Stackplane architecture
View Patent ↗A scalable multi-service node system uses a stackplane architecture which allows the transport capacity to be flexibly expanded while providing first traffic mode and second traffic mode link channels. The primary channel bank is provided, and one or more secondary channel banks are connected to the primary channel bank through the stackplane first traffic mode and second traffic mode links. The system is expandable by adding secondary channel banks to the system through the stackplane links.
1. A scalable multi-service node for use in a communication network comprising a plurality of nodes, the multi-service node providing subscribers network access to voice, video, and data communications, the node comprising:
a primary channel bank in communication with the communication network via a network interface and with a first set of subscribers via subscriber interfaces; and
at least one secondary channel bank in communication with a second set of subscribers and coupled with the primary channel bank via at least a first interface for supporting a first traffic mode and a second interface for supporting a second traffic mode, wherein subscriber network access is via the network interface of the primary channel bank;
the primary channel bank further including a controller providing timing control of the at least one secondary channel bank for providing synchronization of access traffic with the network; and
the secondary channel bank further capable of coupling to at least one other secondary channel bank via interfaces for supporting the first traffic mode and the second traffic mode, wherein the at least one other secondary channel bank is in communication with a third set of subscribers in which timing control of access traffic is also provided by the controller of the primary channel bank.
2. The scalable multi-service node of claim 1 , wherein the first interface and the second interface enable simultaneous transfer of the first traffic mode and the second traffic mode between channel banks for providing a subscriber with network access to voice, video, and data communications simultaneous over a single subscriber interface.
3. The scalable multi-service node of claim 1 , wherein the primary channel bank includes a timing generator having a timing reference input for receiving a reference signal from the network and a corresponding clock synchronization output coupled to each secondary channel bank.
4. The scalable multi-service node of claim 3 , wherein the timing reference input comprises a synchronous optical network (SONET) timing reference input.
5. The scalable multi-service node of claim 3 , wherein each secondary channel bank includes a timing generator for providing timing reference for traffic corresponding to each respective secondary channel bank, each secondary channel bank timing generator is synchronized by a clock synchronization signal received from the clock synchronization output of the primary channel bank.
6. The scalable multi-service node of claim 1 , wherein the primary channel bank is adapted for receiving coupling from additional secondary channel banks for enabling additional subscriber interfaces.
7. The scalable multi-service node of claim 1 , wherein the first interface and the second interface enable simultaneous transfer of the first traffic mode and the second traffic mode between channel banks.