . Port  311  is operable to receive information bits from MUX  370  through first internal connection  321 . 
     A functionality element processes the information bits in a particular pre-determined manner. As those skilled in the art are aware, a network element could contain a plurality of functionality elements, but the number has been restricted here for clarity. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that functionality elements are capable of performing a variety of functions such as switching, routing, time division multiplex (TDM) to asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) interworking, frame relay to ATM interworking, other types of interworking, or any other type of network functionality. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there could be multiple internal connections between two devices within a network element, but the number has been restricted here for clarity. For example, there could be more than one internal connection between port  311  and MUX  370 , and likewise there could be more than three internal connections between MUX  370  and functionality element  360 . 
     In some embodiments, particular internal connections in the network element  350  could be left available for special functions. For example, an internal connection attached to MUX  370  could be used for a control link  380 . A control link  380  can be used to perform auxiliary functions in the telecommunications network. 
     FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of another version of the invention at the telecommunications system level. In FIG. 4, telecommunications system  400  comprises first network element  440  and second network element  450 . First network element  440  has first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ports  411 ,  412 ,  413 ,  414 ,  415 ,  416 ,  417  and  418  respectively. First, second, third, fourth and seventh ports  411 ,  412 ,  413 ,  414  and  417  are input ports, and fifth, sixth and eighth ports  415 ,  416  and  418  are output ports. First, second, third, fourth, fifth and eighth ports  411 ,  412 ,  413 ,  414 ,  415  and  418  have first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth external connections  401 ,  402 ,  403 ,  404 ,  405  and  408  respectively. First, second, third and fourth ports  411 ,  412 ,  413  and  414  are connected to fifth port  415  through first, second, third and fourth internal connections  421 ,  422 ,  423  and  424  respectively. 
     In FIG. 4, second network element  450  has ninth port  451 . Ninth port  451  is connected to fifth port  415  through fifth external connection  405 . 
     In FIG. 4, first, second, third, fourth and fifth points  491 ,  492 ,  493 ,  494  and  495 , which are located outside of telecommunications system  400 , are connected to first, second, third, fourth and eighth ports  411 ,  412 ,  413 ,  414  and  418  through first, second, third, fourth and sixth external connections  401 ,  402 ,  403 ,  404  and  408  respectively. 
     In FIG. 4, it should be noted that sixth and seventh ports  416  and  417  are not connected to any devices. 
     In operation, first, second, third, and fourth points  491 ,  492 ,  493 , and  494  forward information bits to first, second, third and fourth ports  411 ,  412 ,  413  and  414  through first, second, third and fourth external connections  401 ,  402 ,  403  and  404  respectively. First network element  440  receives information bits into first, second, third and fourth ports  411 ,  412 ,  413  and  414  and forward the information bits over internal connections  421 ,  422 ,  423  and  424  to fifth port  415 . Ninth port  451  is operable to receive information bits from fifth port  415  through fifth external connection  405 . Second network element  450  is operable to forward information bits from ninth port  451  to fifth port  415  through fifth external connection  405 . First network element  440  receives information bits into fifth port  415  and forwards information bits to eighth port  418  through fifth internal connection  425 . Fifth point  495  is operable to receive information bits from eighth port  418  through eighth external connection  408 . 
     Advantageously, the above-described system operation occurs without utilizing sixth and seventh ports  416  and  417 . As a result, sixth and seventh ports  416  and  417  are available for other uses. Thus, the above-described operation is a more efficient and cost-effective operation than the current state of the art. 
     As those skilled in the art are aware, a telecommunications system is typically comprised of many more network elements and connections, but the number has been restricted here for clarity. In addition, a telecommunications system may take many forms such as international gateways, satellite networks, wireless networks, local exchange carriers (LECs), transit networks, national networks, personal communicator systems (PCS), virtual private networks, or connection oriented networks such as local area networks (LANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANs) to name some examples. 
     A specific embodiment is discussed below, but it should be noted that the invention is not limited to this specific embodiment. In this embodiment, first network element  440  is a Titan digital cross connect provided by Tellabs, and second network element  450  is an interworking device provided by Tellabs which performs TDM to ATM interworking. Points  491 - 495  are switches, and the external connections  401 ,  402 ,  403 ,  404 ,  405  and  408  are OC-3 connections. 
     In this embodiment, digital cross connect  440  receives TDM information bits into one of the ports  411 - 414  from one of the switches  491 - 494  through one of the OC-3 connections  401 - 404 . The TDM information bits are forwarded to port  415  through one of the internal connections  421 - 424 . From port  415 , the TDM information bits are forwarded to port  451  of interworking device  450  through OC-3 connection  405 . Interworking device  450  converts the TDM information bits to ATM information bits, and the ATM information bits are forwarded from port  451  to port  415  through OC-3 connection  405 . The ATM information bits are forwarded to port  418  through internal connection  425 . From port  418 , the ATM information bits are forwarded to switch  495 . 
     Those skilled in the art can appreciate variations of the above-described embodiments that fall within the scope of the invention. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments discussed above, but only by the following claims and their equivalents.