Importance

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a communication system, protocol and method designed to facilitate information transfer including user and control information from CBR (Continuous Bit Rate) and/or non-CBR signal sources. Such a system, for example, is a CSS (Customer Switching System), a LAN network, a Key System, LAN hub, PABX or PBX. A number of aspects are disclosed in this specification. These include: A) a key system and/or LAN which utilizes ATM technology for the trafficking of CBR, non-CBR, or a combination thereof, B) a round robin feature which facilitates the operation of i. above, C) a cell format which facilitates the operation of i. above, D) an open and closed system architecture for i. above, E) and ATM-TP which serves as an interface for CBR to the architecture and an ATM-HP which serves as an interface for non-CBR to the architecture, F) partial cell filling for system efficiency and/or echo control, G) a staggering feature to facilitate system efficiency, H) a channel aggregation feature to reduce the requirement for external adaptor equipment, I) a by-pass feature to enhance system reliability and serviceability. An example of CBR is voice, video and 'non-bursty' data. An example of non-CBR or 'bursty' data is LAN data.

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First Claim